Taking a look at the new boys.

Gael Clichy

Gael Clichy (25) completed his £7m move from Arsenal on Monday after undergoing a medical earlier the same day.

In an interview exclusive to mcfc.co.uk Clichy stated that he was looking forward to teaming up with ex-Arsenal players Kolo Toure and Patrick Vieira.

“Kolo and Patrick, I’m glad to see them bacause Kolo was the one who really took me with him, he was driving me home and his wife was cooking for me.”

Let’s hope missus KT doesn’t over feed him, we all know what can happen when missus KT overfeeds people.

“Patrick was someone great to me. He would invite me to his place. I was young at the time and I think you need people around you to help you as my family wasn’t here. Those were the two that really looked after me.”

The transfer didn’t come as a complete surprise to most as he was spotted in a Manchester restaurant on Sunday night after it was rumoured earlier on in the week that an unknown player was having a medical on Monday. Although not a surprise, it did draw a mixed response from City supporters, some of whom aren’t confident of his defensive abilities. But a quick look over the stats for last season should allay those fears.

Here’s how he fared in comparison to those who are generally considered the best left backs in the league, Patrice Evra and Ashley Cole. Clichy made 111 tackles last term (Evra 80, Cole 100) and chalked up 110 interceptions (Evra 85, Cole 51). He also only lost possession 28 times, and while that may seem a lot when you again compare that to Evra (58) and Cole (70) you realise that it isn’t.

Since being linked with City people have also pointed out perceived offensive deficiencies. Admittedly you shouldn’t expect many goals from him but last season he created 120 goal scoring opportunities and made 8 assists. Is it his fault his teammates failed to score the other 112? ;)

Anyhow, it’s clear that Mancini believes in him and if there is one thing he definitely has that Kolarov doesn’t, it’s pace, and lots of it. Hopefully they will push each other for the full back position on the left and get the best out of each other.

Stefan Savic

The 20 year old Montenegro and (now ex) FK Partizan  defender Stefan Savic singed a four year deal with City today after getting his work permit cleared by the home office. His natural position is as centre back but can also play on the right of defence.

City struck a deal with FK Partizan valued at around £6m to bring the young defender to the Premiership.  Liverpool were also interested in signing Savic. Admittedly not that much is known about the young player but here is what is available to hand:

He began his senior career with FK BSK Borca (2009-10) and had a trial at Arsenal but a permanent transfer never materialised and in August 2010 he joined FK Partizan on a four year deal.

Savic has made 53 domestic appearances, scoring 3 goals. He has also played 6 times for Montenegro, most notably in the Euro 2012 qualifier against England at Wembley where Montenegro managed a 0-0 draw.

Savic recalls the game well calling it a “historical result” for such a small country. There were 5 of his future teammates playing for England that day.

“I remember Shaun Wright-Phillips, he came on as a substitute and came on my side because I was playing right back. I had a duel with him and he is a really great player.”

It’s unclear at this moment in time how much Savic will be used this season as he will likely be behind Kompany, Lescott and K. Toure (when he returns from suspension). Add to the mix Boyata (who may eventually go out on loan) and you realise he has serious competition for his natural centre back role.

It looks likely that Boateng will leave the club as he is angling for a move to Bayern Munich who have yet to agree to City’s valuation of him. Savic looks like an obvious replacement for him and is clearly a prospect for the future.

Due to his age and the competition he faces for first team places we may see him turning out for the EDS in the NextGen Series or the Manchester Cup.

Of course let’s not forget if his football career hits the skids he could always work as a Richard Ashcroft double for opening music shops or something.