Only weeks away from the start of the new Premier League season, we are officially in transfer speculation overdrive.
One man’s future which is less than certain following increasing speculation he’s on his way out of Manchester United this summer is Dimitar Berbatov. Winning the Premier League on two occasions including a golden boot season from his time at Old Trafford, has not stopped the striker once dubbed ‘sulky’ expressing his wish to leave the club, on the quest for first team football next term. Cue the greasy wheels of the transfer rumour mill on his next destination.
Which brings me to my question, could the striker be on the verge of an astonishing return to his former stumping ground at White Hart Lane. The Daily Mail claim that there has been ‘strong rumours of the big Bulgarian making a shock return.
Berbatov made 102 appearances during his three seasons at the North London club, scoring 46 goals including netting in the Carling Cup final helping Spurs beat rivals Chelsea, and lift their first trophy in 11 years becoming a fan favourite along the way.
The Bulgarian’s time at Tottenham ended on a sour note, with lacklustre performances and fans and management becoming increasingly frustrated with the lack of effort and desire shown to the play for the club, culminating with the refusal to play in order to force through a move to United.
Following months of ‘will he, won’t he’ Sir Alex Ferguson finally got his man in the final hours of transfer deadline day. Skip a couple of season’s and the talisman is on the move again. Club’s linked with a potential approach include AC Milan, Galatasaray and money rich PSG.
Views of the important parties involved:
‘Berba’s View’
Clearly he would like to leave Old Trafford with the view of playing regular first team football, as at the age of 31, he is coming towards the end of his playing career, and has made no secrets for his desire to move.
One of the first clubs linked with a move was PSG, however following the signing of Zlatan Ibrahimovic, it is unlikely that any move would come to fruition. Another club who appear to be out of the running is Spanish outfit Malaga who are rumoured to be in financial turmoil. That leaves the team looking to replace Ibrahimovic, AC Milan and confirmed interest from Galatasaray.
‘United’s View’
Not one to ever guess Sir Alex’s thoughts, but if the club can steal a march on their neighbours to the signing of want-away Robin Van Persie from Arsenal, would Berbatov even be required at Old Trafford? With a history of being a disruptive influence, will Ferguson want that around his squad as they seek to regain the Premier League title?
‘Tottenham’s View’
With a new era at Tottenham, AVB is looking to build his squad for a title push next season, and with mixed reports over the signing of Adebayor due to his high wage demands, that would leave Jermain Defore as the only recognised striker at the Lane, and he himself has been linked with a move away to Reading, leaving AVB desperate for reinforcement up front.
My View
There is no doubt that Berbatov is a classy and skilful goalscorer and can still preform at the highest level in the Premier League and Europe. There have been mumblings in the last few days that AVB would be interested in taking the Bulgarian from United, however the major stumbling block I can envisage is weather Spurs Chairman Daniel Levy would take back Berbatov considering the way he left the club back in 2008.In summary, I believe the more likely outcome would be a transfer to AC Milan, as they are on the look out for a new target man. However, should that move not happen, It is a real possibility that a transfer back to the Lane could materialise in the coming weeks.
Follow me @BettingChitChat for football talk, betting tips and much more.
Introducing the neat little app that’ll pay you to view content tailored to your interests:
ThisisFutbol.com are seeking new writers to join the team! If you’re passionate about football, drop us a line at “thisisfutbol.com@snack-media.com” to learn more.
fantastic player, but now old and I question his temperement in terms of being a team player, and putting in a shift. Also what kind of message does it send – that we are happy to take a rebel back. Someone who caused so many issues for us that season, and to some degree led the bad start to that season..
no thanks!
hell no last thing we need is another eastern european crybaby, better off to keep Defoe and chase someone else
just not going to happen