Why Manchester City Should Avoid Signing Ben Gibson From Middlesbrough
Pep Guardiola went trophyless last season but is determined to avoid such a season again, and has spent insane amounts of money on incoming transfers this summer. He has already spent heavily this summer, most of which has been on his defensive unit and it does not seem like he is stopping anytime soon.
The Spaniard is still searching for a central defender to add depth to his backline and one player who has been linked with a move to the club is Middlesbrough star Ben Gibson.
Having fallen down to the Championship after the end of the last season, Boro have made a decent start to their domestic campaign this season and will look to move back into the top flight soon. However, they will not be able to keep their star player Gibson, if Manchester City come calling, even with his connections with the Chairman at the Riverside.
According to reports from the Independent, Manchester City are now prepared to make a £20m bid for the services of the English defender and are reportedly confident of landing him this summer. But the question is, do City really need Gibson?
The 24-year old Middlesbrough youth product is one of the most dependable defenders in the Championship and he played every game in the Premier League last season, putting in some incredible performances. Known for his strength in hold up play and his ability with the ball at his feet, Gibson is just the kind of a defender that City are looking for and him being English is an added advantage.
However, he is quite weak in the air, losing more aerial duels than what he won in the top flight last season. At just 24, he is still learning the game and it will be a while before he can establish himself in the top flight. It is better for City to look elsewhere.
Vincent Kompany, Nicolas Otamendi and John Stones are expected to be the first choice CBs for City this season while Eliaquim Mangala, who has constantly been linked with an exit is the only backup option in the squad. There is no hiding the fact that City need another centre-back but Gibson is not the smartest choice for Pep.
The Nunthrope born defender is also yet to earn a national call up for the Three Lions and is still in the process of learning the game. At his age, he is going to get better but City currently need a player who can step into the first team, even against the best of opponents. Gibson just does not fit the bill.