Jack Rodwell set to join champions, but who got the better deal?

Everton midfielder Jack Rodwell looks set to join Premier League champions Manchester City.

The midfielder is due to have a medical at City and if he passes will complete a reported £15million move to the Etihad Stadium.

Surprise

I have to admit this deal really did surprise me. When I found out I couldn’t believe it.

Rodwell had been linked with a move away for quite some time now, but Manchester United and Chelsea looked like the favourites to sign him.

Manchester City have never really been linked with a move for the youngster. However, it looks like the Citizens are set to sign the young England international.

Potential

Whenever people talk about Jack Rodwell they always talk about his potential and how good a player he could become. However, Everton fans haven’t seen much in recent times that suggest that he will become the superstar that other supporters believe he will be.

Injuries

To be fair to Rodwell he has had some horrendous luck with injuries in the last year or so, which have hindered his development. These injuries meant that Everton fans haven’t got to see the youngster in action in recent times.

Finances

Money’s too tight to mention at Goodison Park at the moment and the cash the Toffee’s receive will be a welcome boost to the finances. Everton boss David Moyes hasn’t really been able to strengthen his squad in recent transfer windows because the finances have been so bad at Everton.

Signings

I hope that David Moyes will get the majority of the fee to strengthen his squad. Although Everton have a good starting line-up there’s no strength in-depth in the Toffee’s squad. I’m sure the Scot will welcome the funds.

First

Jack Rodwell will become Manchester City’s first signing of the summer. The Citizens have endured a difficult summer in the transfer market. To be honest this signing could be a masterstroke from City boss Roberto Mancini, or a howler depending on how Rodwell progresses in the future.

Bench

This move seems like a strange one for Jack Rodwell. The youngster is only just recovering from a year of injuries and he joins Manchester City. It’s going to be very difficult for him to break into their starting line-up this season.

Even when he was fit he struggled to gain a regular place in the Everton starting line-up. If he isn’t playing at Manchester City then I don’t think he will develop into the player that everybody thinks he can do.

Positive

Everton fans have become accustomed to losing their better players in recent years. It’s just a fact of life at Everton in the current financial climate. The sale of Rodwell has been met with a surprisingly positive reaction though.

For all the hype about Jack Rodwell the youngster has flattered to deceive so far in his short career at Everton. Some Everton fans may be sorry to see a young player with potential leave the club, but it’s not the vast outcry that happened when Wayne Rooney left the club.

Everton fans are realistic and they know that they would rather sell Jack Rodwell, than for instance Leighton Baines or Marouane Fellaini, who have both been linked with moves away from the Toffee’s this summer.

Baines and Fellaini are two of Everton’s key players. The sale of either of those two players would have a far bigger affect on the team than the sale of a young player that Everton fans haven’t seen much of in recent times.

Winners?

It really is hard to know who has got the better deal here. Everton have got a fair price for a promising youngster and need the money. Manchester City have got a player that offers potential, but currently not much more.

I do however think that the biggest loser out of this transfer is Jack Rodwell himself. Joining Manchester City may give him opportunities to win trophies and earn more money, but how much playing time is he really going to get at star-studded City next season?

I really hope that Jack Rodwell develops into a top player. Unfortunately for Jack I don’t think Manchester City is currently the best place for him to do that. Good luck Jack.

Jack Rodwell set to join champions, but who got the better deal?