The former Blues defender believes that with questions asked about Gabriel Jesus and Sergio Aguero fighting for fitness, another opponent is needed
Diego Costa won the Premier League title for Manchester City if he was pulled out of the free agent pool, Micah Richards said.
Pep Guardiola’s side are back in the hunt for high-flying glory in 2021, with the Blues getting over a slow start to move on when it matters most.
They have, however, suffered a non-sexual struggle in the third final, with midfielder Phil Foden currently being the main winner with nine goals across all competitions.
Established forwards Gabriel Jesus and Sergio Aguero have struggled for form and fitness, with just seven attempts recorded between them.
Richards believes it is time for City to grab another striker, with Costa facing Chelsea currently without a club after being released by La Liga giants Atletico Madrid.
“Manchester City have already run a very funny run but if they signed Diego Costa now, he would win the Premier League for them – I’m sure,” said Richards, who was a defender for the Blues BBC Sport.
“Costa is 32 and I do not suggest it is a long-term solution for City up front, but the former Chelsea striker is a free agent after ending his Atletico Madrid contract in December, and can sign anyone with nothing.
“Why don’t you get it in until the end of the season? It would do more than just damage a few feathers and would be a back pain for defense against – he’s a proven finish that would give Pep Guardiola’s side a proper B. plan.
“Yes, you had to pay Costa’s salary, but it was worth the big difference it would make to City’s season. ”
Richards commented on the issues a Brazilian forward has suffered at the Etihad Stadium this season: “I love Jesus very much, and he is much more than just a grafter, but when I look on he doesn’t always look forward at the end of balls into the box as he did against Cheltenham in the FA Cup on Saturday – he often weeps deeper or to the left, game connection.
“It means City sometimes don’t have a center. If they had someone who always wanted to run in behind defenses then, with their creative players looking for them, I honestly think they would be scared. They would clean up, no matter how teams tried to stop them.
“Costa could be that striker and not only would he end the chances that City are making, his presence would increase opportunities for his players as well. ”
Any attempts by City to bring in another visiting player will also mean that Aguero ‘s contract is set to expire in the summer.
Richards told the iconic Argentine: “His playing time has been so much regulated this season and, when he returns after a positive test for Covid-19, we do not know for sure what role Aguero will play. able to play in the final months of the season.
“That’s why I say get someone in now, and then see what Aguero wants to do in the summer when his contract is up.
“If he wants to stay another year, and get a pre-season right under his belt – which didn’t happen this time – that’s perfect. I’m not writing it off because I know how good it is – I’m just saying City needs an alternative right now. ”