Manchester City have completed the signing of Real Madrid’s Danilo today. With a fee in the region of £30m, Pep Guardiola adds another full-back after letting Pablo Zabaleta and Bacary Sagna go this summer. Real Madrid’s pre-season preparations took place in Los Angeles, as did City’s, meaning the Brazilian is expected to join immediately.
Manchester City Sign Danilo
After adding Kyle Walker earlier this window, City splashed the cash again. This is a curious addition as Danilo also plays right-back. Having only made 17 appearances behind Dani Carvajal at Madrid, his form has suffered in recent years. It will be up to Pep Guardiola to help him recapture his form from his Porto days.
A comfortable passer, Danilo adds full-back depth to a very thin sky blue backline. This fee takes City’s defender and goalkeeper spending to almost £300m since the 2014/15 season, with few successes. Given his European experience and attacking ability, the Brazilian should fit in well under Guardiola. Adept at coming inside and playing passes between the lines, Danilo should be able to pick out the likes of Bernardo and David Silva in the pocket in front of the back line. Both Zabaleta and Sagna were sturdy options for City, but Danilo brings an energy and intensity that was lacking.
City Moving Forward
City have spent a King’s Ransom this summer in shoring up their squad. Moving on plenty of wage space, they have developed a squad that should challenge on all fronts. Although Danilo may not be first choice every match, the additional fixtures will mean plenty of games for him. With the depth provided by the Brazilian it affords Guardiola greater flexibility with squad rotation.
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