The Zarate kid
Blues face some serious hard bargaining when it comes to discussing the long-term future of Mauro Zarate.
When his loan deal from Al-Sadd was struck in January, the Qatar side made it clear the asking price for a permanent transfer was at least 25 million, rising to 28 million euros.
That's the equivalent of about £19 million - £22 million.
I was told this by a club director and it was confirmed by his agent.
When he moved from Velez Sarsfield in Argentina, it was for more than £10 million.
Al-Sadd know that Zarate wants to desert the desert, but they are determined to recoup double what they paid for him.
Zarate is keen to give Blues the first option for his signature, and his contribution in the win over Manchester City was stunning.
Trevor Francis, commentating for television, summed it up when, after Zarate's second goal, he said: "That's the reason he's in the team, because he finishes like that."
It was a strike TF himself would have been proud of.
With James McFadden and Olivier Kapo sidelined, Blues have been in desperate need of someone to do the Dugarry thing and provide inspiration - Zarate did that on Saturday all right.
Although still very raw and sometimes infuriating when he goes off on a dribble straight into a crowd of bodies when the better option of a simple pass is on, the Zarate kid will learn and get better.
No question he has natural ability, can beat an opponent with ease, possesses a turn of pace and is a top-class finisher, with either foot.
It will be madness if Blues don't do their utmost to secure Zarate. Yes, £20 million is over-priced for a rookie who has just turned 21.
But there's always a deal to be done (copyright: D Sullivan) and another season in the Premier League - which looks, touch wood, more likely- would bring £30 million - £40 million in television money.
Sunderland let Roy Keane have their television money this season (whether he has spent it wisely is another thing), why shouldn't Blues show such ambition and excite supporters again, not to mention convince their new manager that they want to go forward and not settle for yo-yoing between the top-flight and Championship?
Heck, if it comes to it, why not ask Carson Yeung for an advance?!
You will have seen comments today and yesterday attributed to Zarate. They are not new.
I am the only journalist who has talked to him in this country, via his interpreter. His quotes have been re-hashed from stories I have done on him, including a big feature article in the Birmingham Mail at the end of January, and from a club wesite interview two months ago.
Zarate is a pleasant, modest lad, determined to make his mark and seems happy to be in a passionate footballing environment again. He is eager to stay at St Andrew's so the ball's in Blues court.
For more on Zarate, take a look at these links.
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Colin Tattum - Mail man Colin Tattum’s view of what’s going on at Birmingham City FC.
Mr. T !
If Blues stop up surely the board can see if they have to pay £x million for Zarate they would recoup of fair slice of all the monies involved through merchandise and the undoubted extra interest in season ticket sales ?
I agree with you that DS likes a good deal (!) and he must see that Zarate's price will only go up as lets face it if the kid keeps improving like in his short time presently at the club he will be off to a top four club after a season or two.
My concern is Blues are well known to drive a hard bargain. This is potentially an opportunity to show the fans they do mean business - not trying for another years loan and they being beaten to the punch.
Have a word with the young Sullivan lads - maybe they can use their influence - Zarate could be our Ronaldo !!!
Tatts
Do you think we've got a cat in hells chance of getting him?
If we do stop up just think of a line up with mcfadden, forssell, kapo, larsson and zarate as attacking options next season.
No doubt Big 'Eck has other players lined up to join if we remain in the big league.......
Craig
A Carson Yeung advance? Are they prepapred to take payment in hair mousse and straightners?
McFadden, Kapo, Zarate and a top quality striker..a midfield/attack good enough ro trouble most Premier teams.
Come on, Blues, pay what it costs to get him.
Craig, Eck wants him all right. Trouble is at £20 million . . . ? I am sure Blues will try and have a bash at another loan first before maknig a offer for a permanent.
The Zarate nonsense and the posts above underline all that is wrong with the Premiership.
The lad, however talented, has scored a few goals for Blues and is now being touted at £20m when there's English kids in the Championship and below desperate for a chance.
And we wonder why the England team is a joke!
It's because the Prem bosses and the clubs' followers are mugs driven by greed...the Baggies are better off out of it if you ask me.
I would suggest he is a curio player who would fit into a team of technical football players
Reply to Busybee:-
I agree totally with what your saying about the lower league English talent. But I would be amazed if you could name anyone in the lower leagues with an equal amount of talent to Zarate. It is unfortunate for English football, but I would sacrifice the national game for my local club. We must buy the best available talent for the best price to survive in the big league. If I remember right TF only brought English and we never really stood any chance of moving forward under this strategy. Looks like McLeish knows what he`s doing and hopefully the board will back him faithfully and snap up Zarate for whatever price, how else will we move forwards and gain status? I think for his possible future value commercially and head value £20m could be a bargain with how quick prices are rising in the game. To D Gold and O`Sullivan: Don`t let this one slip! Show some desire.
Reply to Busybee:-
I agree totally with what your saying about the lower league English talent. But I would be amazed if you could name anyone in the lower leagues with an equal amount of talent to Zarate. It is unfortunate for English football, but I would sacrifice the national game for my local club. We must buy the best available talent for the best price to survive in the big league. If I remember right TF only brought English and we never really stood any chance of moving forward under this strategy. Looks like McLeish knows what he`s doing and hopefully the board will back him faithfully and snap up Zarate for whatever price, how else will we move forwards and gain status? I think for his possible future value commercially and head value £20m could be a bargain with how quick prices are rising in the game. To D Gold and O`Sullivan: Don`t let this one slip! Show some desire.