Where does Bony move leave City and Swansea?

Manchester City and Swansea have agreed a fee of £28m for Ivorian striker Wilfried Bony. Bony, who is currently on international duty with the Ivory Coast, will bolster the attacking lines at City who have been without Aguero and Dzeko in recent weeks.

Bony has 9 goals so far this season and was the top scorer in the calendar year 2014 with 20 goals. Bony has been used primarily as a lone striker in his time at Swansea but will presumably find himself partnered with Aguero, with Dzeko falling down the pecking order. I think Bony will be viewed as competition for Dzeko, the two have a similar playing style and at the minute Bony looks to have the advantage in terms of form this season. City will probably return to the 4-4-2 formation they used for much of the early part of the season.

Bony has proved he is technically gifted and not just a battering ram. He has scored some excellent goals in his time in England. Playing alongside the likes of Aguero, Silva and Nasri we would expect Bony to get more chances and so you’d expect him to score more. Also his assists tally of two is likely to grow.

City have undoubtedly captured a top class Premier League player, it is up to Bony to show he can step up to the plate. His lack of European experience may be a drawback but that could be an advantage too, he would be an unknown quantity.

For Swansea, whilst they will have been reluctant to let Bony go, they will feel the fee is large enough to get a suitable replacement. The Swans have made a considerable amount the £12m they paid for Bony from Vitesse.

In the summer they secured the services of Bafetimbi Gomis who in the meanwhile will be hoping to step into Bony’s rather large shooting boots. Gomis has started just five games so far and has made a handful of substitute appearance. Saturday’s goal against West Ham was his first in the Premier League, adding to the three he has in the cup competitions.

In his time in France he proved himself a prolific goal scorer, last season he managed 13 in 27 starts. Whilst the step up to the Premier League can be at times a struggle, Gomis has international experience and his physical presence will be an advantage. If he can get a decent run in the team I think he will easily reach double figures in this Swansea side.

It remains to be seen whether or not Swansea will feel the need to invest right now or wait until the summer. I think given the risks associated with January signings and the promising start made by Gomis, Garry Monk and co. may be tempted to wait until the end of the season. Although recalling Michu from his loan at Napoli might be worth considering.

Statistics courtesy of whoscored.com