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Five early summer transfer targets for Manchester City

By Roy Emanuel

BOURNEMOUTH, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 13: Pep Guardiola the manager of Manchester City reacts during the Premier League match between AFC Bournemouth and Manchester City at Vitality Stadium on February 13, 2017 in Bournemouth, England. (Photo by Catherine Ivill - AMA/Getty Images)
BOURNEMOUTH, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 13: Pep Guardiola the manager of Manchester City reacts during the Premier League match between AFC Bournemouth and Manchester City at Vitality Stadium on February 13, 2017 in Bournemouth, England. (Photo by Catherine Ivill - AMA/Getty Images) /
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SOUTHAMPTON, ENGLAND – DECEMBER 28: Virgil van Dijk of Southampton celebrates as he scores their first goal during the Premier League match between Southampton and Tottenham Hotspur at St Mary’s Stadium on December 28, 2016 in Southampton, England. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images)
SOUTHAMPTON, ENGLAND – DECEMBER 28: Virgil van Dijk of Southampton celebrates as he scores their first goal during the Premier League match between Southampton and Tottenham Hotspur at St Mary’s Stadium on December 28, 2016 in Southampton, England. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images) /

Virgil van Dijk – Southampton

Southampton have been one of the better defensive sides in the English Premier League the past two seasons, and a major reason for that has been the stellar play of centre-back Virgil van Dijk.

With possible changes to their own central defence coming this summer, the signing of the skilled Dutch international would be a fantastic move for Manchester City.

The 25-year-old has made 21 Premier League appearances during the current campaign and scored one goal.

A physical and tough defender, van Dijk’s arrival from Celtic in 2015 saw immediate benefits for the Saints. Experience at the international level has helped his overall game as well, earning 12 caps with the Dutch national team.

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With reports linking Nicolas Otamendi in a return to La Liga with Real Madrid or Barcelona, Pep Guardiola will need to ensure that his back-line still contains quality. John Stones certainly possesses exceptional talent, but is still developing toward consistent play.

Virgil van Dijk brings with him a proven record in the Premier League and strong leadership skills as Southampton’s captain. These attributes would fill the void left by the possible departure of Otamendi, while providing Stones an excellent centre-back partnership.

Many European transfers can depend upon one another. With Nicolas Otamendi possibly on the way out, Manchester City could bolster their defence with the signing of Virgil van Dijk this coming summer.

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