Fansided

10 young players to watch

By James Dudko

Fulham's English defender Ryan Sessegnon (C) makes a through pass in the build up to the opening goal by Fulham's English midfielder Tom Cairney during the English Championship play-off final football match between Aston Villa and Fulham at Wembley Stadium in London on May 26, 2018. (Photo by Ian KINGTON / AFP) / NOT FOR MARKETING OR ADVERTISING USE / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE (Photo credit should read IAN KINGTON/AFP/Getty Images)
Fulham's English defender Ryan Sessegnon (C) makes a through pass in the build up to the opening goal by Fulham's English midfielder Tom Cairney during the English Championship play-off final football match between Aston Villa and Fulham at Wembley Stadium in London on May 26, 2018. (Photo by Ian KINGTON / AFP) / NOT FOR MARKETING OR ADVERTISING USE / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE (Photo credit should read IAN KINGTON/AFP/Getty Images) /
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EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ – JULY 25: Manchester City midfielder Claudio Gomes (81) during the second half of the International Champions Cup Soccer game between Liverpool and Manchester City on July 25, 2018 at Met Life Stadium in East Rutherford, NJ. (Photo by Rich Graessle/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ – JULY 25: Manchester City midfielder Claudio Gomes (81) during the second half of the International Champions Cup Soccer game between Liverpool and Manchester City on July 25, 2018 at Met Life Stadium in East Rutherford, NJ. (Photo by Rich Graessle/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

7. Claudio Gomes, Manchester City

City didn’t sign Jorginho from Napoli, Chelsea did. In case you missed it, the Citizens bemoaned Napoli’s “unprecedented lack of professionalism” after missing out on the pass-happy defensive midfielder.

Not being able to recruit a marquee reinforcement for defensive midfield may turn out to be a blessing in disguise. At least for Claudio Gomes, the 18-year-old free-transfer capture from Paris Saint-Germain.

Manager Pep Guardiola has hinted at a possible loan move, per Jack Rathborn of the Daily Mirror: “It could be like what happened with Phil Foden and Brahim Diaz — he could stay with us, because from what we have seen in these days, the impression is good, so good.”

Gomes’ positive first impression has led to substitute appearances against Liverpool and Bayern Munich in the International Champions Cup preseason tournament.

Guardiola needs cover for Fernandinho, as well as a natural successor for the 33-year-old Brazil international. A young athlete will Gomes’ skill, vision and brawn fits the mold perfectly.

The other options at the position, particularly Ilkay Gundogan, are better going forward. So plans to let Gomes continue learning at another club may need to be shelved.