Manchester City Outcast Identified By The Villans: Should Guardiola Sanction His Exit? | OneFootball

According to a report from Birmingham Live, Aston Villa has engaged in discussions regarding the potential signing of Manchester City defender Aymeric Laporte. The 29-year-old has reportedly attracted interest from Villa due to his decreased playing time at City. However, Unai Emery faces competition from Premier League counterparts Tottenham in their pursuit of the Spanish defender.

Laporte’s Difficult Season At Manchester City

The 29-year-old has experienced a tough campaign at the Etihad Stadium, struggling to nail down a regular starting spot in Guardiola’s first XI. Laporte has made 24 appearances for the Sky Blues this season in multiple competitions.

The Spanish sensation deserves some credit for averaging 0.9 tackles, 0.3 interceptions and 2.5 clearances per 90 minutes in the Premier League. He has even been accurate while distributing possession from the back based on his pass completion rate of 93.1% in the English top tier (stats via whoscored).

Brentford’s Nigerian midfielder Frank Onyeka (back) challenges Manchester City’s French defender Aymeric Laporte during the English Premier League football match between Brentford and Manchester City at Gtech Community Stadium in London on May 28, 2023. (Photo by Ben Stansall / AFP) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or ‘live’ services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. / (Photo by BEN STANSALL/AFP via Getty Images)

Should Guardiola Sanction His Exit?

Laporte demonstrates strong tackling skills and an ability to anticipate danger, allowing him to regain possession for his team effectively in the defensive third of the field when he is in a regular playing rhythm and feeling confident. He has a keen awareness of potential threats and is willing to make clearances when the opposing team is on the offensive. Additionally, his height of 1.89m provides an advantage in winning aerial duels at the back, although he truly excels at playing out from the defence and initiating attacks.

However, Laporte has often been guilty of being inconsistent with his performances due to his limited game time at Man City this season. It appears likely that Laporte will depart from the Etihad Stadium this summer, given that Ruben Dias, John Stones, Manuel Akanji, and Nathan Ake are all prioritized over him in Pep Guardiola‘s plans. As a consequence, Laporte only managed to make 12 Premier League appearances in the current season. Thus, Villans could lure him to the West Midlands club if they are willing to offer him a regular starting spot at Villa Park next season.

At 29, Laporte is in his prime, making him a good fit for Unai Emery long-term. He has what it takes to help the Villans challenge for a top-four spot and some major honours as they compete in European competitions.