Manchester City midfielder Yaya Toure is most likely to leave the club this coming summer. The Ivorian has long been linked with a transfer away from the Etihad, and with Bayern Munich boss Pep Guardiola soon to take over, an exit seems imminent.
Toure has been a driving force in the City midfield since he joined from Barcelona back in 2010. Known for his powerful runs, ball recovery and eye for goal, Toure's presence will surely be missed.
Although influence has waned over the past year or so, he is still a very useful player in the side, and City will have to replace him if they are to continue being a successful club.
Here are five other midfielders who fit the bill.
Paul Pogba (Juventus)
Probably the best replacement for the Ivory Coast man, Juventus’ Paul Pogba could be the subject of a huge bidding war in the summer.
The 23-year-old French star is the perfect midfielder. He is blessed with pace, technical ability, and power. He can also drive forward with the ball at top speed, something Toure made a trademark a few years back.
With Chelsea, Real Madrid and Barcelona intent on signing this player, City could have a hard time convincing him to join them. However, if they do manage to secure the midfielder’s services, they would become immediate favorites to win the Premier League title.
It would also be great having Pogba, given that their neighbors Manchester United let him go for free back in 2012. How they would love to rub their noses in it.
Marco Verratti (Paris Saint-Germain)
Marco Verratti, also 23, would be another neat replacement for Toure at City. Over the last few seasons, his impressive performances, most notably in the UEFA Champions League, have seen his value skyrocket.
The Italian is sure to draw lots of attention in the summer, and Paris Saint-Germain may have a hard time holding on to him.
Verratti is as industrious as he is skillful on the ball, and would certainly be a refreshing addition to the City midfield. He can take the ball off the defence to initiate attacks, and can do the dirty work at the back as well, breaking up opposition play and mopping up in the defensive half.
Unfortunately for City, the cash-strapped PSG do not need to sell any of their players and will try their best to keep him.
N’Golo Kante (Leicester City)
Another French midfield enforcer, N’Golo Kante has been one of the main contributors to Leicester City’s success this season. His midfield partnership with Danny Drinkwater has proven effective, and the Foxes could be crowned Premier League champions in just over a month’s time.
Kante, admittedly, is not as offensively inclined as Toure, but his extraordinary ability to retrieve the ball and drive forward, almost always comes in handy.
Leicester spent around £5.6m on this player, a small fortune which is yielding huge results. Any club wanting him this summer, will have to part with at least £25m.
The 25-year-old has been called up by the France national side, and could play a major role in this summer’s Euro 16 tournament. With regards to Manchester City, Kante is definitely one to consider.
Blaise Matuidi (Paris Saint-Germain)
Paris Saint Germain’ Blaise Matuidi could be a short-term option for the Manchester club, as he is already 29 years old.
This French midfielder is quite similar to Toure, but doesn’t have the Ivorian’s imposing stature. His energetic movement in midfield, however, makes him one of the best middle men in Europe.
Matuidi is a tough-tackling no-nonsense player, who is great at breaking up play, retrieving the ball and driving forward to start attacks. He would be a great addition to the City midfield, and could possibly give the club three or four good years of service.
The Frenchman is tough as nails and would be useful anywhere in midfield. City would become way more formidable with him in their ranks.
Koke (Atletico Madrid)
Atletico Madrid’s Koke isn’t the physical specimen that Toure is, and wouldn’t be able to replicate the Ivorian’s robust style in midfield. Yet the qualities that he does possess, make him a suitable replacement.
The Spaniard, now on 21 international appearances for his country, probably would have been capped a lot more, if Spain weren’t so spoilt for choice in midfield.
Koke, as mentioned before, doesn’t fit Toure’s mould when it comes to physicality, however, his composure and superb passing ability puts him right up there with the best in the world. He can exert control over the midfield, keep possession and make intelligent decisions. He has been an integral part in Atletico’s rise over the past few seasons, and would be just as influential in England if City were to bring him in.
