Gelson on the move

Only a couple of days after I posted this, the official site confirmed the departure of Gelson Fernandes to St. Ettiene today:

Manchester City can confirm that Gelson Fernandes has joined French side St Etienne for an undisclosed fee.

The Swiss midfielder moved to City from FC Sion in July 2007, and made his debut in the Carling Cup win over Bristol City a month later.

Gelson made 59 appearances for City, scoring four times, but he was increasingly used as a substitute after Mark Hughes took over as Blues’ boss.

He now moves to the southern part of France to the side managed by former Portsmouth manager Alain Perrin. His command of several languages helped make Gelson a popular member of the squad, and he goes with the best wishes for the future of everyone connected to Manchester City.

Despite becoming a bit of a crowd target last season, I did think it was worth persevering with him as he did show potential during his early time at the club. However, looking at the personnel in midfield we now have and where we are aiming to be it is clear that there would be no real role for Gelson moving forward and a permanent departure is the best option.

Gelson looking for a chance

"It is going to be a big year for me. I will not be looking to sit on the bench all the time," said the 22-year-old. I am aware that it is a squad game but I need to play."

>>skysports.com

Whilst his opening season was a good one with us, 2008/09 seemed to see Gelson Fernandes move from bright young prospect to official boo-boy. He was unfortunate in some respects as opportunities were limited once Hughes added Vincent Kompany, and latterly Nigel de Jong but his play hardly enamoured him to the masses. With the addition of Gareth Barry and return to fitness of Michael Johnson it is difficult to see where he does now fit into the side.

Rather than cast him off at this relative early stage in his career, would a wiser decision though to try and loan him out in the Premier League for 2009/10 to able to assess him and his progress at closer quarters?

On the move

A pair of reports not widely reported, but nevertheless suggesting that deals which will see Joe Hart and Gelson Fernandes leave the club have been agreed:

From The Sunday Mercury:

Birmingham City have completed the signing of Manchester City goalkeeper Joe Hart on a season-long loan.

Hart will be officially unveiled after England’s under-21 European Championship campaign finishes in Sweden.

From IMS Scouting:

Reports in France this morning claim that Swiss defensive midfielder Gelson Fernandes will move to Ligue 1 side Lens for three million euros from Manchester City.

The 22-year-old Swiss international has also been tracked by fellow French clubs Monaco and Saint Etienne.

Gelson looking to move

Gelson Fernandes has confirmed he is considering a move away from Manchester City at the end of the season.

The 22-year-old midfielder has made just three Premier League starts this term, with a further 11 league appearances from the bench, and he is frustrated at a lack of first-team opportunities under Mark Hughes.

"We will have to see at the end of the season," he told skysports.com."I'm not a regular in the City team and I'm really not happy about that, and also about my own form. "Monaco is not the only team interested. I like Man City but I need to think about my playing time as well so we will see at the end of the season."

>>skysports.com

He really has struggled this season after featuring heavily in his debut season with us. Injuries have not helped of course, and as a young player he does have plenty of upside but you do sense the players brought in this season in a similar role (Kompany and de Jong) will take some shifting from the line-up.

Coupled with the prospect of further (quality) additions in that area it does seem likely that opportunities will become even more limited for him.

Bianchi to make first start

Rolando Bianchi will make his first start for the club in tonights' friendly against Örgyte IS, partnering Emile Mpenza in attack, whilst Gelson Fernandes will also be making his debut.

Youngster Shaleum Logan gets a nod in midfield in a side which looks to be the most likely 'full-strength' line-up (Geovanni not including) depending on whether any more re-inforcements arrive at the club between now and opening day kick-off.

Team: Isaksson, Richards, Dunne (c), Onuoha, Ball, Logan, Fernandes, Johnson, Ireland, Mpenza, Bianchi.
Subs: Hart, Schmeichel, D Mills, M Mills, Dabo, Miller, Hamann, Laird, Dickov, Samaras, Corradi, Vassell.

Sven makes swoop number two - Gelson Fernandes

Sven has moved quickly after the signing of Rolando Bianchi by adding 20 year old Switzerland U21 captain Gelson Fernandes.

The midfielder has joined from swiss club FC Sion, again the fee is undisclosed.

Despite been linked with over 50 players by the press, they appear to have missed both signings until confirmed by one of the clubs. Tossers.

Anybody got any footage or know about this guy ? Leave it in the comments section.