Who is Benjamin Mendy? Manchester City’s £49.3m ‘defensive signing’ from Monaco set to follow Bernardo Silva
Pep Guardiola raids Monaco for the second time in a week after a disappointing first season at the Etihad
MANCHESTER CITY have raided Monaco for a second time in a week to snap up Benjamin Mendy for £39.8m.
The full-back follows Portuguese attacking-midfielder Bernardo Silva, who made the move to the Etihad for £43m four days ago.
Here is everything you need to know about the latest star to move from the French principality.
Who is Benjamin Mendy?
Benjamin Mendy grew up in Longjumeau, in Southern Paris.
Like Paul Pogba, he began his career in the academy of second tier side Le Havre, making 57 appearances for the first team before Marseille came calling.
Mendy was tipped for a bright future when he made his debut for the French giants in 2013, but it was under Marcelo Bielsa that his career really took off.
The explosive full-back proved ideal for Bielsa's unique brand of fast-paced counter-attacking football and earned himself a move to Monaco last year.
What is Benjamin Mendy's style of play?
Mendy provides all the aspects you would expect from a modern day full-back.
Like Dani Alves, who Pep Guardiola managed so effectively at Barcelona, he likes to use his pace and attacking prowess to worry the opposition, as much as defend.
The 22-year-old should also suit the Premier League in the way he favours delivering crosses hard and early, rather than holding the ball up and waiting for support.
Why have Manchester City spent almost £40m on him?
It is no secret that City have been looking for a minimum of one new full-back this summer.
The position is one of the most important in Pep Guardiola's philosophy, often needing to come into midfield to receive the ball or gain possession.
With the ageing Pablo Zabaleta, Gael Clichy and Bacary Sagna all departing, it is clear that Guardiola is looking for younger blood to mould into his favoured inverted full-back role.
Signing Mendy quickly will allow Mendy a full pre-season to adapt to the former Barcelona boss' demands.
