FIFA’s Financial Fair Play rules meant that there was little activity at the Etihad Stadium as the January transfer window closed last night.
Football clubs have to reduce their debts within certain limits to continue to be allowed into European football competitions and City are one of several clubs highlighted with massive losses who have to reduce their wage bill and the amount of money spent on transfer fees over the next three years to ensure a sustainable game.
Nedum Onuoha had already left for QPR while Wayne Bridge went to Sunderland on loan and news of the arrival of David Pizarro, a midfielder from Lazio, on loan only highlighted the fact that Carlos Tevez didn’t leave the club yesterday depriving City of the chance of make a big signing to continue to push for the title.
Pizarro, 32, is a stocky Chilean midfielder who was known to Mancini from his Inter days but has been brought in to cover for Yaya Toure with Owen Hargreaves’ fitness issues seemingly resurfacing and Nigel de Jong out of favour.
Poor performances from James Milner and Gareth Barry in the defeat at Everton last night only highlighted the loss of the influence of the Ivory Coast midfielder who is currently preparing for a Quarter Final game in the African Cup of Nations.
Mancini will hope for the quick return of Yaya Toure from Africa to re-ignite a campaign that seems to rest on a knife edge with United and Spurs waiting in the wings to pounce on further slips.
City’s Swiss youth defender Freddie Veseli, 19, signed for United after failing to make the first team squad despite their well documented defensive shortages recently. City promoted 17-year old Karim Rekik from the Elite squad as cover instead.
Veseli is a ball-playing centre half and his defection to United has been a discussion point amongst fans of both Manchester clubs.