Riera's old employers worry Benitez

My Account
Logout

Create an Evening Standard Account

Use your social network

Save time by using your existing account to sign in to Evening Standard

We'll never share your information or post anything to your account without your permission

Welcome! Sign in here

Use your social network

Save time by using your existing account to sign in to Evening Standard

We'll never share your information or post anything to your account without your permission

Forgot your password ?

Registration

* indicates fields that are mandatory

Email *

Password *

Confirm Password *

First name *

Surname *

Postcode *

Country *

Mobile phone number

Username *

Gender *

Year of birth *

When you sign up...

You will have access to all our online competitions, discounted offers and can post comments on our site.

You will also receive The Weekender newsletter sent every Thursday - it’s full of fantastic offers and ideas for the weekend. You can update your email preferences in your account page when you log in.

Other newsletters and emails

Homes & Property Newsletter - Yes I want to receive the weekly email with all the latest news on property in the capital

Occasionally we would also like to send you relevant emails detailing specific offers either from ourselves or carefully selected partners. If you would prefer not to receive these then please tick the appropriate boxes below. We will never pass on your details.

I do not want to receive additional offers and information from the Evening Standard

I do not want to receive additional offers and information sent by Evening Standard on behalf of carefully selected partners

Terms and Conditions

* I have read, understood and agree to be bound by the terms and conditions of Evening Standard

Registration

Mail Sent for Registration Confirmation.

A confirmation email has been sent. Please activate your account by clicking on the activation link sent in your mail box.

The Spanish winger spent six months on loan with Manchester City who have agreed a takeover with the mega-rich Abu Dhabi United Group and signed Brazilian star Robinho for a British record £32.5million.

And Benitez believes the grand designs of City's new investors could make his quest for title success more difficult saying: "You cannot just win the title by spending money but Chelsea won for two years spending big, big money. Afterwards Manchester United won spending lots of money too. If we are talking about spending money then maybe Manchester City will win the title this year."

He added: "It is not just a question of money but if you have more money it is easier. If you don't have too much money, you must do the job as best you can.

"If we are talking now, maybe they (City) need time but if we talk in January maybe they will buy five players...then you never know.

"But it is not just a question of 'I will invest more and I will win'. You cannot guarantee anything."

One consequence of the City takeover Benitez can see taking immediate effect is a hike in transfer fees involving English clubs.

A similar thing happened when Roman Abramovich took over at Chelsea as the billionaire flooded the market with cash - and early talk of a City bid in excess of £120million for Cristiano Ronaldo is unlikely to prevent history repeating itself this time.

"Prices could rise," said Benitez, who is believed to have paid around £8million for Riera.

"That could be a problem. You cannot change these things but you try and get the players you want as cheap as possible, even when prices go higher."