Fulham have made an audacious attempt to lure Barcelona defender Gerard Pique to London, according to various reports on the continent this morning.
The Spanish centre back is likely to be one of the major departments from the Camp Nou this summer with new manager Ronald Koeman likely to reshape his Barcelona squad following their Champions’ League hammering at the hands of Bayern Munich. The 33 year-old offered to leave the club in an emotional interview after the 8-2 semi-final defeat and is due to hold talks with the club’s hierarchy in the coming days.
Peruvian website Libero claims that Fulham were quickly in touch with what they describe as ‘a not inconsiderable offer’ to tempt Pique back to the Premier League. ‘It will depend on Barcelona if they agree to negotiate’ Pique’s permanent transfer, although even if they were amenable to doing a deal the player’s rumoured £220,000-a-week wages would prove a significant sticking point.
Pique, who has made 543 appearances for Barcelona, had a brief spell at Manchester United – making twelve league appearances in four years at Old Trafford – both returning to Spain. He has won eight league titles and three European Cups with Barcelona as well as being part of the Spanish side that won the World Cup in 2010 and the European Championships two years later.
As amazing a player as Pique is I don’t think he would be a good fit for us. The fact that he would have to earn so much more than most of our players coupled with the fact that he emotionally ‘offered’ to leave but clearly doesn’t want to after 12 years. In my opinion it would disrupt team spirit and be a bad move financially.
No way we’re paying ANYONE that much.
I think this is rumour. We made terrible mistakes before, bringing in players who have played with big European Clubs.
I think we’ve learnt our lesson. We need players who want to play for us and who are happy to be in the squad
As long as he brings shakira along to sit on my face every Saturday I’ll pay for his flight over
Hilarious!! I think this is because we spunked so much up the wall last time…
I think it would be a good move for Pique. Barca are clearly on the way down now and I think Fulham provides such a unique opportunity for Pique to join a historic club in London and make a big impact. He’d get decent game time, his family would love London and he would have the opportunity to have his name mentioned alongside the likes of Chris Coleman, Andy Melville and Simon Morgan.
Bit of scab though isn’t he. Not good enough for United at the start of career but good enough for Fulham at the end of it?? I think that he’s past it and in all honesty I think we’d be better off going for the ol’ marra Messi as he’s clearly looking for an English club to join. I also agree with Harry Ramsden’s comment – if I see Pique & Shakira strolling around Kings Road id go from 6 to midnight quicker than you can say Scott Parker.
I’m confused
No way. His wages are off the scale, Also past his best
He is starting to struggle in La Liga and is on the decline. If he was OK he would remain at Barca.
I don’t think he would do very very well in the high paced EPL, we already have MH and TR who are good ball playing CB’s, we need some pace in the CB position, Pique does not have this at all.
Also I think he would de-stabilise the squad with his reputation and salary, something PP + owners will not take the risk of happening…..been there and done that once…
If he could bring along Messi as part of a package it would be interesting, remember George Best and Rodney Marsh ?
No way Jose . It would totally disrupt any dressing room harmony .
We need to strengthen for sure , but not this please .
We do need a good prem experienced central defender , creative midfielder who can play forward not in circles , right back who can attack and defend , and a skilful winger who can create and score – both Cav and Knockhart flatter to deceive .
Sources close to the club have confirmed to me personally that this is not a rumour and I’ve also got inside information that Gary Birtles, Frank Stapleton, Glen Hoddle and Efan Okoku will complete a day of signing madness that sends a clear message that we certainly mean business