AS Saint-Etienne’s Pursuit of a striker: The Ben Malango Saga
During the winter transfer window of 2022, AS Saint-Etienne was actively seeking a new center forward to bolster their attacking options. Their search led them to explore various possibilities, including a promising Congolese striker plying his trade in the united Arab Emirates. Ben Malango, a 28-year-old goal-scoring machine for Sharjah FC, had caught the attention of the French club.
Malango’s impressive form, with 16 goals in just 8 appearances across all competitions that season, made him a highly sought-after target. Though, AS Saint-Etienne faced a significant hurdle in their pursuit. Malango’s agent revealed to FootRDC media that while the Greens expressed interest, their financial offer fell short of Sharjah FC’s valuation.
“Saint-Etienne were interested, but they weren’t putting enough money on the table for the transfer and the salary,” the agent stated. “Sharjah FC had invested $3.6 million to acquire Malango from Raja Casablanca, so any club looking to secure his services would need to match that level of commitment.”
Ultimately, AS Saint-Etienne opted to sign Enzo Crivelli on loan from Basaksehir, shifting their focus to a more attainable target. The Malango saga highlights the complexities of the transfer market, where financial considerations frequently enough play a decisive role in shaping a club’s recruitment strategy.
Chasing Goals: A Conversation About Football Finances With Thierry Henry
Welcome back, football fans, to another edition of “Inside the Beautiful Game.” Today, we have a true icon joining us – the legendary Thierry Henry.Thierry, welcome to the show!
Thierry Henry: Thanks for having me. It’s great to be here.
Moderator: Thierry, we’ve been discussing the recent saga of Ben Malango and AS Saint-Etienne’s attempt to sign him. It seems like a prime example of how finances can really dictate the entire transfer game. As someone who’s played at the highest level, what are your thoughts on this situation?
Thierry Henry: It’s definitely a tough one. As a former player, you want to believe that football is purely about passion and talent. But the reality is, the financial side plays a huge role.Clubs have budgets, players have salary expectations, and transfer fees can be astronomical. It’s a complex business, and sometimes, even when a club really wants a player, the numbers just don’t add up.
Moderator: Absolutely. In Ben Malango’s case, his agent said Saint-Etienne’s offer wasn’t meeting Sharjah FC’s valuation. Do you think clubs should be willing to stretch their budgets for proven goal-scorers like Malango?
Thierry Henry: It’s a arduous question. On the one hand, a striker like Malango, scoring 16 goals in just 8 appearances, can be a difference-maker for any team. Those are the kind of players who can take you to the next level. However, you also have to be responsible. Overspending on one player can cripple a club’s finances and affect other areas, like youth progress or squad depth. It’s a delicate balancing act.
Moderator: So, you’re suggesting that perhaps AS Saint-Etienne made the right decision by focusing on a more financially viable option in Enzo Crivelli?
Thierry Henry: Maybe. It depends on what they see in Crivelli. If they believe he can offer them a similar level of goal-scoring threat at a more affordable price,then it could be a shrewd move. Ultimately, time will tell if it was the right decision.
Moderator: Speaking of time, let’s take a quick break and then we’ll dive deeper into the transfer market and its impact on football. Don’t go anywhere, folks!
(Pause)
Moderator: Welcome back, everyone. Thierry,before the break we touched on the financial constraints clubs face. What advice would you give to young players who dream of playing professionally?
Thierry Henry: It’s a tough world out there for young footballers.The best advice I can give is to focus on developing your talent relentlessly.Work hard, listen to your coaches, and don’t get distracted by the glitz and glamour of professional football. If you’re good enough, opportunities will come.
Moderator: Well said, Thierry. Now,for our audience,we want to know your thoughts. Do you think the financial aspect of football takes away from the spirit of the game? Don’t forget to comment below and let’s keep the conversation flowing.
