3. Transfers Don't Just Happen By Magic
On the subject of new players, countless football fans around Europe are in varying states of despair, anxiety, or, if you're from Monaco, elation. Yes, it's that time of year: the summer transfer window is open and everyone is ready to spend, spend, spend! Of course, it's not that simple - not that you'd think it, based on what people say. If a team wants to buy a player, there are certain procedures to follow and protocols to adhere to, lest they want to be reported for misconduct to UEFA. A large number of people seem to forget that in every transfer (bar those with free agents) there are two teams involved (or more if the player is sought-after by multiple clubs). It is not just a case of Team A offering Team B some money and taking one of their players, nor can Team A talk to any of Team B's players without their permission. Take the
Gareth Bale transfer saga, for example. Real Madrid want him, and have made no secret of this. We'll leave 'tapping-up' for another day, though that is something else which needs to be addressed by the powers that be. Now, many a football fan have suggested ways for Real to sweeten the deal, or for Spurs to get as much as they can for their prized asset (because £85 million isn't extortionate enough). These range from
Di Maria plus cash, to Di Maria and Modric plus cash, to even any two players plus £85m cash. Player(s)-plus-cash deals aren't all that uncommon, but let's consider some of the facts: i) Real signed Luka Modric a year ago after a painful, drawn-out saga which saw the player refuse to play as part of his own personal campaign to escape White Hart Lane Prison. ii) Spurs are in a much better financial position than most clubs in Europe and do not need the money. iii) Bale is under contract at Spurs until 2016. If Spurs wanted to sell, they would be getting a pretty good deal. However, if they decide to hold onto Bale for a season or two (though his value would drop dramatically if he entered the final year of his contract), they would have the advantage of owning one of the world's best footballers. They are under no obligation to sell. So, please keep this in mind when you're stressed out that your team hasn't signed anyone this transfer window - not every player is available for purchase! And even if they were, what if they're already settled and happy where they are?