Manchester City 'Quietly' Pursuing 'New Lionel Messi'

Prior to Lionel Messi’s decision to stay at Barcelona, Manchester City was already “quietly” plotting a move for Dario Sarmiento, a teenager dubbed as “new Messi.”

Among the big clubs chasing Messi during his Barcelona exit saga, Man City came the closest to securing a deal for the 33-year-old’s signature. But aside from pursuing the six-time Ballon d’Or winner, the Citizens were planning another move.

City has been courting 17-year-old Sarmiento of Estudiantes, a goalless wonderkid dubbed by some as “the new Messi,” ESPN reported.

Unlike other youngsters who earned comparisons with Messi in the past, Sarmiento appears to be unique. While “Leo” is known for his incredible goal-scoring attributes and magnificent playmaking, Sarmiento is a player with less than 10 senior games and “no goals” to his credit, the report said.

However, renowned Argentine manager, Alejandro Sabella, seemed convinced that Sarmiento really resembles a young Messi. Like Sarmiento, Sabella also played for Estudiantes. He had an illustrious playing and coaching career and was in charge of Messi's Argentina when they reached the final of the 2014 World Cup.

Sarmiento told ESPN Argentina that Sabella personally scouted him, “went down on his knees” and “told him that he was going to be a star.”

The manager was thrilled by Sarmiento's left foot, which goes well with his poise and balance. He could take three opponents out of the game with blistering speed, the report noted.

Just like Messi, Sarmiento can also see the passes around him and make calm decisions. On top of that, Sarmiento has a lot of strength despite often being the smallest guy on the pitch, the outlet noted.

Sarmiento grew up idolizing Messi, but he still has a long way to go to catch up to the Barcelona legend. However, City seems determined not to miss out on the youngster’s potential. The Premier League giant could be in the pole position to sign Sarmiento.

However, Sarmiento may have to stay at Estudiantes for another year and wait until he is 18 years old before moving to England if he does get an offer from Manchester City.