Of course it will be odd seeing Frank Lampard in a shirt that isn’t a Chelsea one but it looks like he’ll be in a Manchester City later this month.

The Chelsea legend was allowed to leave this summer after his contract expired and he did so with Jose Mourinho’s best wishes ringing in his ears. After the World Cup, Lampard found himself in the ‘Big Apple’ signing for new MLS franchise New York City FC (NYC). But he faced an immediate problem, NYCFC don’t kick a ball in anger until early 2015.

Obviously the thirty-six year old needs to keep fit. Now he could have done that by training alone in Central Park but then rust and boredom could set in. So the 106 capped England star probably asked his current employers to find him a club elsewhere that he could be loaned out to. Allowing him top class training, the opportunity to continue to train with great professionals and get the odd game under his belt. All that, would keep him ticking over nicely until his MLS adventure kicks off for real, next year.

New York City FC are part owned by the City Football Group. The Abu Dhabi based company also own Man City and Melbourne City FC (formerly Melbourne Heart). So you can see why it would be between those two clubs for his signature, keep the commodity making money for the business.

NYCFC also purchased Spanish striker David Villa this transfer window and straight away loaned him to their Aussie outfit in Melbourne. Many believed that Lampard would follow the same route. But its thought that Frank was against that idea, instead preferring to go back to England for six months.

I think one of the main reasons for Chelsea’s top ever goalscorer to end up at one of their main title challengers is the fact the move will grant the midfielder more time with his family and fiancee.

But another reason will be down to the fact that he’ll get a better workload and will be training in a more professional environment in Manchester. It will be similar to what he’s been used to at Chelsea. He may have got frustrated with certain things in Australia.

Plus in the A League he’d have played much more. Why is that a bad thing? Well at 36, Lampard has to be used properly to get the best out of him in the long run. The ultimate goal is to be fit for the MLS season next year. At Man City, he’ll be used sparingly. Probably making a few substitute appearances and playing the odd cup tie. At Melbourne, he may have been a bit weary by the time he got back to New York.

The deal also makes sense for Man City.

Its a wee one up on Jose and Chelsea, although I doubt they’ll care that much. Most of those at Chelsea, especially the fans, will know exactly what Lampard has done for the Blues. He’s a legend at Stamford Bridge and always will be. Every time he put on a Chelsea jersey he played with all his heart. Six months at the Etihad won’t change that.

His professionalism and experience should boost the Man City dressing room. His winning mentality will also rub off on a few of the youngsters. He certainly wont come in and disrupt the squads harmony.

The fact he is English is a huge bonus considering the fact that they need a certain amount of homegrown players in the squad. Plus lets face it, he is free and not there to start in every game.

So all in all, the deal makes sense for all involved.

Posted on August 2nd, 2014 by scott
Filed under: Article