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Price is right for Petrov - Manchester City MAD

 

Price is right for Petrov

Last updated : 28 July 2007 By Ben Collins
All last season we were crying out for a naturally left-sided midfielder so I thought that would have been Sven's top priority in the transfer market.

Rolando Bianchi, Gelson Fernandes and Geovanni have come first but Petrov has been worth waiting for.

Petrov made his name with Wolfsburg as a goalscoring winger, scoring 28 goals in 116 games for the German side, and a host of top European clubs were interested when he became available in 2005.

Atletico Madrid won the race, paying £7m for the Bulgarian international, although he didn't manage to reproduce his goalscoring form in Spain, claiming just 3 goals in 45 games.

It might not have worked out for Petrov in La Liga but he has plenty of experience. The 28-year-old has played in two of Europe's top leagues and racked up 66 appearances for Bulgaria, scoring 15 goals.

Out-and-out left wingers are few and far between. Yet not only has Sven uncovered one that's an established international, he's paid only £4.7m for him.

Even if he just stays on the left and does a job, that would be good value. If he manages to rediscover his goalscoring touch then he could be the buy of the summer.

The fact Petrov was on the verge of joining Spurs shows that Sven was onto something - we're no longer signing players that no-one else wants.

Petrov confirmed that Sven being the new City boss swung the deal in our favour. Players want to be a part of what's happening at City - no doubt they'll be a few more following Petrov before the summer's through.