Sports
Manchester United Secures Key Signing from Rivals Manchester City
Manchester United has made a major coup in the transfer market by securing the signing of Omar Berrada from their bitter rivals Manchester City. This move is being hailed as one of the best signings for United since the arrival of Cristiano Ronaldo in the early 2000s.
Berrada, who has been with Manchester City since 2011, has played a crucial role in transforming the club into triple winners under the ownership of Sheikh Mansour. During his tenure, City has spent over £1 billion on players to strengthen their squad.
As the CEO of Manchester City, Berrada played a key role in orchestrating several impressive signings, and we take a closer look at the top 10 deals he helped bring to the club:
1. Riyad Mahrez: Mahrez joined City in 2018 for a fee of around €60 million (£51 million) as a replacement for departing winger Riyad Mahrez. The versatile forward has proved to be a valuable addition to Pep Guardiola‘s attacking options.
2. Ederson: After Claudio Bravo failed to establish himself as the long-term number one goalkeeper, Ederson arrived from Benfica in 2017 for €40 million (£34 million). Known for his exceptional shot-stopping and ball-playing abilities, Ederson has been instrumental in City’s success.
3. Ruben Dias: Signed from Benfica in 2020 for around €71 million (£60 million), Dias has quickly established himself as one of the best center-backs in the world. With his leadership qualities and defensive prowess, he has become a vital part of City’s backline.
4. Kyle Walker: Walker’s lightning pace and athleticism have made him one of the standout right-backs in modern football. Signed from Tottenham Hotspur in 2017 for around €52 million (£45 million), Walker has been a consistent performer for City.
5. Raheem Sterling: Despite controversially leaving City for Chelsea in 2022, Sterling’s contribution to the club cannot be overlooked. He scored 131 goals and provided 95 assists in his time at City and played a key role in their domestic treble.
6. Rodri: Rodri‘s arrival from Atletico Madrid in 2019 for €70 million (£59 million) has solidified City’s midfield. Regarded as one of the best defensive midfielders in the world, Rodri’s defensive capabilities and passing range make him an invaluable asset.
7. Bernardo Silva: Silva’s technical ability and versatility have made him a standout player for City since joining from Monaco in 2017 for around €50 million (£42 million). He has played in various positions in midfield and attack and has consistently delivered strong performances.
8. Erling Haaland: Haaland’s signing from Borussia Dortmund in 2022 for around €60 million (£51 million) has taken City’s attack to a new level. The Norwegian striker’s goal-scoring prowess and young age make him a potential all-time great in the making.
9. Ilkay Gundogan: Gundogan’s arrival in 2016 from Borussia Dortmund for £20 million marked Pep Guardiola’s first signing for City. The German midfielder’s knack for scoring crucial goals played a significant role in City’s success, and he has since moved on to Barcelona.
10. Kevin De Bruyne: While not directly linked to Berrada’s tenure, De Bruyne’s signing in 2015 from Wolfsburg for £55 million deserves mention. The Belgian playmaker has been instrumental in City’s success under Guardiola and is widely regarded as one of the best midfielders in the world.
This impressive list of signings highlights Berrada’s contribution to City’s success, and his move to Manchester United is deemed a significant loss for City. As Manchester United aims to strengthen their squad, acquiring Berrada’s expertise will undoubtedly be a major boost for the club’s future endeavors.