The Price Has Been Set
By: Matt | June 29th, 2008
25 million euros sure is a pile of cash. Ajax thinks so, and they are willing to ink a deal with Klaas Jan Huntelaar that would include a release clause for that amount. If that price is met, Ajax will let their goal-scoring phenom go. The figure comes straight from the mouth of Danny Blind, so it seems legit. And now I ask you, will KJH be sold for that price this summer?
Maybe there is some question as to whether he is worth it? I was pretty critical of his performance in the playoffs, and he failed to deliver in the clutch. His lone appearance for the Oranje led to a goal, but it was no electric performance.
There are only going to be a few strikers move this summer for that amount. Elmander already moved for far less, Adebayor still appears to be on the market for around that price, and Eto’o appears to be in talks to remain in Barca. There are still plenty of clubs in need of a good goal-scorer, and plenty of those with money. And if Adebayor or Eto’o move, that makes the number of eligible clubs with healthy balance sheets at least one in number.
At any rate, I expect KJH to move as a replacement for another big-name striker from a big-name club. I expect a move for KJH will come after Eto’o or Adebayor (probably the latter) set the market. KJH would move for less than either of those two. He is no doubt a prized target, but I really think he is a second-tier of that category. Kinda like a 1(a) to Adebayor’s 1. If that is the case, and KJH wants to move for certain, he is probably smart to turn down such a release clause.
On the other hand, however, if KJH is smart, he would not want to move for less than 25 million euros. When you move for that much money, the buying club has a vested interest in your success. Not only is it a major investment, but it would make them look awful if a 25 million man became a squad player. Move for less money, and you could be easily cast aside should your form dip. Consider the examples of Wes Sneijder and Thierry Henry. Sneijder moved for 25 million, struggled a but to find his place in Spain, but remained on the pitch and soon found his way. Henry moved for peanuts, and not even his reputation was enough to save him from the scorn and fury of both fans and media when he did not set the world on fire. Despite a strong finish, he is widely considered to have already failed in Spain.
I think KJH would be wise to reconsider and sign the deal, both as an Ajax fan and a supporter of Dutch goal-scoring phenoms in general. I don’t want him to go, but I want it to work out for him if it does. The contract proposal from Ajax would go a long way to make sure everybody gets what they want.
Category: Team News
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Comments
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Ahhh, the summer transfer stories just keep on churning…
1. The reason contract talks have stalled with Huntelaar is because of the release clause amount. Ajax want to include a 25M clause, and KJH wants it much lower. The ironic thing is that apparently teams are willing to pay that amount. News of the stalled negotiations in Amsterdam only emerged this weekend, and stories are now indicating that Arsenal will already make a 25M offer within the next few days. If Ajax can get 25M for him, I’d have a hard time not agreeing. For a club like Ajax, they’re never going to get much more than that for a player, and they could use that cash to go get two or three quality players to help the squad.
2. I’m bummed about the Henrique news. Barca signs him for 10M even though everyone admits upfront that he’s not even going to be at Barca next year, and since Ajax had shown interest, there’s now talk that the loan deal from Barca will be to Ajax. I’m happy to get the guy, but I hate being a feeder club for Barca where their reserves can get some first team action. Eff that. If Barca wasn’t going to play him and he wants first team action, then just sign the transfer deal with Ajax instead.
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I agree with John on the Henrique matter. Being a feeder club for Barca is severely unappealing, even if its a one-time thing.
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Matt, I’m with Jon on this one–if Ajax can get 25M for him, I say we take it and run. I was severly disappointed by his disappearing act in the playoffs this year.
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RE KJH: My beef is not with the price. 25 million is fine. I just don’t want him to be a Saha, Henry, Sheva… If Arsenal wants him, and Ade is leaving, get him on a plane to London.
RE Henrique: Sorry, but as I say above, we don’t want him. 21 year olds should never sign what amounts to a “developmental” contract. I don’t care what big club it is. Whatever. We’ll keep looking. No loaners, either.
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