Citizens proves their commitment with Nigel de Jong purchase

It simply astounds me how the mainstream media has spiraled down and relies upon “feeds” for documents without ever considering the content but overjoyed to stack a sensationalist title to it. What is now called “journalism” is a pale shadow of its former shelf as larger outlets in a lustful desire for “fresh content” forget fact checking, maintaining appropriate decorum or lack the ability to see beyond the needs of their advertisers. Quite naturally, some groups are betters that others and while I personally feel confident of the quality that the BBC maintains, other groups fall far short.

With this in mind I was alerted of a report by the so-called journalists at ESPN that Manchester City “could have signed Mr. De Jong for £2.3m” and further questioned how such a misleading piece could make it past an editor. Presuming of-course groups would build their content of such news feeds have editors, it is both highly misleading and journalistic drivel. I apologize for my venomous tone but after many decades in this sport it would be nice to see the words “truth” and “journalism” meet more often.

Returning to the facts of the subject in question, Manchester City concluded the purchase for Nigel de Jong from Hamburger SV for a rumoured price of €19.5m. Where a bit of creative journalism stepped-in was the reporting that they “over-payed” for him of upwards of €17m+ as his contract included an escape clause of £2.3m in four months. While it is true to an extent that they paid a premium for his services, they failed to mention that their was absolutely no guarantee that he would have signed with the Citizens in four months and you can assume their would have been a hefty premium on his contract at that time.

What City did and supporters should understand this clearly, was make a strategic decision to secure the services of superb young player and put his name on a contract that see him through to 2013. I personally think management paid a hefty price for his contract but such is the market for a player of his caliber in the January market. If they had waited to the summer when his escape clause could be enacted, they would not only have to fight off considerable competition but equally not have his services now.

As City goes out looking for the top-shelf talent, rest assured their management is committed to the success of the club.