Feyenoord Face Manchester City Transfer Challenge in Chase for Argentina Talent

Manchester City are reportedly ‘likely to swoop in’ for Argentina Under-20 forward Maher Carrizo, potentially complicating Feyenoord’s pursuit of the highly-rated youngster, according to new reports from the Netherlands.

The 19-year-old has emerged as one of the brightest talents produced by Velez Sarsfield in recent years, progressing through the club’s youth system before breaking into the senior side two seasons ago.

Primarily operating as a winger, Carrizo has impressed with his direct style and attacking output, registering 10 goals and one assist across 35 first-team appearances. His performances earned him a contract extension until December 2027, further increasing his value in the transfer market.

Carrizo has long been on the radar of several clubs across South America and Europe. A move to River Plate was close to completion previously, with an agreement reportedly in place before negotiations ultimately collapsed.

More recently, the Argentina youth international has attracted interest from Eredivisie side Feyenoord, who are keen to strengthen their attacking options with emerging talent from South America.

However, Manchester City have been linked with Carrizo for some time. In July, Argentine outlet Soy del Millo claimed Pep Guardiola’s side were monitoring the player and had considered triggering his €16 million release clause, although no formal approach materialised during the summer transfer window.

According to Soccer News, as translated and relayed by Sport Witness, City are now back in contention and appear to hold a significant advantage over Feyenoord in the race for Carrizo’s signature.

Journalist Mounir Boualin claimed that Manchester City had already made advances well ahead of their Dutch rivals.

“I heard he’s in advanced negotiations with Manchester City. Yes, and as Feyenoord, you can’t compete with that,” Boualin stated, though it remains unclear whether City would pursue a deal in the current January window or wait until the summer.

The report also suggests that Velez Sarsfield are prepared to sell Carrizo to a European club and would be open to a move to Manchester City, whose global profile and recent success under Guardiola provide significant attraction.

City’s attacking options are arguably among the strongest in recent years, potentially rivaling the depth seen during the club’s historic Treble-winning campaign in 2023. The January arrival of Antoine Semenyo, following the activation of his £65 million release clause, has already paid dividends, with the former Bournemouth forward scoring twice in his opening two matches.

Meanwhile, Jeremy Doku has also returned to form following a muscle injury that sidelined him for five games over the festive period, further increasing competition in the forward line.

Should Carrizo complete a move to England, immediate first-team involvement at Manchester City is unlikely. Instead, the teenager would be expected to continue his development under the City Football Group umbrella, with a loan move to another club viewed as the most probable next step.

Conclusion

Manchester City’s renewed interest in Maher Carrizo places Feyenoord at a significant disadvantage in the race for the Argentine talent. With City’s financial power, global stature, and established development pathways, any formal approach from the Premier League champions could prove decisive in determining Carrizo’s next destination.

FAQ

• Q: Who is Maher Carrizo?
  A: Maher Carrizo is a 19-year-old Argentina Under-20 international who plays as a winger for Velez Sarsfield.
• Q: Why are Manchester City interested in Carrizo?
  A: City value Carrizo’s attacking versatility, goal output, and long-term potential as part of their global development strategy.
• Q: What is Feyenoord’s situation in the transfer race?
  A: Feyenoord are interested in Carrizo but are considered unlikely to compete financially or structurally with Manchester City.
• Q: Would Carrizo join Manchester City’s first team immediately?
  A: No. A loan move within the City Football Group is the most likely pathway should the transfer be completed.