Southampton And Mohammed Salisu Stance On Reported Manchester City Transfer Interest Revealed

With Julian Alvarez, Erling Haaland, Kalvin Phillips and Stefan Ortega set to ply their trades at the Etihad Stadium, a new-look Manchester City will be on show next season.

However, another fresh face could join City’s latest additions, as a replacement for Chelsea-bound Nathan Ake remains a priority this summer.

The Dutchman, who signed for Pep Guardiola’s side in 2020, cemented himself as one of the most vital squad members during his second season in sky blue.

Operating as both a centre-back and left-back at various points last term, the 27-year old stepped up to the plate whenever his services were called upon.

However, it seems as if Nathan Ake is now tempted by the prospect of returning to Stamford Bridge in a bid for superior game time next season.

As a result, a name that has been touted as a potential successor to the versatile defender is Southampton’s Mohammed Salisu.

The Ghanaian centre-half certainly made an impression against Manchester City during a 1-1 draw between both sides in January, as he put forth arguably one of the stand-out individual defensive displays in the Premier League last season.

At 23 years of age and etching his reputation as one of the league’s finest defenders during the last campaign, several Sky Blues supporters were excited by their side’s reported interest in the Saints’ talisman.

However, a new revelation could prove to be a blow in the club’s pursuit for their defensive target, as it has been revealed that the transfer looks unlikely to come to fruition currently.

As per information provided by Benjy Nurick of the Daily Echo, there is no truth behind Mohammed Salisu’s speculated move to Manchester City ahead of next season.

It has been claimed that the highly-rated central defender is ‘happy’ at St. Mary’s while Southampton also wish to keep him.

Further details suggest that sources close to the player and within the club believe that there is no substance behind the reports about Pep Guardiola’s side preparing to complete his signature.

While Salisu may continue to don red and white next season, the Premier League champions have been linked with moves for other defenders in Europe.

For instance, it was recently reported that Manchester City ‘really appreciate’ RB Leipzig centre-back, Joško Gvardiol ‘internally’.

In addition, it was also claimed that due to the profits earned via player sales this summer, Manchester City consider a €90 million fee to sign Juventus’ Matthijs de Ligt feasible.

While Mohammed Salisu may not be playing his football at the Etihad Stadium next season, Manchester City’s pursuit to find a replacement for Nathan Ake is not set to stop anytime soon, especially with their pre-season tour to the United States beckoning.