Is it the right move for Manchester City to let a midfielder leave? | OneFootball

With the transfer window set to close at 23:00 on August 30, it appears that Manchester City have the majority of their business concluded for the summer. Pep Guardiola’s squad appears well-equipped for the long season ahead. But a new report emerged yesterday that Atletico Madrid were interested in signing Matheus Nunes on loan. It remains to be seen if City would entertain letting Nunes depart this summer. But would it be the right move for the champions to let Nunes depart? That’s an interesting topic to delve deeper into.

David Ornstein has reported for The Athletic that Atletico Madrid is exploring the potential loan signing of Matheus Nunes. Furthermore, Ornstein adds that Manchester City are yet to receive any offers for the midfielder. Lastly, Ornstein adds that the champions haven’t decided whether or not Nunes is available either on loan or to buy this week.

Should Manchester City keep Matheus Nunes for the long season ahead?

It isn’t a harsh conclusion to draw that Matheus Nunes has had a disappointing beginning to his Manchester City career. Since arriving at the club from Wolves last summer he has failed to make an impact. He has the talent required to play at City but he just hasn’t quite had his breakthrough moment at Manchester City.

With Ilkay Gundogan’s return to Manchester City confirmed last week places are at a premium in Pep Guardiola’s midfield. Matheus Nunes faces competition from Gundogan, Kevin De Bruyne, Bernardo Silva, Phil Foden, Mateo Kovacic, James McAtee and Rodri for a spot in City’s midfield. That is tough competition for the Portuguese international. While he may not force his way into Pep Guardiola’s preferred starting eleven, Nunes may have a vital role to play once the fixture list ramps up.

Manchester City will play more games than ever before this season. Once the fixture list ramps up Pep Guardiola will need his whole squad for what lies ahead. That could be where a player like Matheus Nunes comes into the equation. There is no way any of City’s stars will play every game this season. It will be the entire City squad who will have to do their bit to aid City’s chase for silverware on multiple fronts. While it doesn’t appear that there is a role for Nunes during the early stages of the season, that will change when the games come thick and fast.

So, back to the question at hand, is it the right move for Manchester City to let Matheus Nunes leave this week? On closer inspection, he could have a role to play for Pep Guardiola as a squad player this season. Based on this assessment it would arguably be better for City to keep the Portuguese international. If he fails to make an impact come the January transfer window then the situation may need to be reassessed. But, for now Manchester City should keep Nunes at the club.