Tevez – football’s great mercenary. The reports emanating from the press state that Manchester United have been approached with an offer to buy back Carlos Tevez from their neighbours Manchester City. It has only been a year and half since Tevez left Old Trafford in the first place – to hanker for a move back so soon strikes of desperation. It’s funny how things change – Tevez was made City’s captain, he was banging in the goals and all appeared to be well. Now the transfer request has been handed in and he’s looking to move on.
It was previously believed that Tevez’s homesickness would bring about a move back to South America where he could be reunited with his family. Some reports also suggested that Tevez, at the tender age of 26, was ready to quit the game entirely.
It’s my belief that Tevez’s current situation is not the result of his homesickness, but his desire to put himself in a decent position when it comes to contract negotiations. Tevez, for all his footballing prowess, goal-scoring ability and technical nous, has never quite had a hold on that thing that supporters value above all: loyalty.
A part of me hopes that this attitude, and the means and manner by which Tevez has jumped from team-to-team backfires and that the Argentine finds it difficult to find suitors. This is exactly the kind of greed that has to be stamped out of the game. Is there anybody who can genuinely afford Tevez at this moment in time? Not only would his transfer fee be extortionate, but he’d likely expect wages of £200,000+ a week. Beyond Chelsea and Real Madrid, I don’t believe there are any other teams in a financial position to afford Tevez. Of course, these teams will be well aware of the controversies that have surrounded Tevez during his time in the Premier League and this is likely to put them off the idea of making a bid for his services.
Tevez may find himself stuck at City simply by virtue of his making himself such an unattractive prospect.
Of course, even if Manchester United had the cash to spend on a player like Tevez, it’s unlikely they would. I have no doubt that Sir Alex Ferguson can see through the likes of Carlos Tevez in an instant. Ferguson has already contended with Rooney’s greed this season (and you have to wonder if Tevez watched Rooney’s situation as it developed with some interest) and will not be interested in having two difficult strikers in his troop. Tevez, as good as he is, is capable of destroying a team’s unity.
Rooney tried his hardest to disrupt Manchester United’s season, but thanks to Sir Alex, United have been as strong as ever. The last thing United need is a player like Tevez to challenge the dynamic once more. Here’s hoping that Sir Alex tells Tevez, in no uncertain terms, that he isn’t welcome at United.
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