Report: Man City in race for highly-rated left-back | OneFootball

Man City Enter the Race for Theo Hernandez: A Smart Move or a Gamble?

Defensive Reinforcements on the Horizon

Manchester City are no strangers to surgical squad reinforcements, and after an underwhelming domestic campaign, Pep Guardiola is looking to reload. While City could still salvage silverware in the FA Cup, their fourth-place standing in the Premier League—20 points adrift of leaders Liverpool—suggests recalibration is inevitable.

One glaring issue remains at left-back, a position City have struggled to solidify since the days of Aleksandar Kolarov and Gaël Clichy. According to Caught Offside, AC Milan’s Theo Hernandez has emerged as a prime target, with Real Madrid also circling.

Photo: IMAGO

Milan Ready to Offload Theo Hernandez

AC Milan’s financial predicament has forced them into an uncomfortable position: sell or risk losing Hernandez for free in 2026. The Frenchman’s contract renewal talks have collapsed, with Milan’s offer deemed inadequate. Poor recent performances, coupled with an expiring deal, have turned him from an indispensable asset into a transfer market opportunity.

Milan had initially hoped to extract €50m, but reality has set in. Now, a more reasonable €35-40m could get the deal done. That has placed Manchester City and Real Madrid in direct competition, with Everton also reportedly lurking in the background.

A Tactical Fit for Guardiola?

At his best, Theo Hernandez is an electric force down the left flank—powerful, rapid, and capable of contributing in attack. His 24 Serie A appearances this season have showcased glimpses of his talent, but a deteriorating relationship with Milan’s management has taken a toll.

A move to Real Madrid would represent a homecoming of sorts, but it remains to be seen whether Los Blancos will prioritise his signature over other defensive targets. Meanwhile, Guardiola, always a meticulous planner, must decide whether Hernandez truly fits City’s tactical blueprint.

Photo IMAGO

Andrea Cambiaso of Juventus is another option Guardiola admires, but his price tag remains steep. Hernandez, at a discounted €35-40m, suddenly looks like the smarter investment.

A Competitive Market for a Discounted Star

Manchester City are rarely drawn into transfer sagas without good reason. If they do enter the fray for Theo Hernandez, expect swift movement. However, Real Madrid’s long-standing interest could prove a stumbling block, particularly if Hernandez prefers a return to Spain.

Milan, on the other hand, are keen to resolve this situation as quickly as possible, needing funds to reinvest. Should Hernandez leave, they are already eyeing Wolves’ Rayan Aït-Nouri—a Liverpool target—as his replacement.

Photo: IMAGO

City’s left-back issues have persisted despite makeshift solutions. This summer, Guardiola has the chance to fix it once and for all. The question remains: is Theo Hernandez the solution, or merely another short-term stopgap?

Our View – EPL Index Analysis

For Manchester City fans, this is a transfer rumour that ticks all the right boxes. A world-class full-back at a cut price? Yes, please. Hernandez’s combination of pace, physicality, and attacking intent would add an extra dimension to City’s build-up play.

However, there are concerns. His recent dip in form isn’t just a blip; it’s a reflection of a player who’s lost confidence. Would Guardiola, the ultimate perfectionist, take that gamble? If anyone can revive Hernandez, it’s Pep, but at City, the margin for error is razor-thin.

With Joško Gvardiol often deputising at left-back, Hernandez would provide natural width and attacking thrust, potentially freeing up Gvardiol to operate centrally. And let’s be honest—seeing City beat Madrid to a marquee signing would be an added bonus for fans who still remember past Champions League heartbreaks.

If City want to reclaim their domestic dominance, they need reinforcements. Hernandez could be a game-changer, but only if he finds his best form under Guardiola’s meticulous guidance.