Fans in the UAE were optimistic over the club’s future, hoping for a top-six finish next season.
“Just to be seriously linked with players such as Carlos Tevez and Samuel Eto’o represents a huge shift in fortune,†said David Hammett, vice chairman of the UAE Manchester City Supporters Club and a Dubai resident.
“The relationship between the club and its supporters is now closer than I ever remember it being, with the hierarchy keen to listen to the fans and implement their ideas whenever possible.
“Beating Liverpool to the signature of Gareth Barry has made the media sit up and take notice of us again, and it’s hopefully a sign of things to come. A top-six finish should be attainable this season with the addition of a few more quality players and it would be nice to see us win a trophy or two within the next few years. But we’re a patient bunch at Manchester City – we’ve had to be.â€