The Brazilian media claim City scout Mike Rigg has been to see Atletico Mineiro striker Tradelli who is 14 goal top scorer in the Brazilian League.
Tardelli, 24, who has won two full caps for Brazil, is regarded as one of the country’s best prospects and French club St Etienne tried to sign him in the summer.
It is believed Rigg watched Tardelli score in Mineiro’s 2-1 win over Baruepi and the striker is being tipped to make Brazil’s World Cup squad next summer.
Of course, the first thing to point out is that 'the Brazilian media' does not really tell us much as to the story's veracity. But I'm pretty incredulous about this. It just doesn't sound like a Hughes signing. Ever since the takeover, Hughes has fetishised top six Premier League experience (there's a long blogpost on this I've been meaning to write for some time - it is coming, I promise). Shay Given, Craig Bellamy, Wayne Bridge, Gareth Barry, Roque Santa Cruz (well, top seven), Carlos Tévez, Emmanuel Adebayor, Kolo Touré, Joleon Lescott and Sylvinho have all got it. The one exception - Nigel de Jong - was only signed after we failed to get Scott Parker (and Lassana Diarra - thanks to Alan in the comments).
So for Hughes to go and pick a striker who plays in the Brazilian league - who has come to Europe and failed twice - does not sit right. With the premium Hughes places on experience and professionalism I just can't see him going for someone still playing in Brazil at the age of 25. It's not like we're on the hunt for bargains.
2 comments:
Hi, I'm fairly sure Lassana Diarra was first choice prior to Parker and de Jong. It was only a remarkable sequence of events at Madrid that prevented his signing. First they appointed Ramos as coach, second they actually followed up his request to sign Diarra. Ramos wanted to sign Diarra when he was at Spurs, but Arsenal wouldn't sell to Spurs. City bid big for him, but given the choice the player wanted Madrid. (There was talk his agents were a tad greedy when dealing with City). That's why Madrid had to stump up £20m - a lot more than they wanted to pay. Diarra still fits your theory for proven Premier League players with his performances for Pompey. All the best.
Blue Days
Alan you're absolutely right.
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