Man City Transfers: 5 Centre-Backs Citizens Need To Bolster Defence

5. Kyriakos Papadopoulos

After watching his marauding side look classy in front of goal but dubious at the back during pre-season, manager Manuel Pellegrini lined up a bid for Real Madrid's Pepe. However, the La Liga outfit aren't interested in selling the Portugal defender which has left Pellegrini considering alternative options - one of which is Schalke€™s highly-rated centre-back Kyriakos Papadopoulos. The promising 21-year-old is the youngest player ever to feature in the Greek league, making his debut for Olympiacos at 15 years and 283 days before eventually moving on to Schalke. The youngster and has been on Liverpool's radar in the past, and has been commended on his leadership qualities and excellent aerial strength. He's also been likened to a younger model of Martin Skrtel. And with the Sky Blues light on central defensive options, especially following the departure of Kolo Toure to Liverpool, there could be room for Papadopoulos in Pellegrini's side, both as a short-term fix and future star.
Contributor
Contributor

Joseph is an accredited football journalist and has interviewed nearly all of the current 20 Barclay's Premier League managers. He is also a correspondent for Bleacher Report and has written for Caught Offside and Give Me Football.