Gabriel Jesus has been told to leave Manchester City if he wants regular playing time, and advised that the club may be willing to let him go if that's his wish.
Jesus has been linked with a transfer away after reports last week suggested he is unhappy with his playing time at City, and would also prefer to play centrally as a number nine. He refused to comment on his future when speaking to reporters after he scored four goals vs Watford at the weekend, but said in another interview that he does in fact want to play through the middle and will make a decision on his future at the end of the season.
With City bringing in Julian Alvarez in the summer and hoping to add Erling Haaland to their squad, Jesus' opportunities may be limited further next season. And former City defender Danny Mills says Jesus will be better off leaving the Etihad if he wants to be a first-choice striker.
ALSO READ: Premier League announcement hands Man City big title race advantage vs Liverpool FC
"I think it'll be very difficult for him," Mills told MEN Sport (via FreeSuperTips ), comparing his situation to Liverpool fan favourite Divock Origi
"He's never been the out and out number nine at Manchester City, obviously he had to compete with Sergio Aguero who he was never going to live up to those standards.
"It was always going to be unfair to expect him to as well and I guess you'd put him in the category of Divok Origi. I think he's a better player than Origi, but he's a player who's going to play enough games and get his fair share of goals.
"He will be useful for Manchester City as a backup striker, but that's what I think he's always going to be. Pep has always raved about his unselfishness, his ability to help the team out, his running and the movement he makes which leaves gaps for other players.
"But he's never really fancied him in a regular starting position, and I think that shows when they play him out wide rather than down the middle. I think it'll be down to Jesus and what he wants to do."
Regarding Jesus' options, Mills said he believes City will be sympathetic to the striker's concerns and may even help him find a new club if that is the route he wants to take.
"If he's happy with that role, winning the league, winning trophies and I'm sure he's rewarded financially as well. There aren’t many better places to play your trade than Manchester City with the training ground and the experience he'll get.
"If he's happy, then great and I think City will want to keep him for that secondary role. But if he wants to move on, play regularly and be the main guy, then he'll have to move on.
"I wouldn't be surprised if City said that's ok, as long as he isn't going to a direct rival such as Liverpool. With the service he's given to City, I don't think it'll be an issue if he wants to leave, they've been good with players like that."
Sign up to our City newsletter so you never miss an update from the Etihad Stadium this season.
