Is anyone else getting sick and tired of what is fast becoming the transfer saga of the summer? The headlines first scream that Werder Bremen is about to get an offer from Sir Alex Ferguson for their 21 year old German international Mesut Ozil but then we read that Ozil has signed an agreement with Real Madrid to move to Spain after completing his contract in 12 months time. There are now reports that Ozil is pleading for his club to reduce the £16m asking price. If that’s true, it’s the clearest indication yet that the talented midfielder has no intention of waiting to get away on a ‘Bosman’ next year. So what’s going on?
The Manchester Evening News reported on Monday that “Sir Alex Ferguson is ready to make Mesut Ozil’s dream come true. The Manchester United boss, having just arrived back from the club’s tour of North America, will sit down with chief executive David Gill this week to finalise his transfer plans. Gill has made it clear money is available for a top class signing and Ozil, who would cost around £12m, fits the bill perfectly.”
Yet on the very same day, The Daily Star reported that Ozil is adamant that he does not plan to go anywhere, almost sounding offended by the suggestion. He was quoted as saying “I am a friend of honesty” he claimed “many people extend their contracts long term for better conditions but two weeks later they want to leave. I have never done that but have rather always respected my contract and been happy to fulfill it. Why should now be any different? My situation for the next 12 months is clear. Only the facts count and the fact is, I am under contract with Werder. I cannot know what comes after that.”
The same newspaper reported 24 hours later that “Manchester United’s hopes of signing Mesut Ozil were boosted last night after the German World Cup star told his club to lower the £16m asking price. Ozil is one of Europe’s hottest properties after his display in South Africa but believes he is being priced out of a dream move by Werder Bremen”
Does any of it make sense? If Ozil is to be believed when he says that he plans to fully honor his contract before leaving Bremen for free at the end of it, why would he now be urging his club to lower their £16million asking price? It seems that the young man is as confused as everyone else.
Most United fans would welcome Ozil to Old Trafford with open arms but one thing is clear. If Ferguson fails to make at least a serious attempt to get a ‘value packed’ 21 year old, highly talented international who will almost certainly fit United’s midfield needs like a glove, there will certainly be no other signing of any significance. The decision is largely in the hands of Sir Alex, if he decides that his current squad needs no further improvement so be it. Let’s trust his judgment, ignore the rumor mongering newspaper headlines and move on. After all, the battle to win a record breaking 19th title is about to commence.
Is anyone else sick and tired of the ongoing Mesut Ozil saga?
