Frank Lampard Joins Manchester City

Despite coming into the 2014/2015 Premier League season as the reigning champions, it was almost inevitable that Manchester City would look to be active during this summer’s transfer window. Their plans were made even more important by the considerable flurry of transfer activity across the league, with every club signing no less than five players as spending smashed through the £800 million barrier. Big money signings from Liverpool, Manchester United, Arsenal and Chelsea created greater need for Manuel Pellegrini to bring in several top name signings of his own – which he has duly delivered to make City even stronger and provide considerable depth in all areas.

Having considerable spending power in the form of Sheikh Mansour’s continuous input is one thing, but having the foresight to spend wisely and bring in the right players that will improve the team as a whole is something that Manuel Pellegrini specialises in. Not every transfer will turn up roses, as even the best managers in world football, past and present, can attest to, but spending wisely can make the all important difference between falling short and winning major honours. The arrival of Frank Lampard on loan from New York City may have taken many by surprise given the wonderful 13 years of service he enjoyed at Chelsea, but the deal represents excellent business for Manchester City.

Logical signing

Fans and punters who read the news as it broke on bookies.com of Lampard’s loan move to Manchester City may have raised their eyebrows, particularly as the 36-year-old was predicted to move to Melbourne City during the MLS off-season. Very few expected Lampard to ever play in the Premier League again following his decision to leave Chelsea for pastures new, given the strong affinity and legendary status he holds with the club. However, it is a no brainer to consider signing a player who has made a career from scoring goals from midfield, whether from long range wonder strikes, late runs into the box or set pieces. In Lampard, you also have a player who is hungry for success and gives his all in every game he plays for club and country. Although he has now retired from international football, acquiring Lampard on loan until March 2015 is a logical signing that further enhances Manchester City’s hopes of retaining their Premier League crown.

Strength in depth

Lampard may not turn out to be a first team regular at Manchester City, but having his considerable quality to call upon is a wonderful option to have. A gruelling schedule is likely to stretch City’s squad to the limit, particularly with the club holding a burning ambition to dominate Europe and win the Champions League. This is where Lampard becomes invaluable to Pellegrini, as his vast experience, wonderful array of passing and knack of scoring goals will be more than handy, whether as a starter or from the bench.