Beckham bonanza

Barcelona's bid for Man Utd star begs questions

It's bound to be the biggest transfer of the summer, a tumultuous bonanza involving the world's most publicized footballer, the game's top clubs and more political maneuverings than Watergate.

The future of David Beckham begs dozens of questions, most of which can only be answered by educated guesses. Here's a modest attempt at sorting through the doublespeak, posturing and outright lies: Feel free to be in touch if I get everything wrong in two months' time.

Manchester United announced it had reached a deal to sell Beckham to Barcelona. Does this mean he's trading Old Trafford for the Camp Nou?

Probably not. First of all, Barcelona doesn't have a president right now, so it can't really negotiate with anyone. The deal to buy Beckham for around US$50 million is contingent on Joan Laporta, one of six candidates for the club presidency, actually winning the election on Sunday. If he doesn't win, the deal is off, unless he can work something out with the eventual winner. Furthermore, Beckham has to agree to go to Barcelona, and that appears very unlikely.

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Why wouldn't Beckham want to join Barcelona?

Because he's not just a Manchester United player, he's a fan too. While he appreciates that his relationship with Sir Alex Ferguson is strained, every indication is that he would prefer to stay. Beyond that, Barca isn't a very appealing destination right now.

The club won't be playing in the Champions League next season (and may miss out on European competition altogether). Beckham and his many off-the-pitch sponsors need a high-profile club involved in European soccer's biggest showcase. Barca also needs to do a serious rebuilding job, and even if it comes up with the money for Beckham's fee, it remains to be seen whether it can build a competitive team around him.

So if United knows that Beckham is unlikely to join Barcelona, why would they announce a deal?

Good question. In some ways, it sends the world a clear message: Beckham is for sale. And it reminds him -- for the umpteenth time -- that there is one boss at Old Trafford: Ferguson.

At the same time, the club's announcement was a tremendous boost to Laporta's presidential aspirations. Laporta is trying to emulate Real president Florentino Perez, who was elected three years ago largely on his promise of signing Luis Figo. In addition, the deal was brokered by top agent Pini Zahavi, who also took Rio Ferdinand to Old Trafford. If Laporta, who is close to Zahavi, gets elected, he may well owe United a favor. Still, it may not have been the wisest move...

Why not?

Because now Beckham is very upset at the way he has been treated. After all, United went behind his back and tried to sell him to some team he didn't want to join. More importantly, by making it clear Beckham was surplus to requirements, United is undermining its own negotiating position with other clubs. An eager seller rarely gets the best possible price. Especially if, instead of generating an auction, only one or two bidders emerge. That's why United is trying to solicit bids from elsewhere.

So what other clubs could make offers?

There are no more than four or five teams that may be able to afford Beckham's fee and wages. Barcelona, AC Milan, Inter Milan, Real Madrid... possibly Juventus, though it doesn't appear interested. In any case, Beckham's agent, Tony Stephens, has apparently been in touch with AC Milan and Real Madrid.

But haven't both Real and Milan denied their interest?

Yes, but that doesn't mean anything. Milan also said it wouldn't sign Alessandro Nesta last season, and Real said it would not sign Ronaldo. Guess where they now play. In fact, there is a suggestion that Stephens and Real have reached an agreement in principle...

So he's joining the galaxy of stars at the Bernabeu?

Hold on. There are several hitches. United needs to agree a fee with Real, which won't be easy. Real will likely try to lowball Barca's bid. Also, it seems Beckham may be uncomfortable with the idea of joining Real as long as Luis Figo is there. The two play the same position, and Beckham does not want to run the risk of finding himself on the bench. It would be disastrous, both for his England career and for his sponsors.

Well, why doesn't Real just sell Figo?

It's not that easy. First of all, he probably would not want to leave. Second, he makes a lot of money and will probably want a hefty multiyear deal if he goes elsewhere. Given the fact that he turns 31 this year, he's unlikely to get it. And, even if he does, Real won't get much money in return. Also, opinion is divided at the Bernabeu over Beckham.

Really? How so?

Club president Perez is eager to sign him, but general manager Jorge Valdano would prefer to strengthen the defense and find a holding midfielder to partner Claude Makelele.

Back to Beckham. Why would United want to sell him?

There are two schools of thought. On some level, Sir Alex seems to have lost faith in him. Some say he is upset because Beckham seems to spend too much time in the media spotlight, but I'm not convinced. The guy is one of the most serious professionals around and, if anything, you would think that's what matters most to Ferguson.

More likely, he simply thinks that by selling Beckham he can raise enough funds to bring in two or three top quality players, namely a striker to partner Ruud Van Nistelrooy, another central defender and a goalkeeper.

So what happens next?

Well, if the Barcelona option disappears -- and it most likely will -- United will probably try to solicit offers from Milan and/or Inter. For obvious reasons, the club wants to avoid being left in a situation where Real is the only bidder.

Can Milan or Inter afford to make a bid?

Probably yes, though they would both rather avoid a full cash bid. Instead, they would offer players in part-exchange. Of course, they would still have to convince Beckham....

What about the kit sponsors?

I knew you were going to ask that. And with Beckham, it's sure to be an issue. He's an Adidas man, and, funny enough, Real and Milan are both Adidas clubs. United, Barcelona and Inter are aligned with Nike.

Alright. So where is he going to go?

Beats me. I would guess Real Madrid, if Figo is sold. Otherwise, perhaps Milan has a chance. Though I think you had better ask Victoria...

Gabriele Marcotti covers international soccer for SI.com

 

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