Man City Dealt a Major Setback as “World-Class” Left-Back Eyes Real Madrid Move

Manchester City have suffered a significant blow in their pursuit of AC Milan’s highly-rated left-back Theo Hernandez, as reports suggest the French defender is keen on a return to Real Madrid. This development has left the Premier League champions scrambling for alternative options, with their summer transfer plans now facing uncertainty.

The 27-year-old Hernandez has been one of Europe’s best left-backs since his move from Real Madrid to AC Milan in 2019. His consistent performances played a crucial role in Milan’s Serie A triumph during the 2021-22 season, making him a highly sought-after player in the transfer market. Manchester City have been tracking him as a long-term solution for their left-back position, but their hopes may now be dashed.

Reports indicate that Hernandez has expressed a strong desire to return to the Santiago Bernabeu, where he previously played between 2017 and 2019. Though his time in Madrid was relatively short and lacked major personal success, he was part of the squad that won the Champions League during the 2017-18 season. His resurgence at Milan has reignited Real Madrid’s interest, making them a serious contender for his signature.

According to Fichajes, Hernandez is “willing to do everything possible” to secure a move back to the Spanish capital. The report suggests that he views a return to Madrid as an ideal next step in his career, despite also being on the radar of other top European clubs, including Manchester United and Inter Milan.

Manchester City had been hoping to bring Hernandez to the Etihad as part of their plans to strengthen their squad ahead of next season. With Joao Cancelo expected to leave permanently and doubts surrounding Sergio Gomez’s long-term future, City’s left-back position remains an area in need of reinforcement. Hernandez was seen as an ideal candidate to fit Pep Guardiola’s tactical system.

Earlier this month, TEAMtalk’s transfer correspondent Rudy Galetti reported that City had been monitoring Hernandez closely, with an official bid expected in the summer. However, their primary target remains Juventus’ Andrea Cambiaso, with Hernandez being considered as an alternative if they fail to land the Italian full-back.

The situation has now taken a dramatic turn, as Madrid’s interest in Hernandez has intensified. Real Madrid, under Carlo Ancelotti, are looking to bolster their defensive options, particularly in the left-back position. While Ferland Mendy remains a solid option, injury concerns and inconsistent form have led the Spanish giants to explore alternatives. Hernandez’s prior experience at the club and his familiarity with La Liga make him an attractive option for Los Blancos.

Despite Manchester City’s financial power, they may struggle to compete with Real Madrid in this transfer battle, especially given Hernandez’s reported preference for a return to Spain. Milan, meanwhile, are open to selling the Frenchman but will demand a substantial fee for his services. A strong offer from Madrid could be enough to convince Milan to part ways with their star defender.

The potential loss of Hernandez as a transfer target comes at a time when City are also dealing with another major concern – the uncertain future of a £115 million-rated attacking midfielder. Nico Paz, an emerging talent currently playing for Como on loan, is another player City have shown interest in. However, Madrid holds a buy-back clause for the youngster, making his signing complicated for Guardiola’s side.

In addition to the Hernandez setback, City face increasing competition from Manchester United for Charles De Ketelaere. The Belgian playmaker, who is currently on loan at Atalanta from AC Milan, has been identified as a potential long-term replacement for Kevin De Bruyne. City’s scouting team has been keeping a close eye on De Ketelaere, but United’s involvement could make negotiations trickier.

Arsenal and Inter Milan are also monitoring De Ketelaere’s situation, making it a highly contested transfer saga. While City are confident in their ability to lure top talent, the sudden shift in Hernandez’s stance has forced them to reconsider their priorities for the upcoming transfer window.

With Real Madrid’s increasing influence in the Hernandez pursuit, City may have to turn their attention to other alternatives. Guardiola is known for his meticulous planning in the transfer market, and the club’s recruitment team will be working tirelessly to identify suitable replacements should Hernandez officially reject their advances.

For now, City must brace for the possibility of missing out on one of their key targets. The Premier League giants are expected to make one final push for Hernandez, but Madrid’s strong position in the race could ultimately dictate the outcome. With the summer transfer window approaching, the battle for top talent is heating up, and Manchester City will need to act swiftly to secure the reinforcements they need.

As things stand, Hernandez appears to be edging closer to a return to Madrid, leaving City in search of alternative left-back solutions. Whether Guardiola’s side can recover from this setback remains to be seen, but one thing is certain – the summer transfer window promises to be a highly competitive and intriguing one for Europe’s elite clubs.