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.

Nigel de Jong DEAL DONE!

The deal to bring Nigel de Jong to Manchester City from Hamburger SV has been finalized with a rumoured fee of €19.5m.

The 24-year-old Netherlands international signed a four year agreement with the club and is leaving for Tenerife training camp shortly. He said via the club web-site:

“I feel very good and for me it is the next step in my own career after three years in Germany and I hope to be successful here at Manchester City.

“The ideas and the planning behind this Club are very hopeful and it’s a new adventure so I’m delighted to be here right now.”

“The Stadium looks great and I think it can only be better when it’s full of people.

“I’m looking forward to playing here and everybody knows that the Premier League is maybe the biggest competition in the world.”

stumbling blocks of Nigel de Jong deal

The deal between Manchester City and Hamburger SV to bring Nigel de Jong is seemingly complete with the transfer price rumoured to be £18m. The the only outstanding matter with the sticking point being the contract between player and club. Said Hamburg representative:

“We have had contact with Manchester City and have agreed to release the player if he can strike a deal with the English club. Now it is up to the player and his agent to agree on a contract with that team.”

However the “sticking point” of signing the young Netherlands international isn’t as easy as it first appeared. He said of the contract negotiations:

“I cannot say anything. Nothing is finished.”

Confusing? Well it should be. While the deal is far from dead and could be completed at any time, Nigel de Jong is wisely using the media is send a message that since the club has proven it has deep pockets he isn’t about to put his name to a contract until they ante up. As City becomes known for paying top-dollar and chasing the “bid”, players and clubs will rightfully learn how “play the game.” Considering Blackburn’s Sam Allardyce has boosted the price of Roque Santa Cruz to £40m after the Citizens offered £12m, some are learning.

Nigel de Jong deal looks to be done

As per German media source Kicker Sportmagazin the deal to bring Nigel de Jong from Hamburger SV to Manchester City has nearing completion with a final price-tag of €20m. The only outstanding item is approval of the twenty-four year-old Netherlands international.

Both clubs have yet to issue any statements on whether the offer has been accepted.

City move for Nigel de Jong

A variety of German news agencies are reporting that Manchester City has tabled a €15m bid on Nigel de Jong of Hamburger SV. The twenty-four year-old Netherlands international would be another cog in shoring up the City defending abilities and he would join for Hamburg teammate Vincent Kompany who joined the Citizens in the August of this past year.

Both clubs have yet to issue statements.