Who is Máximo Perrone? Man City sign next Redondo from Vélez Sarsfield

Manchester City continue their trend to sign South American talent and by signing Vélez Sarsfield’s midfielder Máximo Perrone. According to reports by South American transfer expert César Luis Merlo and the Italian transfer expert Fabrizio Romano Man City will pay more than the €8 million exit clause for the 20-year-old defensive midfielder. Media reports in Argentina have suggested a fee in the region of €11m. Man City confirmed the transfer on Monday, January 23. 

The 20-year-old managed his breakthrough at Vélez last season and has featured in 33 games (3 goals and 2 assists) for the Buenos Aires-based club. During that time, Perrone has become the captain and most important player in Vélez’s game. As a result, the 20-year-old has seen his market value grow significantly from just €2m to €8.5m in the latest Liga Profesional update, making him the third most valuable player playing in Argentina. 

Man City, in the meantime, have been aggressive when it comes to scouting talent in South America. The most prominent example is World Cup winner Julián Álvarez. The striker was signed for €21.4m from River Plate last summer and has since seen his market value grow to €50m. But there are more examples. Man City have also signed Nahuel Bustos (for €6.5m in 2020), Yan Couto (for €6m in 2020), Kayky (€10m in 2021), Darío Sarmiento (for €5m in 2021), and Kluiverth Aguilar (for €2.5m in 2021). Diego Rosa, signed for €6m, has since returned to Brazil, where he signed for EC Bahia. 

Máximo Perrone to Man City via NYCFC?  

The strategy to sign young South American talent, however, goes beyond just Man City. The City Group owns several clubs worldwide, including the previously mentioned Bahia, but also Uruguayan club Montevideo City Torque and Major League Soccer club New York City FC. 

New York City FC, in particular, has been a landing spot for many players in South America. Brazilian attacking midfielder Talles Magno is one prominent example. The Brazilian wunderkind was signed by the City Group in 2021 and has since increased his market value in MLS to €15m, becoming the subject of major transfer speculations. 

Another example is Taty Castellanos. The Argentine was the Transfermarkt MLS Player of the Season in 2021 and one of the most prolific scorers in North America has been since moved on to LaLiga club Girona, which the City Group also owns. The point of all this is that there have already been speculations that Perrone could be loaned to NYCFC before making the ultimate step to Europe. 

Those who have watched the Argentine, however, are certain that Perrone could make the step to Europe immediately. “I think he has the talent and the mentality to succeed under Pep Guardiola,” Area Manager for Argentina Scott Christensen said, pointing out that Perrone has modeled his game after one of Guardiola’s favorites: Sergio Busquets. 

Perrone to Man City: The next Fernando Redondo?

“Perrone is a left-footed midfielder with a very good vision in attack; he has great passing skills and a big personality,” Christensen said. The latter point is underlined by the fact that Perrone was already captaining the side as a 19-year-old despite playing less than 50 games in the first division. Another aspect that Christensen underlines is Perrone’s aerial ability despite being just under six feet tall. 

But what about Perrone’s ceiling? Although Perrone models himself after Busquets, Christensen believes the best comparison is former Milan and Real Madrid star Fernando Redondo. “He used to play as an offensive midfielder for Vélez’s youth and reserve teams,” Christensen said. “Nowadays, he is more like Redondo as he might be a defensive midfielder on paper, but he is more like an all-around midfielder. He’s one of those players who like to join the attack and does it with clarity.” 

Either way, Christensen believes that in Perrone, Man City have signed one of the most promising players in South America, whose market value will likely only increase when he represents Argentina at the U20 Copa Sudamericano. A tournament to watch for any City fan wanting to see the future Redondo in action.