Manchester City are now frontrunners in the race to sign a "world-class" £80m star, who Pep Guardiola has called "extraordinary".
Man City eyeing new forward after Bayer Leverkusen defeat
Guardiola rung the changes on Tuesday evening, making 10 alterations to the side that lost 2-1 at Newcastle United at the weekend, and Bayer Leverkusen made them pay, emerging as 2-0 winners at the Etihad Stadium.
City did manage to create some chances, with Nathan Ake, Savinho and second-half substitute Erling Haaland all squandering big opportunities, but they weren't clinical enough on the night, and the German side emerged as surprise winners.
Pep would've been hoping that his attackers would step up in the absence of Haaland, with Omar Marmoush being given the nod ahead of the Norwegian at centre-forward, but it was a subpar performance from the Egyptian, who received a 6.2 SofaScore match rating, the lowest of any player.
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola before the match
The defeat arguably underlined the need for the Blues to bring in another forward to support Haaland in the January transfer window, and there has now been a positive update on their interest in Real Madrid star Vinicius Jr.
According to a report from Football Insider, Man City are now frontrunners in the race to sign Vinicius, alongside Premier League rivals Chelsea, with the forward's future at the Santiago Bernabeu in doubt, following a fallout with manager Xabi Alonso.
Talks over a contract extension have stalled, meaning the Brazilian could be set to depart the Spanish club, and City would have the financial muscle to get a deal over the line, with his current employers looking to receive £80m.
Real Madrid's Vinicius Junior reacts
Should Madrid decide to cash-in this summer, with the 25-year-old's current deal set to expire in 2027, a number of Saudi Pro League clubs would also join the Blues in the race, so there could be stiff competition for his signature.
"World-class" Vinicius could elevate Man City's forward line
With the likes of Savinho, Marmoush and Oscar Bobb failing to deliver against Leverkusen, Pep may be keen to bring in a forward who is already proven at the top level, and he is known to be a keen admirer of the Real Madrid star.
The City boss lauded the Brazil international as "extraordinary" last year, while he has also received high praise from Jurgen Klopp, who described the winger as "world-class" and a Real Madrid "legend".
The former Flamengo man has been one of Madrid's most important players for several years now, and he remained potent in front of goal right across the 2024-25 campaign, weighing in with 41 goal contributions in all competitions.
Manchester City's John Stones applauds fans after the match Related
[Same agent as Stones: Man City ready to snap up £80m Champions League "superstar"](https://www.footballfancast.com/john-stones-man-city-ready-tino-livramento-transfer-champions-league/ "Same agent as Stones: Man City ready to snap up £80m Champions League "superstar"")
There has been a new update on the Blues' pursuit of a new defender.
As such, should Vinicius Jr become available, Man City should undoubtedly make a move, and £80m would be reasonable fee for a forward who is still young, and regarded as one of the best wingers in the world.