Debate: Is John Terry brave enough to switch to City?

Manchester City have shown him the money, now John Terry has to show them the love. If it takes a transfer request to leave Chelsea, Terry must be prepared to make one. Otherwise, forget it.

For Terry, it is make your mind up time; for City, the moment of truth.

This week they will discover what motivates the England captain; for this to be the right move, it has to be about more than the cynics think.

George Graham had it right. Never buy a player who thinks he is taking a step down to join you, he would say. He will act as if he is doing you a favour by just being there.

Obviously, this is an easier policy to implement as manager of Arsenal than Manchester City. Mark Hughes, with employers in a hurry to join the elite, does not have that option if he wishes to make marquee signings.

City must offer big money to make up for their reduced status and the absence of Champions League football; but if money is the only appeal, they are better off with a lesser name and greater dedication.

They are learning, albeit slowly. The decision to kill the deal for Samuel Eto’o of Barcelona was a sensible one. The player had dithered all summer and was clearly waiting for a better offer. City were as patient as possible over Carlos Tevez, too. Had that saga dragged on a day longer, he should have been told where to go – and it wouldn’t have been Chelsea because he seems to have been angling for that move since the season ended.

City are not in a position to issue ultimatums to players at elite clubs, so they have to tolerate being messed about. Not indefinitely, though. They cannot be taken for fools and there comes a time when a player must meet them halfway. For Terry, that time is fast approaching.

There is no harm in aiming high, but a fall will soon follow if players think they are doing the club a turn merely by being on the pay-roll. Money will be an initial attraction but, beyond that, there must be substance. Terry cannot expect to protect his image as a Chelsea stalwart and pick up City’s pay packet. The time to play the field has passed. City are entitled to investment, too, but personal, not financial.

Yet when City look to attract players from Barcelona, Manchester United and Chelsea, the dynamic changes and they have to make sure the deal is happening for the right reasons, that their targets buy into a project, not just a pay cheque.

The transfer request is the litmus test for Terry. If he is not prepared to make such a commitment, City should be wary. In the circumstances, it is hardly too much to ask.

All in all, is JT brave enough to do what is right?