New QPR forward Zamora was cheap, available, and could have offered City an extra option they may need if they are to beat Manchester United in the race to become Champions.
If a club is to fight it out on all fronts it is generally acknowledged that they need four strikers.
Manchester City knew this, so at the start of the season nobody looked stronger, with a forward four of Sergio Aguero, Edin Dzeko, Mario Balotelli, and Carlos Tevez.
Well it seems a long time ago now that Carlos Tevez decided to go AWOL, leaving them one short, and the club decided not to go for a replacement.
Looking at their performance against Everton and earlier this month at Sunderland this could be a mistake.
Mario Balotelli’s suspension left them with just two available forwards, neither of who could break Everton down and both of who, Aguero in particular, probably need a rest.
City have been lucky with injuries so far, and if one of Aguero, Dzeko or Balotelli was injured for a month or longer it could be disastrous for their season, especially with Europa League games to start up again this month.
There were not many good value available strikers during the transfer window, but City did not need the next world class sensation, they needed a fourth choice forward to chip in when called upon.
Zamora would have jumped at the chance to join City, even as fourth choice.
He surely still harbours ambitions to go to Euro 2012, and a chance to shine even sporadically in the spotlight at City would have elevated him in Fabio Capello’s thoughts.
He cost QPR £4 million, a snip for City, and it would only have had a marginal effect on their accounts pending Financial Fair Play rules.
As it was he joined QPR, where he may do well, but he will probably have a similar so-so season as he has had at Fulham this year.
City’s squad need that little bit extra help, and the management should have looked for a forward to provide it, Zamora or not.
image: © andybrannan
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