City signing Rodwell is a bad move for the player

It was news that broke on Sunday and, for some, a shock at that. When reports began to filter through to all media outlets that Manchester City had signed Jack Rodwell from Everton, many were scratching their heads as to why? Yes, Rodwell is a good midfielder with a promising future ahead of him and at 21-years-old, still has plenty of time to harness his potential that he has shown in previous years.

However, he won’t live up to the early expectations at the Etihad Stadium. At such a young age, the England international would’ve fared better continuing his development with the Toffees, rather than secure a big money switch to the Premier League champions. Granted, the Citizens are in desperate need of a box-to-box midfielder to cover Yaya Toure in case of injury, suspension and international duty.

Furthermore, his arrival will likely hasten the imminent departure of combative midfielder Nigel De Jong, with a majority of his 29 appearances coming from the bench last season. Inter Milan and Bayern Munich have shown an interest in the Dutchman and his exit is now inevitable. Nevertheless, Rodwell is likely to see his progress hindered following his move to City.

Regardless of the £12m spent by the Citizens to bring him in, Rodwell will be playing second fiddle in the City first-team. Toure is, comfortably, first choice in the starting XI, while Gareth Barry and James Milner offer the no nonsense, 7/10 performances alongside the powerful Ivorian. With that in mind, the 21-year-old could find himself fourth in the pecking order for a place in the City midfield.