In the last two hours it has been reported that Kaka has received formal clearance from AC Milan to talk to Manchester City about a possible move to Eastlands.  Reading this, it is with a sense not unlike dread that I digest that this deal might actually go ahead.  Part of my discomfort is doubtless linked to my not being a Man City fan – it is difficult even for the purest of football fans to see extremely talented footballers go to another team, especially when you consider such team to be a positional rival in the table.  However, in this stunningly unique instance, my discomfort – and surely that of hundreds and thousands of fans up and down the land – transcends events on the pitch.

First, let me get one thing off my chest.  I am a Spurs fan and, as such, I have embraced the spending of hundreds of millions of pounds.  And, unlike the case in question, much of this expenditure has been frittered away on players who either haven’t performed or, worse, haven’t been capable of performing.  Still, even if Kaka single handedly propels Manchester City to the title next season, is that enough? 

Thirty four million pounds - money well spent?

It was inevitable that the £50m barrier was to be broken sooner or later but for it to be shattered in such devastating fashion is extraordinary.  I realize I’m getting ahead of myself – the deal is far from done.  But regardless of the outcome, a corner has been turned and we can surely expect a summer of unprecedented grist being fed to the rumour mill.  The Berbatov and Robinho sagas of the summer past will appear small fry by comparison.

However, astronomical as the proposed transfer fee is, it is the reported wages that threaten to shatter our beautiful game.  Half a million pounds a week?  I wonder if this includes an appearance bonus?   Personally, I believe that a wage cap should have been introduced a long time ago.  Such a cap would not necessarily have to materially affect the current state of the game.  Seventy thousand pounds (per week, of course), for example, would retain at least a semblance of common sense without fundamentally altering the Empire that is the Premier League.   The Kaka transfer would effectively vanquish any future attempt to bring wages under control.

There is of course one other aspect of this potential transfer that should not be forgotten – Kaka is a wonderful footballer who would add another string to in the Premier League’s already very well strung bow.  With seven Premier League clubs looking forward to European football in the second half of the season, this transfer would boost their collective morale.   (And, if I may be so cheeky, a Spurs-AC Milan final wouldn’t have such a formidable ring to it …)

Kaka: worth his weight in gold?

Here, I shall turn it over to the masses.  What do you make of the Kaka deal?  Do you think it will go through or not?  How do you see it effecting your own team and, indeed, English football as a whole?  

Perhaps you welcome it with open arms – if so why?

Start Slide Show with PicLens Lite