Thursday, September 04, 2008

Jamie Carragher Admits Big-Spending Manchester City Will Be A Threat

Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher believes Manchester City's dramatic transfer deadline day transformation into one of the Premier League's biggest spenders could post a threat to the top four.

The Eastlands takeover by the Abu Dhabi United Group was followed immediately by the £33million signing of Brazilian striker Robinho from Real Madrid.

Carragher says manager Mark Hughes has managed to pull off an "amazing" transfer.

"I was watching the transfer news up until 12am to see what was going on. It was an amazing day," the 30 year-old told the club's official website.

"It's like an Abramovic-type thing there, you know. To come in and break the British transfer record in one day is pretty amazing. If they've got that type of wealth and they've got players like Robinho, one of the best players in the world, then it's something you have to think about."

However Carragher remains upbeat about prospects for the season at Anfield following the closing of the transfer window until Janaury. And he has welcomed the arrival of Spanish winger Albert Riera from Espanyol.

He said: "I remember him from City. It's something we've needed after losing John Arne Riise, Harry Kewell and Sebastian Leto. He's got a good left foot.

"The manager obviously knows him a lot better than us players because he has a good link with Paco Herrera, who used to be his coach at Espanyol. Hopefully he can add something that's been missing from the team."

Full back Steve Finnan left Anfield for Spain as part of the deal after five years on Merseyside, with Carragher paying a warm tribute to the departing Republic of Ireland international.

"He has been a great servant," said Carragher. "He and Markus Babbel have been the best full-backs I have played with at this club. He was part of Istanbul and getting us to Athens, as well as the 2006 FA Cup win.

"It was a great signing by Gerard Houllier and I think Steve can be very proud of his Liverpool career."

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