City’s loss could be rivals gain

With the Premier League bringing in a new ruling involving a registered squad of 25 players per team, Manchester City has a problem.

They are currently looking at recruiting more players but already have too many players in their squad.

Buying

Manchester City are currently trying to conclude deals for Inter striker Mario Balotelli and Aston Villa midfielder James Milner.

That would mean even more players to fit into the 25 man squad, Milner would be included in the ‘home grown’ category, Balotelli would be another matter.

City has already sold Spanish full-back Javier Garrido to Lazio. More sales are expected before the transfer window shuts as Roberto Mancini tries to refine his squad ahead of next season. If Mancini can’t sell his surplus players he will have a lot of players hanging around doing nothing.

Likely Exits

The players who look set to leave the club are not talentless no hopers either. Most of these players are international players who would make it into a lot of Premier League sides. Here is a list players possibly heading for the Eastlands exit door in the next few weeks:

Robinho

The little Brazilian was lauded as the big name signing who would herald the arrival of good times at Eastlands. Yet 18 months after joining Manchester City he was struggling to make an impact and Roberto Mancini allowed him to leave on-loan and return home to Brazil with Santos.

He rekindled the spark he lost in Manchester back in his homeland and he showed flashes of magic with his international side at the World Cup. He is undoubtedly talented but there have been question marks over his temperament.

The little striker has been linked with a move to European Champions Inter and a return to Santos. It looks unlikely that he has a future at Eastlands.

Stephen Ireland

The Irish midfielder is in demand. The likes of Everton, Aston Villa and Tottenham have all been linked with the talented midfielder. However they have allegedly been put off by the large price tag attached to the player, believed to be £11-12million.

The midfielder is still only 23 and would be a good signing for most clubs looking for a midfielder capable of creating and scoring goals. He has matured a lot in the last few years and his attitude has improved immensely.

Craig Bellamy

The Welsh striker is one of those players that opposition fans hate and his own fans love. He has gained himself a reputation for being fiery and controversy. One thing that can’t be questioned is his ability.

He is the sort of player that opposition players also hate. He never gives his markers a second’s peace. He has lightning pace and would be a valuable addition to any top ten side. New Fulham boss Mark Hughes could be set to make a move for his compatriot. Tottenham have also been linked with a move for the 31 year-old.

Joe Hart

The youngster has recently stated that he wouldn’t mind another loan switch, after his successful spell on-loan at Birmingham last season. Despite his enormous talent the 23 year-old is likely to play second fiddle to the superb Shay Given next season.

Manchester City are unlikely to allow the keeper to leave on a permanent deal, as he is one of the most highly-rated young keepers in the English top flight. A loan deal could prove a good option for all parties.

Birmingham had stated their interest in taking him back to St Andrews before the Blues signed Ben Foster from Manchester United.

Roque Santa Cruz

The Paraguayan striker has endured a torrid time at City since his big money move from Blackburn. His time at Eastlands has been blighted by injury and a move elsewhere could be just what he needs.

The striker has also been linked with a move to Fulham, after Hughes’ appointment. If he doesn’t leave the club he is unlikely to get much first team football next season.

Jo

The Brazilian striker arrived with a big price tag and big potential but he never lived up to it. This resulted in the youngster being loaned out to Everton twice and Turkish side Galatasaray. He is likely to be on the move again this summer but City will be hoping for a permanent deal this time around.

Strength

It says a lot for the spending power and strength of Manchester City’s squad that players of such quality can leave and City can still compete. Most of these players would improve Premier League sides, so Manchester City’s loss is definitely their rivals gain.