It seems like it was only yesterday that I was sat here at my computer writing about a fairly negative spell in Manchester City’s recent history; surrendering the Premier League to rivals Manchester United, losing the FA Cup Final to un-fancied Wigan and the sacking of manager Roberto Mancini. It’s astounding how quickly things can change as now City can look forward to the new season with renewed optimism. And here’s why...
City have managed to strengthen. This alone may not be that surprising with the vast wealth they have behind them, but what makes this more than significant is that City’s title rivals all seem to be struggling with their own transfer dealings. The clock is ticking and multi-million pound transfer deals don’t happen overnight.
Arsenal and Chelsea appear to be trying. They’re making all the right noises but so far there has been no significant business for either of them. If Arsenal secure Luis Suárez and Chelsea acquire Wayne Rooney then that will be a big plus for each of them but until a deal is done these moves are nothing more than paper talk.
Paulinho could conceivably be a great signing for Spurs but him and any additions they make from here could be quite quickly offset by the impending sale of star man Gareth Bale. And then there are the reigning champions, United.
United’s summer promised much with regards to recruitment. For the first time in decades they had a new manager wanting to put his own stamp on the squad. Many expected David Moyes to bring some of his star players with him from Everton, the likes of Marouane Fellaini and Leighton Baines. No news yet. United have made their interest in Cesc Fábregas very clear but it appears that the former Arsenal midfielder is settled in Barcelona and his club have no intention of selling.
Long-term target Gareth Bale is unlikely to be sold by Spurs to another English club, similar to Spurs refusal to sell Luka Modrić to Chelsea last summer. And the media machine seems to have gone cold on the possibility of Cristiano Ronaldo returning. Perhaps United without Sir Alex at the helm doesn’t quite have the same allure for a potential recruit?
In a time of stagnation for their rivals City are making strides. In Manuel Pellegrini they have a manager who is quickly showing himself to be cool, calm and collected. A natural leader with a proven pedigree, Pellegrini was City’s first and only choice for a reason. Nothing is set in stone, especially in this era of trigger happy chairmen chopping and changing their managers, but Pellegrini has all the tools to be in the City hot seat for some time to come.
And it’s not just the managerial change that could reinvigorate City this season. City’s transfer policy this summer has been quite clear, they have both eyes on the here and now. Fernandinho, bought for a whopping £35million. On the surface this seems an astronomical fee for a player who is already 28 and has only made it onto the pitch for his native Brazil 5 times. But City fans will care little if he produces on the pitch.
Carlos Tévez has been moved on but a combined £44million has been spent replacing him, £22million a piece on Stevan Jovetić from Fiorentina and Álvaro Negredo from Sevilla. Complementing a strike force that already includes Argentina striker Sergio Agüero and, in Edin Džeko, a striker that seems to have something to prove this season.
Sevilla were again raided for experienced Spain winger Jesús Navas for £17million. A pretty reasonable fee in the current market. So, an average age of over 26 years old for these four signings. City have certainly not brought these players in with the intention of having a title winning team in the future. This isn’t the result of some sort of ‘five year plan’. City expect to be challenging now. And they will be.
SkyBet currently has City as second favourites for the title, only Chelsea are seen as a safer bet with the bookies at present time. City would certainly seem a safe bet for one simple reason, a reason that has actually been the trademark of their neighbours for quite some time. They have done their business early.
While everyone else is still scrambling around in the transfer madness that only intensifies the closer we get to deadline day, City have (in true United fashion) got their house in order early.