Manchester City: Why Carlos Tevez Leaving is Good for the Citizens

Manchester City fans the world over have by now come to the realization that Argentine hit man Carlos Tevez's days with the club are numbered.

The ex-captain's situation has continually surfaced in the press over the duration of the last few months. From rejected transfer requests to the most recent headline-topping news of his refusal to play (versus Bayern Munich), it seems the once adored and revered marquee striker is all but set to leave Manchester for pastures foreign. 

Manchester City fans are now faced with an epic conundrum regarding Tevez and his involvement in the team, as supporters seem to be divided on the issue. Few fringe supporters believe that, after biding his time in suspension, Tevez should gradually be brought back into the fray. The vast plethora of City fans, though, have quite clearly voiced their discontent with the Argentine's recent actions, demanding that the player be traded.

It may be hard to understand why all corners of a club would call for a player as influential and affective as Tevez to be traded. However, in the context of where Manchester City currently find themselves—at the crossroads of team building and trophy hunting—it seems very much like a win-win situation for the team. 

Here's why:

The Monetary Aspect 

Hate him or love him, there's no denying Tevez's worldwide commercial value and appeal. No matter where he goes or who he plays for, the Argentine is sure to assist financially via gate revenue (ticket sales, increased attendance etc), shirt sales and of course increased exposure. This is something most big clubs, as well as rich aspiring ones (like Russian team Anzhi Makhachkala), are aware of and looking to exploit.

Manchester City then would arguably rake up a hefty amount through a potential sale of Tevez. In an age where star strikers are almost always overpriced due to the recent transfer market inflation (something City itself had a hand in), it's not hard to envision a blockbuster fee for player with the ability and commercial value of Tevez. 

Tevez was sold to the Citizens from crosstown rivals Manchester United for a reported (but unconfirmed) fee of £47 million. This before his breakout season with City, where he scored an impressive 43 goals in just two seasons. Manchester City can then rest assured that any takers are likely to cough up a higher amount to secure Tevez's services. 

The Possibilities

Following a possible sale of Tevez to an interested suitor, Manchester City can then look to reinvest the money in other departments that may need work. And though City aren't exactly the kind of club to be found "short of cash," an self-sustaining solution is always welcomed.

Improving youth facilities for one could be looked into, as the possibility of a pull out from club owner Sheikh Mansoor, though highly unlikely, is still plausible. This would result in a financial meltdown at the club, following a departure of star players and the inability to attract foreign talent. 

This is when a good youth setup comes into play, as improvements made now on the grassroots level can help ensure the club stay competitive for years to come. If the club is serious about pursuing this, then what better time to do so than the current, where a bucketload of cash is expected to arrive following Tevez's sale.

Of course, Tevez's sale will also lower the wage bill (by nearly £150,000/week) while opening up a potential squad spot from the 25-player limit. The club could then look to invest in other relatively week areas of the team. 

The defence, though quite formidable, simply cannot compete in terms of boasting big names as the rest of the team can. Tevez's sale would allow Roberto Mancini to then buy a big-name defender and reward him handsomely via Tevez's freed-up wages to ensure his commitment. An internal and quick solution to a problem that would otherwise require Sheikh Mansoor to dish out further funds.

The Team Ethic

Tevez is a great footballer with undeniable skill and presence on the pitch. There's simply no denying that. Off it, unfortunately, he seems to have developed a "mercenary" tag, as he's seen as an erratic moody player always seeking attention and the limelight.

For a club looking to challenge for major honours in both the short and long term, a player like that could prove detrimental for team unity and morale. Teamwork is an essential cornerstone for every successful club. Players like Tevez, who seem more interested in representing the name on the back than on the front, unfortunately damage any efforts toward team unity. Their first priority always was and will remain themselves. 

To ensure a good team ethic and unity, erratic and selfish players need to be filtered out. And though there are reports of the club having a few of them, progress, even if it's one step at a time, should not be undermined or dismissed.

And remember the saying: "no player is bigger than the club."

Opportunities For Others

When Tevez was available, he was a simple shoo-in for making Manchester City's starting XI. Players like Mario Balotelli and Eden Dzeko felt the brunt of that last season, as the pair were always considered second fiddle and hence second choice on the team sheet.

This season though, the pair, along with newcomer Sergio Aguero, seem to finally be living up to their pre-City reputations, as the trio can't seem to stop scoring. The whole team also seems to be benefiting as a whole, as now theirs no "go to player" in the team, essentially resulting in a better team dynamic where everyone involves themselves in player. 

For those though that still feel Tevez's inclusion would only help the cause, it's worth remembering the popular phrase "if it aint broke, don't fix it." And judging by league position, as well as perceived team morale and unity, it clearly isn't broke. In fact, far from it.

It's working like a charm!

Agree or disagree? Leave your thoughts in the comments section below, or simply tweet/follow me @saqibddb