Throw away that Manchester city soccer jersey, Santa Cruz. ESPNsoccernet understands that City are ready to loan out Santa Cruz and the deal may be finalized in time for the forgotten-striker to make his return to the Rovers on Sunday versus Chelsea. Man City manager Roberto Mancini breaks it down for us:
“Roque will probably go to Blackburn. Every player wants to play. I understand that. But it is difficult for me. If an opportunity for either of them to play came up, then it would be better for them and I hope for Roque that in one or two days, he will have that.”
I couldn’t be more ecstatic at the possibility of this situation. Santa Cruz has been in disarray ever since joining the Manchester-based clubs and this season has by far been his most painful to endure, earning a measly and pointless 2 appearances in the season thus far. He has been looking for consistent playing time all season long but has fallen behind in the pecking order so far, it’s hard to even remember he’s on the club (he’s behind Mario Balotelli, Carlos Tevez, Jo, and presumably Edin Dzeko). Santa Cruz will love returning back to his favorite club, as he enjoyed success (57 appearances, 23 goals) and is an absolute fan favorite. City came in with their money and swooped up the Paraguayan striker for a cool £17 million, an offer too much for Blackburn to pass up. Unfortunately, the dream story ended here for him. With big ambitions, he was limited to just 24 appearances in 2 seasons, notching only 4 goals and becoming hotly frustrated of not becoming a starting member of the City money machine.
This loan deal also makes much more sense than the proposed rumors earlier in this transfer period (Ronaldinho and Beckham?). The new Rovers owners will be ambitious to bring in new talent to the club to try and compete for silverware and this loan deal would be a great, sensible risk. Pay the man’s wages, see if he gains some of his form back and add some firepower to a relatively average attacking force. If he gains some form back after riding the bench for two years, the club have the option to purchase the outcast during the summer window. The best thing about the deal is that Roberto Mancini is sensible in letting Santa Cruz leave the club. He knows the ridiculous depth at City is a serious issue at the club for players’ happiness and every player wants playing time. So hats off to all parties for trying to push the deal through. And welcome home, Roque. You deserve the chance to show us you can still make an impact at an EPL club.
