Manchester City F.C. manager Manuel Pellegrini believes the club must sign ‘big players’ to keep up with their rivals when the transfer window re-opens this summer.
City (18-7-6), losers of five of their last seven matches in all competitions, have fallen behind Arsenal and Manchester United in the English Premier League table following Monday’s shocking 2-1 defeat to Crystal Palace.
Speaking ahead of Monday’s clash at Selhurst Park, Pellegrini said: “It is the way of thinking that big teams need to sign a big player. It is very difficult to do it every year, but every two years you must do it.
“I’m not just talking about Manchester City. You see Real Madrid, Manchester United, Chelsea, Barcelona and Bayern Munich – all the big clubs – they all do it. It is important to have big names.
“I don’t want to talk about plans for next season because we have to finish this season. It is very important the way we finish this season before we analyse all the players. So it is not the right moment to talk about it.”
After Monday’s defeat, Pellegrini has come under fire, with many reports suggesting the Chilean could leave his post before the end of the current campaign, and understandably so.
United keen on Otamendi
Manchester United are expected to try to sign Nicolas Otamendi from Valencia in the summer, according to Spanish football expert Graham Hunter.
The Argentina international, 27, joined Valencia from F.C. Porto for €12 million in February 2014 and has since established himself as one of Europe’s top defenders.
“Manchester United’s interest in aquiring Otamendi is well established,” confirmed Hunter. “Therefore, I would expect them to try to buy him in the summer.
“If they come in with £50 million then Valencia have a decision to make.
“It is better football sense for Valencia’s level to use the good players they have got to earn Champions League revenue.”
However, Valencia, currently three points clear of Sevilla for the final UCL qualifying place, would likely pursue a sale if they fail to qualify for next season’s UEFA Champions League.
Hunter added: “Of course if they don’t get to the Champions League, then you could say everybody is for sale.
“If Valencia finish fifth, then their financial situation is such that big clubs will be able to pick off their best players.”
Otamendi has scored three goals in 27 La Liga appearances for Los Che this season.
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