Stephane M’Bia: Man City Enter Race for £9.6M African Star Ahead of Everton & Arsenal
Manchester City have emerged as potential suitors of Rennes’ highly-rated defensive midfielder Stephane M’Bia in January for a fee of £9.6m. The Cameroon international was linked to Everton and Arsenal this summer but his club were determined to keep the player.
The 22-year-old spoke openly of his desire to move to Goodison in the summer even ahead of the Gunners. He said, “I have just been told that Arsenal are interested as well, but my position is clear - I want to start the season with Everton.”
“What Rennes are currently offering me is far behind my demands. Both clubs have to find an agreement to help me leave.
“I’m aware that my directors have declared I won’t leave, but it’s just a means to make my price higher. I understand their position and I would do the same.
“It’s politics. Regarding what I’ve heard, I know (general manager Pierre) Dreossi is ready to let me leave. From my part, I don’t want to play for Rennes anymore”.
If money was an issue for both Everton and Arsenal, it certainly shouldn’t be for mega-rich Man City so the powerful midfielder may well finally get his big money move to the Premier League.
The 22-year-old Cameroon international helped Rennes to finish 6th last season after a successful campaign and the club remain 7th this season after beating champions Lyon 3-0 last week. The youngster has worked his way through the club’s youth ranks after signing from KSA Douala in his home country.
M’Bia has made a total of 83 League appearances for the club (4 goals) and would be a powerful addition to a City midfield packed with creative talent. The African midfield star is renowned for his tough tackling and at 6 ft 2 casts an intimidating figure on the field. In the last 3 full seasons M’Bia has been booked a total of 21 times and received 2 red cards in just 77 League appearances so City fans should expect the youngster to be exactly the type of enforcer they need if the move comes off.
Despite his tender age, the Rennes star has Uefa Cup experience as well as playing an important role in Cameroon’s march to the African Cup of Nations final in February. This includes a match winning 2-goal performance in the quarter-final 3-2 win over Tunisia.
With 18 caps and 3 goals to his name, M’Bia could be a useful signing for Mark Hughes and would surely jump at the chance of a move to Eastlands.
So would Man City fans like your club to bring the Rennes star to the Premier League or would you prefer a different potential signing? Are you in need of a powerful defensive midfield man to balance the team with so much creativity in the ranks? Let’s hear your views.
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Tags: Arsenal, Cameroon, Everton, Man City, Rennes, Stephane M'Bia
October 9th, 2008 at 11:17
Why join Man City who are just Chelsea wannabees when you can join a solid big 5 team like Everton?
October 9th, 2008 at 11:52
because Everton aren’t a solid big 5 team!
October 9th, 2008 at 11:59
Toffeeboy - are u having a laugh mate???!! I think in a 1-on-1 race for a player between City and Eveton we will win hands down 100% of the time, just as we did with Jo earlier in the season (u made late bifd for him but he didnt want to talk to you). I dont mind everton, good preme side, but u aint a solid top 5 team as this season is proving (rubbish in league and what group are you in in the UEFA Cup??) and i think he would rather join a club that can a) can afford him. b) play better attacking football. c) have a bigger fan base. d) have a bigger better stadium. e) can offer european football….. need i go on. What you have just said is absolute tosh my friend!! lol. And on the article, yeah we would love to have him and Kompany fighting it out for the DM berth. Why??? Because we can. CITD
October 9th, 2008 at 14:06
Toffeeboy, what colour is the sky in your world?