A Suspicion of Argie-Bargy

They’re calling it the transfer coup of the summer. The year. The decade even. The East End of London hasn’t seen celebrations like this since England won the World Cup. Or the last World War. Imagine it. Argentinian World Cup stars Carlos Tevez and Javier Mascherano signed from Brazilian club Corinthians by West Ham United. A striker they’ve called ‘the new Maradona’ and a superb defensive midfielder. In short, a pair of genuine world class players and both only 22 years of age.

They could have gone anywhere in the world but they’ve come to the Premiership. So what clinched it? And what made them choose West Ham rather than Arsenal, Chelsea or Manchester United?

Perhaps, like so many things these days, it was all down to money – a case of West Ham’s superior financial resources, their ability to outbid the others or offer the players more attractive personal terms. Or maybe it was the ground (after all, how can The Emirates Stadium, Stamford Bridge or Old Trafford compete with Upton Park?). Or the tradition of the club. Or the superior training facilities. Then again, Tevez and Mascherano may have been far more impressed by Alan Pardew and his track record than Arsene Wenger, or Mourinho or Sir Alex. Or possibly they just decided they would much rather play in the UEFA Cup than the Champions League.

For some reason, the cynics are having a field day about this one. Questioning a deal which has been described as ‘permanent’ (how long for?). Airing suspicions at the absence of any indication of fees. Speculating about the involvement of a company called MSI (no relation to MFI). And hinting darkly at some deeper, and very sinister, corporate agenda that will bring an end to competitive top class football as once we knew it. How could they!