Claudio Bravo was signed in August by Pep Guardiola to Manchester City as a ball playing goalkeeper, which predecessor Joe Hart clearly wasn't. Four months into his time at the Etihad Stadium, the Chilean is reportedly regretting leaving Barcelona for Manchester City.
According to Daily Star, he could be headed back to Spain, with three La Liga clubs supposedly interested in his services.
Also Read: Manuel Pellegrini: Claudio Bravo is the best goalkeeper in the world
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If he decides to leave, Bravo will mostly seek a transfer back to Spain. While a move back to Barcelona reportedly interests him, it is highly improbable that it will happen. Other Spanish clubs are interested in securing his services – former club Real Sociedad, Celta Vigo and Villarreal are reported to be three possible destinations for the Chilean keeper. He is still a respected figure in La Liga and it is likely that he could join one of these three squads.
Bravo has endured an underwhelming run of games as City have kept just three clean sheets in the league in 16 games, conceding 19 goals in the process. He has committed costly errors which many think his predecessor Hart wouldn't have made. Since making the move from Spain, the shotstopper hasn't quite settled in Manchester. He is reportedly finding it tough to cope up with the lifestyle and the language.
A goalkeeper with a reputation but found it incredibly tough in England
The former Barcelona goalkeeper is one of the best distributors of the ball from the goalkeeper’s position, a crucial ingredient in Guardiola’s style of play and his system of playing from the back. In his final season at Barcelona, his pass completion percentage was 84, which is a ridiculous number for a goalkeeper.
But he has found it difficult to keep up with the English game, especially the tactic of long balls and the physicality of the league.
Also Read: 5 sweeper-keepers Manchester City should turn to in January 2017
Bravo impressed for Chile at the 2014 World Cup and had a successful period at the Camp Nou, winning the league and the Champions League but it has gone downhill from there. He has reportedly told his close friends that he would have preferred to be the backup ahead of Marc-Andre Ter Stegen at Barcelona instead of starting for City.
If Bravo were to leave the Etihad, Guardiola could make a move for Alphonso Areola (Paris Saint-Germain) or Ederson Moraes (Benfica); two highly rated youngsters who could thrive under Guardiola.
However, Bravo’s situation is not the only problem on Guardiola’s hands. After a blistering start to the season, City have faded and registered just 5 wins in the last 16 matches.
