Instead of being one of the highest paid players in the world in China, Didier Drogba might opt to stay in Europe and play for Barcelona, if certain Spanish rumors are to be believed. Money or no money, European Champions or no, it’s hard to turn down an offer from Barca.
Just last week it was officially announced that Drogba is packing up his London suitcase, after leading Chelsea to its first ever Champions League title, and signing for Chinese club Shanghai Shenhua, for the modest fee of £200,000 a week. But what follows may be true, or may be just wishful thinking of Spanish journalists – Drogba has a clause in his contract that allows him to leave for Barcelona if the Catalan giants make an offer for him.
Apparently, Barcelona, who have so far been busy negotiating with Valencia for Jordi Alba and snatching up kids at the ages of 10 and 11 from the Mestalla, competing with Real Madrid for youngsters not out of elementary school yet.
Well, as Drogba heard of an interest from Camp Nou, he got on a plane and arrived in Barcelona to handle the talks. Although all that is regarded as complete truth, people are rather sceptical about the deal going through. Money problems and what not.
There is no way Barcelona are paying for Didier Drogba the kind of money he’s about to make in China. Tito Vilanova and his crew may feel they need an experienced striker in their ranks, but that would make him the highest paid player on the team, or something near the top spot, currently occupied by Lionel Messi. Drogba contributed 13 goals in 35 matches last season for Chelsea, certainly not top money production.
At the age of 34, it’s kinda naive to believe Drogba will earn that kind of money anywhere in Europe, except maybe for Anzhi Makhachkala, but there were not contract talks at the time between the sides. And as much as Drogba seems to be about making as much as possible in the twilight of his career, maybe there’s a side of him that prefers to still be competing for titles. Maybe he wants a challenge, in a league he’s never been in, in a new role he’s not accustomed to.
Eventually, it’ll be a battle between those two desires within him. Barcelona will like to sign Drogba for free if it means he doesn’t get a massive salary. It’s about what Drogba is willing to give up in terms of finances in order to remain a part of a European elite club.
Update
Both Didier Drogba and Barcelona represantitaves have denied the rumors regardgin a possible negotiation between the two sides. According to Drogba’s PR company, Drogba to Barca story complete nonsense. As we told you he joins Shanghai in July. Barcelona’s presidesnt, Sandro Rosell also said he knows nothing about Drogba coming to Barcelona, If Drogba is here, it’s for a holiday. I know nothing of this.