Robert Mayer – USA TODAY SPORTS
It’s not often that players linked with a high profile move to Premier League champions Manchester United could be considered to be making a mistake but, in this case, Cesc Fabregas may be in danger of doing just that.
United manager David Moyes wants to strengthen his midfield options and has identified Fabregas as a key component needed to stave off the challengers to their Premier League crown. It has been reported that Moyes has offered £25 million for Fabregas, which he believes is appropriate, however, Barcelona will more than likely want in excess of £30 million for one of their prized assets.
The interesting thing with this story is that Fabregas could actually be accused of taking a step down should this move come to fruition. Barcelona are still considered one of the world’s best teams, regardless of how they limped out of this seasons Champions League tournament, and are one of few teams capable of competing for the European Cup. That’s not to say that United can’t compete for the trophy anymore, it’s just that when compared to Barcelona, especially now the Catalans have signed Brazilian hot-shot Neymar, United would seem to be an inferior destination.
There is a case for Fabregas feeling it may be in his best interest to move clubs, though, as Barcelona have a tendency to play Sergio Busquets, Xavi Hernandez and Andres Iniesta as a midfield three ensuring Fabregas has to be satisfied with a bench warming role at this moment in time. Should the former Arsenal man decide to sever his ties in Spain and risk the wrath of North London by moving to Manchester, then it’s practically ensured he would slot in right in the center of midfield. United would certainly offer Fabregas a starting berth instead of a bench position and pretty much match his existing wages in an attempt to entice the play-maker to Old Trafford.
However, United are going to go through a whole new restructuring process as well with a new manager coming in and attempting to implement a new philosophy. Therefore, joining a club during a transitional period with the hope of immediately winning trophies sounds like a fools hope to me.
Fabregas is better off staying at Barcelona if he wants to challenge for more trophies, as United are going to be some way off of challenging for silverware for the next couple of years, at least especially after the appointment of David Moyes who is yet to win a top flight trophy of any sort.
Stay put Cesc. Trust me.
James Hilton is a soccer writer for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter , “like” his Facebook page or add him to your network on Google+
