Balotelli in exchange for Robinho?
19 Jul
Just like when chefs are boiling potatoes, today’s transfer gossip should be taken with a pinch of salt, and similar to a ripe lemon or orange, it’s rather juicy. Reports in today’s M.E.N have seen City linked yet again with temperamental Italian striker Mario Barwuah Balotelli, this time in exchange for Robinho. Unlike a vast number of other blogs, I’m not here just to quote other sources and repeat what’s been said already. Instead, I’ll detail a few brief thoughts on what Balotelli may bring to the City cause and inspect whether it’s actually worth bringing him to the club.
First of all, the news of Robinho leaving should be treated with some caution. On a plethora of occasions, the mercurial Brazilian has been reported to be moving away from Eastlands, whether it be to his native Brazil, Spanish champions Barcelona or even as far afield as Ukraine. Despite his obvious quality, Robinho never adapted to the rigours of the English game and not many Blues’ supporters would be heartbroken if he left, hopefully with his price boosted after an impressive World Cup showing.
Micah Richards look-a-like Balotelli is a player with whom City manager Roberto Mancini has worked before and that in itself is a telling fact as to the ability of the promising striker. He has a healthy scoring rate, having notched one in three during his time playing for Inter Milan, but he fell out of favour with José Mourinho, with his discipline and attitude called into question more than once. In spite of his indubitable ability and scoring prowess, many experts of the game believe that signing the youngster would represent too risky a deal for City.
My own humble opinion is that with such a large squad and competitive nature around the team, combined with the fact that there is so much to play for this season, City would be best served without the divisive Balotelli in their ranks. He may be a fantastic prospect, but is it worth disrupting the ambience of the squad for this abrasive character?
64% would sign him!?!?!?!?! Thats outrageous – NO WAY JOSE! Like what I did there ‘ey
Firstly, I fear that, if he were to sign, then he would become Robinho mark 2 – very lazy going forward and back.
Secondly, haven’t we got enough strikers?
Very clever Ched Evans ….
I think Mancini rates him highly, and Balotelli himself said that he regards our manager as a close friend, so he may do well at the moment. But if Bobby Manc were to be sacked, then Mario could possibly turn into a Bellamy, someone who performs brilliantly for one manager, but then can’t lift himself for someone else!
Only strikers we have are Carlos, Manu, Jo, (will leave)Roque (but he will leave) and Bellamy can play there. We have kids like Nimely and Guidetti but not that great a strength in depth.