Gabriel Jesus’ arrival at The Etihad could spell the end of Jesus Navas’ Manchester City career. Ever since moving from Sevilla in Pellegrini’s tenure, Navas has failed to set the league alight. His only league goals so far came in his first season in England. Gradually, managers started to lose patience with him and he has been a bit-part player that is thrown on as a sub on very few occasions.
His career at Manchester City could be coming to an end very soon as Leroy Sane has now acclimatized to the Premier League, whereas Brazilian Gabriel Jesus has returned from a loan spell at Palmeiras. This will considerably reduce Navas’ chances in Guardiola’s side and at 31, he might not have many years left ahead of him.
Once known as a rampaging winger that lived to take opposition defenders on, Navas’ attempts to do the same in the Premier League have been futile to say the least. His contributions at City have come way too few and far between to still warrant a spot in Pep Guardiola’s setup and he could be let go of in this window itself or in the summer transfer window, at the latest.
Navas himself should look to go to a club that will offer him regular playing time and end his nightmare spell at Manchester City. Compatriot Nolito is also currently ahead of Navas in the attacking pecking order and it seems like there’s no way for Navas to have an impact on games, even when sent on in dire and desperate situations.
Many clubs in Spain, including his former club, Sevilla, have registered an interest in taking Navas back to his native and this could be the way to go for the winger. A return to his homeland could give him some much needed confidence and freedom to enjoy his football again, having come under severe criticism during his stay in England.
Manchester City don’t need Jesus Navas anymore, but does he? Certainly not. Having turned 31 towards the end of last year, his prospects with the Spanish National team appear to be dismal and a move away from the Etihad would benefit all the parties involved, except Navas maybe, who will perhaps rue missing out on the fat payments Manchester City make into his bank account.
There used to be a time when opposition defenders feared the very sight of Navas due to his dribbling ability and pace on the ball, but those times are definitely in the past and Navas has hit a real roadblock at Manchester City and his transfer could be added to the list of Premier League failures. Although he does have some silverware to show for his efforts, on an individual basis, he has failed to hit the ground running in England and a move away should definitely be on the cards, sooner or later.
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