According to The Sun, Pep Guardiola is interested in Harry Winks and wants Manchester City to make a move for the 24-year-old this summer. The Sun say Jose Mourinho might be open to selling Winks too, as he needs to raise funds for new arrivals, so a deal could with City could happen if they’re willing to match his £40m asking price.
Would we really let Winks go?
It’s doubtful. The England international has made 143 appearances in all competitions since rising through the youth ranks to the first-team in 2016. Winks signed a new five-year deal last summer too, so he’s clearly an important player for Tottenham.
The Sun believe Winks is a valuable asset whose playing style is better suited for Guardiola than Mourinho, thus facilitating a transfer this summer, but Jose regularly played Winks (15/18 Premier League appearances) over Tanguy Ndombele (7/18 Premier League appearances) in 2020 so why would he sell the former?
It is true that money is tight for new signings and existing players may have to leave this summer, but Winks isn’t deadwood. There are other ways of generating transfer funds that don’t involve losing a player that has been one of the first names on the teamsheet.
Will City make a move?
Probably not. Regardless of what The Sun believe of Mourinho, it’s hard to see City lodging a bid. Pep wil have Kevin De Bruyne, Ilkay Gundogan, Bernardo Silva, Phil Foden, Rodri and Fernandinho next season, so any new arrival to the engine room would have to be stellar.
That’s not to say Winks isn’t a talented player. As per WhoScored, the 24-year-old has created 18 chances, completed 90.3% of his 1694 passes, won 14/22 aerial duels, made 15/21 successful dribbles, blocked 29 crosses/shots/passes, whipped in 28 crosses with 21% finding a teammate, made 30 clearances and averaged a tackle (40) or interception (36) every 29 minutes.
Summary
It’s hard to see City making an offer for Winks given how many midfielders they currently have in the squad – our academy graduate isn’t good enough to be David Silva’s replacement. It’s also hard to see us selling Winks, as he’s far too important to let go.
In other news, Jan Vertonghen has found himself a new club after leaving Tottenham