Leonardo Bonucci (From Bari to Juventus, £12.8m)
Bonucci made his name as recently as 9 months ago when he and Andrea Ranocchia formed a rock solid central-defensive pairing that ultimately secured a mid-table finish for Bari. Ranocchia picked up a mid-season injury but Bonucci went from strength to strength. The 6ft 3in 23-year-old has already been capped twice by Italy and is seen as a long term successor to Nicola Legrottaglie and partner to Giorgio Chiellini.
Jorge Martinez (From Catania to Juventus, £10m)
9 goals in 25 league games least season prompted Juventus to take notice of Martinez who is capable of playing on either wing. He was instrumental in Catania recording their greatest ever Serie A points total though the the 27-year-old is likely to be a bench-warmer behind the likes of Del Piero, Camoranesi and Pepe.
Miguel Veloso (From Sporting to Genoa, £5.4m*)
Alberto Zapater was sent to Sporting as part of this deal which significantly bolsters the strength of Genoa's midfield. Despite his deep-rooted love for Lisbon, Veloso is eager not to become one of football's nearly men and knows he needs to prove himself in a more competitive league. “I feel a little sadness. I am leaving the club that made me, both as a player and as a man, so I feel some sadness,” Veloso said. “Sporting is the club that gave me everything, so had I stayed I would have done so with heart and soul, but as this was not the case, I will try and assert myself in another championship." Veloso is rarely capped (just 14 times) for Portugal despite consistent performances in the Portugese Liga. Asked about the influence fellow Portugese International Eduardo had on his decision to sign for Genoa, Veloso replied "Eduardo? I spoke with him by telephone, but not yet in person. On the day I did my medical I was a little rushed, but on Tuesday I will have the chance to get together with him.”
Eduardo (From Braga to Genoa, £3.7m)
The Portugese no. 1 was bought in as a replacement for Marco Amelia who has gone on loan to Milan for a season after turning down moves to bigger clubs for a guarantee of first team football. Eduardo's signature has been highly sought after since his impressive showing at the recent World Cup as well as his part in Portugal's incredible defensive run.
Edinson Cavani (From Palermo to Naploi, £14.4m)
Another bright light of the World Cup, Cavani has signed a 4-year-deal with Napoli - the first year being a loan with the move being made permanent in the summer of 2011. The Uruguayan bolsters and already fearsome attack which boasts talents like Ezequiel Lavezzi and Fabio Quagliarella. This move is indicative of the genuine Champions League ambitions of Napoli though I fear they are strengthening at the wrong end of the pitch.
Tuesday, 3 August 2010
Serie A Transfer Update : Part 1 (Papastathopoulos, Adriano, D'Agostino, Toni)
Sokratis Papastathopoulos (from Genoa to Milan, £4.2m)
Papastathopoulos is a genuinely top quality central defender and Milan will be delighted at the fee for which he was signed. The Greek defender has won many fans of late with his no-nonsense defending. Recent reports have suggested however, that Papastathopoulos may be employed in his secondary role as a right-back at Milan with Alessandro Nesta and Thiago Silva expected to retain their places in the centre. Sokratis' ox-like strength combined with gritty determination and impressive pace mean the 22-year-old is sure to be a real hit at the San Siro.
Adriano (Flamengo to Roma, free)
Here's one for the 'Signings of the Summer' folder. The powerhouse striker has had well documented problems with weight, alcohol and authority. At one time, Adriano was considered the next incarnation or Ronaldo. Inter Milan signed Adriano in 2001 and l'imperatore was one of the players who really took Inter back to the pinnacle of Italian football. He had spells at Fiorentina and Parma before returning to Inter in 2004. After signing a new 5 year contract with Inter in 2005, Adriano's focus seemed to waver from football and there were many reports of him spending more time in the bars and clubs of Milan than the training ground. Adriano's weight noticeably ballooned and he was sent to Sao Paulo in 2007 to re-focus on football. He returned to inter for the 2008/2009 season and was back to his old best. Adriano and Inter parted terms mutually after Adriano didn't return from Brazil after going on International duty. Despite 19 goals in 31 games for Flamengo last season, Adriano was not included in Brazil's World Cup squad - seen as too much of a risk by Dunga. Roma picked up Adriano on a free this summer after his 1 year contract with Flamengo expired. He was presented with the number 8 shirt and could partner Vucinic or compatriot Baptista up-front. Adriano will be keen to produce his best football for Roma - who finished just 2 points behind his former club Inter last season.
Gaetano D’Agostino (From Udinese to Fiorentina, £8m)
D'Agostino is basically one of those Italian central midfield passing machines. The poor mans Andrea Pirlo, perhaps. He was a staple in the Udinese team for the last few seasons but the 28-year-old has never been able to make an impact Internationally - earning just 5 caps. It will be interesting to see how Fiorentina use D'Agostino - especially considering the current captain is Riccardo Montolivo. It's possible that Montolivo will sit deep and D'Agostino will be given more of a creative license but are the two too similar to co-exist?
Luca Toni (From Bayern Munich to Genoa, Free)
After a falling out with Louis van Gaal, Luca Toni was given a free transfer from Bayern Munich with Genoa acting quickly to secure his services. At 33 years old, it's unsurprising that Toni would want one last spell in his homeland before possibly hanging up the boots. Genoa will be hoping the big target man can form a classic little-and-large partnership with Rodrigo Palacio as the push for a return to the Europa League.
Papastathopoulos is a genuinely top quality central defender and Milan will be delighted at the fee for which he was signed. The Greek defender has won many fans of late with his no-nonsense defending. Recent reports have suggested however, that Papastathopoulos may be employed in his secondary role as a right-back at Milan with Alessandro Nesta and Thiago Silva expected to retain their places in the centre. Sokratis' ox-like strength combined with gritty determination and impressive pace mean the 22-year-old is sure to be a real hit at the San Siro.
Adriano (Flamengo to Roma, free)
Here's one for the 'Signings of the Summer' folder. The powerhouse striker has had well documented problems with weight, alcohol and authority. At one time, Adriano was considered the next incarnation or Ronaldo. Inter Milan signed Adriano in 2001 and l'imperatore was one of the players who really took Inter back to the pinnacle of Italian football. He had spells at Fiorentina and Parma before returning to Inter in 2004. After signing a new 5 year contract with Inter in 2005, Adriano's focus seemed to waver from football and there were many reports of him spending more time in the bars and clubs of Milan than the training ground. Adriano's weight noticeably ballooned and he was sent to Sao Paulo in 2007 to re-focus on football. He returned to inter for the 2008/2009 season and was back to his old best. Adriano and Inter parted terms mutually after Adriano didn't return from Brazil after going on International duty. Despite 19 goals in 31 games for Flamengo last season, Adriano was not included in Brazil's World Cup squad - seen as too much of a risk by Dunga. Roma picked up Adriano on a free this summer after his 1 year contract with Flamengo expired. He was presented with the number 8 shirt and could partner Vucinic or compatriot Baptista up-front. Adriano will be keen to produce his best football for Roma - who finished just 2 points behind his former club Inter last season.
Gaetano D’Agostino (From Udinese to Fiorentina, £8m)
D'Agostino is basically one of those Italian central midfield passing machines. The poor mans Andrea Pirlo, perhaps. He was a staple in the Udinese team for the last few seasons but the 28-year-old has never been able to make an impact Internationally - earning just 5 caps. It will be interesting to see how Fiorentina use D'Agostino - especially considering the current captain is Riccardo Montolivo. It's possible that Montolivo will sit deep and D'Agostino will be given more of a creative license but are the two too similar to co-exist?
Luca Toni (From Bayern Munich to Genoa, Free)
After a falling out with Louis van Gaal, Luca Toni was given a free transfer from Bayern Munich with Genoa acting quickly to secure his services. At 33 years old, it's unsurprising that Toni would want one last spell in his homeland before possibly hanging up the boots. Genoa will be hoping the big target man can form a classic little-and-large partnership with Rodrigo Palacio as the push for a return to the Europa League.
Premier League Transfer Update : Part 2 (Campbell, Bramble, Fletcher, Koscielny)
Sol Campbell (To Newcastle)
Good signing (I suppose). Sol Campbell was worryingly impressive for the most part during his return to Arsenal last season and his Premier League experience can only be a good thing for newly promoted Newcastle. The big centre-back is obviously only a short term measure and Newcastle will look to the likes of Steven Taylor or new signing James Perch to capably fill the position next to Fabricio Coloccini in the long term.
Titus Bramble (From Wigan to Sunderland, £1m)
Our views on Titus Shamble have been well documented but Steve Bruce is no mug and will know that Bramble is, at least, a good dressing room character. Bramble is highly unlikely to be a starter for Sunderland and for the price he isn't an awful back-up to the likes of Michael Turner and Anton Ferdinand.
Steven Fletcher (Burnley to Wolves, £6.5m)
£6.5m is a lot of money - especially for a club like Wolves - but Steven Fletcher has shown himself to be a capable striker with good pace, presence and an eye for goal. Fletcher bagged 12 goals in 38 games with little quality service in an unsuccessful relegation fight for Burnley last season prompting many clubs to come in for his signature. Wolves paid their joint highest ever fee (they previously paid £6.5m for Kevin Doyle) for the Scottish International who said recently of his new season's targets, "I don't want to put pressure on myself. If I beat last year's (goals) total it will be a good achievement." Wolves boss Mick McCarthy came under heavy criticism during last season for his persistence in playing one up top and despite vindicating himself by guiding the club to promotion, McCarthy has accepted the squad needs strengthening and will now hope for his potentially explosive strike pairing of Doyle and Fletcher to click in a bid to avoid the dreaded Second Season Syndrome.
Laurent Koscielny (Lorient to Arsenal, £10m)
What do William Gallas, Sol Campbell, Philippe Senderos and Mikael Silvestre have in common? They are all central defenders who were either released or out of contract at Arsenal this summer. The result? Arsene Wenger has taken a rare dip into that Arsenal wallet and splashed the cash on French centre back Laurent Koscielny. Wenger obviously has high hopes for the 24-year-old as Johan Djourou is the only other central defender in the squad. Arsene Wenger knows his French footballers and if Koscielny makes anywhere near the impact made by Thomas Vermaelen, Arsenal fans will be rejoicing for years to come. It is still very possible however that Wenger will venture into the transfer market again this season.
Good signing (I suppose). Sol Campbell was worryingly impressive for the most part during his return to Arsenal last season and his Premier League experience can only be a good thing for newly promoted Newcastle. The big centre-back is obviously only a short term measure and Newcastle will look to the likes of Steven Taylor or new signing James Perch to capably fill the position next to Fabricio Coloccini in the long term.
Titus Bramble (From Wigan to Sunderland, £1m)
Our views on Titus Shamble have been well documented but Steve Bruce is no mug and will know that Bramble is, at least, a good dressing room character. Bramble is highly unlikely to be a starter for Sunderland and for the price he isn't an awful back-up to the likes of Michael Turner and Anton Ferdinand.
Steven Fletcher (Burnley to Wolves, £6.5m)
£6.5m is a lot of money - especially for a club like Wolves - but Steven Fletcher has shown himself to be a capable striker with good pace, presence and an eye for goal. Fletcher bagged 12 goals in 38 games with little quality service in an unsuccessful relegation fight for Burnley last season prompting many clubs to come in for his signature. Wolves paid their joint highest ever fee (they previously paid £6.5m for Kevin Doyle) for the Scottish International who said recently of his new season's targets, "I don't want to put pressure on myself. If I beat last year's (goals) total it will be a good achievement." Wolves boss Mick McCarthy came under heavy criticism during last season for his persistence in playing one up top and despite vindicating himself by guiding the club to promotion, McCarthy has accepted the squad needs strengthening and will now hope for his potentially explosive strike pairing of Doyle and Fletcher to click in a bid to avoid the dreaded Second Season Syndrome.
Laurent Koscielny (Lorient to Arsenal, £10m)
What do William Gallas, Sol Campbell, Philippe Senderos and Mikael Silvestre have in common? They are all central defenders who were either released or out of contract at Arsenal this summer. The result? Arsene Wenger has taken a rare dip into that Arsenal wallet and splashed the cash on French centre back Laurent Koscielny. Wenger obviously has high hopes for the 24-year-old as Johan Djourou is the only other central defender in the squad. Arsene Wenger knows his French footballers and if Koscielny makes anywhere near the impact made by Thomas Vermaelen, Arsenal fans will be rejoicing for years to come. It is still very possible however that Wenger will venture into the transfer market again this season.
Friday, 30 July 2010
Premier League Transfer Update : Part 1 (Alonso, Smalling, Jovanovic, Wilson)
Here are some of the other high profile transfers from the Premier League which have caught the eye...
Marcos Alonso (From Real Madrid to Bolton for £2.2m)
The young left-back turned down offers from a host of other 'bigger' European clubs - perhaps looking for the safest bet of first team football. The 19 year old however, is unlikely to be ahead of the like of Paul Robinson and Jlloyd Samuel straight away - with Gary Megson stating he would give Alonso time to adjust to the difference in footballing culture. Marcos Alonso is your typical Spanish full-back, as comfortable in the tackle as he is with a ball at his feet. His true potential is yet to be determined. Is Bolton the right club for a youngster to develop?
Chris Smalling (From Fulham to Manchester United for £12m)
Smalling's career highlights currently involve him scoring a crucial own goal at Stamford Bridge last season and, more recently, conceding a penalty against Celtic with Manchester United in a considerably less important pre-season game. More of a Titus Bramble than a Rio Ferdiand, then. Still, there was much uproar when the youngster signed from Fulham and at 6ft 4in, he is unmistakeably a natural born centre-back. He has two great role-models in Ferdinand and Nemanja Vidic to help him develop his game and United fans and owners alike will hope he was worth the hefty price tag.
Milan Jovanovic (From Standard Liege to Liverpool for Free)
Milan Jovanovic is one of those guys who never quite fulfilled their press-given potential on the big stage. He was originally signed by Rafa Benitez this summer, and even once the comical Spaniard was sacked he was determined to move to Liverpool. Jovanovic is notorious for turning down Real Madrid in 2009 saying "I thought if I went there, it would be as an ordinary player...but maybe I am special." His talents lead him to pick up the Jupiler League's Player of Year. He applies his trade mainly down the left wing which could mean Joe Cole will be in a more central role behind the striker(s) with Stevie G sitting as a conventional centre-mid. Or, the special Serb will sit on the sidelines.
Danny Wilson (From Rangers to Liverpool for £2m)
When I first heard about this move I simply couldn't believe the transfer fee involved. Liverpool could sell this guy on in 12 months for 5 times the initial fee paid (although it is worth pointing out the figure is likely to rise to around £5m). Wilson is the current Scottish FWA and PFA Young Player of the Year. He captained the Scottish under-19 team and currently plays for the under-21s at just 18 years old. Wilson is a capable left-back although he favours the centre. His no nonsense style is likely to make him a hit at Anfield and I think he has huge potential.
Marcos Alonso (From Real Madrid to Bolton for £2.2m)
The young left-back turned down offers from a host of other 'bigger' European clubs - perhaps looking for the safest bet of first team football. The 19 year old however, is unlikely to be ahead of the like of Paul Robinson and Jlloyd Samuel straight away - with Gary Megson stating he would give Alonso time to adjust to the difference in footballing culture. Marcos Alonso is your typical Spanish full-back, as comfortable in the tackle as he is with a ball at his feet. His true potential is yet to be determined. Is Bolton the right club for a youngster to develop?
Chris Smalling (From Fulham to Manchester United for £12m)
Smalling's career highlights currently involve him scoring a crucial own goal at Stamford Bridge last season and, more recently, conceding a penalty against Celtic with Manchester United in a considerably less important pre-season game. More of a Titus Bramble than a Rio Ferdiand, then. Still, there was much uproar when the youngster signed from Fulham and at 6ft 4in, he is unmistakeably a natural born centre-back. He has two great role-models in Ferdinand and Nemanja Vidic to help him develop his game and United fans and owners alike will hope he was worth the hefty price tag.
Milan Jovanovic (From Standard Liege to Liverpool for Free)
Milan Jovanovic is one of those guys who never quite fulfilled their press-given potential on the big stage. He was originally signed by Rafa Benitez this summer, and even once the comical Spaniard was sacked he was determined to move to Liverpool. Jovanovic is notorious for turning down Real Madrid in 2009 saying "I thought if I went there, it would be as an ordinary player...but maybe I am special." His talents lead him to pick up the Jupiler League's Player of Year. He applies his trade mainly down the left wing which could mean Joe Cole will be in a more central role behind the striker(s) with Stevie G sitting as a conventional centre-mid. Or, the special Serb will sit on the sidelines.
Danny Wilson (From Rangers to Liverpool for £2m)
When I first heard about this move I simply couldn't believe the transfer fee involved. Liverpool could sell this guy on in 12 months for 5 times the initial fee paid (although it is worth pointing out the figure is likely to rise to around £5m). Wilson is the current Scottish FWA and PFA Young Player of the Year. He captained the Scottish under-19 team and currently plays for the under-21s at just 18 years old. Wilson is a capable left-back although he favours the centre. His no nonsense style is likely to make him a hit at Anfield and I think he has huge potential.
Thursday, 29 July 2010
Manchester City : Squad Analysis
In an interesting summer, Manchester City have been the club most keen to splash the cash so far bringing in Kolarov, Boateng, Silva and Toure. If reports are to believed, Balotelli has also all but signed and Milner may still just about be on the radar. The Drogba link at least, appears to be off the table. So who plays where?
Goalkeeper
Either Joe Hart or Shay Given will be warming the bench next season due largely to City's insistence on not letting Hart out on loan. Shay Given recently supported Fabio Capello's decision not to use Hart in England's miserable World Cup campaign stating, "it would have been a bit too early for him". Hart hit back saying, “I’ve just turned up at City trying to do the best I can.... At the moment I’m just really concentrating on getting that number one spot.” It will be interesting to see how this plays out next season, though I would assume Shay Given is currently the number one in Mancini's mind (although it's worth noting the Italian was the man who pulled the plug on legendary shot-stopper Francesco Toldo in favour of the unproven 25 year-old Julio Cesar at Inter Milan).
Defenders
One would assume the left-back spot is going to Aleksandar Kolarov. Bad news for Wayne Bridge but it is a step up for the club. Javier Garrido then, may well be shown the door soon. Club captain Kolo Toure will surely be one of starting centre-backs but who partners him? £23m Joleon Lescott must be a candidate. But what about new signing Jerome Boateng? And Vincent Kompany was impressive when he played last season..... Nedum Onuoha, you would assume, will be looking for a new club very soon. The right-back area is not as strong with Zabaleta and Richards the main candidates - this is why I thing Jerome Boateng will be pushed out into his secondary roll of right-back allowing Vincent Kompany to get the narrow nod over Lescott at centre-back.
Midfielders
This is where it really gets interesting. City's abundance of wingers leads me to assume Mancini will employ a 4-4-2 system. One certainty is that Yaya Toure will be a starter. Due to the attacking nature of the rest of the team, I think he will be partnered by a defensive minded player - ruling out Stephen Ireland. The 23-year-old has been linked in a move away from Eastlands - possibly being offered to Aston Villa as part of any James Milner deal. At 34 years old, Patrick Vieira surely won't be first choice next season. Michael Johnson is another player who may be better off applying his trade elsewhere as he has fallen out of favour in recent years after a promising start to top-flight football. One option is to employ Joleon Lescott at centre-back allowing Vincent Kompany to play in midfield though this seems unlikely given the calibre of the alternatives at the manager's disposal. The remaining two candidates; Gareth Barry and Nigel de Jong - with the likely nod going to the former. It is likely de Jong will be looking for a way out of City in the near future as he knows competition for places is growing.
The flanks are equally confusing for City. One of the wingers in question is Vladimir Weiss. "I've got three years left on my contract. I'm going to try to stay at City if possible." Weiss has expressed interest in moving out on loan next season - perhaps hoping to make an impact once some of the dust has settled. Craig Bellamy is also on his way out. The Welshman looks likely to join up with Mark Hughes at Fulham although Harry Redknapp has reportedly tabled a £4m bid. Tottenham, Liverpool and Arsenal have allegedly shown interest in Shaun Wright-Philips although the latest rumours link him with Aston Villa. £24m David Silva is a nailed-on starter at least. His ability to play on either wing leaves the final vacant midfield spot open to a number of people. The prodigal Robinho is reluctantly coming back to City this summer and will be difficult to leave out if he reproduces his international form. Despite the brave words on Macini, I can't help thinking Robinho is the sort of player who will find a way out if he really wants to. Adam Johnson impressed everyone last season by making the transition from Championship star to Premier League wonderkid with apparent ease. His biggest competition comes from guys yet to sign - namely Milner and Balotelli. The James Milner link has been cooling slightly of late with a £30m price tag slapped on his signature. The Mario Balotelli deal on the other hand is all but done. The reported £24m fee is representative of the sheer quality of the guy.
Strikers
Felipe Caicedo and Jo are likely to be sold this season after failing to make an impact and spending recent seasons out on loan. Roque Santa Cruz looks set to put his Manchester misery behind him with a move away to another Premier League side at a cut-price possible. Assuming no new signings, that leaves Carlos Tevez and Emmanuel Adebayor. City fans will be hoping for more of the same from these two - particularly Carlos Tevez who is threatening to make the club a powerhouse all by himself. It's worth noting Mario Balotelli's ability to play up-front (freeing up Robinho/Johnson to play out wide) although this would require Mancini to drop one of his talismanic top two. As for Didier Drogba - his agent is now saying the big Ivorian isn't interested in a move. The other reported target Fernando Torres looks set to make a dramatic move to Chelsea this summer.
There is definitely going to be crazy amounts of selling going on as City look to cut their squad down to 25 to meet Premier League regulations. Stand by for madness.
Manchester City (4-4-2) : Given, Boateng, Kompany, Toure, Kolarov, Balotelli, Yaya, Barry, Silva, Adebayor, Tevez
What do you think is Manchester City's strongest eleven?
Goalkeeper
Either Joe Hart or Shay Given will be warming the bench next season due largely to City's insistence on not letting Hart out on loan. Shay Given recently supported Fabio Capello's decision not to use Hart in England's miserable World Cup campaign stating, "it would have been a bit too early for him". Hart hit back saying, “I’ve just turned up at City trying to do the best I can.... At the moment I’m just really concentrating on getting that number one spot.” It will be interesting to see how this plays out next season, though I would assume Shay Given is currently the number one in Mancini's mind (although it's worth noting the Italian was the man who pulled the plug on legendary shot-stopper Francesco Toldo in favour of the unproven 25 year-old Julio Cesar at Inter Milan).
Defenders
One would assume the left-back spot is going to Aleksandar Kolarov. Bad news for Wayne Bridge but it is a step up for the club. Javier Garrido then, may well be shown the door soon. Club captain Kolo Toure will surely be one of starting centre-backs but who partners him? £23m Joleon Lescott must be a candidate. But what about new signing Jerome Boateng? And Vincent Kompany was impressive when he played last season..... Nedum Onuoha, you would assume, will be looking for a new club very soon. The right-back area is not as strong with Zabaleta and Richards the main candidates - this is why I thing Jerome Boateng will be pushed out into his secondary roll of right-back allowing Vincent Kompany to get the narrow nod over Lescott at centre-back.
Midfielders
This is where it really gets interesting. City's abundance of wingers leads me to assume Mancini will employ a 4-4-2 system. One certainty is that Yaya Toure will be a starter. Due to the attacking nature of the rest of the team, I think he will be partnered by a defensive minded player - ruling out Stephen Ireland. The 23-year-old has been linked in a move away from Eastlands - possibly being offered to Aston Villa as part of any James Milner deal. At 34 years old, Patrick Vieira surely won't be first choice next season. Michael Johnson is another player who may be better off applying his trade elsewhere as he has fallen out of favour in recent years after a promising start to top-flight football. One option is to employ Joleon Lescott at centre-back allowing Vincent Kompany to play in midfield though this seems unlikely given the calibre of the alternatives at the manager's disposal. The remaining two candidates; Gareth Barry and Nigel de Jong - with the likely nod going to the former. It is likely de Jong will be looking for a way out of City in the near future as he knows competition for places is growing.
The flanks are equally confusing for City. One of the wingers in question is Vladimir Weiss. "I've got three years left on my contract. I'm going to try to stay at City if possible." Weiss has expressed interest in moving out on loan next season - perhaps hoping to make an impact once some of the dust has settled. Craig Bellamy is also on his way out. The Welshman looks likely to join up with Mark Hughes at Fulham although Harry Redknapp has reportedly tabled a £4m bid. Tottenham, Liverpool and Arsenal have allegedly shown interest in Shaun Wright-Philips although the latest rumours link him with Aston Villa. £24m David Silva is a nailed-on starter at least. His ability to play on either wing leaves the final vacant midfield spot open to a number of people. The prodigal Robinho is reluctantly coming back to City this summer and will be difficult to leave out if he reproduces his international form. Despite the brave words on Macini, I can't help thinking Robinho is the sort of player who will find a way out if he really wants to. Adam Johnson impressed everyone last season by making the transition from Championship star to Premier League wonderkid with apparent ease. His biggest competition comes from guys yet to sign - namely Milner and Balotelli. The James Milner link has been cooling slightly of late with a £30m price tag slapped on his signature. The Mario Balotelli deal on the other hand is all but done. The reported £24m fee is representative of the sheer quality of the guy.
Strikers
Felipe Caicedo and Jo are likely to be sold this season after failing to make an impact and spending recent seasons out on loan. Roque Santa Cruz looks set to put his Manchester misery behind him with a move away to another Premier League side at a cut-price possible. Assuming no new signings, that leaves Carlos Tevez and Emmanuel Adebayor. City fans will be hoping for more of the same from these two - particularly Carlos Tevez who is threatening to make the club a powerhouse all by himself. It's worth noting Mario Balotelli's ability to play up-front (freeing up Robinho/Johnson to play out wide) although this would require Mancini to drop one of his talismanic top two. As for Didier Drogba - his agent is now saying the big Ivorian isn't interested in a move. The other reported target Fernando Torres looks set to make a dramatic move to Chelsea this summer.
There is definitely going to be crazy amounts of selling going on as City look to cut their squad down to 25 to meet Premier League regulations. Stand by for madness.
Manchester City (4-4-2) : Given, Boateng, Kompany, Toure, Kolarov, Balotelli, Yaya, Barry, Silva, Adebayor, Tevez
What do you think is Manchester City's strongest eleven?
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