Ibrahimovic for Eto'o and 45Mil

[Big Michael]

It looks like this one will be going through. Ibra and Eto'o are the same age and although Ibra has a greater physical presence, I am not sure he is 45mil better. Also, Eto'o has more Champion's League pedigree (2006 and 2009) having won two championships. Ibra has never really delivered on the big stage for club or country. I believe Eto'o also only had one year left on his contract, IIRC, which may have been a big factor in the price. But all told, I think this deal, at least monetarily, is bigger than CRon or Kaka.

Barca seems to be overpaying, any thoughts? From the Inter experts (Von)and the Barca experts (ROT and Barca) am I missing something?

 

[David Beckham 23]

Most definitely an overpayment. The level between Eto and Zlatan isn't even close to a 45 mil difference. Both are great strikers and both have huge ego's. Eto's has more pace in his game while Zlatan does have more of a strong/physical presence.

What will be interesting to see who adapts to their respective league quicker.

 

[samgyeopsal27]

Most definitely an overpayment. The level between Eto and Zlatan isn't even close to a 45 mil difference. Both are great strikers and both have huge ego's. Eto's has more pace in his game while Zlatan does have more of a strong/physical presence.

What will be interesting to see who adapts to their respective league quicker.

I like Ibra a little more than I like Eto, but I have to agree that Barca is definitely overpaying here. Sure Real got Kaka, Ronaldo and Benzema, but Barca's team was already amazing and I would say that they are probably still better as a team than Real. But who knows, maybe Kaka and Ronaldo become BFFs after the first game of the season and Real goes on to win every tourney this season.

One thing I wonder is where they get all the money. I thought Spain's economy was struggling with higher than usual unemployment rates, but Barca and Real went nuts this off season with their acquisitions.

 

[ROGER O. THORNHILL]

Viva el Blaugrana!

Eto'o pulled off a mini-miracle by staying with Barca this season. He was supposed to go along with Ronaldinho but Guardiola read him the riot act and he chilled out. Eto'o isn't the sharpest knife in the drawer and has said and done some really stupid things, mostly dissing Rijkaard which Guardiola wasn't going to put up with.

When you come off a historic season like Barca has, the smart thing to do is to make subtle changes. Just stir that chemistry up with a couple of well placed players unlike RM that wants to re-invent the wheel. Regardless of my devotion to the BlauGrana, I'll put my strikers up against theirs any day of the week, my midfield is a better playmaking machine and in defense, one word: PUYOL.

Barca and Real Madrid, like few other teams, have an international following which generates revenue from them globally. Since they support UNICEF (they PAY UNICEF to be on their jerseys, the total opposite of Corporate Sponsorship) fans and media alike are more respectful of their spending. they also emplu more people throughout Spain than RM does. Madrid are classic greedy attention mongers that steamroll over everyone.

Right now, most players WANT to play for Barca and have a shot at another UEFA title and be part of what will prove to be a very interesting La Liga Season. Ibra would love to be with Messi and Xavi and say he got to play with Henry before he retires.

I can't wait for the first 'Clasico'. It will be a legendary match of the spry and resourceful vs. the entitled and arrogant.

 

[Insidious Von]

Let's not mince words here, Eto'o has been disrespected. He won Barca the Champions Cup; had he not put that faint on Vidic, United would have rope-a-doped Barca to victory.

What did Ibra do against Vidic?

The "Swedish Superstar" is a self-absorbed coach killer; Mourinho no longer wanted him on his club. That they got Eto'o and 43 million euro for him is an absolute steal. Inter also bought Diego Milito, he's not as flashy as Ibra but he's a far more efficent goal scorer. Under 21 star Robert Aquafresca arrives from Cagliari. Last season, in two matches between Inter and Cagliari, Aquaman outscored Ibra 3-1. Oh...and there's Balotelli.

Inter has also signed Lucio from Bayern; that is a very significant move and Juve will have to answer in kind. They may be the Great Satan of Farcipoli but I grudgingly admit they have made some shrewd moves.

Real Madrid is a bronze warrior with feet of clay; with Cannavaro gone they are going find out what an atrocious defender Pepe is.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DPSHq6T0cIo&feature=related

 

[Big Michael]

in defense, one word: PUYOL.


I can't wait for the first 'Clasico'. It will be a legendary match of the spry and resourceful vs. the entitled and arrogant.

I also hear Puyol can walk on water and shoot lightning bolts out of his ass, again just what I heard

I am confused as to which team, Real and Barca is the entitiled and arrogant one? C'mon, what would you expect from an Arsenal fan, you guys keep poaching our best players.

 

[Big Michael]

So it sounds like Inter and Barca are getting rid of great but players that are egomaniac A-holes. Sounds like my team getting rid of Greedybayor to MCity. At least Inter and Barca and the sense to send them to another league, we sent ours to a team that can eliminate us from a Cl spot.

 

[ROGER O. THORNHILL]

Tongue planted firmly in cheek

I also hear Puyol can walk on water and shoot lightning bolts out of his ass, again just what I heard

No, that was his predecessor, a guy named HERCULES!

 

[Insidious Von]

No, that was his predecessor, a guy named HERCULES!

If he can help Ibra clear his throat than he trully is Hercules.

Hyperbole aside, Puyol is a younger Cannavaro to me. The Spaniard may be stronger while the Italian WAS quicker, but essentially they play the same game. A confrontation between Barca and Juve will be very interesting this year; Ibra and Giorgio hate each other.

 

[Big Michael]

Please Let This be True

Wenger to spend big on De Rossi

http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/transfers/wenger-to-spend-big-on-de-rossi-1765257.html

Von, is this realistic? Are Roma in that much trouble? And would Roma sell a home town boy?

 

[Insidious Von]

I wouldn't hold my breath.

If Pirlo moves to Stamford Bridge it's a given that DDR will follow.