Who is Zalan Vancsa? The 17-year-old Hungarian winger that Manchester City are ‘closing in on’

The young winger made his senior debut in Hungary last season and now could be on his way to the Etihad Stadium.
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Manchester City are yet to add to their squad in the winter transfer window, with the deadline closing in in just a few days time.

Despite the lack of activity, several names continue to be linked with a move to the Premier League champions this month.

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River Plate forward Julian Alvarez is said to already be a Sky Blues’ player, though no official announcement has been made by the club.

Alvarez scored 20 goals in all competitions for River Plate last season. Credit: Getty.Alvarez scored 20 goals in all competitions for River Plate last season. Credit: Getty.
Alvarez scored 20 goals in all competitions for River Plate last season. Credit: Getty.

Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano claims the 21-year-old has joined Guardiola’s side on a five-year deal and the club have paid the Argentinian outfit €18.5m with bonuses/taxes for the forward’s signature.

He adds that Alvarez will remain on loan with River Plate until July, but the move to Manchester is a ‘done deal’.

However, business by Guardiola isn’t set to stop there. The City boss is ‘closing in’ on his ‘second signing’ of the winter window - Zalan Vancsa, according to reports.

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As per The Telegraph, the Sky Blues have beaten Bayern Munich and AC Milan to the 17-year-old, who plys his trade for MTK Budapest in the Hungarian top-flight.

Pep Guardiola has said Riyad Mahrez will not be available for Saturday’s game against Southampton. Credit: Getty.Pep Guardiola has said Riyad Mahrez will not be available for Saturday’s game against Southampton. Credit: Getty.
Pep Guardiola has said Riyad Mahrez will not be available for Saturday’s game against Southampton. Credit: Getty.

According to Goal, he broke a 100-year record, in which he became the club’s youngest-ever goalscorer.

The winger has been a regular for MTK so far this season, making 16 appearances in all competitions, scoring seven goals and assisting his teammates on two occasions.

There is no confirmation as to whether he’ll fly to Manchester and join City once a deal is completed, or stay in his homeland for the remainder of the campaign.

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Who is Zalan Vancsa?

Born in Budapest on 27 October 2004, Vancsa is a Hungarian youth international with caps for both their Under-16 and 17 teams.

The 17-year-old played youth football for Ferencvaros, MTK Budapest and Vasas, before returning to his current club and breaking into their senior team last season.

Current form

The winger has scored one goal in Hungary’s top-flight this campaign, but has proven his talent in the UEFA Youth League, netting five times in four appearances for Budapest.

Vancsa is a right-footed winger, who predominantly plays on the left, but can also operate on the right-hand side and up top as well.

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How likely is the deal to go ahead?

If reports are to be believed by The Telegraph then the 17-year-old is very close to signing for the Premier League champions this month.

The Blues have until the deadline on Monday night to close any deal.

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