Manchester City's talismanic striker Sergio Aguero is just days away from the expiry of his contract at the Etihad Stadium. The former Atletico Madrid forward has been a revelation since moving to Manchester, hitting 182 goals in 274 competitive appearances. He is now eligible for a testimonial, having played 10 years with the Citizens. However, the decision to release Agüero at the end of this campaign looks to be a shrewd one by City boss Pep Guardiola.
The biggest issue for the 32-year-old Argentine in the 2020/21 season has been personal fitness. Aguero has managed just eight starts in the league so far this campaign which is by far his lowest total yet. One point of view is that Aguero's workaholic attributes are starting to take their toll on his body. In this concertinaed English Premier League (EPL) season, the likes of Aguero potentially suffered from the lack of a proper pre-season. Furthermore, studies led by the Huddersfield and Edge Hill Universities found that congested fixture calendars had a negative impact on high intensity on-field movements – even though players typically ran the same distance over the course of 90 minutes.
It's quite likely that the effects of this short, sharp season – coupled with a decade of consistent action in the EPL – has started to catch up with Aguero's body. When pressed on his selection policy for City's Champions League final with Chelsea, Guardiola admitted he will have to be "cold" in his team selection, leaving sentiment aside to pick a team that is "the best to win" against EPL rivals Chelsea in Porto. In years gone by, Aguero would have been the first name on the City teamsheet. It's clear that City and Aguero have simply reached the end of their fairy tale road together.
Who are the likely suitors for "Kun" Aguero?
All the indications suggest that Aguero is bound for Catalan giants Barcelona. Aguero and his advisers are reported to have held positive talks with Barca over teaming up with compatriot Lionel Messi at Camp Nou. However, it still beggars belief among football finance experts that Barcelona can continue to recruit new faces this summer, not least with hefty debt repayments looming large.
Aguero currently earns £250,000-a-week at the Etihad Stadium and reports suggest that Barca are struggling to meet his salary expectations. In fact, Aguero could be forced to accept a 40% pay cut, along with a £5m signing-on fee to sweeten the deal. Playing alongside his long-time Argentina teammate Lionel Messi will no doubt be a significant pull for Aguero. However, there are thought to be multiple EPL suitors clamouring for his signature too.
Ambitious Merseysiders Everton are said to be preparing a financial package to tempt Aguero to Carlo Ancelotti's Toffees, playing a part in their push to become Champions League regulars. Although Aguero's current wages are out of reach at Goodison Park, the Toffees are prepared to bridge any difference in weekly wages with a substantial signing-on fee which could eclipse the one on offer at Camp Nou.
In addition, EPL trio Chelsea, Leeds and Tottenham are also expected to be readying contract offers for the Argentine. The latter could certainly need a new centre-forward if Harry Kane's rumoured transfer request is granted this summer. This year's Serie A champions Inter Milan are also said to be interested in discussing terms with Aguero.
Nevertheless, the lure of finishing his playing career in Europe with Barcelona could still prove too great for Aguero. Barca have been in desperate need of a centre-forward for some time, with journeyman Danish striker Martin Braithwaite still surprisingly in the Camp Nou ranks after being plucked from Leganes in a cut-price January transfer window deal. The Catalans' view is that Aguero still has at least two years at the top level of European football in him and can provide proven firepower, even if it is from the substitutes' bench.
Indications are that Aguero could also be joined by Dutch forward Memphis Depay, who is also out of contract with his Ligue 1 employers Lyon this summer. Depay has enjoyed his most prolific season to date in 2020/21 and would arrive in Barcelona in red-hot form. Wherever Aguero's next destination may be, no-one can deny the Argentine's role in Manchester City's revolution from Premier League also-rans to Champions League winners elect.
