Manchester City have completed an £11 million deal to sign Sergio Gomez from R.S.C. Anderlecht, the club have announced.
The left-back has joined on a four-year contract with the Premier League champions, keeping him in Sky Blue until at least 2026 - taking the number 21 shirt previously donned by Ferran Torres and David Silva.
The initial £11 million outlay could rise to as much as £16.9 million, should all performance-related add-ons be triggered, while Anderlecht will receive 15% of any future sale, it is understood.
Advert
Despite the glaring need for reinforcements at full-back this summer, various outlets still say Manchester City and Pep Guardiola will analyse his level before deciding his next steps.
If his future is not seen amongst the current squad, Girona - a sister club within the City Football Group - has been muted as a potential destination on loan.
Even if Sergio Gomez was to stay at the Etihad Stadium, reports suggest City will still pursue a senior left-back, with Borussia Dortmund's Raphael Guerreiro mentioned as a potential target.
The club currently see Sergio Gomez as a ‘high-potential developmental talent’, but their failed pursuit of Marc Cucurella change the landscape slightly.
Advert
Giving his initial reaction to the transfer, Gomez told the club's official website: "I am incredibly proud and happy to have joined Manchester City.
"City are the best team in England and in Pep Guardiola I have a chance to learn and develop under the most outstanding manager in world football."
Also providing his thoughts, City's Director of Football Txiki Begiristain has said: "We are delighted to be able to welcome Sergio to Manchester City. He is a very exciting young talent.
"Sergio’s development in recent seasons has been very impressive - he is an accomplished defender with great potential."
Under former Manchester City captain, Vincent Kompany's guidance, Gomez scored five goals and 12 assists in the Belgian Pro League and subsequently won Anderlecht's Player of the Season.
Advert
He has shown an ability to advance forward on the overlap and contribute in attacking areas, but whether that is in the style Guardiola needs remains to be seen.
The 21 year-old adds to a summer of change in East Manchester.
Raheem Sterling, Gabriel Jesus and Oleksandr Zinchenko have all moved to new pastures, with club captain Fernandinho also leaving the club on a free transfer.
On the incomings front, £51 million-rated Erling Haaland completed a statement transfer to City from Borussia Dortmund and has hit the ground running in the Premier League.
Kalvin Phillips has also swapped Leeds for Manchester, while Stefan Ortega has came in on a free transfer to provide adequate competition for Ederson in goal.
Advert
Guardiola has always stressed the importance of refreshing the squad to maintain the same levels of hunger - and he has certainly done that.
Featured Image Credit: Manchester City / ManCity.comTopics: Manchester City, Premier League, Manchester City Transfer News & Rumours
