The infamous transfer season is in full swing, and I like many of you may be already sick at the amount of gossip and speculation regarding certain players’ futures. Alexis Sanchez, Cesc Fabregas, Wesley Sneijder, Guseppi Rossi, Edison Cavani, Luka Modric, Sergio Aguerro, Carlos Tevez, Neymar and Samir Nasri are probably all names which we have heard enough of over the past few weeks, with almost every footballing personality having quotes or stories about the potential transfer.
To be quite honest, world football is becoming quite literally a Soap Opera, with everyday changing stories, switching allegiances and the prospect of grown respected footballers whining like little children if they cant get more money or the transfer they want.
A large part of this obviously has to do with the influx of high profile owners of certain clubs, giving rise to the term “new money” so to speak. Chelsea, Manchester City, Liverpool, Real Madrid, Malaga, PSG owners have made no moves to control their bank books, as spending is free as ever on players they deem necessary. These players however are just pawns in an attempt to assert superiority between the clubs, and by some is seen as just a way to earn higher wages, as opposed to playing at a higher level.
This free spending of exorbitant fees on players has risen to unprecedented levels, where a good player can only be considered honestly for transfer if a team is willing to pay in excess of £20million for him. Is there anyone out there that can justify £20 million for Jordan Henderson? How about £18 million for Darren Bent ? Dare to explain £ 30 million for Andy Carrol???
To be quite honest, world football is becoming quite literally a Soap Opera, with everyday changing stories, switching allegiances and the prospect of grown respected footballers whining like little children if they cant get more money or the transfer they want.
A large part of this obviously has to do with the influx of high profile owners of certain clubs, giving rise to the term “new money” so to speak. Chelsea, Manchester City, Liverpool, Real Madrid, Malaga, PSG owners have made no moves to control their bank books, as spending is free as ever on players they deem necessary. These players however are just pawns in an attempt to assert superiority between the clubs, and by some is seen as just a way to earn higher wages, as opposed to playing at a higher level.
This free spending of exorbitant fees on players has risen to unprecedented levels, where a good player can only be considered honestly for transfer if a team is willing to pay in excess of £20million for him. Is there anyone out there that can justify £20 million for Jordan Henderson? How about £18 million for Darren Bent ? Dare to explain £ 30 million for Andy Carrol???
This isn’t just a rant on English footballers, but it is apparent that the English League has caused a level of inflation in prices of players that has trickled down to the mediocre players. West Brom apparently are in for Shane Long for £8 million??? What is the world coming to?
Its plain to see that value isn’t as abundant in the market today as it used to be, especially in England. There are however deals which can still be seen as being sensible and affordable of late. Most notably Barca’s signing of Ibrahim Affelay for around €4 million, or the capture of Meuzet Ozeil for around €12 million. Nuri Sahin’s transfer to Real going for around €8 million. Hernandez to United seemed a bit pricey at £12 million, but his return seems justified.
Bottom line is that clubs nowadays have to search long and hard for a bargain, and the media doesn’t help a club get a player for cheap. English media has become increasingly active in reporting any gossip or thoughts they may have on possible deals, causing much unrest for the players, and transfer fees to spike upwards as a result.
This however does not take away from the fact that everyday we witness the lack of loyalty that footballers nowadays display. To me it is disgusting the manner in which the saga between Fabregas and Arsenal has played out, with the player, who has signed a binding contract with years remaining is whining and crying about wanting to leave, with Barca players each commenting on the situation to stir up more trouble.
Although we have seen players move to rival clubs in the past, I dont think we have seen as many as we do today. Carlos Tevez, Ashley Cole, Gallas just to name a few have many switches most recently to rival clubs, just for a paycheck.
It is also a pity that certain players are constantly tempted by money as opposed to playing time. Is this no longer a sport? Has football become a job? It was my opinion that football was a sport that enlisted professional individuals to perform on a regular basis for a club. Now it has become strictly business, with players moving to clubs for large sums, with no guarantee of first team football. Fabregas and Sanchez? Can anyone tell me where they would play at Barca?
It’s a shame really that football has come to this, and all the signs are pointing towards it getting worse, with Tevez again wanting to leave a club, and sulk in order to get his own way. Managers need to be like Wenger and straighten out players such as Fabregas and not give in to their whining and constant sulking to force a move. If it weren’t for Arsenal, would Cesc be as good as he is today?? Without Wenger would he have stayed at Barca and become good enough to make Iniesta sit on the bench? I think not.
How also can we expect the players to be honest, loyal and respectful however, with Fifa’s governing body in the midst of constant scandal of late, not to mention constant stories of match fixing in Italy and England. It is rampant in world football, and the players see it now more than ever as a way to make a quick buck as opposed to making a name for themselves and writing themselves into the history books.
Respect, Loyalty and Integrity in football is in need of a revamp urgently as the game is becoming a Soap Opera good enough to win a daytime Emmy.
It is also a pity that certain players are constantly tempted by money as opposed to playing time. Is this no longer a sport? Has football become a job? It was my opinion that football was a sport that enlisted professional individuals to perform on a regular basis for a club. Now it has become strictly business, with players moving to clubs for large sums, with no guarantee of first team football. Fabregas and Sanchez? Can anyone tell me where they would play at Barca?
It’s a shame really that football has come to this, and all the signs are pointing towards it getting worse, with Tevez again wanting to leave a club, and sulk in order to get his own way. Managers need to be like Wenger and straighten out players such as Fabregas and not give in to their whining and constant sulking to force a move. If it weren’t for Arsenal, would Cesc be as good as he is today?? Without Wenger would he have stayed at Barca and become good enough to make Iniesta sit on the bench? I think not.
How also can we expect the players to be honest, loyal and respectful however, with Fifa’s governing body in the midst of constant scandal of late, not to mention constant stories of match fixing in Italy and England. It is rampant in world football, and the players see it now more than ever as a way to make a quick buck as opposed to making a name for themselves and writing themselves into the history books.
Respect, Loyalty and Integrity in football is in need of a revamp urgently as the game is becoming a Soap Opera good enough to win a daytime Emmy.
