Maximo Perrone’s Loan Journey
Maximo Perrone, the 22-year-old central midfielder, has been on a continuous journey of development since signing for Manchester City from Velez Sarsfield in January 2023. The Argentine joined the Etihad club with a long-term vision, signing a five-and-a-half year contract for a transfer fee of around £8 million. After representing his country in the 2023 South American Under-20 Championship, Perrone made a quick and impressive Premier League debut in February 2023, coming on as a substitute in a 4-1 victory over AFC Bournemouth. However, City recognized the need for him to gain more first-team experience, and thus, he was loaned out to UD Las Palmas in Spain for the 2023-2024 season. This year, Perrone has continued his loan spell, this time with Como in Serie A, where he is once again making a name for himself.
Perrone’s Current Stance
In a recent interview with Calcio Line, as translated and relayed by Sport Witness, Perrone has made it abundantly clear that he is firmly committed to his current loan club, Como. Despite the looming decision Manchester City will have to make regarding his future, Perrone expressed his strong desire to remain with the Serie A side. "There are agents, representatives, I don’t know anything. As far as I’m concerned, I want to stay here, grow, and learn more with Como," he stated. His heartfelt aspiration to stay with Como underscores the positive environment and opportunities he has found there, which are crucial for his development as a professional footballer.
Relationship with Cesc Fabregas
Perrone’s commitment to Como is further reinforced by his excellent relationship with the club’s manager, Cesc Fabregas. He mentioned, "I want to give a hand to my teammates and I’m happy to stay with Cesc. I have an excellent relationship with him. I hope my future is here with Como." Fabregas, a former Barcelona and Chelsea star, has not only provided Perrone with valuable technical guidance but has also created a nurturing atmosphere that the young midfielder clearly values. This mentorship is essential for young players navigating the demanding world of professional football.
Influence of Rodri
While on loan at Como, Perrone has often spoken about his admiration for midfielders who excel in setting up attacking plays. He has frequently cited Manchester City’s Ballon d’Or winner of 2024, Rodri, as a role model. "Rodri is a role model for me," Perrone stated, highlighting the Spanish midfielder’s ability to control the tempo of the game and orchestrate attacks. This admiration is not surprising, given Rodri’s world-class status and his impact on Manchester City’s midfield. Perrone’s desire to emulate Rodri’s style of play indicates his ambition and the high standards he sets for himself.
Similarity in Playing Styles
Perrone has also noted the striking similarity between the playing styles at Como and Manchester City. "The style of play implemented by Cesc Fabregas at Como is similar to that of Pep Guardiola’s at Manchester City in terms of playing with the ball, pressing high up the pitch, and exploiting central spaces," he observed. This similarity suggests that Perrone’s experience at Como is not only benefiting his immediate development but also aligning him with the tactical demands of Manchester City. It is a testament to the club’s consistency in their approach to the game, which can be advantageous for players transitioning between different teams and leagues.
Future at Manchester City
However, the future of Maximo Perrone at Manchester City remains uncertain. The club’s recent signing of Nico Gonzalez from FC Porto could signal a shift in priorities and potentially limit Perrone’s prospects of breaking into the first team at the Etihad Stadium. Nevertheless, Perrone’s performance and development over the next season could play a crucial role in shaping City’s decision. If he continues to grow and impress at Como, he might still have a chance to return to Manchester City and prove himself in the competitive environment of the Premier League. For now, Perrone’s focus is firmly on his present, and he is doing everything in his power to make the most of his loan spell and carve out a promising future, whether it leads him back to Manchester City or not.
