Luis Figo could be on his way to the Premiership, according to reports. Real Madrid signed Figo for £38m in August 2000 but are believed to be willing to off-load the Portuguese winger for £10m.
That's not very surprising. Of Real Madrid's big name players, Figo is the most expendable - he's really underperformed drastically the last two seasons and had to be subbed out pretty frequently last year. The question is, though, who fills in on the right side of midfield in that case? Does Macca start? Or is Perez gearing up for another big-money acquisition on that side in the form of Joaquin?
I would not put too much stock in the story. Consider the source -- the tabloid English press. 1. Why woud Real take such a loss on that investment. Figo could clearly fetch more in the open market. (There has been reported interest earlier in the year from Milan.) 2. Figo has actually performed pretty well this year (2002 - 2003) for Madrid. Remember, C-towner, Figo was injured during the second half of last year, when he was frequently subbed out. DUring the first part of the year, he (along with Raul) were Real's best players.
I too don't put much weight into those stories of Figo going to England. His style of play doesn't fit English soccer.
I can't imagine him in England-unless of course, he has become reaquainted with the concept of balance... Rumors come and go, but from what I've seen from him this year, he does seem to have lost a step-especially when you see him out on the wing-that quick first step off the dribble, where he used to be able to get seperation from the defender...you don't see that as much. Since Euro 2000, his game has slipped-injuries haven't helped, but he is 30. It wouldn't surprise me that they want to sell him, but his price tag might be too high in terms of the current market.
I think this is where it's headed. Joaquin & Figo play similar positions so it looks like a seamless fit. Selling Figo would be news. But signing Joaquin would even be bigger news. Joaquin's best days are still ahead of him. Should Real acquire Joaquin, they'll be envied even more. LOL.