Manchester City have reportedly completed a deal with Real Madrid for outcast defender Danilo.
According to Gianluca Di Marzio, Manchester City and Real Madrid have agreed on a deal to send Danilo to Manchester. The 26-year-old has been heavily linked to a move to Chelsea. However, after the Blues failed to meet Real’s asking price, City swooped in and hijacked the move.
#Danilo from @realmadrid to @ManCity, deal done between clubs @SkySport @SkySportsNews
— Gianluca Di Marzio (@DiMarzio) July 19, 2017
Danilo seeks more playing time after regularly finding himself on the bench in Madrid. By and large, the 26-year-old will look back on his career in Madrid as a missed opportunity. After arriving in 2015, Danilo was seen as one of the most promising young defenders in the world. He ultimately failed to secure a regular starting spot for Los Blancos.
Meanwhile, Pep Guardiola will likely give the defender a chance to save his career. The Citizens have had a busy transfer window thus far, looking to strengthen their back line. Most notably signing former Spurs defender Kyle Walker last week. In addition to Walker, City added keeper Ederson and midfielders Bernardo Silva and Douglas Luiz.
The addition of Danilo will bring experience and depth to the Citizens’ defense as Guardiola prepares for more Champions League action this season. City are hopeful that young defenders like John Stones will learn from players such as Walker and Danilo.
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Danilo is believed to be the last piece in the City puzzle. Guardiola and his staff have certainly exceeded expectations this summer, addressing the team’s biggest needs. City have added depth, strength to the defensive line and a good keeper. Hopefully the success from the summer will transfer into results on the pitch as City look to hoist the Premier League title for the first time since the 2013-14 season. They finished third last season, and suffered a disappointing defeat to Monaco in the Champions League round of 16.