Spain’s Jesus Navas, left, who recently signed with Machester City shoots as Haiti’s Donald Guerrier Wilde, right, deflects the ball in the first half of an exhibition soccer match. AP/Lynne Sladky
MANCHESTER, England — Manchester City took its offseason spending to around $70 million by signing winger Jesus Navas from Sevilla on Tuesday.
The 27-year-old Spain international signed for City for an initial fee reported to be 14.9 million pounds
($23.2 million), and a contract which British media said will run for four years.
City is strengthening the squad after the Premier League trophy was surrendered last month to Manchester United.
Navas’s move comes about a week after Brazil midfielder Fernandinho signed for the club for a fee estimated at 30 million pounds ($47 million).
“Manchester City is an exciting project and this is the right moment for me to take this step,” Navas said Tuesday on City’s website.
“The Premier League is a competition where the football is very fast and will suit the way I play. I’m really looking forward to it,” he added. “I’m going to a great club in England and I want to continue developing my game there. The club has put a lot of faith in me and I want to repay them out on the pitch.”
Navas has spent his entire career with Sevilla, twice winning the UEFA Cup and gaining Champions League experience in 2009.
“I won some important titles with Sevilla but the Champions League is something you always have in mind, also to enjoy the Premier League and to have a really strong year,” Navas said.
City is without a manager since firing Roberto Mancini after ending last season without a trophy.
But the Abu Dhabi-owned club is close to hiring former Malaga coach Manuel Pellegrini.