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Under Roberto Mancini, Manchester City have signed players at the peak of their powers. They have not been scared to pay big money and they are working on a timeline which doesn’t seem to afford them time to develop younger players. City have given him the likes of Matija Nastasic, Scott Sinclair and Jack Rodwell recently, but Mancini has tended to favour his more experienced players. With this in mind, I will only suggest the finished articles for them to look at.
Scout Report
A roving and buccaneering left-back, Baines is one of the most consistent players in the Premier League. He rarely misses any game time and can take matches over from his position, which is a rare talent for a defender. His crossing is amongst the best in the league and he is defensively secure.
Where does he fit?
City could buy him, plug him in and leave him there for every game. That is fundamentally what they need at left-back. Aleksandar Kolarov can’t defend and Gael Clichy has real problems staying fit. Signing Baines would fix that in an instant. If Mancini wanted to play wing-backs, Baines would be more than comfortable playing there too. He would also add some much needed width to City’s play which can sometimes get narrow and slow. If they move it out to him, he will sling a cross in quickly to be attacked. He makes too much sense for how infrequently he is linked to them.
How much? Probably not too much given Everton’s financial limitations. Something in the £15m region would probably suffice.
Daniele De Rossi – Roma
Scout Report
The complete midfielder, De Rossi brings an infectious determination to win and unwillingness to accept defeat. He intercepts the ball, makes tackles and scores goals. He is truly the all-around package.
Where does he fit?
De Rossi would be an enormous upgrade on the incumbents Gareth Barry and Javi Garcia alongside Yaya Toure. Mancini likes a team of men, of winners, and this is where De Rossi would fit. You wouldn’t see City overwhelmed under pressure as they have been at times this season. He would grab games by the scruff of the neck and shake up those around him. He also has the tactical acumen to move back in to a three-man defence, should that system be deployed further.
How much?
De Rossi is one of the premier midfielders in the world so he would not come cheap. City would have to part with around £30m but they’ve made bigger deals than that in the past.
Mario Gomez – Bayern Munich
Scout Report
The arch penalty-box poacher, Gomez has an incredible goal scoring record throughout his career. A big, strong, physical target man, Gomez spends his game on the last line of the defence and in the box sniffing out opportunities.
Where does he fit?
City could do with a striker who doesn’t fancy himself as a footballer. Yes, Gomez has his limitations in terms of contribution to open play but City don’t need everyone to do that; they need a big lump who will put the ball in the net with the likes of Silva, Aguero, Nasri, Tevez and Yaya feeding an endless supply line of chances. City’s biggest problem this year has been chance-taking so they could just stick Gomez in and leave him to snaffle them up.
How much?
It’s almost impossible to imagine Gomez being part of Pep Guardiola’s plan for Bayern next year so he could be gettable. Surely a bid of around £20m would get this done.
Benat Extebarria – Real Betis
Scout Report
Benat is attracting huge buzz in Spain. He is the conductor of the Betis midfield that has led the team up to a surprise sixth place in La Liga this season. If it wasn’t for Xavi, Benat could very well be strutting his stuff in the Spain midfield, such has been his impact. Benat can operate in a deep playmaking role or buzzing around an opposition box, threading intricate passes or dictating tempo.
Where does he fit?
City don’t have anyone like him. They don’t have a central midfielder who can take on the mantle of setting the tempo when in possession. Silva likes to operate further forward or wider and possession utilisation isn’t Yaya’s strong suit. Mancini tried to get his ilk with a brief experimentation with Claudio Pizarro last season so he is clearly open to the idea.
How much?
Betis wouldn’t be in a position to turn down £10m.
Dede – Vasco de Gama
Scout Report
Dede is a 24-year-old central defender with a crunching tackle and someone who is aerially dominant. He also has an ability to carry the ball forward from defence and play penetrating passes. He is quick enough and incredibly strong. Regarded as the best defender in Brazil locally.
Where does he fit?
The spot next to Kompany has been a revolving door this year. The solidity of last year has gone and they defended poorly in Europe particularly. Dede can be purchased and if Mancini resists the urge to tinker, left to settle in next to Kompany. The Belgian is the ideal defender to come in next to, which would give Dede a chance to adapt and thrive. His physique is ideal for England and for City who like big defenders.
How much?
Buying from Brazil isn’t as easy as it used to be so this would surely cost £12m plus.
