Transfer Talk: City target Buchanan can bring versatility and dynamism

Tajon Buchanan has emerged as one of North America's brightest prospects over the past couple of years.

The versatile winger, 24, made the move from New England Revolution to Europe in 2021 when he joined Club Brugge.

And his fantastic form for the Belgian side has led to speculation over a potential January move to Premier League champions Manchester City.

Ahead of City's Champions League clash with Crvena zvezda, we take a look at what Buchanan could bring to Pep Guardiola's team.

Positional prowess

Buchanan is extremely versatile, which will immediately appeal to Guardiola.

The City boss often uses players in various roles, with positional fluidity and intelligence key attributes in his sides.

That would be no issue for Buchanan, who has operated as both a right and left winger — and even as a centre-back — during his career.

The Canada international has primarily played at right-back for Brugge this season, making 12 league appearances with two goals and two assists to his name.

Guardiola is likely to be on the lookout for a long-term successor to Kyle Walker, 33.

And Buchanan, who is an impressive athlete, appears to have been identified as the right man with reports claiming City are prepared to pay £50million to land him.

The Ontario native's pace and physicality, as well as his natural attacking tendencies, make him very much a modern full-back.

He may not have the defensive attributes of a player like Walker — but he would certainly add yet more attacking dynamism to Guardiola's ever-evolving side. 

The 35-cap international's addition would also mean the Spaniard has more options in wide areas, further bolstering an already enviable squad.

And with his best years still to come, Buchanan has time to improve the defensive side of his game while refining his end product in the final third.

More to come

Buchanan was something of a late bloomer having only really emerged as a top MLS talent in 2020.

But his development has been rapid in recent seasons with Brugge the ideal stepping stone for a player with big potential.

Former New England Revolution coach Bruce Arena said: "He [Buchanan] has grown tactically. Obviously playing more, he has a better feel for the game.

"Technically, he's a good player. Physically, he's grown into a real man and his physical qualities are enormous as well.

"But I think the experience combined with his technical ability and his physical attributes have made him a very good player."

Buchanan is not yet the finished article — but the right coach and club could take him to new heights.

City will hope they have discovered a future Premier League star.