Manchester City have made their first signing of the summer just hours before their season begins in earnest with the Community Shield, acquiring England midfielder Jack Rodwell from Everton for a reported £15M fee. The Toffees have confirmed the deal with a very short press release on their official site.
Manchester City, Everton Agree Jack Rodwell Deal
Manchester City have made their first signing of the summer, acquiring Jack Rodwell from Everton for what is believed to be a £15M fee.
It's hard not to see this deal as a direct response to City manager Roberto Mancini's pointed complaints regarding a lack of investment into his squad, although just how Rodwell helps the defending Premier League champions is a bit of a mystery. Hailed as a future star when he made his Premier League debut in the 2007/08 season at the tender age of 16, Rodwell's stock has fallen dramatically over a series of injuries that have limited him to an average of 27 appearances over the course of his first four full seasons.
If they can get him healthy again, this represents a great bit of business for City. A fit Rodwell looks like he'll be a fixture in the English cetre for years to come. If they can't, it won't be for lack of trying, and he can fill the hole on the physio's bench left by the departing Owen Hargreaves.
See More:
