Welcome to the first ever post of the football matchmaker, where I look to find a poor, unfortunate, loveless footballing soul a dream date with a hot club.
Roque Santa Cruz - Manchester City
Here's a man that since getting the move he'd been yearning for after seemingly no time at all at Blackburn just hasn't found it as good as he thought it would be at a big English club. The big Paraguayan striker was in top form for Rovers in his two years at Ewood with an impressive return of 23 goals in 57 games (this in a team hardly known for its goals) and when the manager that brought him to England (Mark Hughes) moved to Man. City it made sense for Santa Cruz to follow. Which of course he did in June 2009, however when Hughes was ditched and the likes of Tevez, Adebayor, Balotelli and Jo infront of him in the pecking order (not forgetting that City only usually play one up front) means that Santa Cruz has seriously lost that loving feeling. This was summed up in his last appearance for City in the Carling Cup in September against West Brom where he didn't even conjour up a single shot.
Lets see who could un-break Santa's heart:
West Brom?
Having made a sensational start to this year's Premier League they won't be rushing to change their team around, however Roberto Di Matteo will certinaly be aware that to progress you have to strengthen. Peter Odemwingie has been a massive hit, and Marc-Antoine Fortune has contributed, but their strike-force in general is not a terrifying one by any means. Big Roque would suit Di Matteo as he's technically very sound and also good in the air, which, with the likes of Chris Brunt swinging in the crosses is potentially very dangerous. Offloading players like Roman Bednar and Ishmael Miller might just about create space for Roque and a loving relationship could be forged........
Aston Villa?
It surely won't be long before even Emile Heskey's biggest fan, Gerard Houllier loses faith with the big man and will look for a change. It has been reported that John Carew may well be coming to the end of his time at Villa Park, and that leaves the striking options pretty thin for the Villains. If Gabby Agbonlahor can re-discover some of his form from a couple of seasons ago then he could potentially link-up beautifully with Roque. Again, Villa are a side with potentially excellent delivery with Downing and Young whipping in balls from the flank. Do I hear wedding bells in the Midlands.........
Fulham?
The obvious choice on one level as it would bring him back under the wing of manager Mark Hughes who clearly rates Roque extremely highly. Long-term injuries to Bobby Zamora and Andy Johnson has also left Hughes relying on such luminaries as Diomansy Kamara and Eddie Johnson, Premier League players by name, less so by talent perhaps. Moussa Dembele has performed well since joining the Cottagers and him and Roque upfront could prove a handful for many a defence around the country. I'm sure Mr. Hughes will be keen to bolster his strike-force to turn some of Fulham's seemingly endless draws into wins and if his old mate is available he'll be very interested.........
So who's walking off into the sunset together?
Well, the main issue for any of these suitors is that Man City paid a massive 17.5 million quid for Roque only a year and a half ago and have got precious little in return for that on the field. However, if he wants to leave for first team action and the vast number of strikers they have in front of him playing a part then I think they would except something substantially less than what they paid. A potential answer would be a loan move in January with a view to a permanent switch in the summer. Of these three potential lovers I see West Brom as the outsiders as a lack of funds and Premier League stature might hinder them. As for Fulham, the Hughes link is very important, but after leaving a relatively small Premier League club, I'm not so sure Roque could be tempted back to one. So for today's matchmaking I'm pairing up Roque Santa Cruz with Aston Villa. Lets hope this potential couple can find a way to make love happen in the January transfer window.
Fulham, West Brom & Villa fans, what do you think are your chances of luring Roque to your club, if that is you want him?
Man City fans, will you be sad to see him go?
Anyone else want to throw your name in the hat to court Roque (he is a good looking man)?
