Manchester City Close to Signing MLS’ 17-Year-Old Sensation Amid Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund Interest—Reports

The transfer window may have closed, but the rumor mill continues to churn with speculation. Behold yet another installment of transfer drama, as reports indicate Manchester City is on the brink of signing MLS sensation Christian McFarlane. However, they could find themselves in a heated transfer battle with Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund, who are closely monitoring the talented youngster.

However, Pep Guardiola and Co. are in the driving seat for the American-English left-back, who represents New York City FC Academy, a team owned by City Football Group. Their investments abroad in this MLS team helped the Sky Blues call McFarlane to their training facility for a trial, who was remarkable enough to catch the eye of their scouts. In fact, he supposedly visited Manchester earlier this month to discuss his move. The 2007-born talent reportedly had to wait until this year to be able to join the reigning Premier League champions. 

City has been struggling with the left-back spot for quite some time. Guardiola is often forced to play Ake in that position and sometimes even shifts his side to a three-man backline. Notably, McFarlane is so adamant about playing at Etihad that he even rejected two big offers from Germany. With Alphonso Davies reportedly on Real Madrid’s radar, Bayern Munich was eyeing the 17-year-old as a potential replacement for the Canadian. Meanwhile, Dortmund also expressed interest in continuing their policy of signing teenage sensations by pursuing the New York City player.

Nonetheless, if City manages to secure McFarlane, it will provide a significant defensive boost for Guardiola. Speaking of the backline, the Cityzens are preventing their on-loan defensive star from moving elsewhere.

Manchester City blocking Joao Cancelo’s transfer 

Manchester City is reportedly firm in their decision not to allow Joao Cancelo to go on another temporary spell. The Portuguese right-back, currently on loan at Barcelona, is keen on extending his stay at Camp Nou. Similarly, Barcelona also holds the same sentiment, preferring to secure Cancelo on loan or buy him permanently for a reduced fee of $21 million for next season. However, Barcelona would need to include a mandatory purchase option. 

The English giants allegedly demand around $43 million. Additionally, City is assessing offers from undisclosed clubs in England and Saudi Arabia. The potential problem for Barcelona arises if Manchester City, amidst negotiations with player agent Jorge Mendes for a stay in Spain, entertains attractive offers from other clubs to offload the player permanently during the summer transfer window. Nevertheless, let’s see what call Manchester City makes regarding the futures of Joao Cancelo and Christian McFarlane.