What Pep Guardiola did with Carlos Borges at Man City last season proves how much he rates the ‘imminent’ first West Ham signing.
West Ham may not have made any signings in the summer transfer window thus far – but their first could be the best money the club has spent in a long time.
West Ham and Manchester City have shared a fair few column inches this summer.
The Hammers have been linked with Man City’s Kalvin Phillips, Cole Palmer and Carlos Borges.
And Premier League champions Manchester City made a bid for now departed West Ham captain Declan Rice before he joined Arsenal.
Back in April The Daily Mail claimed West Ham were pondering a summer move for Man City starlet Borges.
The 19-year-old Portuguese winger has made waves at youth level, scoring 24 goals and laying on 15 assists in all competitions last term.
The report claimed West Ham were ‘doing their homework’ on Borges, who is blessed with quick feet, bags of pace and a direct style which has defenders on the back foot.
The Hammers clearly liked what they saw.
We reported on Hammers News this week that talks were being held between Man City and West Ham over a deal for Borges.
And it is being widely reported since that West Ham will pay £14m for the starlet who has just one year left on his contract.
What Pep Guardiola did with Carlos Borges at Man City last season proves how much he rates ‘imminent’ first West Ham signing
Man City fans had big hopes for Borges. But getting into Pep Guardiola’s side is no easy task and Borges is hungry for first team football.
Reports claim West Ham will beat Borussia Dortmund and Eintracht Frankfurt to Borges.
Some may assume that because Man City are agreeing to the sale, Borges might not be the real deal.
But that is not the case.
And what Guardiola did with Borges at Man City last season proves how much he rates ‘imminent’ first West Ham signing.
Champions League inclusion proves Guardiola saw Borges as next young star capable of breaking into his first team
The Manchester Evening News reported last season that Guardiola rated Borges so highly he included him in the club’s Champions League squad.
The report states that Guardiola saw Borges as the next young Man City star capable of breaking into his first team after the rise of Rico Lewis.
“Lewis appears to be this season’s breakout academy graduate but there are plenty more knocking on the door and none more so than Carlos Borges, who is certainly staking a solid claim to be handed an opportunity himself in the seniors this season,” MEN reported.
“Borges’ progress has not gone unnoticed by Guardiola. The forward was added to City’s Champions League squad ahead of the final group stage match and he trained with the first team ahead of the match, although he didn’t make the cut for the matchday squad. But that shouldn’t be disheartening…
“If Borges continues his development then his chance shouldn’t be too far away.”
That chance, it seems, is set to come at West Ham. A very exciting capture indeed.
And further evidence Man City rate Borges very highly comes in the fact they have reportedly included a buy back clause in the deal with West Ham.
READ ALSO
West Ham want star Bielsa loves and he’s clearly a Steidten target.
Moyes has serious reservations about new Steidten transfer recommendation.
One last dance as Payet leaves Marseille as a free agent to continue playing career.
Receive a digest of our best West Ham content each week direct to your mailbox
