As many of you are aware Samuel Eto'o emerged as a target for Liverpool shortly before our Champions League tie with Barcelona. He's had problems with his collegues (namely bucktooth) and had problems with the manager and hierarchy of Barcelona over a number of issues. At first it just seemed like idle speculation, we were playing them etc. However in recent weeks this rumour has had some weight added to it from all sides.
Firstly Rafa said that he was a big admirer of Eto'o and had previously tried to sign him prior to his arrival at Barcelona. Then with the American takeover being officaly completed we were told they would back Rafa to bring in the player HE wants to the club, no numbers were mentioned but its safe to say we will be in for top end players from now on. And most recently and perhaps most important, Eto'o himself done an interview in Spanish (which you can find here -Newkit Transfers Rumours Page - Eto'o ) where he stated that Liverpool would be making a BIG offer for him in the next 15 days and he even disclosed details about what type of contract he would sign if we were successful in our bid.
To be honest I didn't hold out much hope. In my eyes it would be a terrible bit of business for Barcelona to let him go as I consider him one of the top 5 strikers in world football today.
However this morning the news seems to be filled with a rumour that one of Fergies "3 targets" for next year is Samuel Eto'o. Its been on the national radio stations as well so to me there must be some substance in the rumours. For me this would be diabolical. United have just won the league where there defenders and midfielders have been magnificent. The only minor concern for United fans would of been there stop-start striker force and if they were to get him it would definitely take them onto the next level - forward wise. Ronaldo, Rooney and Eto'o in the same side in the league- week in, week out? No thanks
So for me this Eto'o rumour has brought on some very interesting questions. If we want him and United want him as we are led to believe, then this could be the first major challenge for our new owners (quite ironic its could be against Glazier). They have talked the talked and now they must walk the walk. Villa for me, is out of the question with the £45m being quoted - given the fact Chelsea can just go higher and higher in any eventual bidding war. So Eto'o could be a real possibility and with this Manc interest its vital we get our first choices this year.
Whats everyones views?
Like other supposedly "problematic" guys like Bellamy or Pennant who also had a story, he'll work well under Rafa, as those two have done.
