First, kudos to Roy Hodgson for a job well done – so far. Roy, the hill is still steep, even for lions.
Now to business at hand. I hate writing about transfers because people are assuming I’m breaking some story, as if somewhere I have claimed inside information in virtually every club in England. While I would happily accept any post, until that happens I must rely on the eyes and ears who do my bidding, digging and eavesdropping. It’s a thankless job, theirs, but is appreciated.
The rumour of the Incredible Hulk, or just “Hulk”, making the move from Porto to Chelsea has been circulating for a little while now. Hearing these rumours I always feel sceptical because there is so much that goes into the intent of a rumour. Let’s take a look at just a few scenarios.
Chelsea are the current European champions and would please any player and I’m no exception. I’d be happy if the transfer happened. I leave everything in the hands of Porto.
~ Hulk, on the move to Chelsea
My first inkling when a player himself makes a connection to a big club, is to question his motives. Chelsea in this case, have made no offer, have not approached Porto, and have not even acknowledged the rumour’s legitimacy in recent days. So what, then, is the reason for the Brazilian making this connection?
First, he might be posturing for an improved deal at Porto. He is still under contract, but by making a link to a “big club” (Yes, Porto are a big-ish club, but not nearly as big as Chelsea), he is attempting to increase his own worth. I’m sure if I wanted I could find some examples of that tactic actually working. It all depends on how Chelsea responds. If they acknowledge some level of interest, it won’t matter whether the transfer happens or not, he will have improved his lot.
I highly doubt he will stay at Porto long-term anyway, especially with the club asking £38million. Of course they will likely settle on a highly reduced fee, but by Hulk creating this media frenzy, if you can call it that, at the very least it gives Porto a starting place.
Another possibility is that he wants out of Porto to be more on the “world stage”. I think you will agree this is what most top footballers want, so I am hardly going out on a limb. With relatively little competition in Portugal aside from Benfica, a move to Chelsea would put him in direct competition with football heavyweights like the two Manchester teams, Arsenal, Tottenham, Liverpool, etc. Simply, the class of football is miles (literally and figuratively) apart.
There must be some university-level courses dedicated solely on understanding transfer window tactics, much like courses on WWI campaigns. Truly, the transfer market is indeed an enigma. But it at least gives us something to talk about.
…until tomorrow, lads.
