Lee Dixon: Citizens take full advantage of Munich turmoil
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LEE DIXON Monday 17 August 2015
The football world was in shock when it was revealed there was a high-profile tax fraud surrounding Josep Guardiola's contract with FC Bayern. The Munich club swiftly dismissed the accusations but a further announcement by authorities in Germany painted a grim picture - there is indeed something wrong with financial accounts and it is now believed the Guardiola contract is just the tip of the iceberg. Initial inspections have established for certain there have been huge financial packages going under the table during a number of transfers FC Bayern have conducted in recent seasons. The extent of these is yet to be clarified but the Germans are facing serious penalties the most severe of which being thrown out of professional football.
Shock or not, the sharks are already circling around a FC Bayern squad full of world-class players. The entire team initially claimed to be united in this darkest hour although after it became evident the scandal would not go away and there isn't even the slightest chance of a positive resolution, the players are privately considering their options. Manchester City were expected to be the first to take advantage after manager Jurgen Klopp was locked in heated talks with the board after the opening game of the season with Chelsea, reportedly about the lack of substantial investment in the market. It was thought the owners were exploring the opportunity of attracting Josep Guardiola at the Etihad although that avenue was dismissed after the Munich crisis expanded.
Instead, Manchester City have decided to pursue another plan of action after Jurgen Klopp convinced the power brokers his extensive contacts in Germany can be utilized to lure some of the FC Bayern stars - who were thought of as untouchable in the market. Klopp initially wanted to try and sign a former player of his - flamboyant midfielder Mario Gotze (23). A series of phone calls quickly revealed the player would be open for a move but the Germans were desperate to protect their prized asset and slapped a massive 75.0 million pounds asking price on him. It backfired as the Citizens were willing to meet it and a pre-signed contract with Gotze kicked in, effectively tying the hands of the Bundesliga club - effectively meaning Mario Gotze became a Manchester City player!
We will never know the details behind what happened next but it is easy to fill in the gaps knowing the facts. Having sensed the taste of blood in the water, Klopp had a prolonged discussion with Gotze about which of his former teammates would be willing to move in the same direction. It was probably how the manager understood Manchester City had the chance to try and sign FC Bayern goalkeeper Manuel Neuer (29). The same negotiations technique was employed and a 40.0 million pounds was eventually agreed to rubber-stamp the transfer.
Manchester City didn't stop there. Surprisingly, legendary fullback Philipp Lahm (31) expressed a desire to follow Neuer and Gotze to the Etihad and a tentative 35.0 million pounds offer proved enough to force a deal. Sources at the club tell us the Citizens tried for another FC Bayern player but the Germans lined up the entire team and issued strict orders to cut off any contact with other clubs. The identity of the fourth transfer target will remain a mystery.
Mario Gotze transfer verdict: 10/10 - brilliant player down the left wing with many years of top football ahead of him.
Manuel Neuer transfer verdict: 10/10 - one of the best goalkeepers in the world.
Philipp Lahm transfer verdict: 9.5/10 - despite his advancing years, Lahm is still a top player and can help a lot even in this Manchester City lineup.
View attachment 414187
LEE DIXON Monday 17 August 2015
The football world was in shock when it was revealed there was a high-profile tax fraud surrounding Josep Guardiola's contract with FC Bayern. The Munich club swiftly dismissed the accusations but a further announcement by authorities in Germany painted a grim picture - there is indeed something wrong with financial accounts and it is now believed the Guardiola contract is just the tip of the iceberg. Initial inspections have established for certain there have been huge financial packages going under the table during a number of transfers FC Bayern have conducted in recent seasons. The extent of these is yet to be clarified but the Germans are facing serious penalties the most severe of which being thrown out of professional football.
Shock or not, the sharks are already circling around a FC Bayern squad full of world-class players. The entire team initially claimed to be united in this darkest hour although after it became evident the scandal would not go away and there isn't even the slightest chance of a positive resolution, the players are privately considering their options. Manchester City were expected to be the first to take advantage after manager Jurgen Klopp was locked in heated talks with the board after the opening game of the season with Chelsea, reportedly about the lack of substantial investment in the market. It was thought the owners were exploring the opportunity of attracting Josep Guardiola at the Etihad although that avenue was dismissed after the Munich crisis expanded.
Instead, Manchester City have decided to pursue another plan of action after Jurgen Klopp convinced the power brokers his extensive contacts in Germany can be utilized to lure some of the FC Bayern stars - who were thought of as untouchable in the market. Klopp initially wanted to try and sign a former player of his - flamboyant midfielder Mario Gotze (23). A series of phone calls quickly revealed the player would be open for a move but the Germans were desperate to protect their prized asset and slapped a massive 75.0 million pounds asking price on him. It backfired as the Citizens were willing to meet it and a pre-signed contract with Gotze kicked in, effectively tying the hands of the Bundesliga club - effectively meaning Mario Gotze became a Manchester City player!
We will never know the details behind what happened next but it is easy to fill in the gaps knowing the facts. Having sensed the taste of blood in the water, Klopp had a prolonged discussion with Gotze about which of his former teammates would be willing to move in the same direction. It was probably how the manager understood Manchester City had the chance to try and sign FC Bayern goalkeeper Manuel Neuer (29). The same negotiations technique was employed and a 40.0 million pounds was eventually agreed to rubber-stamp the transfer.
Manchester City didn't stop there. Surprisingly, legendary fullback Philipp Lahm (31) expressed a desire to follow Neuer and Gotze to the Etihad and a tentative 35.0 million pounds offer proved enough to force a deal. Sources at the club tell us the Citizens tried for another FC Bayern player but the Germans lined up the entire team and issued strict orders to cut off any contact with other clubs. The identity of the fourth transfer target will remain a mystery.
Mario Gotze transfer verdict: 10/10 - brilliant player down the left wing with many years of top football ahead of him.
Manuel Neuer transfer verdict: 10/10 - one of the best goalkeepers in the world.
Philipp Lahm transfer verdict: 9.5/10 - despite his advancing years, Lahm is still a top player and can help a lot even in this Manchester City lineup.
