Round-up
In the last few days, many of the Spanish papers have been reporting that David Silva is close to agreeing a move to City. Whilst constant rumour mongering has left me almost numb to each new name that pops up - Silva, especially as it is built on truth, is one that is genuinely exciting.
One of the main worries about City not qualifying for the Champions' League was that we would not be able to acquire the type of player that would be able to take us forward again. The confirmed bids we have been involved in - Silva, Yaya Toure and James Milner - seem to quash these fears. Champions' League may still be a sticking point in the deals but the belief of City's growing stature in the game is strong enough still to be attractive to some of the world's most highly-rated players.
If City manage to sign him, at 24, Silva would be a player coming into the peak of his career whilst under contract at City.
Another City target, Yaya Toure, scored in Ivory Coast's win over North Korea yesterday. The goal itself is an example of how much more than just a defensive midfielder Yaya is and with Ivory Coast now out of the World Cup, City's negotiations should now be free to continue.
Jerome Boateng made his first World Cup appearance against Ghana on Wednesday at left-back - replacing a Badstuber who was completely over-run by another alleged City target, Milos Krasic, against Serbia. The MEN decided to report on his weaknesses in this position, but I was quite impressed with him: tall, quick, comfortable on the ball - he looks suited to the Premiership. Only a calf injury prevented him from continuing his display in that match.
Whilst I do not want to see him employed at left-back permanently for City, the left-back slot is a problem for us and, if he can fill in, his versatility may be another impressive feature to his game.
Reports are resurfacing today about Shaun Wright-Phillip's wage demands - allegedly £100,000 per week. With the rumoured influx of players in his position, this could either be a test to the board about how much they value him (and therefore a gauge of whether he has a future at City or not) or it is just a ludicrous amount for someone who will probably be demoted to the role of bit-part player next season. With the volume of matches next campaign, every squad player will play his part, but I can't imagine that is what SWP moved back to City for. On the flip side of this, I can't think of any club that would match his alleged wage demands.
The fact is money talks for many players hence the possibility of players like Silva turning up at Eastlands.
ReplyDeleteI agree with the article on that. Silva wouldn't join us if he didnt think we were going places. Money matters but players have ambitions too.
ReplyDeleteSWP's advisor, as we all know, is a total balloonhead. Having said that, for Shaun to be earning LESS than Wayne Bridge is a travesty, whatever the reason.
ReplyDeleteI've got a feeling that we'll be stuck with Bridge until the end of his contract - not Mancini's fault, he inherited him.
We were playing great when Bridge was injured. At least Bridge is dependable - his final pass will go to the opposition 19 times out of 20.
Once in 20 times, Wayne shuts his eyes and spoils his record by kicking it to one of his own team. Keep an eye out next time he plays, and keep count, if you don't believe me. Also, you know he's never going to be a hero for the team, or do something magic, even once.
John Terry done England a favour.
I hate criticising a current City player, and I hope Bridge proves us wrong. You just know he won't. He must be absolutely fantastic in training to get picked over Garrido.