Viana might be plotting Manchester City’s next midfield marvel, but blink twice and you’ll see Carlos Baleba quietly elbowing his way into contention. The Portuguese sporting director’s well-documented fascination with Morgan Gibbs-White dates back to his Sporting CP days, when he likely dreamt of Gibbs-White’s elastic first touch between bites of pastel de nata. Yet, as City prepares its summer shopping list, maybe it’s time Viana swaps his shopping cart for something a little less Nottingham Forest and a little more Brighton brilliance.
Viana’s tunnel vision might cost City versatility
There’s no denying Gibbs-White can pirouette past defenders as gracefully as a contestant on Strictly Come Dancing. But does City really need another attacking midfielder when they’ve already got Phil Foden, James McAtee, and Oscar Bobb juggling nutmegs in training? Enter Carlos Baleba: a man who could not only chew gum and dictate tempo but also bench press Rodri’s tactical manuals.
Viana should marvel at Baleba’s Brighton brilliance
If Viana tuned in when Brighton faced City earlier this season, he might still be recovering from Baleba’s exhibition of midfield muscle and metronomic passing. The 21-year-old Cameroonian didn’t just control the park—he owned it, sending Guardiola’s midfield into existential crisis with every turn and touch. A player who idolizes Rodri and manhandles press-resistant situations? Someone mail Viana a highlights DVD immediately.
He could unlock Pep’s next midfield gem
Sure, Fabrizio Romano is practically engraving Gibbs-White’s name on a City jersey already. But Baleba’s youth, versatility, and Ligue 1 pedigree scream long-term investment. Plus, imagine the headlines: “Viana’s Baleba Bet Pays Off Big”. Feels right, doesn’t it?
If Viana wants to make his mark, perhaps it’s time he closed his Gibbs-White scrapbook and started doodling Baleba’s name instead. Because in football, as in life, versatility trumps tunnel vision—and Baleba’s midfield artistry might just be the brushstroke Viana didn’t know he needed.
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