The World of Football is Reaching Insanity

Let me get this out upfront: I don’t mind systems like the Premier League, NBA, NFL generating billions and billions each year. While many seem on the road to prize themselves out of the reach of true global adoption and popularity beyond that desire to be able to watch every game, I do not mind systems which cater to the market.

I myself have been on the waiting list for ManUtd for almost seven years... and then the Glazers happened and suddenly there was no waiting list anymore. Besides, seven years was the average waiting time anyway. That just to say that... I don’t mind that there’s mega money involved and stars earn a lot.

But there’s limits to things before they become ludicrous. And ludicrous football, the beautiful game, just became yesterday as Aaron Ramsey’s move to Juventus next season was announced.

Aaron Ramsey - Photo via The Arse’s website

Ramsey was a prodigious talent, one which we wouldn’t have minded seeing at Old Trafford but eventually he opted for the Arse. Sadly enough, his career has suffered from injuries but he’s a talented player. Aged 28 he is in his prime now and has another 2-3 years at the top of his game in any league.

He’s a good player. An “almost very good” player but definitely not a super star or world class level star. A world beater on his best day but not a global star of the game. Not a £300,000 or £400,000/week player. He’s good but he’s not Alexis Sanchez on his best days or David De Gea.

Yet, despite discrepancies in reported fee, Ramsey will move to Turin and earn at least £300,000 per week. Possibly even £400,000. Add to that expected appearance bonuses, bonuses for goals and assist, and then with each trophy.

It is true that the Arse screwed up letting his contract run down, not the first time that happened at the Emirates, but even the saved transfer sum should not elevate a player of Ramsey’s caliber to such ridiculous level of wages.

Those fees commanded by the best goalie in the world who singlehandedly has taken his team in Europe? Fair.
Those fees commanded by a want away trophy hungry world class attacking midfielder with bulldog pedigree? Fair.
Those fees commanded by a good, almost very good player blighted by injuries and limited by having a preferred position and not being too compatible with modern systems? Ludicrous.

If we assume that Ramsey’s on £350,000 weekly, with additional bonuses that will mean that the Welsh star will earn in one year around the same amount Newcastle FC paid for the MLS MVP of last season, Miguel Almiron. Their transfer record, finally broken after almost 15 years since they paid £16 million for a certain Alan Shearer in 2005..

Ludicrous.

In itself, I wouldn’t really mind those fees. As long as the math works, despite matchday having become more and more a touristic affair, an experience than a passionate 90 minutes away with the lads, it works for me.

But the topic becomes rather niggling when we keep in mind that if Ramsey at 28, with a rather bare trophy cabinet, and limited growth potential can command £3/400,000 weekly, what sums will Donatello Kylian Mbappe and Jadon Sancho command when they reach age 24-25?

Will either of them be the first £1,000,000 per week player? Or maybe that honor will be reserved for Real Madrid’s Vinicius?