Transfer Talk: We Demand Villa

So, Barca abandoned the the chance to sign the fantabulous David Villa for 50 million euros, to chase after Ibrahimovic for an initially reported deal of 40 million, Eto'o, and Hleb and loan. We thought that was ridiculous, but arguments were that the club doesn't want to pay too much in cash, and they are set on getting rid of Eto'o.

Fair enough. But then the deal became 50 million, Eto'o, and Hleb on loan with Barca paying his wages... for just Ibrahimovic. And they wouldn't pay the bare 50 mill for Villa? Ridiculous and hypocritical.

But the fact remains: the club badly want Eto'o gone. Alright, that might be considered reason to tolerate such a terrible deal... until latest reports reveal that Barca's bid is now 75 million and Hleb on loan, in exchange for Ibrahimovic.

We're no longer feeling depressed and regretful about Villa. We're just furious at Barca, and frankly, disgusted. Setting aside how unfair this has all been for Villa, and the fact that he'd be much better for the team... Laporta & co are behaving like idiots. They're letting Inter play around with them, and the price just keeps shooting upward with Barca having apparently no say in the matter... where is the negotiating skill this club is known for? Where is Barca's sense of economy, and thier pride? What about all Laporta's claims that Barca are not a spendthrift team like Real Madrid?

Again: this deal isn't any different than Real Madrid's signing of Cristiano Ronaldo. And it's even worse, becuase that's who Madrid are, splashing out any amount of cash for a player is a part of them; but that is not who we are. This is not Barca. This signing is becoming a disgrace to the club. If it goes through, it'll be the most disgraceful signing in the club's history, if you ask us. And that has nothing to do with Ibrahimovic himself... but with the fact that Barca would pay such an amount for any player.

This transfer isn't about Ibrahimovic. It's about the club's desperate want to get rid of Eto'o... though why this is so absolutely necessary, we don't understand. Would it hurt so much to let him stick around for a couple more months? They're letting Moratti and Inter lead them around, succumbing to these outrageous money demands, just to see this player gone. And that has got to be the stupidest thing we've ever seen from Barca.

Anyway, other reports claim that Eto'o's agent recently met with AC Milan. That, to us, is awesome news; we have a farfetched hope that he'll reach a deal with them. In the first place, it's a more honorable transfer for both Eto'o and Barca. Second, they can really use him/afford him what with Kaka's move to Madrid. And third, that way Eto'o would be gone from Barca as the club want, and they'd gain money from the deal, and then they could turn around and sign... David Villa.

Why pay so much for Ibra, especially when Eto'o is apparently no longer part of the offer for him, when Villa is available for much less? 50 million is perfectly acceptable, perfectly reasonable for a player like Villa. A much greater move for the club, on all levels.

And even if Eto'o doesn't reach any kind of deal with AC Milan or another club... who really cares? Again, what harm would it do if he stayed on Barca for a few more months until the winter transfer window, when we'd be done with him? If getting rid of Eto'o is going to cost this much - in terms of dignity as well as cash - then to hell with it! Laporta & co must wake up, realize the stupidity of what they're doing, and set it right. Forget arrogant Ibra and his monstrous transfer fee... amazing Villa and his comparatively humble price are what's best for this club.