As reported by the club’s official website, Manchester City have confirmed the signing of Valencia defender Nicolas Otamendi.
The Argentina international had been expected to leave the Mestalla for some time after a sensational 2014/15 La Liga campaign; netting six times in 35 La Liga appearances whilst averaging 2.9 tackles, 3.1 interceptions, 7.3 clearances and 3.5 successful aerial duels per match to earn a place the division’s Team of the Season.
That’s seen him linked with Manchester United throughout the summer amid their search for a star-studded centre-back, with Spanish journalist Nacho Cotino even claiming to have seen ‘legal documents‘ confirming an Old Trafford move.
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But Red Devils officials informed Sky Sports News that they ‘weren’t interested‘ in the 6 foot defender earlier this month, paving the way for Manchester City to sign him instead.
Earlier this week came news that discussions with Valencia had reached ‘advanced stages‘ and the Citizens have now got the deal over the line; signing Otamendi on a five-year contract.
The former Porto man has told the club’s official website; “I am here to give my best, to fight game by game and push City to the highest peaks for as long as possible, and I wish we will be able to win several cups and titles. That’s the most important. To be here inside a club that looks so wonderful from the outside is a dream.”
How much City have paid for Otamendi remains unconfirmed. The Daily Mail mooted a figure of £32million yesterday evening but other sources indicate they may have paid significantly less, with Valencia still owing the Etihad outfit the vast majority of Alvaro Negredo’s £28million transfer fee.
You can view the rest of the Premier League’s confirmed summer transfers here.