Transfer news – Man City complete £19m Kolarov capture
Published:Manchester City have completed the £19m signing of Serbian left-back Aleksandar Kolarov from Lazio.
The 24-year-old Kolarov has been a target for Mancini since the manager was in charge at Inter Milan, and the World Cup star will bring a goalscoring threat as well as defensive quality to the City squad.
Mancini, however, was quick to dispel any suggestions that Kolarov’s arrival indicates the immediate end of Wayne Bridge’s career at Eastlands.
“I want two top class players for each position,” Mancini said following his side’s 2-0 defeat to Sporting Lisbon in New York.
Bridge has been linked with a move to Liverpool, and despite Mancini’s remarks, the England defender will find first-time action to be at a premium with Kolarov, Joleon Lescott and Jerome Boateng all able to play at left-back.
Mancini would be reluctant to allow Bridge to join Liverpool, because at 11/8 to finish in the top four, they are in direct competition with his side.
City are a very convincing 1/2 to finish in the top four of the Premier League, and a squad with such strength in depth will allow them to compete in every competition.
Indeed, with international players competing for every single starting place in the first team, City could be worth backing at 6/1 to win the Europa League.
And with Inter Milan striker Mario Balotelli rumoured to be joining City in a £30m deal, summer spending at Eastlands is set to soar past the £100m mark.
Kolarov’s explosive left-footed strikes and penchant for seeing red have led to him being likened to former Lazio and Serbia defender Sinisa Mihajlovic, who played under Mancini at Inter.
How successful can Manchester City be this season? They are 5/1 to win the Premier League. See the full Premier League market.
