So here's my question people: FC Barcelona star Ronaldinho (27 years old, Brazil) known for being both an amazing player, and a prolific partyboy, is said to be on his way out of Spain. Chelsea FC has reportedly had talks, then denied the talks, to the star's agent about a transfer that would leave him paid about $15 million a year for the English Club.
Every MLS fan knows (or should) that Ronny has expressed interest in the United States, and would be a HUGE ADDITION to the league.
So if Beckham can yeild a return on the MLS investment of $250 million in five years through endorsements, why can't we go after Ronaldinho and pay him $20 million a year (most through sponsors) for 3-4 years?
He will sell everything out? Can you imagine This In(you gotta click this link) New York, Chicago, Seattle, Dallas? It would be crazy.
I know there are critics who will say, "why would he come to a 'minor league'?" Or, "he won't come here until he is out of his prime" or "MLS can't afford him."
Every MLS fan knows (or should) that Ronny has expressed interest in the United States, and would be a HUGE ADDITION to the league.So if Beckham can yeild a return on the MLS investment of $250 million in five years through endorsements, why can't we go after Ronaldinho and pay him $20 million a year (most through sponsors) for 3-4 years?
He will sell everything out? Can you imagine This In(you gotta click this link) New York, Chicago, Seattle, Dallas? It would be crazy.
I know there are critics who will say, "why would he come to a 'minor league'?" Or, "he won't come here until he is out of his prime" or "MLS can't afford him."
Well, I can argue against all of those points as a business man...well, as something.
1) First of all, you don't make him a small offer, you add 5 million dollars to his annual amount over Chelsea's offer. Plus life in the States would be perfect for a partyboy foreignor.
2) He won't come here until he is old and washed up, if and only if, we let these stars make their own decisions(see Denilson experiment, Claudio Reyna catastrophe, and Waterreus fall). Tell him, "Now or Never". If you don't want to come now, in your prime, the MLS doesn't want you. The money should be a strong enough motivator to accept this offer. Plus living expenses are like half of what the costs are in London, so, it's not a bad idea.
3) The MLS can afford him. The Return on Investment for Beckham according to Alexi Lalas, is already there. He (Becks) has already paid us (MLS) back so to speak. Ronaldinho is a star of equal caliber, but at the very top of his game. MLS would make more money off this move than Beckham's, and that is an absolute fact! (anyone remember Uncle Scrooge McDuck?)
Lastly, this would be great for Ronny. He would be forever known in this country and around the world as being the guy who made MLS really matter. Sure the others played big parts, but this transfer at his stage in life would be the biggest thing since Pele.
(Scroll down to the bottom for great Ronaldinho videos, when you click on it, they then play at the top of the site.)
5 comments:
i agree and disagree with your thoughts. While Ronaldinho is a start globally, very few people in America have heard of him outside the soccer sphere. He is not an international socialiate like beckham and does not have the draw Beckham has, even when Beckham is hurt. I think he will help sell some tickets but I do not think he will have the same hype as Beckham did.
I think an ultimatum of now or never would not fly. His people will know that this is a blind threat.
The one thing he would bring to the game is raising the bar for the skill level. I do not think he can generate the revenue to support a $20 million a year salary. He can have the potential to make up to 20 million through endorsements and the like but I do not see him as a "pocketbook powerhouse" like Beckham.
Drewster!
Appreciate your points. We largely dissagree, but I think you bring up unique perspectives.
What do you guys think? Would he bring in revenue? Do you think his videos, and abilities will pack stadiums?
I do? Agree with me??
...A player of Ronaldinho's quality is not going to come to MLS now. It's gotta be a slow build-up.
After asking this question, "Should MLS make an offer to Ronaldinho now for $20 million a year?" 19 of 26 voters (a big number here) said The MLS should offer Ronny the money. He's so money babies... even if he kind of looks funny!
I cant believe people can compare ronaldinho with beckham, ronaldinho is simply the most skilled player in history. he sees MLS as a step down is his career, he wants to stay at the highest level in Europe ,i like the idea!! i really want to see him in MLS!! but i dont believe that is happening, beckham came to mls because no big clubs wanted him anymore.
There are things that money cannot buy.
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