A critical look at the new additions at Manchester City this season.
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Following a disappointing season of failing to retain their Premier League crown and embarrassingly losing to underdogs Wigan in the FA Cup final, some rebuilding was needed at Manchester City this summer. First, Manuel Pellegrini was brought in from Malaga to replace the sacked Roberto Mancini as manager, and the club would then look to use their strong financial backing to secure some big-name additions in the key areas.
Although a whole host of names are always going to be linked with big-spending City, the club should not be too disappointed by those they missed out on, as they look to have added some real quality to their side once again this summer.
Fernandinho
City’s biggest signing of the summer was made in early June, as they added Brazilian midfielder Fernandinho to their ranks from Ukrainian side Shakhtar Donetsk for £30m. An all-round box-to-box midfielder, Fernandinho should add more quality both in defence and driving forward than the pairing of Gareth Barry and Javi Garcia from last season. Although he is certainly an expensive purchase for a 28-year-old, a signing in that area was desperately needed for City, and his performances over the last few years for Shakhtar suggest he is the real deal.
Fernandinho has made a good start to his Premier League career so far, and will be hoping his move to this bigger stage will help him earn a place in the Brazilian national team for next summer’s World Cup, where they will be the host nation.
Overall, a good addition if he settles in England, and surely an improvement on their previous options in a vital area of the pitch. 7.5/10.