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Navas signing looks more risk than reward for Man City

| 04.06.2013

Looking at the current generation of Spanish multiple trophy winners, if the question was asked about which would be the least likely to showcase their talents away from home, then Jesus Navas would be the clear stand-out answer.

Not too long ago, Man City’s expected new £17m signing from Sevilla even had difficulty travelling to domestic away games, such was his separation anxiety from his family.

This apprehension also prevented call-ups to the Spanish national side, although things have improved in these areas most recently.

However, for a player that is far more likely to become homesick than the majority of others, not only is a £17m investment risky, but giving him a rumoured five-year contract perhaps even more so.

Without his usual support team in place, Navas could find settling in Manchester exceedingly difficult and expecting a big contribution in his maiden Premier League season may be foolish, even after the speed that the likes of Juan Mata and Santi Cazorla adjusted to England.

David Silva may be able to help a little in this respect, but the pair are from opposite ends of Spain and different backgrounds.

Given that Navas is now 27, it is obvious why he has taken the risk to join Man City despite his apprehensions, as this is bordering on last chance saloon to win some domestic trophies.

In the past, chances to join Barcelona and Real Madrid have been passed up because of his anxieties, but it is clear that trophies will be few and far between at Sevilla.

Opportunities are far greater at Man City and given the strength of the club’s squad, Navas could well get away with playing around half of their Premier League encounters and benefit from regular leave to return home.

One of the only things that appear in his favour is that Manuel Pellegrini is due to take over and Navas’ preferred style of football fits hand in hand with that of this season’s Malaga boss.

Man City are 11/5 to win back their Premier League title next season, but the reality is that if this feat is to be achieved, it is hard to anticipate that it will involve too much input from their soon-to-be new lofty signing.

All Odds and Markets are correct as of the date of publishing.

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Author

Craig Kemp

Craig has written for Ladbrokes since the 2010 World Cup, having previously gained a Media & Sports Journalism degree and contributed to publications including the Racing Post. His main areas of interest are horse racing and UFC, but he is also an avid X Factor gambler and likes nothing more than indulging in a spot of Hip Hop Karaoke.