Chelsea’s latest swoop into the transfer market will cost them nothing. Well, nothing if you don’t count Bayern Munich captain Michael Ballack’s reported world-leading £121 000-a-week salary plus perks such as cars, a house and 24-hour help with his plumbing.
Denials aside, Chelsea appear to have persuaded the man they call ”The Kaiser” to move to Stamford Bridge on a free transfer, joining a squad worth a massive £330-million.
The Ballack move has been something of a Patrick Vieira-style saga, much like we are about to get from Carling Cup Final reject Ruud van Nistelrooy as he begins his protracted departure from Old Trafford. Ballack is out of contract at the end of the season and available on a free transfer.
Manchester United, Real Madrid and Inter Milan had rigorously courted Ballack. If Arsenal had been able to afford his salary, they’d have been sniffing about too.
But, as is the way of modern football, the roubles of billionaire Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich appear to have won the day. What they save in transfer fees will be spent on wages in a four-year deal unmatched in the history of the beautiful game.
Alex Ferguson, still glowing from the 4-0 Carling Cup success over wonderful Wigan last Sunday, must wonder what he has to do to get his man these days.
There was a day when Manchester United was the world’s richest club and every lad on Earth appeared to want to wear his red and white. No more. Recently, Fergie has missed out on Damien Duff (£17-million), Arjen Robben (£12-million) and Michael Essien (£24-million), despite obvious mutual affection. All are now wearing Chelsea’s blue.
The fact that Arsenal managed to lure Southampton youngster Theo Walcott had to do with Arsene Wenger’s persuasive nature. He too was destined for Chelsea’s gold-plated substitutes’ bench.
With Chelsea clear at the top of the Premiership and surging through the FA Cup, Ballack’s move is something of a death knell for the English game. If the Monopolies and Mergers’ Commission had any guts, it would put a stop to it before it becomes official.
Ballack, over 6ft tall, is the new Patrick Vieira. Ballack, a free-kick specialist, is the new David Beckham. Ballack, hard as nails but cultured, is, at 29, the new Roy Keane. All rolled into one.
In 2002, he just missed out on the Champions League when Bayer Leverkusen was beaten by Real Madrid in the final. He could yet get as far this season with Bayern Munich. Given that Chelsea is 2-1 down against Barcelona facing a tough trip to the Nou Camp, it is unlikely he will arrive during the year to find he’s missed out on the European glory he craves.