Cristiano Ronaldo's Protracted Transfer Saga
The Story of the Possible Purchase of Ronaldo by Real Madrid
FIFA president Sepp Blatter remarked that he believes that today's footballers should be allowed more freedom in choosing their club, comparing the modern transfer market to "slavery". When asked his viewpoint on the president's sentiments Ronaldo simply stated "I completely agree with the president of FIFA".
The player's comments have sparked a negative reaction from the media at large, many pointing out that it is difficult to feel sympathy for a professional football player who is compensated more in one week than most people earn in one year. The saga surrounding the possible transfer of Ronaldo has now been ongoing since the start of the European Championships, and seems set to last throughout the Summer months.
Real Madrid's Pursuit of Ronaldo
Real Madrid have in recent weeks distanced themselves from the speculation, with president Ramon Calderon stating that it was up to Ronaldo where he would be playing next year. Although criticism has been levelled at the Spanish club's conduct during the pursuit of Ronaldo, it is no different to the way in which Manchester United have conducted themselves in the pursuit of transfer targets in the past.
Manchester United's Transfer Activity
Alex Ferguson is unlikely to empathise with the Portuguese, and when allied to the club's mounting debts as a result of the Glazer family takeover, it is hard to envisage Ronaldo lining up with his Manchester United team-mates at the start of the new premier league season. The transfer fee for the winger has been the subject of wide speculation, but a realistic estimate would be in the region of £60 million.
Ferguson would be better advised to sell Ronaldo and re-invest the hefty profits (Ronaldo was purchased from Sporting Lisbon at a cost of £12.24 million in 2003) in a replacement as well as a new striker. The sale of Ronaldo would not be a negative move for United, who despite Ronaldo's obvious contribution to last seaon's double success should remember the performances of Andersen, Rooney, Ferdinand and Tevez to name but a few.
In terms of a direct replacement for Ronaldo, Blackburn's David Bentley would be one feasible option for Ferguson close to home, and would be likely to cost around £15 million. This would leave plenty of spare change for a new striker such as Tottenham's Dimitar Berbatov or Barcelona's Samuel Eto'o. Ferguson has demonstrated his ruthlessness with star players in the past, and should embark upon the new season without the need to question his player's commitment.
