Reports in Spain have confirmed Manchester City have agreed a deal to take highly-rated midfielder Denis Suárez Fernández from Celta Vigo, for a fee understood to be 1m plus future incentives. The player himself has put pen to paper on a 3-year deal, offered by the English club during a stay there recently.
Suárez has been known in Spanish scouting circles for several months now, after some highly impressive performances for Celta’s Juvenil side, attracting the attention of Barcelona, Real Madrid plus interest from England with Chelsea the most heavily linked. Those displays in the Galician sides Juvenil sector were rewarded with a promotion to Celta’s ‘B’ side, in which he played a handful of games. Real Madrid moved for the player two years ago, but Toni Otero, head of youth at Celta persuaded the player (at the time, just 16) and his family to remain in Vigo.
It’s understood though that City first came across the player at the recent U-17 tournament held in Belgium, where Suárez put in some assured displays. Scouts from the English side gathered information on the player throughout Spain’s games, before liaising with their contacts in Spain to detract further player specifics.
Barcelona were thought to have had a deal negotiated with Suarez sometime ago, as the player insisted he wished to remain in his country of birth – Suárez’s best friend happens to be Barcelona’s own starlet Gerard Delofeu – who many say will be the next major breakout star from La Masia. The contract offered by the Catalans was completely blown away by City’s offer, but along with the money it’s cited City’s persistence to conclude a deal was the key facet.
After progressing superbly at Juvenil level, reports at the club indicated it would only be right for him to feature for the ‘B’ side. Upon featuring, he at first looked nervous, no surprise given the large step in class it requires, especially in terms of tempo, and predominantly physicality. In his most recent games though, he has looked more assured In the middle of the field and integrated well into the line-up.
As a player, Suárez has all the characteristics of a midfield organizer; assured in tight situations and working the areas between attack and midfield well – somewhat similar to England’s own Jack Wilshere. He possesses neat passing over short distances, has a good vision and showed at Juvenil level he can impose his style on games despite a slight frame, dictating the pace and tempo. While playing at Celta he’s played part of a deeper lying double pivot, and at the top of an attacking diamond – the latter role he’s also featured in for Spain regularly.
From watching him so far it’s obvious he needs to gain a better understanding of the team game, and not neglect his defensive duties – but given that he’s 17 year old this won’t be too much of a concern for any coaching staff in Manchester.
Suárez travelled recently to England with his parents, agent Félix Gende, and the aforementioned Otero. The player visited City’s training facilities, and also managed to meet David Silva – a one time Celta player of course, sent out by Valencia to further his footballing education. The next he day he attended the City game against Stoke City, in which the Eastlands club won 3-0.
The player returned to the city of Vigo yesterday, and it’s understood at this point he’ll play no part in Saturday’s Copa Del Rey Juvenil quarter-final game against Athletic Bilbao. Roberto Mancini’s requested the player takes part in pre-season with the English club on their tour of the USA, but will align with the reserves upon returning. Celta’s last teenage prodigy was Joselu, who was sold to Real Madrid, that deal included incentives which are also though to apply again here – thus, it’s believed Celta have a first option loan on the player and will gain a percentage of any fee City could possibly receive should they choose to sell.
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