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Hughes makes Jo his first signing

Manchester City can confirm the Club record signing of Brazilian international striker Jô from CSKA Moscow on a four-year deal for an undisclosed fee.

The 21-year-old hitman becomes Mark Hughes' first signing as City Manager and comes with a record of 44 goals in 77 games for CSKA since joining from Corinthians in 2005.

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Although the club state an undisclosed fee, most of the press report it to be in the region of £19 million - a fair chunk of change even with the deep pockets of our owner.

I don't think for one minute we have paid that amount up front, but much like our signings of last summer it will be spread over the term of the contract presumably giving us more scope to bring in further additions.

Hughes was complimentary about him during the press conference, and it would seem that despite some stories, the signing hasn't been foisted upon him by the owners:
"He's a big talent and a young man with a big future.

"A lot has been said about him and there was a big expectation on him coming out of Brazil. So with the success he's had I think it's a real coup that we've been able to bring him to the club.

"He's a big guy, in stature and in ability, so I think everybody will enjoy watching him play."

Despite offers from elsewhere, Jo appeared keen to join up with Hughes at the club:

"After I spoke to the manager I was very pleased. I was told Manchester City is a club going forward at the moment.

"We can go places, that is our objective. We thought about it and I decided to come to Manchester City for that reason."

The capture of Jo adds another striker into an already overcrowded attack, and despite the departure (or impending) of Dickov, Mpenza and Samaras there are still plenty of options available to Hughes as he begins to ponder the shape of his side, but it would be a surprise given what we know of his Blackburn sides if we didn't field a 4-4-2 line up.

Where the likes of Bojinov, Bianchi and Corradi fit into the situation is unknown, with all touted for moves back to Italy, but with Daniel Sturridge and Ched Evans largely untested, Hughes will not want to leave himself to thin up front going into what will likely be a long and tough season.

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