Some positions go unaddressed for far too long.
And some clubs, when the pressure finally builds, move decisively to solve the problem once and for all.
Manchester City’s right-back situation has been a known issue for the best part of two years.
This summer, they appear to have identified the solution.
Manchester City in pole position to sign Feyenoord teenage star Givairo Read ahead of Bayern Munich
According to 1908.nl, Manchester City are in pole position to sign Givairo Read, the 19-year-old right-back who has established himself as one of the most exciting young defenders in European football since breaking through at Feyenoord.
Bayern Munich are the closest challengers, and have shown the most interest towards the club.
But sources indicate that Manchester City are ahead with the player himself, an advantage that is often the decisive factor once the financial side of a deal comes together.
Read is said to be impressed by City’s approach.
The background to this pursuit is straightforward.
Manchester City currently have Rico Lewis and Matheus Nunes, originally a midfielder, covering the right-back position.
And although Matheus Nunes has arguably been one of the best fullbacks in the world last season, it’s still an imperfect solution.
Read represents exactly the kind of profile they’ve been looking for.
He joined Feyenoord from FC Volendam in 2023, a club where he’d already made his first-team debut at just 16 years old.
However, since then, he’s made 46 official appearances for the club, contributing three goals and nine assists from right-back.
Most significantly, he played in the Champions League this season and demonstrated he has the level to compete at Europe’s highest stage.
Feyenoord will demand a fee that breaks their own outgoing transfer record, currently set by Igor Paixao’s €35 million move to Marseille last summer.
His contract runs until 2029, which gives the Dutch club excellent leverage in any negotiation.
But with Manchester City rebuilding under Enzo Maresca, the right-back position is one of the first structural problems the new coaching staff will want resolved.
Want to get the latest transfer news direct to your phone? Join our WhatsApp community by clicking here.
