Sergio Aguero’s illustrious career at Manchester City will come to a close when his contract expires at the end of this season, with the Argentine striker confirming his departure in an emotional social media post statement on Monday.
The 32-year-old has scored 257 goals in 384 appearances over the course of a decade at the club and Man City’s chairman, Khaldoon Al Mubarak, announced that a statue would be built at the Etihad Stadium, alongside former captain Vincent Kompany and midfielder David Silva.
The trio played a pivotal role in Man City’s Premier League title win in 2012 when Aguero scored a breathtaking last-gasp winner against QPR to secure the club’s first top-flight title in 44 years. Aguero has lifted another two Premier League titles, one FA Cup and five League Cups since then.
“With the guidance of the owners and the contributions of many players, we earned a place among the greatest of the world,” he wrote.
Head coach Pep Guardiola has previously shown faith in second striker Gabriel Jesus, however, Manchester City are one of several clubs heading into the summer transfer window with Borussia Dortmund’s prolific Erling Haaland in their sights. Meanwhile, Aguero is free to decide his next destination, with Barcelona among those linked with an interest.
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Where will Aguero go next?
Barcelona – 8/11
Club Atletico Independiente – 6/1
Atletico Madrid – 7/1
Juventus – 8/1
PSG – 12/1
MLS – 16/1
Who could City sign to replace him?
Erling Haaland
Haaland, alongside Kylian Mbappe, is currently the standout forward in Europe and is being chased by a host of clubs, including Real Madrid and Manchester United. It will, however, take a significant fee to prise him from Borussia Dortmund, although failure to qualify for next season’s Champions League could help force their hand. Haaland is represented by Mino Raiola, which could make negotiations more difficult.
Harry Kane
The England captain has insisted he will not let speculation over his future cloud his Euro 2020 hopes this summer, however, he has made no secret in the past of his desire to win trophies. At 27, that window is beginning to close with Tottenham struggling to secure a top-four finish, let alone challenge for the Premier League, under Jose Mourinho. City are known admirers of Kane, but with his contract not expiring until 2024, it would take an astronomical fee to even force Spurs to consider a sale.
Harry Kane will not let speculation cloud his England ambitions
(AFP via Getty Images)
Andre Silva
Portuguese international has been in prolific form for Eintracht Frankfurt this season, scoring 22 goals in 26 appearances already this season in all competitions. The 25-year-old is represented by Jorge Mendes, with City’s Joao Cancelo and Bernardo Silva among the agent’s other clients, and may represent a cheaper alternative.
Lautaro Martinez
A fellow Argentine, Martinez has previously been a target for City. He has scored 14 goals and added eight assists in 27 appearances for the Serie A leaders this season, however, he has recently signalled his interest to remain in Italy. Barcelona had previously prioritised the signing of Martinez, however, Inter Milan refused to negotiate a fee of anything below the 23-year-old’s £98m release clause.
Joao Felix
Felix was one of European football’s most sought-after prospects when he joined Atletico Madrid in 2019, however, there have been reservations over his development under Diego Simeone’s tactics. Linked with interest from Juventus too, despite Felix’s considerable talent, has yet to prove a ruthless goalscoring streak capable of matching the likes of Aguero or Haaland.
