'Man City would win the league with him!' - Guardiola urged to sign striker

The Citizens boss has been urged to sign a player that ‘would win him the Premier League’ by Richards.

Diego Costa can make a ‘massive difference’ for Manchester City, says Micah Richards, who believes the striker would guarantee the club of another Premier League title.

City are on a 10-match winning run across all competitions, keeping seven clean sheets and conceding just three goals. The regular absence of star attackers Sergio Aguero and Gabriel Jesus makes this run of form even more impressive.

Guardiola’s men sit two points off table-toppers Manchester United in the Premier League, but with a game in hand. They also have the league’s best defensive record, yet tail off somewhat compared to their rivals in the attack.

Therefore, Richards thinks signing former Chelsea striker Diego Costa, who recently left La Liga club Atletico Madrid, on a free transfer is a no brainer.

“Manchester City are already on a ridiculously good run of form but if they signed Diego Costa now, he would win them the Premier League – I am sure of it,” the ex-City defender told BBC Sport.

“Costa is 32 and I am not suggesting he 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 for anyone for nothing.

“Why not get him in until the end of the season? He would do more than just ruffle a few feathers and be a pain in the backside for opposition defenses – he is a proven finisher who would offer Pep Guardiola’s side a proper plan B.

“Yes, you would have to cover Costa’s wages, but the massive difference he could make to City’s season would make that worthwhile.”