By Football Talk.
Manchester City have made the first major transfer move of the summer after agreeing a deal to sign Valencia winger David Silva. The transfer fee has not been finalised but will be in the region of £25m and Silva will sign a 4-year-deal and complete a medical when he returns from South Africa.
This is something of a coup for City as many of the top clubs in Europe have been linked with the talented winger. Manchester rivals United have been long-term admirers, while both Arsenal and Chelsea have been credited with interest in recent weeks. But City have snapped him up as they look to strengthen their squad after narrowly missing out on Champions League football next season.
Speaking to the clubs official website, Silva thanked Valencia after enjoying 6 years their and expressed his delight at coming to England and challenging for trophies at City.
“Firstly I would like to thank Valencia as a club and all of their loyal fans, and my team-mates there and staff,” Silva told City’s official website.
“I have enjoyed six years at Valencia, they discovered me as a footballer and they will always be a special club for me.
“The time is right for me to seek a new challenge, and I am thrilled about playing in England with Manchester City.
“I believe the Premier League is one of the best competitions in the world and I want to bring success to City and win trophies for them.
“There has been a lot of speculation about me in the British and Spanish media, and I need to fully concentrate on playing for Spain in the World Cup.
“That is why my advisors have been dealing with City for me so that I can have my attentions only on South Africa and playing well for my national team.”
Manchester City manager Roberto Mancini was delighted to announce Silva’s signing and backed him to make an immediate impact next season.
He said: “I think that David Silva is one of the best midfielders in Europe, and I hope he will be a very important player for Manchester City.
“I am so pleased he is coming to us, I think he can make a big, big impact for Manchester City.
“In signing David, we are showing the World that we are bringing the best players here and that we hope to compete to win the Premier League.
“When players see what is happening at Manchester City and the ambition they are attracted to what we are building and want to be a part of it.
“I hope he does very well for Spain in the World Cup and then joins us for our pre-season, ready to compete in the Premier League.
“I am very excited about seeing him playing for Manchester City.”
There is no doubt Silva’s signing will be seen as a sign of intent from City, who are also believed to be close to capturing Yaya Toure from Barcelona, another player who has been linked with moves to Arsenal and Chelsea.
