Price war looming for Gab and Rah!
THERE are no rules around how much a footballer is worth in the transfer market.
Length of contract, age and ability are three of the best metrics to determine a cost, but there are so many other variables that come into play that it is impossible to be too scientific about it. Ultimately, a player is worth whatever the buying club are willing to pay and that decision is subsequently analysed in time to see whether the price was a bargain, daylight robbery or somewhere in the middle that won’t get as much attention.
As much for ease as anything else, comparisons are used – A must be worth B because C have just paid D for E.
There’s a case in point this summer at the Etihad as two Premier League clubs look to sign two City forwards who are both approaching the final year of their contracts.
Arsenal are looking to sign Gabriel Jesus, while Chelsea are interested in Raheem Sterling, and it is impossible for each price tag not to take into account the other.
The number floating around Jesus is £50million as Mikel Arteta looks to reshape his attack, a fee that takes into account the four-time Premier League winner is also a Brazil international and, at 25, has the best years of his career ahead of him.
Sterling is two-and-a-half years older than his team-mate yet is still in prime condition.
Before even considering the fact Chelsea are looking to make a statement signing, the forward has been more integral to City’s success under Pep Guardiola and there is an extra, unwritten tax for England internationals.
Put bluntly, if Jesus is worth £50m to Arsenal than City will feel entitled to ask for considerably more than that for Sterling. The price may come down in negotiations if the player pushes hard for a move, but there will still be a red line for the Blues.
However, with Arsenal yet to snap up Jesus, should Sterling decide on Chelsea and they come up with a number City accept, that will impact on Arsenal’s plans in the domino effect of the transfer market. Getting a deal done as quickly as possible is in the best interests of the football department, but not always the financial side.
News Sterling will shortly be coming to a decision on his future should encourage Arsenal to act on Jesus – if they believe they are paying a fair price. Whether they act or not will have a knock-on impact on them, City, and Chelsea this summer that could have a big say in next season.