Manchester City May Come To Regret Dumping Joe Hart

With Claudio Bravo’s move to Manchester City imminent, it seems that Joe Hart will soon be on the move.

The England keeper has been a mainstay in the City team since his breakthrough into the first team, and has gone on to win every domestic trophy with them, as well as playing in their historic Champions League semi-final against Real Madrid last season. But if Hart wants to keep his England spot and his reputation as one of Europe’s best keepers, he must now move on.

Hart has long been spoken about in the same breath of the likes of Manuel Neuer and David De Gea. These comparisons may be a little over the top, as while Hart is a top quality keeper, he probably falls just outside the very of elite of goalkeeping. That said, he is still far too good a player to sit on Manchester City’s bench and he has a right to feel harshly treated by Pep Guardiola.

Attention will now turn to where Hart will end up next. Everton seems his most likely destination, although this will put an end to Hart’s days of playing in European competitions, at least for the time being. Instead Hart would be wise to consider a move abroad. Borussia Dortmund have also been linked with the England stopper, and on the face of it this would be a far better move for Hart, the chance to compete for league titles and play in the Champions League.

Hart must also consider his England future. Jack Butland is currently injured but when fit again will challenge Hart for a spot as England’s number one, as could Fraser Forster who is in good form for Southampton.

The decision to replace Hart will also come as a blow to English players. Few can say they are regulars for a top English side, and Hart was one of a few English players to play in the Champions League last season. The decision to replace England’s Number One with a Chilean will raise fresh questions over the amount of game time English players get in the Premier League.

There will be no lack of suitors for Hart and he will most likely have plenty of offers before the transfer window closes. Hart will no doubt play at a high level, be paid handsomely and become a fan’s favourite elsewhere. The biggest loser in this could be City, who have sold a player they have helped develop and who understands the traditions for the club, to make way for a Chilean who few believe is a better keeper than the man they are discarding.