Sergio Aguero will be on the move this summer — and the first leg of the Champions League semi-final against Paris Saint-Germain could be his big audition.
The legendary striker, 32, is set to leave the Etihad after a decade of service but his next destination has yet to be revealed.
With PSG reportedly interested in securing his services, could Aguero be going up against his future employers this evening?
Interested parties
Along with Barcelona and Juventus, the Parisians are believed to be keen on signing Aguero when his City contract expires.
It is no surprise there is significant interest from across the continent.
Proven strikers like the 97-cap international are not often available on a free transfer and finances are stretched at many of Europe’s elite clubs.
That may not be the case at PSG but an impactful performance in the last four of the Champions League could certainly prompt the French champions to make a move.
How might Aguero fit in if he were to make the switch to Paris?
A risky move?
Firstly, it needs to be addressed that the Argentine will be 33 in June and remains injury prone.
That caveat will be on the minds of the decision-makers at PSG. But they will also know that a fit and firing Aguero would be an asset to any club, regardless of age.
His time at the Etihad has reached its natural end, with Pep Guardiola often willing to play without a recognised striker this season.
But the City legend could still have plenty to offer elsewhere.
In need of a No9
One man in search of a No9 is PSG boss Mauricio Pochettino.
Mauro Icardi has been a a bit-part player and the future of Moise Kean — despite an impressive loan spell from Everton — remains uncertain.
Kylian Mbappe can be used as a central striker but he has generally proved more effective on the left of PSG’s attack.
It is clear the Ligue 1 side have not really replaced former talisman Edinson Cavani and bringing in Aguero might solve that particular problem in the short term.
Assuming he can avoid injuries, Aguero could also expect more game time at PSG, having made only 15 appearances for City in all competitions this season.
Irreplaceable
Guardiola is clearly of the view that the City icon can be a success elsewhere.
Speaking about Aguero last month, he said: “Sergio is irreplaceable. I could say in terms of numbers he can be replaceable but it’s not easy. When you see more than 360 games played and more than 250 goals, the amount of titles.
“He’s a legend, the best striker I ever had at this club through the years — but he’s also irreplaceable in the mind for our fans, to our people and to the players that played alongside him or the managers who worked with him.
“A fantastic person and human being. I’m pretty sure if his mind is still aggressive like he is, he can stand his career longer for two, three, four or five years.”
Change of scenery
Much will depend on Aguero’s fitness and his desire to remain a consistent performer at the top level.
Should he join PSG, there will be no shortage of service, with the likes of Mbappe, Neymar and Angel Di Maria inevitably creating a host of chances year after year.
It should be noted that Aguero hit 23 goals in all competitions only last season and his final campaign with City has been decimated by injuries.
A change of scenery and moving to a team in need of a clinical No9 could prove beneficial for all parties.
First, though, Aguero will want to leave Manchester on a high — by knocking out PSG en route to Champions League glory.
Source: Livescore