Why I Left Man City Medical to Join Arsenal from Man Utd?

Mikael Silvestre, a former Manchester United hero, was on the verge of signing for Manchester City in the summer of 2008 when Arsenal’s manager, Arsène Wenger, intervened to secure his transfer to the Gunners. Silvestre had spent nearly a decade at United, contributing significantly to their successes, but a series of injuries and a dip in form led him to consider a move. Ultimately, Wenger's outreach during Silvestre's medical examination at City changed the course of his career, leading him to Arsenal instead.

Last updated: 27 October 2023 (BST)

What’s happening now

The story of Mikael Silvestre's near-transfer to Manchester City highlights the intrigue and drama often present in football transfer negotiations. With the current landscape of player transfers in football, situations like these remind fans of the complexities involved in signing players, including the influence of managers and the timing of negotiations. As clubs scramble to improve their squads, the dynamics of player movement continue to evolve, with managers often playing pivotal roles in swaying player decisions.

Key takeaways

Mikael Silvestre almost signed for Manchester City but chose Arsenal instead.
Wenger's personal approach played a critical role in the decision.
Silvestre's transfer was significant as it was the first from United to Arsenal in decades.

Timeline: how we got here

The events leading up to Mikael Silvestre's transfer saga unfolded as follows:

August 2008: Silvestre agrees to a deal with Manchester City.
August 2008: Silvestre undergoes a medical examination at the Etihad Stadium.
August 2008: Arsène Wenger contacts Silvestre, leading to his decision to sign for Arsenal.
August 2008: Silvestre officially joins Arsenal from Manchester United.

What’s new vs what’s known

New today/this week

Recent commentary from Silvestre himself sheds light on the circumstances surrounding his choice, particularly how personal connections can influence player decisions during transfers.

What was already established

It was previously known that Silvestre had a successful tenure at Manchester United but faced challenges towards the end of his time there, prompting a potential move to City. His eventual switch to Arsenal was also noted as a significant transfer in the context of football rivalries.

Impact for the UK

Consumers and households

Transfers like Silvestre's demonstrate the intricate nature of football's transfer market, influencing fan engagement and club loyalty. The movement of players across rival clubs can affect ticket sales, merchandise, and overall consumer sentiment, showcasing the broader economic impact of football in the UK.

Businesses and jobs

Football clubs are significant employers, and player transfers impact hiring decisions within clubs. The influx of new players can lead to job creation in various roles, from coaching staff to administrative positions, as clubs look to adapt to new team dynamics.

Policy and regulation

The Premier League’s transfer regulations govern how teams can negotiate transfers, including financial fair play rules that ensure clubs operate within their means. Such regulations are crucial for maintaining a balanced competition and affect how clubs approach potential signings.

Numbers that matter

361: Total appearances Silvestre made for Manchester United.
4: Premier League titles won by Silvestre at United.
43: Matches played by Silvestre during his time at Arsenal.

Definitions and jargon buster

Transfer: The process by which a football player moves from one club to another.
Medical Examination: A health check performed on players before finalising a transfer.
Managerial Influence: The impact a club manager has on player decisions and transfers.

How to think about the next steps

Near term (0–4 weeks)

Football fans should watch for upcoming transfer windows, which can see clubs making last-minute moves to strengthen their squads. Player performances in the current season may also influence transfer decisions.

Medium term (1–6 months)

As the season progresses, clubs will assess their needs for the January transfer window, potentially leading to more high-profile transfers. The impact of managerial changes could also affect player movements during this period.

Signals to watch

Upcoming transfer windows and deadlines.
Performance of players currently under scrutiny for potential transfers.
Changes in club management that may influence transfer strategies.

Practical guidance

Do

Stay informed about transfer news from credible sources.
Engage with club communications regarding player movements.
Follow player performances to gauge potential transfer interest.

Don’t

Don’t rely solely on social media for transfer news; verify information.
Don’t ignore the impact of managerial changes on player transfers.
Don’t overlook the financial implications of player movements for clubs.

Checklist

Monitor key player performances each week.
Check club announcements regarding transfers.
Follow insights from football analysts and experts.
Review club finances in relation to transfer activities.
Consider historical trends of player movement within the league.

Risks, caveats, and uncertainties

While the dynamics of player transfers are well understood, uncertainties remain regarding the financial implications of transfers and the impact of managerial changes. Injuries and form fluctuations can dramatically alter a player's desirability, making the landscape unpredictable for clubs and fans alike.

Bottom line

The saga surrounding Mikael Silvestre's near-signing with Manchester City serves as a reminder of the complexities and emotional factors involved in football transfers. As clubs continue to navigate a competitive landscape, the decisions made today will shape the future of teams across the UK.

FAQs

Why did Mikael Silvestre choose Arsenal over Manchester City?

Mikael Silvestre chose Arsenal after Arsène Wenger reached out during his medical with Manchester City, convincing him to join the Gunners instead.

What impact did Silvestre have at Arsenal?

Silvestre's impact at Arsenal was limited, as he played only 43 matches over two years, failing to secure a lasting legacy.

How common are transfer hijacks in football?

Transfer hijacks are relatively common in football, where competing clubs swoop in to secure players who are already negotiating with another team.