Manchester City Complete Signing of David Silva
English Premier League side Manchester City continues to spend money in search of breaking into the League’s coveted top four. Their latest free-spending attempt to improve their result was the June 30 acquisition of Spanish international player David Silva from Spanish side Valencia.
Silva has long been linked with attempted moves to the Premier League, and it seems that Manchester City has beaten other interested sides like Chelsea in obtaining the services of the 24-year-old attacking midfielder.
The Manchester City website posted a statement regarding Silva shortly after securing the player on a four-year contract. It read: "Manchester City have reached an agreement with Valencia over the transfer of David Silva.
"The player's advisers and officials from both clubs have finalised the details over a four-year contract, which will bring the 24-year-old to City of Manchester Stadium. He will complete his medical and officially become a City player once his involvement in the World Cup is over."
Silva spoke about his move to England during an interview in South Africa, where he is currently playing for Spain in the World Cup. Silva said: “I am thrilled about playing in England with Manchester City. I believe the Premier League is one of the best competitions in the world and I want to bring success to City and win trophies for them.”
The addition gives Manchester City a formidable roster, though the team has not yet proven that spending lots of money on established players correlates to victory. The versatile Silva should be able to play any attacking or wing position assigned to him and may help alleviate the pressure of City’s inability to adapt to dynamic play.
Manchester City boss Roberto Mancini thinks Silva will be a key addition to his already star-studded roster and will encourage other players to respect the Blues. "I am so pleased he is coming to us. I think he can make a big, big impact for Manchester City,” Mancini said. “In signing David, we are showing the world that we are bringing the best players here and that we hope to compete to win the Premier League. When players see what is happening at Manchester City and the ambition, they are attracted to what we are building and want to be a part of it.”
Silva’s offensive production for Valencia was tremendous and Silva had 29 goals and 45 assists in 155 appearances for the club. One major concern with Silva is that his fast-paced handling style may be stymied by the physical play associated with English football.
Other stars from the Spanish La Liga like Fernando Torres, formerly of Athletico Madrid, have been able to succeed in the tougher Premiership and City hopes that Silva adjusts accordingly.
Manchester City are also attempting to improve their defensive by attempting to sign defensive midfielder Yaya Toure from FC Barcelona.
According to Barcelona’s website, there is no chance of Toure returning to Barcelona after this season and it is all but certain that he will join his brother Kolo Toure at City. Their official website stated: “"In case of Toure, [Barcelona's director general Joan] Oliver has recognised an understanding between the club interested in the midfielder, Manchester City, and Barca, but the transfer cannot be made official yet."
These two signings show smarter team management than last season’s mindless splurge on purely offensive players who all played similar roles. By adding Silva, and imminently Toure, City becomes tougher defensively and gains a decisive advantage in being able to open up the field on the wings.
Although Manchester City could only secure fifth in the Premier League last season, their fortunes for next season should be much higher. With a roster like this, and the line ups of the current top-four teams, it will be an epic battle for Champions League qualifying this year.
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