by Soccer America Executive Editor Mike Woitalla
Will EuropeÆs loss be our gain?
ThatÆs the question posed by the stunning collapse of the international transfer market.
Aside from Rio FerdinandÆs move from Leeds to Manchester United for $47 million, there have been no summer blockbuster deals. Barcelona spent $303 million on transfers the past five years. This summer itÆs spent $6 million. Real Madrid broke its own world record of $56.1 million for Luis Figo in 2000 with $64.4 million for Zinedine Zidane in 2001. This summer, Real hasnÆt made a move involving a transfer fee.
European soccerÆs financial crisis has impacted roster sizes and player salaries. Real Madrid is cutting its roster by seven players. In Italy, Inter Milan stars Ronaldo, Alvaro Recoba and Christian Vieri agreed to take pay cuts to reduce their clubÆs massive payroll.
In the past, all a player needed was one good World Cup game and European clubs would rush to snatch him up. That happened four years ago when Shaun Bartlett scored two goals for South Africa and FC Zurich paid MLS in excess of $1 million for his transfer.
In the past, a hot prospect like DaMarcus Beasley would have commanded big money. So far, the best deal MLS has reportedly been presented is $2 million from Ajax, and itÆs, at best, on hold.
The only American of note to move abroad this summer is Oguchi Onyewu, who played college ball at Clemson and therefore was available to French club Metz as a free agent.
MLS always struggled matching European offers. Joe-Max Moore, who left MLS for England in 1999, could make far more sitting on the bench at Everton than he could playing for New England.
MLS was born just as free agency and big TV money hit Europe, killing its chances of competing for players. That boom is over. All MLS wants is an honest chance to compete for its own, and that day is coming.
Yes, EuropeÆs loss is MLSÆs gain.
by Soccer America Executive Editor Mike Woitalla