Eto'o has City offer

Barca star has "stratospheric" offer to join City

Last updated: 29th June 2009   Subscribe to RSS Feed

Eto'o has City offer

Eto'o: Wanted by City

Eto'o has a stratospheric offer from City, which would convert him into the best paid player in the world.

Joan Laporta
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Barcelona president Joan Laporta has revealed Manchester City have made a "stratospheric offer" to striker Samuel Eto'o.

The 28-year-old Cameroon international superstar has just one-year left on his contract with the European champions and is being tipped to leave Camp Nou.

Big-spending City have been linked with virtually ever player going this summer, although they recently recruited Roque Santa Cruz from Blackburn.

However, manager Mark Hughes is far from finished his summer spending and it appears he is determined as ever to add Eto'o to his talented squad.

Highest paid

Laporta claims City's offer would make Eto'o the highest paid player in world football, a deal which may even eclipse the staggering six-year deal Cristiano Ronaldo recently penned with Real Madrid.

The Barca supremo claims Eto'o wants to stay, but concedes the offer may be too good to reject. He also confirmed the Catalan giants would seek a replacement if the striker departed.

"Eto'o has a stratospheric offer from City, which would convert him into the best paid player in the world," he told Catalan radio station iCat FM.

"It's starting to become clear that he has this monster offer. He wants to stay but an offer like this is very difficult to refuse.

"If Eto'o accepts this stratospheric offer we will have to bring in someone."

Comments (60)

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Robert Mitchell (Manchester City fan) says...

There is now no doubt that City are now a serious team but, as already mentioned, we need at least one, possibly two decent defenders. Richard Dunne has been a superb servent but he no longer has the class. I would go for Lescott fron Everton. Pay £20 million - he is worth it. But I would also chase Rodmell as well. But we need to keep and develop the youth of the club. The Academy is strong and players we have will be world class. Richads, Onuha, are only two - Outstanding in Englands under 21 side. It would be a disgrace to loose other potential class players. We also need to hold onto Elano. He wone the game for Brazil the other day with his second half display. I have my doubts about Wayne Bridge. He needs to apply himself a bit more. I hope we get Tevez. A player willing to show commitment and lead from the front. We need to off-load a few. Vassell, Benjani & Jo at least but keep Bojinov, he is a real talant for the future. I would look towards a top 4 finish and a finalist in at least one of the cups in 2009/10

Posted 00:32 30th June 2009

Ben Cahill (Manchester City fan) says...

Being a City fan these days is a bit like living in a dream world, our stature has changed dramatically within the last year. I have had a season ticket for the past 15 years, and our biggest acheivement in that time was winning the championship in the Keegan era. So I think we are entitled to let ourselves get slightly carried away when dreaming of a possible strike force like Eto'o, Santa Cruz, Robinho and Tevez. The fans have stuck by the team no matter what division we were in, I remember selling out Main Rd every week in league 1 (34,000). I have read several comments on here about where people stand and the opinions on how much money we are throwing around and you can't tell me that if any other club had the same amount of money they would'nt do the same thing? In the modern game you have to spend big in order to win big. (and by the way comparing the money in football to poverty in Africa is ridiculous in itself) We have still managed to keep our routes well within our academy, with the likes of Richards, Ireland, Onouha, Wright-Phillips, who have the ability to break into almost any first team outside of the top 4. Yes it will take us a few years to get used to having this much money, but hopfully in ther next few years we can realisticly dream of breaking into the top four. And signing Eto'o would be a huge step towards that.

Posted 23:50 29th June 2009

Chris Kelly says...

Watch the attendances next season go down at Stamford Bridge, and up at Eastlands.

Posted 22:00 29th June 2009

James Cook (Aberdeen fan) says...

Nobody can deny that Eto'o is nothing short of a fantastic player but leaving Barcelona who have the likes of Messi, Iniesta and Xavi for City who have Bellamy, Barry and Ireland. It has to be for the money, but who are we to moan. Ballack and Cashley took the oil money when Chelsea got taken over by the Russian Mafia now City are doing the same thing. It will be harder for City since they are not as good as Chelsea were prior to Roman coming in, but with that Sheikh who probably thought he was buying the other manchester team's bottomless pockets who's betting against them wining the league in the next decade.

Posted 18:07 29th June 2009

Mike Allan says...

As a Manchester City supporter for the past 22 years and former Kippax season ticket holder, Its amazing the amount of people who had us (CITY) as their second team only 2-3 years ago, but now we have have the cash, these supporters who always said "I hope they do well" cant wait to see us fail, well all I have to say to you jealous lot who are definitely scared of us pushing one of the so called "top 4" off your undeserved perch for the last 14 years is "Bring it on, knock us down, you are only giving us another reason to win". I agree we havent earned the money that is being ploughed into us, but the money that has created the "top 4" has also been handed to you on a plate by broadcasters and fat old men with suit and cigar, in their "executive suite" who have never kicked a ball about, can anyone tell me the difference? (without giving us abuse)

Posted 17:21 29th June 2009

Steven Crowley (Manchester City fan) says...

People who come on here to say they hate us an say were "ruining" the game by buying these people need a reality check. Real Madrid bought Kaka and Ronaldo for nearly £150m and noone said a thing but because were offering £25m for Eto'o that's stupid and were ruining the game :S Just because we've not won anything for a long time does not make us a little club with stupid ambitions we've always had the drive to get success but never had the players or money to do it. If this happened to your club i'm pretty sure you would not be complaining. So come on city! and i'll be there with my season ticket next year! :D

Posted 15:51 29th June 2009

Andy Beard (Manchester City fan) says...

City are going places and other clubs like Man Utd and Arsenal are worried because they can no longer compete financially with the richest clubs in the world.. How can fans of such ridiculous clubs like Newcastle say anything about a club with actual ambition and financial backing. Enjoy the Fizzy Pop League.....

Posted 13:24 29th June 2009

Ken M (Aston Villa fan) says...

FIrstly, I hope Man City do well next year. Yes I am a Villa fan and that might seem a little strange having more teams battling for top spots in the league, but above all I am a football fan. I always want to see the best players in the world playing in the same league so I can watch as much of it a I can. Trouble is I am a little concerned for our national game and seeing new players from England. Many teams now want instant success. if it is not winning the league its top 4. If not top 4 its europe and cup run. So teams are now buying the best players from around the world - these players are already established within their clubs and therefore clubs demand high fees and players high wages. And typically these players are not english. I then begin to feel sorry for some of the players particualrly those at Man City. Joe Hart U21 GK wont get a sniff now given is there so he needs a new club. Micah Richards is another who may be sold, Sturridge may also go becasue he is surplus to requirements. If all our young players coming through the ranks dont get games or are playing championship football no one will benefit. Ireland must be gutted if one person on here is right Ireland on the bench next year, easily city's best player last season. Then what, benched due to the inflx of massive stars he must think what do I need to do? I want to see the best players but at what cost. The English Premier League may be lucrative but England will suffer. Our u21's are in the final of Euro Championship but how many of these will progress and play at the most senior level for top clubs and thier national team - not many I may suggest as these big players continue to come and line their pockets!

Posted 13:13 29th June 2009

Samir Shaker (Arsenal fan) says...

I don't think the players at Man City have the belief to move into top four. The players they have now are great, but with all these players coming in and out I don't think they cemented the base to build a great team upon. They have a good defence, but nothing comparable to the top 3. They need to invest heavily on their defence and Eto'o, then I might be convinced that they can break the top 4. Tottenham are an example of having a great team but still cannot break the top 4. Man city need to identify that something that will make them a great team.

Posted 11:32 29th June 2009

Paul Grierson says...

How can anyone possibly be supportive of man city, or indeed any of the big clubs owned by foriegn owners? what they are doing is ruining the english game. people say the english league is the best in the world - how exactly is it english? the biggest clubs are owned by foreigners and they all sign foreign players. and the amount of money being thrown around is vile. we're in a huge recession, hundreds of people lose their jobs everyday, and yet there are footballers who earn what a doctor earns in a year - in a week. think of the millions of starving africans, in the time taken for you to read this rant (assuming you have read up to here XD), six africans have died from poverty related causes. rant over.

Posted 11:24 29th June 2009

Rob Vincent (Everton fan) says...

I'd be very surprised if Mark Hughes is buying most of these players, I personally think that the board are. Ok, maybe he had a say in the Cruz deal, and maybe even the Barry one, but as for Robinho and Eto'o and the other players they've been linked with, they just do not strike me as the types of players Mark Hughes would want to buy. I don't mean that he doesn't think they're good, there's no denying they're quality players, but I really think the board are making these transfers. Furthermore, City are going over the top with the money, atleast Chelsea knew when to say No! As soon as a club started asking for a ridiculous price Chelsea said no. Man City just accept any asking price and it will come back to haunt them, and teams like Everton, West Ham, Fulham etc. will just plod on nicely, not breaking the bank but have a good squad, who work hard as a team etc. Money CAN buy success, Chelsea proved that (to a point), but Man City won't be successful, they might break the top four, if Arsenal don't book up their ideas, but that's about it, and is Top 4 acceptable when you spend that much money?? Btw, a proposed bid for Joleon Lescott is set at £10m plus Jo(who they paid 19m for) and Micah Richards who is in a similar mould to Lescott, and probably has the potential to be his equal. So, if I was Moyesy, as much as I adore Lescott, I'd have to snap Hughes's hand off and maybe pick up a couple more bargains like Cahill and Arteta.

Posted 10:57 29th June 2009

Richard King (Manchester City fan) says...

In order to make a team with little real prestige, a club such as Man City need to pay over the odds for any world class player in order to attract more world class players . When this is done the hope would be that these new players will bring some prestige to the club by winning trophies.. this would then allow Man city to attract world class signings without having to pay over the odds...what would also help would be to bring in a world class coach.

Posted 10:29 29th June 2009

Tony Ryan (Manchester City fan) says...

It looks like City are on a 2 stage plan, because they are in a catch 22 situation (they have very deep pockets but a middle of the league squad) they need to make the club attractive to the best up and coming players in the world - this is where Man U has the edge, they have won just about everything in recent years and so can attract the players on reputation rather than cold hard cash. Stage 2 will be when city break into the top 4 (hopefully) - then they can compete with the likes of Man U, Chelsea, Barca etc for players. IF Eto comes to city then yes it's blatently for the cash - no denying it, but what City are doing is building the best squad they can get by using the only means they have - CASH! If that means older players who want a pay day then fine, hopefully it will get us into the top 3 / 4 and then onto level par with the big clubs. Remember Januarys 100m+ bid for Kaka? I don't really think that offer was ever expected to be taken seriously - but it did do one thing... It made the football world stop with their jaws wide open! It was a statement of intent from City that we are here... Like money in football or hate it - City have it and are not affraid to use it to achieve their goal. Everyone wants to see the worlds best players in the PL so let City splash the cash and get some world class players to a stadium near you.....soon :)

Posted 10:21 29th June 2009

Alex S (Tottenham Hotspur fan) says...

Good luck to City I say. Anything that can potentially shake up the top 4 and make the premiership more entertaining is a good thing to me. It will be interesting to see how they fare next season and whether it all implodes if they fail to get the success they are aiming for. The big difference between them and the Abramovich revolution is that Chelsea had already laid the foundations with silverware before the silly money came in. Man City really are starting with a clean slate.

Posted 10:15 29th June 2009

Martin Fowler (Manchester City fan) says...

Eto at city is an expensive but very good buy. He has scored goals for fun in Spain and at international level in a very weak nigerian side. His pace and strength wil suit the premier league eg/ Drogba, Torres, Henry, Tevez, Ronaldo are to name but a few with similar attributes that are/were among the PL top performers. As for buying the title people seem to forget the fact we still have homegrown talent like Ireland (13-14 goals, nominated for PFA Young player award, Man citys player of the season), Onuoah(U21 Int), Richards(U21 int), Evans (full welsh national) and Sturridge(not for long, the greedy lad!). All the City wellwishers you are true sports men however those bitter fans who have not yet had the good fortune of having a very wealthy owner and are that green with envy at the very thought of getting your new season replica shirt and are having to get your own name printed on the back as a child would because the likes of titus bramble and ricardo fuller are nothing short of embarrasing instead of a top drawer player like city now have or are in the market for. I feel your pain i have been there but now i bask in the glow of the light that is wealth, success and glory! Good Luck to all i look forward to the new season and the fruits of our hard earned support and labour.

Posted 10:15 29th June 2009

Carlo Fracassi (Chelsea fan) says...

City seriously need to look at the balance of their squad. Chelsea did go out and buy some great forward players, but they also had John Terry, William Gallas, Marcel Desially at the club already. so i don't think you can compare what city are doing now to what chelsea did then. Furthermore Chelseas best ever signing was a defensive player in Claude Makelele. Hughes needs to invest in at least 2 world class defenders, along the lines of ramos, Chellini and Chivu. And for all Those people who all of a sudden hate man city because they have money, your just Jealous. Check Qpr out, apart from city they are the richest club in britan, no one ever comes on here and says " We hate Qpr" so let's leave city to it and hope they bring in some of the best players in the world and make the premiership even better.

Posted 10:04 29th June 2009

Michael O'connor says...

All the talk about Chelsea buying the league is nonsense. The team finished high in the league before Abramhovic signed and the core of the team was already there. Granted the money allowed us to buy a few quality players, but which of the top teams do not spend large amounts on players? Man Utd always sign expensive players : Veron £28 million, Ferdinand £30 million. Rooney £27 million, Even Nani £14 million and Anderson at £18 million. Just look at Real Madrids history and you can see that money will always float around in football. I hope that Sparky manages to do well, as money does not always guarantee success, but gives you a chance. Good Luck City

Posted 09:54 29th June 2009

Ravi bob Shrestha (Manchester United fan) says...

Though Manchester City are spending big,I still feel they have a long way to go in order to challenge for the big titles against the big teams.Look at Real Madrid for instant,though they are a huge club and bought few of the most fantastic players that have played the game.They were still unable to perform constantly.Hence,City being a smaller club,i don't see them climbing the ladders as quickly as they desire only by buying the big names.They have to work a lot on other aspects aswell.Few big names will only bring egos with them and i am sure it will disrupt the team as a whole.DON'T GET ME WRONG..THEY MIGHT BE FIGHTING FOR SURVIVAL IN THE PREMIER LEAGUE ALSO.

Posted 09:45 29th June 2009

Martin Cusworth (Manchester City fan) says...

Yes we are also after defenders. Lescott and Upson (one is likely to come). They will probably partner Kompany who will move back to defence (superb player) and we will have Onouha and Richards on the bench. Midfield Barry and De Jong with Robinho, Tevez, SWP behind Eto'o. Santa on the bench with Ireland, Petrov, Elano (if still there). Finally a team to start worrying the so called big boys. We will be top four soon if not this year and then everything is possible. City til I die.

Posted 09:28 29th June 2009

Kevin Hibbert (West Ham United fan) says...

I'm laughing out loud! Craig Bellamy couldn't wait to get away from West Ham for a "bigger challenge", and only he will know how challenging playing for City's reserves will be next year!? Lol. Where next Craig?

Posted 09:14 29th June 2009
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