So far, it’s been a relatively unspectacular summer in the transfer market for Manchester City. Key target Alexis Sanchez appears to favour a move to Barcelona and whilst Roberto Mancini has secured the signature of Arsenal’s Gael Clichy, that doesn’t seem to me to be a signing that will really ‘excite’ fans. I grant that not every signing needs to titillate fans and that some players serve a more utilitarian function, but I’d argue that City have more important priorities than finding a new left back.
What about adding some more creativity to their midfield? What about adding some more firepower to be utilised in Carlos Tevez’s absence? Though Manchester City scored a good number of goals from their midfield last season, City’s strikers (apart from Tevez of course) didn’t contribute as much as they should have. Whilst I expect Edin Dzeko to improve next season, I’d still argue that City could to with bringing in another striker.
This priority would be even more pressing should Carlos Tevez leave Manchester City this summer. Tevez has shown signs of discontentment and it may be best for club and player if he’s moved on; that’s if and only if City bring in an adequate replacement. But who might this man be?
Certain reports in certain papers suggest that Manchester City are considering bidding for Porto’s Hulk: a man who has just had a £36m asking price placed unto his head. If City were to match Porto’s asking price it would beat the club record £32.5m that they spent on bringing Robinho to Eastlands. It strikes me that, given both his youth (he’s just 24 years-old) and his prowess he’s well worth his price-tag and I hope that he’s a player that is near the top of Mancini’s transfer wish-list.
One thing’s clear, with Chelsea interested, City will have to act quickly if they are to secure his signature.
Whilst Hulk has played mostly as a right midfielder for Porto, he’s equally adept playing as a striker and would provide a powerful, physical counterpoint to Edin Dzeko’s movement and finishing ability. Still, it’s important not to underplay both Hulk’s speed and his knack for grabbing goals. Last season he grabbed an incredible 36 goals as Porto stormed their way towards victory in the Portuguese Championship.
This is a man with credentials, with a winning mentality and with youth on his side. Surely it’s worth testing the waters with a bid of around £30m?
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