City Spending Set to Continue (Football)

Manchester City’s spending spree is set to continue with Barcelona star Samuel Eto’o the name at the top of manager Mark Hughes’s shopping list.

Hughes has not been slow in spending some of the vast sums made available to him by the club’s mega-rich owners, the Abu Dhabi United Group.

And who can blame him?

Robinho was bought for £32.5million and he was followed by the likes of Craig Bellamy, Shay Given and Wayne Bridge for more modest sums.

Rather than shopping at the football equivalent of Netto, Hughes is now firmly committed to the Harrods-style market place.

He has splashed the cash again over the summer, signing Roque Santa Cruz and Gareth Barry for £18million and £12million respectively.

The signing of Eto’o would eclipse those two deals, if it takes place, with the Cameroon ace carrying a £25million price tag.

Hughes will go to his bosses and ask them to spend a similar amount on Carlos Tevez.

After investing so heavily on strengthening the squad, expectations must be high in the City boardroom ahead of the new season.

Santa Cruz said earlier this week than anything less than a top-four finish next season would be regarded as a failure.

No pressure there then, Sparky.

It must be hoped for his sake that City hit the ground running when the new campaign kicks off.

If they don’t, Hughes may not be around to see whether his expensively assembled squad is capable of challenging the so-called big four in the Premiership.

Football clubs chiefs are not renowned for their patience, especially when they have spent in excess of £100million on a bunch of players.

It wouldn’t be a surprise if, after investing so heavily, City chiefs have already earmarked one or two managers who could take over from Hughes, if required.

That is why Hughes must hope that the new men gel as quickly as possible.

–Nick Johnson, Red U.K. Editorial Staff