Neymar is worth how much?!

Let me take you on a journey through time. Unfortunately, I do not have a time machine so you will just have to join me through the much cheaper and simpler mode of transportation; the English language.

The year is 1893, and Aston Villa have just paid £100 to West Bromwich Albion for the services of striker Willie Groves. This was the first time in the history of football that a transfer fee had entered three figures. Over time the price of players rose. 1905 saw Alf Common join Middlesbrough for £1000, and Arsenal soon became the first club to spend a five figure sum through the signing of David Jack for £10,890 in 1928. Yes that's right, Arsenal broke the transfer record. 

I will now fast forward to 2017, where Neymar Jr. has just joined Paris Saint Germain for £198 million. Yep... that's a lot of money. By the way, Manchester United spent £89 million on Paul Pogba in 2016 to break the previous transfer record of £85 million for Gareth 'Super Monkey' Bale in 2013.

You rich bastard

Ok, one last figure. 1975 was the year where the first player was sold for £1 million, with Giuseppe Savoldi moving from Bologna to Napoli. 47 years later, only third tier English clubs would spend that sort of money on a new star player for their club. It's crazy. 

I could sit here all day and drone on about how big the record was throughout the 20th century, but all those numbers hurt my brain. But you all get the point; there's a lot of money in football nowadays, and these players are going for an obscene amount of money.

Only the top clubs can compete

But are they actually worth it? Well that's a very interesting question. It's one that is constantly brought up by anyone who either has a burning hatred for football or has a genuine concern about the money being thrown around by football clubs. Now it's my turn to voice my opinion!

IMHO, they are worth it. Before you roll your eyes and click off this tab, hear me out. Please, don't do it. I will cry. It's been a long week, I'm very tired and all my strength has been exerted. On the plus side, Basingstoke Golf Club is looking good. 

Open Week at Basingstoke

These players are worth it not just in a football context, but also in a business context. They are an investment for the club. When a player joins a new club, they bring with them their skill and their assets. David Beckham is an icon not just because he has scored some worldies in his time, but also through his exposure to the world of advertisements. The man is everywhere, and for good reason to.

You beautiful man

Club sponsors can use these players to their advantage. Emirates Airlines can lick their lips with delight as they put Alexis Sanchez and Mesut Ozil on a plane and fly them around for a couple of hours while they stare awkwardly at the camera and promote Emirates Brand Peanuts. Not only do the players get a hefty pay cheque, but the sponsors get a good bit of money since these players are recognisable. Brand image plays a big part in football nowadays.

'Fly with the best'... Ronaldo and LeBron fanboys are going mad right now

Young players that have the potential to become superstars are sought after as well. Monaco striker Kylian Mbappe is a target for clubs like Real Madrid as they seek to find their next generation of stars. They want to solidify their football dominance, and are prepared to break the bank for him. Again, the club are investing in the future. Their business minds are at full capacity.

Football wise, these players are certainly worth it. They're professional athletes, even though they look like total pussies when they roll on the floor and claim that someone took a machete out of their sock and swiped them down as they were through on goal. Some of these players are World Cup winners, or already have numerous titles and cups to their names. They've proved themselves worthy in regards to their footballing ability.

The man brings goals, glory and cute Instagram posts about his dogs

World class footballers have the skills and focus to succeed, which in theory should lead to glory and prestige for the club. That means more global exposure, a massive generation of capital and some more money to spend. Thus, the cycle goes on and on.

But there is no doubt whatsoever that the amount paid for players is ludicrous. Their wages are ridiculous as well. Clubs pay them so they can keep the players loyal and keep the money flowing. Football clubs are businesses, but football should be about passion. Celebrate like a mad man not because that goal brings with it a nice bonus, but because a goal is a goal. Truth.

Now that's passion

Anyway, the football season is upon us, so as long as there is plenty of drama and Spurs get relegated at the end of the season, then I don't give a shit about money. Please football gods, give me this one simple request. You're fully aware that North London is red, right?

Ben G xo 😁