Better than Walker: Man City pushing ahead with deal for "exceptional" star
Manchester City may not have won either the Premier League or Champions League this season, but they could end 2024/25 on a high note next weekend.
Of course, winning the FA Cup won’t right the wrongs of what has been a largely dismal campaign for the Etihad side, but it would be a nice consolation prize.
While everything will be focused on that final next week, Pep Guardiola will certainly have one eye on improving his squad, especially with the transfer window set to open in a few weeks.
City will take part in the revamped Club World Cup in June, and the window opens on the first of that month, before closing ten days later. This is to give those who are partaking in the event this summer a chance to get a head start on their business.
Despite bolstering the first-team squad in January with signings such as Omar Marmoush and Nico Gonzalez, Guardiola wants more this summer.
Players such as Florian Wirtz and Morgan Gibbs-White have been heavily linked with a move to Manchester this summer as replacements for the departing Kevin De Bruyne.
Could City’s first signing be a defender, however? As it appears, Guardiola is closing in on a deal to sign a player could replace Kyle Walker at right-back.
Kyle Walker’s future with Man City is uncertain
After eight and a half trophy-laden seasons with the club, the Englishman joined Milan on a six-month loan deal during the winter transfer window.
He has played 14 games for the Italian giants, but it looks as though he is likely to return to Manchester once his temporary spell ends in a few weeks.
Football Insider stated last month that Walker is likely to take a pay cut should he return to his parent club, and it is highly unlikely that he would be the starting right-back heading into the new campaign.
An upgrade or replacement for the former Tottenham Hotspur man is certainly needed.
Man City closing in on move for Brazilian defender
According to journalist Gianluca Di Marzio, City are pressing ahead in their bid to close in on the signing of Flamengo defender Wesley Franca before the Club World Cup starts next month.
He goes on to state that Wesley is the preferred option to come in as the new right-back next season, placing him higher than Newcastle United’s Tino Livramento.
The Brazilian came close to sealing a move to Atalanta last summer, but the move broke down at the final hurdle. Flamengo had even rejected a proposal of £20m by Russian outfit Zenit St Petersburg earlier this year, meaning City might have to splash the cash.
Mathues Nunes has been deputising at right-back for City in recent months, and it is clearly a position which needs strengthened heading into the 2025/26 season.
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With interest in Wesley intensifying, Walker might have to get used to playing a backup role next term.
Why Man City want to sign Wesley Franca
Wesley is still only 21 years of age, but has already racked up a total of 127 appearances for Flamengo, winning the Copa Libertadores and two Brazilian Cups during his embryonic career thus far.
His progress in Brazil has been followed by U23 scout Antonio Mango, who recently took to X to praise the youngster, saying: “Wesley França (21, 2003) has really been coming of age recently.
“He’s been exceptional for Flamengo this season, his games matured which brought super consistency. Be surprised if he doesn’t play in Europe next season.”
Elsewhere, he was hailed as the “best RB in Brazil” by respected analyst Ben Mattinson earlier this month and Guardiola could have a star in the making should he make the move to City.
His philosophy recently appears to be signing players who have yet to hit their peak that have the potential to become world-class stars in the future.
Wesley certainly fits this bill well indeed. Should City secure his signature, ideally before the Club World Cup, then the Spaniard will have the right-back position locked down for the next few years.
Especially as he is a better option than a returning Walker, that’s for sure.
Why Wesley Franca is an upgrade on Kyle Walker
When compared to his positional peers in the men’s next 14 competitions, Wesley has shone in a range of metrics. He currently ranks in the top 14% for progressive carries (2.72), successful take-ons (1.29) and progressive passes received (9.48) per 90 over the previous 365 days.
Compare this to Walker, who fails to even rank in the top 60% for progressive carries (1.26), successful take-ons (0.46) or progressive passes received (2.28) per 90 when compared to his peers across the top five leagues in Europe. It is clear who has offered more going forward in the previous 12 months.
Metric
Wesley
Walker (PL only)
Key passes per 90
1.3
0.5
Big chances created
2
2
Assists
1
0
Total duels won per 90
6.1
2.3
Successful dribbles per 90
1.3
0.2
Defensively, Wesley ranks in the top 7% for tackles won (2) while also ranking in the top 17% for percentage of aerial duels won (60.5%) per 90 when compared to his peers.
Yet again, Walker trails his younger rival in these metrics, ranking in the bottom 69% for tackles won (1.01). Although he does rank in the top 19% for percentage of aerial duels won (59.4%), this is still lower than Wesley’s output.
It is evident that Walker is on the wane and if he remains with City throughout next season, he likely won’t be starting many games. Perhaps Guardiola will retain his services due to the experience he can provide in certain matches, but going forward, someone younger and fresher will be key to City’s success in this area.
Wesley ticks all the boxes and would be an important signing for the club. Can they bring him in before the Club World Cup starts? Or shall Flamengo hold firm until the competition is over.
Things could get interesting over the next few weeks. Watch this space.
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