There is a lot of speculation this morning in the English press about Chelsea striker Didier Drogba and a possible summer transfer to Barça. Drogba was quoted as desiring a move to Barça and he especially expressed a wish to partner Samuel Eto’o - ”Any striker in my situation would be really happy to get the chance to play alongside Samuel Eto’o.”
Since Jose Mourinho left Chelsea, Drogba has stated more than once his intention to move. Last week Chelsea signed Nicolas Anelka from Bolton for €20 million and so would probably be prepared to let Drogba go if the offer was right. So should Barça try to sign him?
If we simply look at Drogba’s talent then the answer would be a definite yes. He can score all types of goals, from inside or outside the area, he is strong with both feet and powerful in the air. Last season he was top scorer in the Premiership with 20 goals. He also plays well with his back to goal holding the ball up well or playing quick one-twos. His work-rate is good and he is sure to put pressure on opposing defenders who will be intimidated by his physical presence.
However, I have to ask whether Drogba would be compatible with Samuel Eto’o. Unless Barça changed their current 4-3-3 system, Drogba’s arrival would mean Eto’o being moved to the left wing which in turn would put the final nail in Ronaldinho’s coffin and also leave Thierry Henry on the bench. I’m a bit worried that Barça may already have too many stars for the forward positions. Drogba has performed best for Chelsea when playing in a 4-4-2 formation as employed at times last season when Drogba partnered Shevchenko up front. Of course, next season Barça could have a new coach and a new tactical system. We could see Eto’o partnering Drogba with a midfield composed of Messi, Xavi, Toure and Iniesta, for example, perhaps with Messi employed as the attacking point of a diamond formation. However, for now that is pure speculation.
Another point against signing Drogba is his age: he will be thirty in March. Having signed Thierry Henry last summer in the twilight period of his career, Drogba might be a similar case. Also his signing could block the progress of youngsters like Bojan and Giovani who are still developing.
When all is said and done, I think Drogba could be an interesting option and I think he would probably have at least two good seasons left in him. The question then would be how much should Barça bid for him, and it is here that I feel any possible deal would break down. Many will suggest that we offer Ronaldinho in exchange or that Giovani could enter into the deal. Of course anything is possible but I can’t see Ronaldinho going to Chelsea, and Giovani would have to compete with players such as Joe Cole, Wright-Phillips and Malouda for a place in the team. If Drogba was simply a cash deal how much would Chelsea want? If Barça could get him cheaply, I’d say yes, but I imagine they would ask for a minimum of €30 if not a lot more.
So, would you sign Drogba? And if so, how much would you be prepared to pay?
10 responses so far ↓
Hugo // Jan 16, 2008 at 14:59
Drogba would be a totally unnecessary signing, and I am certain that the dressing room would be disrupted. That said, I do hope that Ronaldinho moves on this summer - quite frankly, I’m bored of opening the newspaper and reading about his private life or his aches and pains. There are other players.
I can see Drogba going somewhere like Juventus, although I’d never rule out Real Madrid. It’ll be interesting to see where Mourinho goes, since Drogba may well follow suit.
Youssef Gazia // Jan 16, 2008 at 15:02
A very bad idea!! we have more stars than any other team in the world, but we are still second in the table with a diffrence of 7 points, we are also labled as a ‘club in crisis’ by many people. Just remember Real Madrid and there overflow of stars 3 years ago. Buying players and changing the coach is not the soulotion. The change needs to come from ”within”
Blaugrana // Jan 16, 2008 at 17:00
Goal.com rumours state barça have signed pinto the goalie of celta vigo. As for drogba,hell N0 it will be a tactical, and locker room disaster.
Nic // Jan 16, 2008 at 17:37
I’m just waiting for confirmation on the Pinto deal.
kuga // Jan 16, 2008 at 19:28
yeah….buying drogba will be a mistake..
but remember…he is a venomous striker who can score any type of goal..
and Barca now is lacking of finish up front..so i say..i the fee comes right..we should go for it..
Titi186 // Jan 16, 2008 at 20:43
Simply put, No.
As people know Im a big Titi fan and think that bearing in mind it has taken someone as good as Henry nearly 6 months just adapt to the new team and culture, buying Drogba who has only 2 more good years in him would make no sense as it would take 1 whole season just to adapt.
Also what would that do the new Henry-Eto’o-Messi axis which could prove the best in the world when at full flow? Only now is everyone adapting to the system with Henry in and Ronaldinho out.
Drogba is also a player who thrives to be in and around the box as like a No.9 whereas Henry and Eto’o and Messi are more mobile and all can go out to the wing and they can all provide just as much as finish chances; something that Drogba is not as good at.
Dont get me wrong Drogba is a fabulous player in his current league and system, but to buy him would upset a newly forming balance between players and mean that Barca would have a fractured dressing room and unbalanced team.
Also that would spell the end for R10 and looking to the future argueably more importantly Giovanni Dos Santos who doesnt come accross as someone who will be willing to wait for a chance on the bench for 3/4 years. Also I would not want Drogba for two years where Bojan isnt allowed to develop because he is future and Henry and Eto’o are better personalities and all round players to teach him.
And one final note, the price. Chelsea would want at least €30 million which you have to ask would it be worth it?
So again, in my opinion, Barca shouldnt buy Drogba.
june16_1904 // Jan 17, 2008 at 3:31
If we had to take someone from Chelsea, I’d rather take Essien.
Merv // Jan 17, 2008 at 3:50
I saw on Setanta last night that Chelsea were interested in signing Iniesta. I hope if Barca consider signing Drogba it doesn’t include bartering one of the other players in the deal.
Myself, I think there are plenty of goal scorers in the team already. I really enjoyed Henry, Eto’o and Bojan up front in the Murcia game and hope Rijkaard puts them together again after the Nations Cup. Adding another star striker doesn’t seem necessary at this point.
Besides, Bojan has admitted that he and Henry have a good understanding on the pitch. I really enjoy seeing Bojan score if only for the celebrations afterward. The sheer joy of it is contagious!
Rafael // Jan 17, 2008 at 10:05
I thought Barca was already fine with Messi, R10 and Eto’o.
Bojan and Gio would be good enough for development into the 1st team as well.
Michael Maré // Jan 19, 2008 at 16:31
i think it would be useless to sign Droba, okay he was the premierships top goalscorer and can score many goals, but barcelona already have 4 quality word class forwards, and i’d rather see Giovanni and Bojan develop to become 1st team regulars in the Barca line-up. signing Drogba would mean losing one of our strikers as well as blocking the development of youngsters in the future. Drogba would be better of in Italy or France. we don’t need more strikers what we need is 1 or to more midfielders.
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