Ambitious Premier League side Manchester City have signed Spanish World Cup attacking midfielder David Silva on a four-year deal from cash-strapped Valencia.
“The player’s advisors and officials from both clubs have finalized the details over a four-year contract,” City said yesterday on their Web site.
No financial details were disclosed, but the deal is rumored to be worth around £25 million (US$37.5 million). Subject to a medical, the 24-year-old player will make the move to Eastlands once Spain’s interest in the World Cup is over, City said.
The money will be welcome for Valencia, who have qualified for the Champions League but are in a dire financial situation and have already sold David Villa to Barcelona.
The fleet-footed Silva, a midfielder who can play on either wing or as a supporting striker, has yet to play a prominent role at the World Cup, playing only in their opening game loss to Switzerland.
But City boss Roberto Mancini said he is an important addition to the club’s armory.
“I think that David Silva is one of the best midfielders in Europe, and I hope he will be a very important player for Manchester City,” he said.
“I think he can make a big, big impact for Manchester City,” he said. “In signing David, we are showing the world that we are bringing the best players here and that we hope to compete to win the Premier League.”
Silva said he was ready for the move and excited about the challenge of playing in England.
“I have enjoyed six years at Valencia, they discovered me as a footballer and they will always be a special club for me,” he told the City Web site.
“The time is right for me to seek a new challenge, and I am thrilled about playing in England with Manchester City,” Silva said.
“I believe the Premier League is one of the best competitions in the world and I want to bring success to City and win trophies for them,” he said.
City are again expected to be active in the transfer market this summer and a deal for Barcelona midfielder Yaya Toure is also thought to be close.
That would unite the Ivory Coast international with his brother Kolo, the City captain.
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