The Eto’o – Ibrahimovic transfer makes Moratti look good for a change
Is Ibrahimovic 46 millions euros better than Eto'o ?
Ever since the Eto’o – Ibrahimovic deal happened, I have been trying to think of a more lopsided transfer.
Finally, I have to accept that I have failed.
If I were Inter, I would take Eto’o and 46 million euros in exchange for Ibrahimovic, eleven times out of ten without as much as batting an eyelid.
Assuming we put a value of 35 million euros on Eto’o (the same amount that City paid for a far less accomplished striker in Carlos Tevez), this puts the value of Ibrahimovic at 81 million euros, which technically is more than the value of Cristiano Ronaldo (80 million euros)!!!
Does that mean that Barcelona have pipped Real in making the biggest transfer splash of the season, in terms of signing the player with the highest transfer value?
You can make the argument that Eto’o’s tempramental ways was good riddance for Barcelona (and hence we can discount his transfer value) but what about Ibra’s sulking ways and his poor reputation as a team player.
And while both strikers have been feared hitmen in their resppective leagues, Eto’o has proven to be the more reliable goal poacher on big match ocassions. That should accord some premium on the Cameroonian’s market worth.
That, we can actually debate who is better is the reason this transfer is such a shocker – if the difference in value of two players is 46 million euros, the possibility of the debate shouldn’t even exist. Normally you would assume that they are on a different plane altogether.
Its baffling because Barca found David Villa’s 50 million euro price tag too high. Even a 20 million booty for Eto’o could have reduced Barcelona’s net outlay for the Valenica striker to far less than the 46 they paid for the Swede.
The big winners in this transfer are Inter Milan and some praise is due for the usually much maligned Massimo Moratti.
He usually ends up on the wrong side of any transfers involving big-name players.
But this one makes him look like a genius.
What does it say for Barcelona if they can make you say that for the Inter chairman!!!
Are you not being a bit harsh on Moratti? The guy has splashed a lot of cash around looking to restore Inter to the glory days when his dad was the President.
This transfer makes sense when we consider the following
1) Eto has less than 1 year left in his contract
2) Pep and Laporta hate Eto and the feeling is supposed to be mutual (I am with Eto on this one, and I do feel that the La Liga clubs can be pretty harsh on loyal servants)
3) Eto has huge salary requirements and he would have felt that Inter would be a better move than Man City (Your post on Sparky and his managerial credentials explained that pretty well)
4) Barca needed to one up Real Madrid
5) I read a comment somewhere saying that Ibra would add an aspect to Barca's play – they need not rely on the ref and an injury time goal to beat Chelsea in the CL semis this year if Ibra is present
6) Ibra has a God complex (the 81 million Euros would make him happy)
7) Eto has a Prophet complex (and the Special One is someone who could actually keep him in check)
Could you do a post on Inter and their chances for the UCL?
Hi Rajesh…welcome to ACF
I am not being harsh..Moratti might have splashed the cash but what has he got in return…and compare that to what rivals AC and Berlusconi have achieved in the same period…most of the big names signed by him have made a bigger impact elsewhere…
As for this transfer, I agree with all the points made by you but then again…
Eto'o is a nice guy who would have readily signed a contract extension with Barca had they showed him some love
Eto'o and Barca might have managed to nick a goal in stoppage time but what did Ibra and Inter manage in more than 180 minutes against United…
See my point is this…we can actually debate which striker is better…and which one will be a better fit in their new club and yet their valuation differs by 46 million …which is more than enough money to buy a world class striker…so shouldn't Moratti be smiling more than Laporta…
As for Inter chances in the UCL, I will try doing one over the weekend..