Alexis Sanchez must forget massive Manchester United fee and wages because all players are equal on the pitch
SunSport columnist says football might seem more removed than ever from normal fans - but insists the players involved are a product of the market, not the cause of the problem
THE more expensive transfers become the more detached football seems to be from the real world.
What was once known as the working man’s sport feels light years away from that now.
I understand supporters look at the £145million Barcelona paid for Philippe Coutinho or the rumoured wage packet of Alexis Sanchez as astronomical.
However, it’s also important to apply some perspective and realise that the market dictates these sums and the players involved are a product and not the cause.
But the reality for Coutinho, Sanchez and other costly signings is the same after a move as it was before.
You sit in a dressing room with players who may have cost a fraction of what you did and then you run on to the pitch as their equal.
When individuals move for these sums of money, the personal pressure on them is enormous and the fee will always be brought up every time something is amiss.
And despite the fact the amount paid has nothing to do with the player, it can hang over his head like a noose — think of Fernando Torres’ £50m transfer to Chelsea or Juan Sebastian Veron at Manchester United.
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When PSG paid Neymar’s £198m buyout clause, they set a new benchmark which suggests there’s no limit to transfer budgets. But that’s not to say the money is lost when the cheque is cashed.
Players are now brands and the clubs make educated decisions on the outlays.
When Manchester United broke the transfer record to sign Paul Pogba, it was reported that in the first three weeks of shirt sales they earned £190m — more than doubling their original outlay.
It was a similar scenario with Zlatan Ibrahimovic, who arrived on a free transfer and a healthy salary and in the first week United apparently made a whopping £76m from merchandise.
Which goes to show that whether or not the player in question performs, the clubs are usually insured for the fee from the business angle.
There’s an argument to say transfer fees should be capped by Uefa/Fifa to ensure more money is reinvested in the game and there’s a more level field in terms of a club’s buying power.
Personally, I can’t see that as an advantage because the transfer market has made the off-field game almost as riveting as the one on the pitch. Whether you are a fan or a player, it’s exciting to see who will walk in the dressing room next.
Hopefully your club is active and you have someone new to welcome come the end of January. Enjoy these last few days of the transfer window. I know I will.
