Breaking News: Wesley Sneijder Sold to Real Madrid

Sunday, 12 August 07, 04:59 PM · Comments(2)

I was nominally done for the weekend, but this breaking news just came across the wire, courtesy of Reuters:

http://football.uk.reuters.com/european/news/L12459539.php

Ajax agree on Sneijder move to Real Madrid
20:59 BST, Sun 12 Aug 2007

AMSTERDAM, Aug 12 (Reuters) - Ajax Amsterdam have accepted a 27 million euro ($36.98 million) offer from Real Madrid for midfielder Wesley Sneijder, the Dutch club said on Sunday.

The 23-year-old Netherlands international, who has played 180 matches and scored 57 goals for Ajax, will sign a five-year contract, the Spanish champions said in Madrid.

This signing makes absolutely no sense to me, for several reasons. First off, this doesn't exactly fill a hole that Real had. They already have Julio Baptista and Javier Balboa in the attacking midfield role, so it isn't as though there was a dearth of offencive talent in Real's midfield. I guess you could see him as a replacement for David Beckham because of his passing and free kick ability, but Sneijder is more of a player that leans toward scoring goals than creating scoring chances.

Secondly, I thought Real's Galacticos policy was over and done with with the retirement of Zidane and transfers of Beckham and Ronaldo. Evidently Real has revised this policy to going after the hottest young prospects instead of over-the-hill mega stars. Methinks the same result is forthcoming, though Barcelona's policy of bringing in every single striker on the face of the earth this summer may help them out.

Most importantly, Sneijder was my number 1 pick in my fantasy draft. I was surely looking forward to him lighting up the Eredivisie this coming season for Ajax. He may end up being a success for Real, but I severely doubt he will duplicate his 18 goals and 9 assists in la Liga.

Ah well, this won't hurt PSV's chances for repeating as Eredivisie champions one bit. Hup de Boers! and all that...

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