Any Future for Bellamy, Onuoha, Adebayor, Bridge, Santa Cruz? VOTE HERE
25 Jul
As efforts continue to add the names of Sergio Aguero and Samir Nasri to the squad, it’s worth remembering that there are a number of players Man City need to rid themselves of before the transfer window comes to a close. They are players who have either fallen out with Roberto Mancini (Bellamy, Onuoha, Adebayor) or who simply are not good enough for where we are now challenging (Bridge, Santa Cruz).
We have so far been unable to find clubs willing to part with considerable sums of money for these players, a result of the inflated contracts they signed when joining the Blues. Roberto Mancini would like to be rid of them as he strives to create full harmony in the squad, and as the main group have travelled on tour to Canada and America, the likes of Craig Bellamy and Wayne Bridge have been left to train with the youth team and turn out for the reserves against Altrincham.
Starting with Craig Bellamy, and we all know about the arguments he has had with Mancini, resulting in him spending last season on loan at hometown club Cardiff. The Welshman has a history of knee injuries and Mancini stated recently how he couldn’t trust a striker who could only play once a month. Bellamy himself has spoken out about Mancini and the way he feels he has been treated. The likelihood is that the striker will move on before the end of August, provided that a buyer can be found.
There is the nagging feeling however, that Bellamy would be perfectly suited to our style. The squad these days is a driven, motivated group who demand the best out of each other, and that seems to be Bellamy’s ethos too. I doubt he’s good enough to hold down a starting spot, but I do think sometimes what a shame it is that Bellamy and Mancini don’t get along.
Another striker who isn’t on best terms with Mancini is Emmanuel Adebayor, who seems incapable of thinking beyond Real Madrid. Having spent time on loan at the Spanish club last season, the former Arsenal striker is determined to move there permanently and says he’s happy to wait until the deadline to move. However, Real Madrid have shown no inclination so far that they would like the gangly striker to return.
There has been some interest from Spurs, with a loan deal mooted, but there is no chance of City letting him go to a rival. On his day, Adebayor is a very capable goalscorer and a handful for any defence, but he has fallen out with Mancini and I can’t see any Blue future for him.
The third striker on the verge of leaving City is Roque Santa Cruz. A favourite of Mark Hughes, the Paraguayan has struggled with injuries and barely featured under Roberto Mancini. He has been linked with a return to Blackburn, but no concrete offer is on the table. He is sure to leave if a reasonable bid is made and he won’t be a great loss.
One player who is likely to leave but, if he had the choice, would like to stay with Blues is defender Nedum Onuoha. He’s a City fan and has come through our Academy, but is yet another one to have spoken out publicly against Mancini. He spent last season on loan at Sunderland, impressing with his power at the back, but has returned to City over the summer.
He is a solid defender, capable of playing at right back or in the centre, and there was a chance that with the departure of Jérome Boateng, he might get another opportunity to stake his claim for a place in the squad. The arrival of Stefan Savic however, has meant that Onuoha will probably be playing Premier League football for another club this year.
Wayne Bridge is the other defender unwanted by Mancini but his wages of £95,000 a week are proving somewhat of a stumbling block to clubs’ attempts to sign him. He is currently behind Gael Clichy, Aleks Kolarov, Ryan McGivern and Pablo Zabaleta for the left back slot, and is looking for another club. Should an offer be forthcoming, he will be on his way.
Why is there no “none” option?
Ed: now added.
I rate Nedum Onuoha highly. I wish Mancini would keep him around. Apart from being a very good defender, his passion for the Club would make him a valuable asset.
Bellamy is the sort of “substitute” impact player that can always make a difference in the last 30 minutes of any game. If it were not for his big mouth, I think he would fit City style of play.
As for Wayne Bridge and Santa, City should let them go for free. In a few months, the wages saved would pay for them.
As for Adebayor, City should sell him as a cut-price to reduce our wages.
Craig Bellamy and Nedum Onuoha should both have a future at the club.
I know there are a lot of critics regarding Bellamy but i personally think you need a player like Bellamy, he will speak his mind and tell other players when they are not pulling their weight.
He is a good player plus like Tevez, he will cover every blade of grass. He will give 110% every game, a real talent, its a shame he does not get on with Mancini.
Nedum Onuoha has a lot to learn but he is a remarkable talent, In a few years he will be a quality defender.
I definitely think that Craig Bellamy should stay.. He plays his best, extremely talented, and altough he might be a loudmouth, he’s still great.
Nedum Onuoha and Emmanuel Adebayor should stay too, but Bridge and Santa, well, should go.