Who really needs Cesc Fabregas?
With the news that Barcelona have effectively put midfielder Cesc Fabregas up for sale in the Premier League market, social media has exploded with supporters of the leagues big guns, all of whom are trying to explain why they feel their club needs to bring in the Spanish international this summer.
Fabregas now sits on 87 caps for Spain – he’s become vital for both club and country. Mandatory Credit: Robert Mayer-USA TODAY Sports
Fabregas’ first stint in the Premier League with Arsenal propelled him to super-star status around the footballing world. His controversial return to boyhood club Barcelona saw him continue to rise in status, but constantly having to fight for a midfield place with Andres Iniesta, Xavi and Sergio Busquets saw him often times deployed in unfamiliar roles. 13 goal and 22 assists in 55 appearances this season are fantastic numbers, but despite developing the ability to be effective in multiple areas of the pitch now, Fabregas still yearns for a return to England – but which club truly need him?
Manchester City
– Do they need him? No. With Yaya Toure and Fernandinho combining in the most efficient central-midfield in the entire league, Fabregas just would not fit in. He would provide much needed depth for City at the position, but surely Fabregas wants to go to a club where he is in the XI each weekend pulling the strings. City already have Javi Garcia and Jack Rodwell on the books as well, so I cannot see him making a move to the Etihad.
Liverpool
– With Steven Gerrard surely to regress in regards to his play and fitness, Fabregas could be seen as a long term replacement for the England captain. But as stated before, the Spaniard will want to go to a club where he has a vital role. In theory, you could slot Fabregas at the top of a midfield triangle with Gerrard and Jordan Henderson behind him, but Liverpool are unlikely to want to spend the reported 30million pounds for his services.
Chelsea
– You really could never put it past Chelsea and Jose Mourinho to acquire a player simply so a rival does not. Ironically enough however, Fabregas would fit in quite well at Stamford Bridge with Frank Lampard being released and David Luiz now with PSG. Chelsea now have a lack of creative central-midfielders, and 30million pounds would not deter the Blues for making a move, but it is highly unlikely he would want to move to a London rival given his long-lasting passion for Arsenal.
Arsenal
– The Gunners will always remain his ideal destination in England with a sensational return, and it is no secret that the vast majority of Arsenal supporters would love to have him back. The harsh reality however (at least for me), is that Fabregas is the last thing they need. The emergence of Aaron Ramsey as a key cog in the Arsenal wheel with him on course to develop into a World Class player, the similarities between the two should be the warning sign. Arsenal need a defensive midfielder, not a creative player who offers no cover for the back-line.
Everton
– Loan signing Gareth Barry returned to City and it is unclear if Roberto Martinez will make a move to bring him back on a full-time basis – Everton are severely lacking in central players, but there is no way that they can afford a move for him. With the amount of player recruiting need to be done at Goodison Park this summer with a tight budget, 30million pounds is something that they could never afford – more importantly, Fabregas would never accept a move.
Tottenham
– It’s just not happening…and to be completely honest, not much else needs to be said on that front. They have the money to do it, and they could use the extra creativity given that Christian Eriksen is there only real puppeteer at the club, but his love of Arsenal again comes into play here.
Manchester United
– The Red Devils need a player like Fabregas above all else, well, other than center-backs. Since the decline and then retirement of Paul Scholes, United have lacked a creative central player and their performances last season showed as such. Michael Carrick is an excellent passer, but he’s not the creative mind necessary to pull the strings at Old Trafford. Playing Juan Mata or Shinji Kagawa in a deeper role is not the solution either, while Tom Cleverly should not be called on to partner Carrick in midfield. They have plenty of cash to burn, they have an ambitious manager in Louis van Gaal and they do have plenty of attacking talent for him to feed off of – but, again, can he look past his love of Arsenal? This would be the right call for both parties involved.