After confirming their first season without a trophy in four years, incoming sporting director Hugo Viana and Manchester City have reportedly made their first move to sign a Crystal Palace star who cost them the FA Cup.
Man City defeated in FA Cup final by Palace
Last year it was Manchester United who overcame Pep Guardiola's side at Wembley to cause a great shock, as Manchester City entered the final in a partying mood fresh from Premier League title success. This time around, it was Crystal Palace sending great shockwaves. But this year, there has been no title for Manchester City to celebrate. In fact, it's been their toughest year of Guardiola's reign altogether.
When Eberechi Eze swept home from a blistering Crystal Palace move in the first half, it became an all too familiar story for the Citizens, who dominated the early stages only to lack the ruthlessness which saw them win four Premier League titles in a row.
Defeat didn't come without controversy, however. Manchester City may feel as though Dean Henderson should have been given his marching orders for palming the ball away from outside of his area. And given that he then went on to save Omar Marmoush's penalty later in the half, the Citizens should feel rightly frustrated by the decision.
Guardiola had his say on the defeat and answered whether it was his decision for Marmoush to take City's penalty over Erling Haaland, telling reporters: “I didn’t speak with them [Haaland and Marmoush].
“They take a decision, penalties are like that. I like guys who take initiative and they decide. In that moment, it’s how they feel. They decided Omar was ready to take it."
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For all the moments to forget against Palace, though, the Citizens did at least get a first-hand look at a player they've already reportedly made their move for ahead of this summer.
Man City make first move for £59m Eze
According to reports in Spain, Viana has now made an opening move to sign Eze for Manchester City this summer. The FA Cup final goalscorer reportedly has a release clause worth as much as €70m (£59m), and those at the Etihad now want to activate it.
Of course, it's no secret that Manchester City want a No.10, either, amid their chase to sign Bayer Leverkusen's Florian Wirtz. As things stand, however, reports are pointing towards a move to Bayern Munich rather than the Premier League, which could open the door for Eze to complete his move.
Crystal Palace's Eberechi Eze poses with the player of the match trophy
Losing possession just once against the Citizens, earning three fouls and completing five recoveries, Eze was everywhere to be seen at Wembley whilst also netting the all-important winning goal.
The midfielder's season had been leading up to such a moment, and Oliver Glasner's earlier praise should have come as no surprise this season. Describing Eze as "unbelievable" in September, the Crystal Palace boss will be well aware of just how capable his star man is of performing at the highest level.