Carlos Tevez – Will He Stay Or Will He Leave?
Can Manchester United Find A Way To Keep The Argentinean Striker?
May 16, 2009
Carlos Tevez has epitomised everything good about Manchester United these past two seasons. But with his two-year loan deal ending at the end of this season, there is a strong possibility that Tevez will not be a United player come August.
Why United Want To Keep Tevez?
The simple answer is that over the past two years Tevez has proved what a world class asset he is in the United squad.
The manner, in which, the Argentinean plays the game makes him a stand out from other world class strikers currently gracing the world footballing stage. Yes, Tevez possesses all the skills that you would expect from a £26 million rated forward. He can use both feet, score goals, create chances, and play in a front two or as lone striker. However Tevez’ greatest asset is his work ethic. He is like a Yorkshire terrier when he chases the ball nipping away (fairly) at the opponents ankles trying to win possession. It is this work rate that has meant that he is adored by the Old Trafford faithful.
If United could keep hold of the tenacious Tevez, they can maintain the awe-inspiring quartet of Rooney, Ronaldo, Berbatov and Tevez.
What Is Stopping Any Deal From Happening?
Even though it would appear that Tevez and United want to work out a deal, there is a stumbling block. This comes in the form of Tevez’s “representative” Kia Joorabchian. Joorabchian is the “owner” of the Argentine’s economic rights. By Premier League regulations, no club can have player who is owned by a third party like the case is with Tevez.
This ownership by third party ruling came to a head back in August 2006 when West Ham United signed Tevez and Javier Mascherano through Joorabchian former employees, Media Sports Investment. However due to irregularities in the player contracts West Ham were fined £5.5 million. But Tevez still played for West Ham and was the catalyst for their survival that season. What followed was a major legal battle between Sheffield United, who were relegated at the expense of West Ham; and the Hammers over the legality of Tevez playing. As a result of this saga the Premier League sought to close the ruling allowing third party ownership in the Premier League.
United do not want to incur a possible fine, or worse points deduction, if they were to sign Tevez as the situation currently stands. In fact, it is that ruling of not being able to have players owned by a third party that could detract any possible Premier League suitor for Tevez (rumoured to be Liverpool and Manchester City) from pursuing him.
Can United Find A Way Of Making A Deal Happening?
At this current time it appears that there is no solution for United to be able to keep Tevez.
However, United will have lawyers looking for any potential loop-hole in the current situation to make a deal happen. One way could be to wait until Tevez is a free agent at the end of the season and then persuaded him to end his relationship with Joorabchian before signing him under the Bosman ruling.
There has also been a muted discussion with the EU that the banning of third party ownership is a constraint of trade. If this is the case, Manchester United might be able to ignore the Premier League regulations under that Act of the EU Constitution.
Whatever happens, it looks like the Carlos Tevez saga is unlikely to be resolved until after the Champions League final against Barcelona. Anyone associated with Manchester United hopes a deal can be struck.
