As Erling Haaland's prospective move to Manchester City edges closer, there's no doubt Gabriel Jesus will have a massive question to answer in the summer, with his contract set to expire in 15 months’ time.
The Blues’ search for a clinical number nine to replace Sergio Agüero seems to be drawing towards a conclusion that would please nearly all supporters. Haaland – who has 80 goals in 79 Borussia Dortmund appearances – is one of the hottest prospects in Europe and has attracted the attention of several suitors.
All signs point to the Norwegian becoming a City player next season, but if it happens that will lead to a few questions being asked of some of the current crop of stars – including Jesus. In fact, the Brazilian’s positional change this season has likely intensified City’s efforts to sign a striker, with Jesus beginning the campaign on the right-wing and enjoying varying degrees of success.
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His seven Premier League assists look good on paper, with the 24-year-old even scoring the winner against the then-table toppers Chelsea at Stamford Bridge, back in September. Twisting and turning before finding the bottom corner, it was everything that makes Jesus so great at times.
However, that remains the last time he found the net in the Premier League. He has scored twice in the Champions League and once more in the FA Cup, but his early-season momentum has gone, and the Brazilian is now out of favour now maybe more than ever.
A niggling injury kept him out of action for a while, with Jesus completing 90 minutes against Sporting CP last week for the first time since against Brentford in December 2021.
If City were to complete the signing of Haaland, he would add to the ever-growing list of obstacles in Jesus' way. The winger is constantly praised for his effective pressing by Pep Guardiola, but deep down, the Catalan will want more from him and other options are providing it at the moment.
Maybe it’s unfortunate for Jesus that Riyad Mahrez has hit such a hot streak and has locked down the right-wing. Phil Foden has done the same in the false nine role, and it also looks like Jack Grealish and Raheem Sterling are set to battle it out for the remaining spot on the left-wing.
It’s tricky to see where the Brazilian fits in right now. That’s not even considering the potential signing of Haaland, which – if completed – would take up another spot in the forward line, and likely shift Foden out wide.
Jesus is part of a contingent of City players whose contracts expire in the summer of 2023. Along with Sterling, who is in that same group, Jesus will have a big decision to make in the summer – stay and fight to earn a new deal, or leave in search of regular football.
There are plenty of top European clubs who would take Jesus, with Juventus the most regularly linked, but the decision is ultimately down to him and how willing he is to be patient and take his opportunities.
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