Sometimes, one just has to marvel at the level of drama surrounding the decision making and the movements. The time spent to plan and execute those moves is just astonishing.
The last two months have been about footballers moving from one club to another. A couple of incredible moves have been completed, though the most high profile moves - and non-moves, in the case of Kylian Mbappe - were wrapped up before we settled into the transfer period.
Man City avoided what would've been a nauseating drama by wrapping up Haaland's deal quietly. While media propagandists and conspiracy theorists were busy spicing up next season's El Clasico with a possible Haaland-Mbappe collision that will rival the Messi-Ronaldo rivalry, PSG threw everything they've got at Mbappe and convinced him to stay. Those two are the superstars we expect will dominate football for the next ten years or so. For now, they can only meet in the knockout phase of the UEFA Champions League if their teams continue to dominate their leagues the way they currently do.
Likewise, Mane's move to Bayern Munich was clean and swift with no drama. The dude is an easygoing professional who commands the love, respect and blessings of everyone associated with him. Asides, Liverpool already had a replacement prepared. Lewandowski's move from Bayern to Barcelona definitely had a couple of animosity, but it happened a little too quickly and robbed us of a potential drama. The deal was wrapped up while I was still in anticipation mode, charting out the likely tussle that will ensue between the Bavarian club and one of its best players ever.
For now, the standoff between Man U and Ronaldo looks like a fertile ground for an impending chaos, but I have to say that the situation has been a little saddening. I watched Ronaldo in his first spell at Man U and cherished the memories created. I would've loved those wonderful memories not to be sullied or replaced with that of a selfish footballer whose return was marketed as a love affair that never ended, when it was in fact a case of an ex-lover getting back to the available space that suited his desires, and not that of some lovely reunion. I wish the guy will just leave now before the love he receives and enjoys at Manchester turns to hate. He is not too big to be despised and booed.
Lastly, the one transfer that has so far satisfied my penchant for drama is the one involving Frenkie de Jong, though the chaos has been subtle and not as high pitched as I would've wanted. Despite the quiet, non explosive nature of proceedings the subplot and conditions surrounding it are still intriguing. It's quite simple, Erik ten Hag wants Frenkie at Manchester. Barcelona wants him gone because he commands a sizable transfer fee that will help balance their books, and take his serious wages off their neck. Actually, de Jong doesn't have the complete trust and respect of the club. The emergence of Gavi and Pedri has made de Jong's position in the team a lot more questionable. So, Barcelona probably thought, why keep an expensive player on the wage bill when we have young, easy to manage dudes who can play as well? The problem now is de Jong does not want to leave - at least, not for the Europa League playing Manchester United.
Rumours have it that Barcelona still owes de Jong a substantial amount from the wage reduction he agreed to during the Covid era. If you are willing to cut a player loose you must pay his money. It does not look like Barcelona wants to pay that money, which only spices things up. In all, de Jong looks like the victim here. What I don't understand is Man U's insistence on a player who has stated in clear terms that he will not join then. Why are they still negotiating? If Barcelona eventually forces Frenkie de Jong to Manchester, what's the assurance that he will give his best?
Conclusively, I hope de Jong does not join Man U. And yes, I hope Cristiano Ronaldo leaves. He can as well join Man City or Liverpool, I don't care. He is overplaying his hand already, and the team won't bow to him. He gets paid tons of money and yet, he wants the team to let him go for free. He is in no position to hold Man U to ransom. Maybe someone should remind him that he is 37, not 27!
PS: You may notice my disappointment at the transfer deals that were supposed to be difficult but happened way too easily. I love the drama that comes with the transfer season. It keeps me interested while footballers are spread across the planet enjoying their short vacations. My favourite part has always been the Transfer Deadline day.
For now, my attention shifts to the league matches, Fantasy Premier League, and Fantasy5 (more on this at a later time).