Both Internazionale and Milan have balked at Barcelona’s asking price for the former World Player of the Year – supposedly valued at 30 million Euros by the Catalan club whereas the Italians are rumoured to offering 16-20 million euros (reasonable, if you factor in that he is ‘damaged goods’ and commands high wages).
However, Ronaldinho is more than just a player. According to Forbes.com he is the second richest footballer (Goldenballs has the #1 position locked in again) and his brand value, regardless of his injuries and form, is high enough for a club to throw a few extra million Barcelona’s way.
Assuming that the club can offer Champions League football (something Thaksin Shinawatra or Mike Ashley cannot) and afford his wages, what should a club be paying for a player like Ronaldinho? He has a few years left in the tank, is almost unstoppable when on form and he will bring in the crowds and sell those shirts and push the club’s value and brand up and up. Under the right manager and coaching staff, he might become whole again.
So what would you pay for Ronaldinho? Is 20 million euros a fair price, too much or a bargain?
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