Barca Plan Figo Revenge
Friday 23rd May 2003
By Kashif Naveed
One of the leading candidates for the FC Barcelona presidency has raised the stakes by saying that should he be elected he will make a key Real Madrid player his first signing.
Jaume Llaurado says that he has an agreement with a Real Madrid player of such quality and prestige that it will send similar shockwaves through Spanish soccer as when Club Blanco's chairman Florentino Perez wrestled Luis Figo from the Nou Camp during his presidential elections.
However, Llaurado has remained coy over the Madrid man's identity, saying that it would not be fair to name him now. So who are the likely candidates for a move to Catalonia? And what are the chances of them being tempted to Barca?
Raul
The darling of the Bernabeu is Madrid through-and-through and it will be a bigger shock than even Figo's transfer should Barca manage to sign him. The leading scorer in the Champions League is unlikely to want to play in the UEFA Cup and would end up being hated by both sets of fans.
Likelihood: 1/10
Ronaldo
The former Barca player is the club's leading goalscorer this season, but his relationship with Madrid's fans has been rocky. A hero at the Nou Camp during his one season, Barca tried to hijack his transfer last summer. A move now though would be beyond the Catalan's limited coffers.
Likelihood: 4/10
Zinedine Zidane
The club's record signing, it cost Los Meringues a whopping US$75m to prise him away from Juventus. Settled in Madrid, the Frenchman likes to lead a quiet life off the pitch and would not welcome the publicity that would result in a move to Barca.
Likelihood: 2/10
Luis Figo
It would be a brave move for Barca and Figo if he was to return, as he is still despised in Catalonia for his transfer to the Santiago Bernabeu. However, with one year left on his contract and rumours that David Beckham could replace him on the right flank, the Portuguese's days could well be numbered. Missing that crucial semi-final penalty in the Champions League will have boosted his standing among the Barca fans.
Likelihood: 5/10
Roberto Carlos
A mainstay of Club Blanco's back-line since 1997, in which time he has managed to win virtually everything the game has had to offer. The Brazilian could well be tempted to move and seek new challenges and has hinted that he will not finish his career at the Bernabeu.
Likelihood: 6/10
Steve McManaman
The Englishman has never really forged a regular starting place in the side and has more often than not been occupying a seat on the bench. Macca fails to fit the description of Llaurado's big name player, but he is loved by the Madrid fans has been continually linked with a move away from the Bernabeu. He says he would like to stay in Spain...
Likelihood: 6/10
Javier Portillo
The 21-year-old forward is seen as a future star of the club, but wants his chance now. Has made no secret of his frustration at warming the bench and Madrid may well seek to cut their losses.
Likelihood : 7/10
Fernando Morientes
A regular in the national first-team, but can't get a place in the starting eleven at Madrid. Has fallen down the pecking order behind Ronaldo and Portillo and is ready to leave. Could his parting shot to the club that discarded him be a secret deal with Barcelona?
Likelihood : 8/10
meiner meinung nach fehlt in der liste casillas den ich auch mit 7/10 einschätzen würde
Atenio
Bapho!
Ukrainischer Palästinenser