Rodwell completes City move

There has been plenty of talk over recent weeks over Manchester City’s failure to sign any new players. However, on the day of their Community Shield victory over Chelsea, City announced their first summer recruit after Jack Rodwell signed from Everton.

Even though speculation has been linking City with players from all across Europe, this acquisition of Rodwell has well and truly sneaked under the radar with the midfielder joining in a transfer said to be worth £15m. Moreover, the fee could rise to £18m based on performance incentives, while the player has signed a five-year contract.

Following the transfer, Mancini was obviously delighted to finally bring a new player to the Etihad Stadium. Nevertheless, he has also indicated that Rodwell may not be worthy of an automatic start this term and has been brought in for his potential. Speaking to the media the Italian said, “Jack is a good player. He is young. It is the first time he is in a club that plays to win and it will be different for him. But in a couple of years I am sure he will be a top and stronger midfielder. He has good quality. Rodwell is a player that needs to improve to play in this XI but he is young and a good player for our future.”

The fact that City have splashed out so much money for a player who probably won’t feature much this term speaks volumes about the midfielder’s potential. The 21-year-old made his debut as a 16-year-old and went on to make over 100 appearances for the Toffees, as well as representing England at various levels. In fact, with Rodwell already in the squad for England’s next game against Italy, it shows just how highly he is thought of by national bosses as well.