Prospects for Manchester City's New Signing Daniel Arzani

Manchester City completed the signing of Australian wonderkid Daniel Arzani before the close of the transfer window. The 19-year-old midfielder emerged as A-League’s young player of the year last season. This was well-deserved as he put up scintillating performances that showed maturity beyond his years. He dazzled the league with his quick speed and dribbling skills.

With a healthy assist rate and an eye for goal, the Arzani can develop into one of the game’s most prized assets.

The Iranian-born attacking midfielder who can also play as a winger moved with his parents to Australia at an early age and was eligible to represent any of the two countries. After growing up in Sydney, he joined Sydney FC. He later moved to Manchester City’s sister club Melbourne City in 2016.

His exploits in the league which earned him a place in the A-League Team of the Year, and a Harry Kewell Medal for the best Australian male under-23 player in July, 2018. Naturally, this led to a call-up to the Australian national team.

He played in all three of his nation’s World Cup matches in Russia setting a record as the youngest player ever to represent the country at the tournament. Before the tournament, however, the young player was already being linked with a move to the Premier League.

City Football Group partner club Manchester City was seen as his ultimate destination. The club finally signed the player before the transfer window slammed shut on Thursday.

But as has been indicated by City, his recruitment is for the future. A loan deal is the most likely scenario. Fellow Premier League clubs cannot take him on loan as the transfer window has closed in England. So he is set to be sent abroad.

The managing director of global football for City Football Group, Brian Marwood extolled the young player’s virtues on the club’s website.

“In a short period of time, Daniel has developed into one of Australia’s brightest young stars and has demonstrated the drive and raw talent required for success at the highest level,” he stated.

It’s however, too soon for the midfielder to get into Man City’s already star-studded team. Hence, a loan move to Celtic is expected. The club has stated that this is necessary “to progress his career”.

Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers confirmed on Friday that a two-year deal is due to be completed in a few days.

“Most of it is completed on our side. He’s been up here today. We hope for that to be completed over the next few days.”

It is expected that the young midfielder will be ready for the Premier League after his time with the Scottish giants. City favour Rodgers side as the former Liverpool boss plays an attacking style of football that is similar to what is being implemented by Pep Guardiola.

With fellow youngsters Phil Foden and Brahim Diaz already developing at the club, the future is brightly blue. If the trio’s development continues as expected, Man City’s dream of finally dominating not only the domestic front but the continent as well for the long haul could just be taking shape.