With the same uncomfortable potential of a middle-aged divorcée driving a new Porsche to the family reunion, Dmitry Robolovlev and AS Monaco appear ready to translate more than $77.5 million in aspiration and overcompensation into one of the world’s best attackers, with Atlético Madrid’s Radamel Falcao on the verge of completing a transfer that’s been rumored throughout most of the month. A predatory, traditional number nine during a time when the concept of the position has begun to morph, the 27-year-old Colombian would immediately rival Paris Saint-Germain’s Zlatan Ibrahimovic as the most potent threat in Ligue 1.
England’s Press Association, citing sources out of Spain, claim Falcao is headed to the Mediterranean principality for a Monday physical, undoubtedly motivated by the type of millions that can compensate for joining a team that’s just been promoted from a country’s second division. Then again, Falcao is a former River Plate man, so perhaps the Millionarios attacker has a soft spot for second-division competition trying to recapture past glory. With seven Ligue 1 titles and a Champions League final appearance in their history books, Monaco certainly fit that mold.
As we discussed last Saturday, the implications of Falcao’s capture extend beyond signing one of the world’s best strikers. As assistant coach Jean Petit notes, luring a player of Falcao’s reputation serves as a drawing card for other players – an excuse to go. While Monaco have already secured the transfers of Porto’s Joao Moutinho and James Rodriguez, Falcao’s is the kind of move that would prompt other players at prominent clubs to ask: ‘If Monaco’s good enough for Falcao, then isn’t it good enough for me?”
Petit, speaking Friday on French radio:
“Yes, we are expecting Falcao and four or five other players of his quality. We have spoken and we continue to speak with Falcao and his representatives. Negotiations are ongoing. We hope to seal a deal as soon as possible.
“Monaco need a player like Falcao because he can help us a lot and because he can attract other top players, and that’s the best way of confirming our project is big and interesting.
“Signing Falcao is a big coup on sporting and media levels for French football.”
The $77.5 million, or €60 million, is the buyout in Falcao’s contract, a huge boon for Atlético, financially. Yet it’s only part of the package required to lure the Colombian from Madrid. With Manchester United and Chelsea previously connected with a potential move, Falcao’s undoubtedly expecting wages commensurate with the European clubs he’s passing on to join Ligue 1. Given Ibrahimovic makes around $18 million, Monaco’s total outlay for Falcao may stretch into the $120-$140 million range, once wages are considered.
