Since my last post about Ashley Young potentially becoming our first signing of the close-season, I have been watching the situation closely and whilst it does appear that we will be getting Ashley Young, our first signing came as something slightly out of the blue as we have purchased Phil Jones from Blackburn on a five year deal. The fee is reported to be around £17million.
I have waited to post this because there was some confusion coming from Blackburn about whether or not United had triggered a buyout clause or simply a clause to start a bidding war and, by all accounts, Liverpool had submitted an offer that was in excess of our own. Rumours are also rife that Wenger wanted Jones for Arsenal so this does appear that we have stolen a march on a couple of our rivals here.
I say slightly out of the blue because there was the odd rumour going around towards the end of last year but, as a United supporter, you get used to these rumours and 99% of them result in nothing.
I must admit though that with Rio, Vidic, Evans and Smalling, I thought the defense was in pretty good shape and so the signing of another defender came as something of a surprise.
However, Phil Jones has shown that he isn’t just another defender, he is a strong, solid defender who reminds me a lot of (dare I say it?) John Terry – like or loathe him, you have to admit that Terry is a decent defender!
The fee is substantial though and, given that he has been a regular for Blackburn, you have to believe that he hasn’t just been bought to sit on the sidelines. One thing is for certain, though – Fergie hasn’t made too many mistakes when it comes to signing defenders. That bald bloke from France (Prunier?) being the only one that springs to mind off the top of my head.
I watched a bit of the England Under 21 match against Spain U21 last night and Smalling and Jones were the central defensive partnership for England which always bodes well. It is going to be interesting to watch England’s progress in this Euro U21 tournament for that reason alone. You never know – this could be the United and England defensive partnership for years to come!
In any case, I’d like to welcome Jones to United. Apparently he told Blackburn that the only club he wanted to sign for was Manchester United (despite Liverpool’s larger offer) and that will do for me.