Future of Robinho Hanging in the Balance

Brazilian star Robinho would return to Manchester City following his loan spell at Santos after the two clubs failed to agree on an extended loan deal. However, the striker’s future at Manchester City now looks uncertain.

Robinho has already been out of favor of City manager Roberto Mancini and it is pretty much clear that the Italian would not keep the 26-year-old in his 25-man Premier League roster due to be submitted on 1 September.

On the other hand, City has valuated the player at more than £20 million. It is understandable that there would not be many suitors willing to pay in excess of £20 million for Robinho at the moment.

Robinho failed to live up to the expectation at Manchester City following his move to Eastlands from Real Madrid in 2008 for a British record £32.5 million transfer free. So, it is a really painful to see someone of Robinho’s caliber being worried about his immediate club future. Here, one thing is sure that no club would show any interest in Robinho unless City reduces their demand.

It is true that Robinho’s performance so far with Manchester City has not been up to the mark, but his recent performance with Brazil national team and Santos is pretty much satisfactory. So, Mancini could now give the striker another chance.

Robinho Very Near to Move to Barcelona?

Last year when Robinho moved from Real Madrid to Manchester City for a British record transfer fee, there were mixed reactions among his fans. Some thought the move was right as he was not getting enough first team football in Madrid, while some believed that he should have moved to a club like City as the club does not play in Champions League.

Now, reports out in the media suggest that the player could move to Spain to join Barcelona, the arch rivals of Real Madrid. If the Daily Mirror reports has anything to go by, there is every possibility Robinho could play the second half of the season for Barcelona.

Fansfc reported:

It is believed Barca are prepared to pay £3million for an initial loan deal with a balance of £31million to be paid in the summer, or a £34million payment to take the player permanently in January.

Well, nothing is confirmed yet. Manchester City’s Arab owners have spent a huge amount in their pursuit to quality for the Champions League. However, the huge investment has not been reflected on City performance so far this season.

Manchester City Missing Carlos Tevez for Arsenal Match

You know that Manchester City is going to visit Emirates Stadium this Saturday to face host Arsenal. No doubt, it is a big match for both sides. Signing some of the star players in Summer 2009 transfer window, City is now considered to be a huge contender for English football and a champions league place is their ultimate target. There are many who believe that among the ‘big four’ clubs of premier league, Arsenal seems vulnerable to lose their champions league berth if City can finish the season in the top four. These predictions and assumptions have definitely increased the significance of the match.

However, the Eastlanders have already suffered a setback as they are going to miss the service of experienced Argentina forward Carlos Tevez who picked up a knee injury while representing Argentina in their important world cup qualifier against Brazil on Saturday.

Manchester City may miss the service of Brazilian forward Robinho too. Robinho sustained a minor knock from the same game that Tevez was playing. However, Robinho’s injury seems not to be very bad and City manager Mark Hughes is hopeful about his recovery before the trip to North London.

Related article:

USA Today