Manchester City News
By Srinivas Sadhanand
Published on 2024-10-07 07:30:00
Leonardo Bonucci was rumored to be a target for Manchester City due to his profile as a ball-playing and tactically versatile defender, qualities that would have suited Pep Guardiola’s style of play. However, he ended up signing for AC Milan in 2017, citing a preference to stay in Italy. Despite Guardiola’s interest in him, Bonucci’s decision to remain in Italy proved lucky for City, as the defender was past his prime during his time at Milan, and eventually returned to Juventus after just one season. Guardiola’s interest in Bonucci suggests that he had a plan to utilize the veteran defender and elevate City’s defense.
Manchester City’s transfer policy typically targets players who are not past their prime, opting for younger talents who are yet to peak. Bonucci’s revelation that Guardiola wanted him at City in 2016 highlights the manager’s interest in bringing in the experienced defender. Although Bonucci’s decision to stay in Italy may have been surprising to some, it ultimately worked out in City’s favor as the defender’s time at Milan showed signs of decline. While Bonucci could have potentially contributed to City’s defense, his career trajectory post-Milan suggests that Guardiola’s plan for him may not have been as successful as initially anticipated.
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