Manchester City striker Kelechi Iheanacho is reportedly set to join Bundesliga outfit Hoffeinheim on a one-year loan deal next season.
According to reports from Germany, Hoffenheim’s coach Julian Nagelsmann is keen to take the youngster next season after an impressive campaign that saw his mostly young side secure Champions League football for 2017-18.
The Nigerian international has found minutes hard to come by this season after falling behind Gabriel Jesus and Kun Aguero in the pecking order at the Etihad and a loan move seems like a good option.
While Pep Guardiola is said to admire the prolific teenager’s attitude, there are doubts over whether he fits the Spaniard’s style of play.
Despite insisting that he’s made up his mind about who stays or leaves, Guardiola still remained coy when asked if the 20-year-old was part of his plans for next season. Asked about Iheanacho’s limited game time this season and if he had a future with the side, Guardiola replied saying:
[perfectpullquote align=”full” cite=”” link=”” color=”” class=”” size=””]”Kelechi is a young player who is clever in the box, he is strong, fast and has a sense of goal[/perfectpullquote]
“Like I said before to your colleague, at the end of the season we will talk about Kelechi and individual players.”
Despite not featuring for the first team since January 2nd, Iheanacho insists he’s happy at Manchester City and he’s okay with being shipped out next season to get more playing time.
The Taiwo Academy product has been impressive this season scoring an impressive seven goals from 27 appearances despite starting only five attracting interest from more than five top sides in Europe.
Gaurdiola is apparently a huge fan of Nagelsmann, who at just 29, has recently been named German coach of the year, after securing Champions League football for his club next season; another potential deal swinger for City and the player.
This potential transfer will give Iheanacho more playing minutes, a chance to rediscover his form and fulfill his potential while Hoffenheim receive a brilliant striker with experience at the top level.
Tottenham, FC Porto, West Ham, Bayer Leverkusen had all shown interest in signing the striker but Manchester City were not ready to part with such an exciting prospect on a permanent deal leaving a loan offer the best other possible option.
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