Bayern Tell United To Keep Their Beady Eyes Off Hargreaves
My how things can change quickly in football! Before the World Cup Owen Hargreaves was as universally derided amongst England fans as Phil Neville but given a couple of decent games in the side as a Jack of All Trades, everyone’s favorite German based Canadian is now talking publically about wanting a move to Manchester United and invoking the wrath of his Bayern Munich paymasters while he does it.
Both Bayern Munich General Manager Uli Hoeness and head coach Felix Magath have reiterated this week that Hargreaves is not for sale and that he will see out the remaining four years of his Munich contract, including the three year extension he signed only this year. Magath has gone so far as to say that selling Hargreaves is not an issue and has the full backing of his boss Herr Hoeness in that regard.
Where then does that put Owen Hargreaves? With his stock never higher in England he obviously now thinks that the offers will never be better for him to try his luck in the Premiership and if he really has been mulling over an interesting offer from Manchester United, does this mean that United have made an illegal approach for the player?
If they want him, he wants to go and Bayern still say no, what then? As Arsenal are soon to find out by holding out for top dollar from Chelsea for Ashley Cole, a player who doesn’t want to be at the club may do a lot more harm than good. On the other hand, can we allow players to simply demand a cut price move (or any move for that matter) just because they have decided that they don’t want to honour their contracts anymore? And if this is the case, just what point is there getting a player to sign a contract in the first place?
Will Owen Hargreaves still be with Bayern Munich come September 1st? Watch this space.
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2 opinions for Bayern Tell United To Keep Their Beady Eyes Off Hargreaves
Sack the Juggler
Aug 18, 2006 at 9:12 am
I think that a lot or fans really liked Hargreaves, yes he does do a similar role to the younger chuckle brother, but thats still an important role. And he’s won a few championships with bayern, so he can’t be all that bad (although I must admit, I have the feeling bayern could win the championship fielding just three players and a dog).
To be honest, Bayern look like they want to drive Hargreaves price up as much as possible before saying “Aw, go on then, call it £18m and he’s yours”.
What I do find ironic is that United sold the younger chuckle brother, and Owen Hargreaves “play-a-likie” for only £4m. Perhaps they thought their aging midfield of Keano, Scholesy and Gigsy would last forever?
Alan
Aug 18, 2006 at 9:43 am
The press are talking about a £17m deal being done today for Hargreaves with United which leads me to question just what the Bayern Munich hierarchy were talking about the other day. They categorically denied that he would be going anywhere because of Ballack leaving, their problems in central defence which could see cover from the centre of midfield and the small matter of Hargreaves recently signing a new contract.
Maybe money talks even at a club the size of Bayern Munich.
Whatever happens it’s been an expensive midfield transfer window for United especially for two players who aren’t anything like england international regulars.
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