Ronaldo, Drogba, Ribery, Diego On The Move?
Big-Time Football Transfer Rumors For 2009-10
May 6, 2009
As the weather throughout Europe begins to heat up, so do the rumors surrounding some of the top players in European football. Speculation is rampant on where the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo, Didier Drogba, Franck Ribery and Diego will play in 2009-10.
New Transfer Fee Record Coming?
French attacking midfielder Franck Ribery is one of the biggest names being talked about late in the season. His German club Bayern Munich have assured their faithful all season they have no plans on letting him out of his contract until 2011. But news coming from the English Guardian daily on May 5, 2009 has Manchester United offering 70 million euros for the 26-yera-old Ribery - which would easily eclipse the all-time record transfer fee of some 50 million euros paid by Real Madrid to Juventus Turin for Zinedine Zidane in 2001. Barcelona and Manchester City have also been rumored to be after Ribery.
Ribery Move Linked To Ronaldo Deal
But a Ribery move is still far from being worked out. First off, Manchester would have to complete the sale of Cristiano Ronaldo to Real Madrid. But the fact that Bayern have confirmed United's approach for Ribery seems to suggest that the Portuguese attacker is in fact on the move to Spain.
Real Madrid Election To Bring Change
But that too is not yet certain. The Spanish record champions Real are in the midst of a major overhaul after a disappointing season. Designated president Florentino Perez is due to announce his concept for next season on May 14. A number of players are being rumored to coming to the Spanish capital - among them Cristiano Ronaldo, Kaka, Ribery, David Silva, David Villa, Xabi Alonso and Cesc Fabregas
Real Candidate Eduardo Garcia Promises Drogba
Perez's top contender for the Real Madrid presidential election on June 14 will be Eduardo Garcia. And the candidate is connecting his election with the arrival of Chelsea star striker Didier Drogba, according to a report in the Spanish sports daily AS on May 5. AS also said Garcia is planning on bringing in Brazilian Keirrison from SC Palmeiras and Spaniard Ivan Marcano from Racing Santander.
Diego Seen As Ribery Replacement At Bayern
Strengthening the rumors that Ribery is on his way out is the fact that Bayern Munich have been holding talks in secret with Djair da Cunha, the father of Werder Bremen's Brazilian midfield star Diego, according to the German daily Bild on May 5. Diego has reportedly agreed with Juventus Turin that he will join the Italian club. But Juventus and Werder have been unable to agree on a transfer fee, reported Bild.
Diego Move Initially On Hold
Even though Bild said Diego would rather play at Bayern than Juventus, the acquisition could be delayed as Bayern are still deciding who will be their coach next season. Munich officials have held talks with favorite Louis van Gaal, according to Bild.
