According to the Daily Mail, Manchester City have ended their pursuit of Gianluigi Buffon in favor of a cheaper (and potentially more attainable) alternative in Villareal keeper Diego Lopez.
Lopez left Real Madrid for Villareal in a €6m deal last year, and he established himself as Villareal’s first-choice keeper in his first campaign.
His valuation is reportedly around £25m, so that does make him a much cheaper target than Buffon, but is he worth it that fee? He is 27, and he’s obviously got talent if he’s the first-choice keeper for one of La Liga’s top sides, but he’s still light in terms of top-flight starting experience. He bided his time in Real Madrid’s system, but there’s only so many games you can get behind Iker Casillas.
Even though the club has another experienced goalkeeper in Sebastian Viera, they may not be looking to part with Lopez in January, as they’re in the final 16 of the Champions League and also fighting for at least a Champions League place in La Liga.
Money also isn’t an object for Villareal either, but if City give them an offer that’s near to his reported valuation, then it might be too good to pass up.
Add Sportslens to your Google News Feed!
