Manchester City announced the capture of AS Monaco star Benjamin Mendy on Monday, with the Frenchman signing a five-year deal at the Etihad Stadium.
City relayed the news via their official Twitter account:
Mendy is relishing the prospect of linking up with manager Pep Guardiola:
Benjamin Mendy @benmendy23Proud to announce you guys that I've officially joined @ManCity today !! 🐝🔵 A dream come true to play under Pep's orders 🙏😍 #BM22
He also told Rob Pollard of City's official website: "I am absolutely delighted to be joining Manchester City. They are one of Europe's leading clubs, and in Pep Guardiola, they have a manager committed to playing attacking football. I am sure that over the next few years we will be successful."
Per Squawka Football, City have poured a phenomenal amount of money into their defence during Guardiola's first year in charge, something sportswriter Sam Pilger criticised:
Squawka Football @SquawkaPep Guardiola has now spent £171m on defenders since joining the club last summer. That's only including initial fees. 😳
Sam Pilger @sampilgerPep Guardiola throwing around these ridiculous transfer fees is rather undermining his reputation as a coach
While City's defensive spending may have intensified under Guardiola, it has been high over the past three years:
B/R Football @brfootballMan City have now spent almost £300m on defenders & goalkeepers alone since 2014 🤑
Sports journalist Alex Terrell noted the enormous inflation of Mendy's value in just one year:
Alex Terrell @alxterrellMonaco bought Benjamin Mendy for £5.5m a year ago. Man City have just paid nearly 10x that for him 12 months later. Freakonomics.
The 23-year-old marks the Sky Blues' second acquisition from the Ligue 1 side this summer, having already snapped up Bernardo Silva.
Mendy will address a big hole in City's squad at left-back following the departures of Gael Clichy and Aleksandar Kolarov.
The Frenchman helped Monaco win the Ligue 1 title last season and ended the campaign with 11 assists in all competitions, as well as one goal.
Squawka Football provided his league numbers:
Squawka Football @SquawkaBenjamin Mendy's Ligue 1 season by numbers: 42 interceptions 40 tackles won 37 take-ons 36 aerial duels won 25 chances created 5 assists 💪
Mendy is known for his powerful and tireless running up and down the left flank, from where he can contribute at both ends of the pitch.
He uses his physicality and impressive ball-winning skills to fend off attacks, and he makes full use of his pace going forward to get into dangerous positions and put opponents on the back foot.
Bleacher Report's Sam Tighe and football writer Andrew Gibney believe he is tailor-made for the Premier League, but they questioned his suitability for Guardiola's preferred playing style:
Andrew Gibney 🦄 @Gibney_A@stighefootball he's all powerful and energy, non-stop engine. Crossing very erratic. Would excel in the Prem.
Andrew Gibney 🦄 @Gibney_A@stighefootball he's got the physicality for it. Probably not the brain. Fabinho the perfect RB for Pep.
However, while he may not fit the profile of a typical Guardiola player, having the tools to impress in the English top flight is perhaps more important.
His capture might also be a sign the Spaniard is willing to adapt his approach to his surroundings, and that flexibility bodes well for the Sky Blues.
As much as Guardiola may want to impose his style on the side and mould them in his image, a balance between the technical superiority he craves and the physicality to match their opponents could be the recipe for success at the Etihad Stadium.
Mendy will likely prove to be an excellent buy for City, and his addition to their impressive list of summer recruits is yet another statement of intent from the club.
He should make for an excellent counterpart to Kyle Walker on the right flank, and while City are perhaps still a little short in terms of cover, fellow recruit Danilo can fill in for either if called upon.
