Spanish forward follows Navas to the Etihad Stadium
By Aaron Leggott
Manuel Pellegrini is quietly overseeing the beginning of a new and exciting era at Manchester City. Following the purchase of midfielders Fernandinho and Jesus Navas, the Chilean has finalised the transfer of Álvaro Negredo from Sevilla for around £20 million pending a successful medical.
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| Photo: Official Sevilla Facebook |
The 27 year old, who was Europe's seventh top scorer last season, has been seen by many to be a steal at just £20 million.
So what can he bring to the Blues? Here's a quick lowdown on the man who has spent the last four years at Los Rojiblancos:
Name: Álvaro Negredo
Age: 27
Position: Striker
Club appearances (Sevilla): 139
Club goals (Sevilla): 70
As you can see from his stats above, Negredo is a lethal striker and has contributed heavily during his club career. Here is a list of honours won by the forward:
Copa del Rey: 2010
UEFA European Football Championship: 2012
Born in Madrid, Negredo began his career at local side Rayo Vallecano and eventually made his debut in 2005 with the club playing in Segunda División B.
However, he only managed 12 first team appearances for Rayo before being transferred to Real Madrid in the following season.
He managed two years at Madrid and was largely used as part of the Real Madrid Castilla squad - eventually impressing head coach Fabio Capello and being picked as an unused substitute for Copa del Rey games. Negredo eventually made his full first team debut in a friendly against bitter rivals Atlético Madrid the following season.
With Negredo unhappy at the lack of first team opportunities being handed at the Bernabeau, he made the switch to La Liga newcomers UD Almería in July 2007.
It was a successful debut season for Negredo and this was where he really started to make his mark in Spanish football. Performances that stood out were his penalty in a 2-0 win against former club Real Madrid, before scoring twice to beat UEFA Cup holders Sevilla in April 2008.
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| Negredo taps in from close range for Sevilla Photo: Official Sevilla Facebook |
However, his stay at Madrid was extremely short, and Sevilla signed the striker for a reported 15 million Euros a few weeks later.
His first season at Sevilla was irregular, but he eventually embedded himself as one of the club's key players - with club president Jose Maria del Nido describing him as one of Sevilla's best players in their history.
Ahead of the move, both Negredo and del Nido have released statements about the imminent transfer.
Negredo said: "For four years I have been very happy, but I think my time was over here. I am glad to be spending another year with Jesus Navas."
However, his former club president was nothing short of praise for the Spanish international, and is wishing him well during the rest of his career.
He said: "This is a big deal for Sevilla, the second most important in our history after we sold Daniel Alves, and the player will sign the contract of his life.
"Everyone should be happy - it is a great deal for all three parties."
Below is a video of Negredo in action for Sevilla during his career:
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