Second-choice Sergio: 4 potential summer destinations for Aguero
Brazilian blockbuster buy Gabriel Jesus bulged the twine for a third time in two starts as Sergio Aguero looked on, wrapped like a mummy set for an English entombment Sunday against Swansea.
It was the second successive time that the Argentine ceded his starting spot to the nimble newcomer, and with it, speculation has surfaced concerning Aguero's future at the Etihad.
With two-and-a-half years left on his City deal, Aguero's tenure languishes in Lancashire limbo as Pep Guardiola seems intent on forging a young, three-pronged attack with Jesus, Leroy Sane, and Raheem Sterling.
Still, Pep insists that Aguero is part of his Premier League plans, saying: "I understand the debate but there is no doubt about the quality of Sergio. I can say how happy I am with what he did - except the seven games when he was banned.
"This guy (Jesus) arrives, he played good. That's why he was playing but they can play together. Gabriel can play on the left. Now I have many options up front."
Five months shy of his 29th birthday, Aguero, who is 23 goals short of Eric Brook's club-record 177, may face a career-defining decision should he continue his newfound role as an impact sub.
"I will work hard for the remaining three months and then we'll see if the club wants me," Aguero said after Sunday's 2-1 victory over Swansea. Hardly the words of a player destined to see out his contract.
With that in mind, here's a look at four possible destinations for Aguero:
China
Once an afterthought but now a viable option, the opulence of the Chinese top flight has lured more than its share of high-profile players, and Aguero could be next.
Reportedly the object of interest of Beijing Guona among others, both Aguero and crafty playmaker David Silva have been linked with a move to China. "Beijing Guoan have drawn up a short list of top players from Manchester City who interest them," ICC organizer Eric Gao offered last year.
Perhaps Buenos Aires brethren Carlos Tevez, who made the Shanghai Shenhua switch on an obscenely lucrative £615,000-a-week deal, will encourage his fellow Los Albiceleste attacker to make a move to the Far East.
Probability: 15 percent
Inter Milan
With Mauro Icardi perpetually linked with a move away from the San Siro, Aguero could replace his countryman in the summer at Inter Milan when the striker sweepstakes dominoes begin to fall.
Group that with Sevilla's option to buy on-loan forward Stevan Jovetic and summer signing Gabigol's reported unrest at Inter, and the 18-time Italian top-flight winner may be compelled to strengthen its attacking ranks.
Apparently unafraid to splash the cash - with Joao Mario's €40-million move from Sporting the latest example - the funds from a potential Icardi exit would be more than enough to encourage Inter to score its 144-goal man. Consider the €101.5 million spent on Mario, Gabigol, Antonio Candreva, and Cristian Ansaldi as indications of Erick Thohir's willingness to spend his way back into European competition.
Possibility: 25 percent
Independiente
"It is all set. I am going to retire at Independiente. My family knows, I will return as soon as I finish out my contract with Manchester City," Aguero said in March, and despite claims from his agent insisting that his client will be at City next season, the El Rojo-reared forward may fancy a return sooner than later.
Aguero added that City are mindful of his plans, admitting: "Here they are already aware. They know that I want to return to Argentina. I am giving my word, from England, that I shall return to Avellaneda. I dream of playing with my brothers."
The Buenos Aires-born poacher made his professional debut for Independiente in 2003 when he was just 15 years and 35 days old, smashing a record held by Diego Maradona. He would go on to bag 23 goals in 53 appearances for El Rojo before moving to Atletico Madrid in 2006.
Having spent nearly a decade with Independiente, Aguero is one of many who fancy a return to the Argentine top flight, with the 28-year-old mentioning: "I know there are other players who want to return to Independiente, but I don't want to put them on the spot."
Can't hurt that current Independiente boss Gabriel Milito was formerly Aguero's national teammate.
Possibility: 10 percent
Atletico Madrid
No stranger to welcoming the return of a star striker, Atletico Madrid would be an ideal destination for Aguero.
With Antoine Griezmann reportedly nearing a summer move to Manchester United and spirited gaffer Diego Simeone likely to stay another year, Aguero has plenty of purpose for a Spanish revival.
Fernando Torres' return to the Vicente Calderone after two spells in England has set the precedent, and Kevin Gameiro's dire debut campaign with Los Rojiblancos has provided the demand. With Torres' contract set to expire in the summer and a potential exit for Yannick Ferreira-Carrasco looming large, a move to Spain prior to an Argentine return makes plenty of sense for Aguero. Whether or not Atletico can wiggle its way through financial constraints and transfer bans remains to be seen.
Possibility: 50 percent