Matias Soule is the buzz of the town, with City thought to be rivalling Roma for Juventus’ Argentine star, who had a fantastic season on loan at Frosinone last season. Leicester City are back in the big leagues, competing with Roma to acquire a Juventus star for more than £25 million. If City meets Juve’s asking price for Matias Soule, it will be their most expensive transfer since Wesley Fofana came for £30 million four years ago. There are now contradictory reports from Italy about whether the 21-year-old would choose to stay in Serie A or move to the Premier League.
Caleb Okoli, his teammate on loan at Frosinone last season, may be able to boost City’s cause by selling Seagrave and Steve Cooper to the Argentine. Because if City is able to bring Soule in, he has the potential to transform the game. This summer, it appears that one of their new additions must meet that requirement. That is not to disregard the arrivals of Bobby De Cordova-Reid, Michael Golding, and Okoli, or Wilfred Ndidi’s new deal. All of these transactions appear to be sound business decisions.
However, none of them seem to be game changers. City are one short now that Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall has left, and they will need to buy one for Steve Cooper this summer. He needs his Morgan Gibbs-White. Having players with extraordinary individual talent does not necessarily improve a team. When City was relegated two seasons ago, there was plenty of brilliance sprinkled throughout the roster. However, a game changer can turn a good team effort into a win. To win games this season, City must perform effectively as a team.
But if Cooper can get the squad to a point where they can compete with some of its opponents, those game changers will occasionally come through and deliver a moment of magic to secure victories. City already has a few players in that bracket. Abdul Fatawu, who has returned, is one. Stephy Mavididi is hit-and-miss, but when he gets it right, he’s a game changer. Jamie Vardy’s capacity to be one may be dwindling, but he should not be underestimated.
If Soule came in and played like he did for Frosinone, he would undoubtedly be one. Despite playing for a relegation-threatened side and being only 20 years old for the majority of the campaign, Soule concluded last season as Serie A’s leading chance maker. He had more take-ons and carries into the final third than any other player, and he was second in passes into the penalty area. He has a highly promising future.
So, what are the risks? First and foremost, he has spent the majority of his career as a right-sided winger who cuts in with his left foot. With Fatawu back, City does not require a starter in that position. Soule did occasionally play inside in a more central role, but he tended to drift right, back to his preferred position. What City needs is a man in the middle, therefore he must be more strategic in his positioning. It would be bad for the team’s fortunes if he got in Fatawu’s way.
The other danger is the price. At £25 million or more, City would be spending a sizable portion of its budget. They would be putting all of their eggs in one basket, which may be dangerous. It only takes one injury to cause a problem. Finally, there is his inexperience. He has started 41 senior football games during his career. While he’s been really good, the sample size is limited. The argument is that Fofana had barely completed a full season of professional football when he signed for City in a big-money move, but he made an immediate impact and continued his trajectory, leaving for more than double his initial fee despite a serious injury.
There is no reason why Soule cannot pursue the same path. There’s no denying that City is up against it. They are just promoted, have lost their manager and greatest player, and will most likely face a points deduction. However, adding Soule would significantly boost their chances of survival.
