Manchester City hopes of further marquee signings receive a lift
Published:
What footballers say and what they actually do don’t always correlate, especially in so-called silly season, but the latest comments by Manchester City target Kevin De Bruyne can only be interpreted positively at the Etihad.
The Belgian midfield whizz famously let go by Chelsea has been extensively linked to City this summer, as Manuel Pellegrini eyes performers in a similar bracket to recent addition Raheem Sterling, capable of seriously enhancing his playing squad.
On hearing what the Wolfsburg star has been saying on the eve of the new season, the Chilean could be excused for factoring De Bruyne into his plans.
The Belgian told German press: “I’m not one who says that I’m staying here – and in two weeks I’m off. You have to be a bit open, the more I think that people know how I am, I’m just trying to be honest.
“If in the end it happens, you cannot say that I would have lied. That’s just football, but I know of course that it is not easy for the fans.”
On face value De Bruyne’s words have not so much left the door ajar for City to swoop, but flapping in the wind.
The theory the Blues may yet snare the £60m rated playmaker – who earned Germany’s top player award for 2014/15 – also gains credence in light of Pellegrini’s uncharacteristic bullishness in a recent interview.
“I think we are going to bring in other players but not in that (striker) position,” he said.
“We are absolutely sure we are going to bring the title back. I am absolutely sure we are going to have a very successful season – we must bring back the title back here to our fans.”
City are 11/4 shots with Ladbrokes to make good on these assertions and this price may yet shrink further if marquee signings materialise.
All Odds and Markets are correct as of the date of publishing.
Fancy a flutter? Sign up today to claim up to £50 in free bets.
