Samuel Eto’o is sensationally considering a move to Uzbekistan Club Kuruvchi.
Barcelona has already let go of one of their once-prized assets after allowing Ronaldinho to sign with Italian giants AC Milan. It now appears that another one of their stars could be heading for the exit door.
Eto’o’s visit to Tashkent, Uzbekistan has fueled transfer speculation, and the player himself has confirmed Kurvuchi’s interest.
"There was interest from Kuruvchi. That is one of the reasons I'm here, to get to know the people and all the interesting things about this country," he said.
Eto’o was once considered one of the best forwards in Europe, but a lackluster couple of seasons for Barcelona in the last two years have seen the 27-year-old decrease in value.
Eto’o was an integral part of the Barcelona side that won the La Liga in 2005 and 2006, scoring an outstanding 50 league goals over the two campaigns. The Cameroon striker also added 10 goals to his tally in the Champions League, and even scored in the Champions League final in Barcelona’s 2-1 victory over Arsenal.
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But after only scoring 11 league goals in 2007 and allowing Real Madrid to steal the La Liga crown, Eto’o has failed to rediscover his fine goal-scoring form that saw him become a fan favorite at Nou Camp.
He did manage to score 16 goals in 18 games in the 2008 campaign, but clearly it wasn’t enough with Barcelona’s new manager, Pep Guardiola, stating Eto’o was not in his plans. A move away from the Catalan Club for Eto’o is imminent, but now it’s just a matter of where Eto’o will go.
Eto’o has been linked with a move to both Siere A and the English Premier League, but it now seems the former African Footballer of the Year is set to shock the world of football by opting to sign for the leaders of the Uzbek Championship.
"We have made a very good offer and are quite serious of getting Samuel to play here," Kurvuchi coach Mirjalol Kasymov told the club’s official website.
Kurvuchi are reported to have offered Eto’o a very lucrative package and the Cameroonian is strongly considering a move to the Uzbekistan side.
"I have several good offers from various clubs at present. I'm planning to return to Barcelona and starting from Saturday I will consider all my options, including the one from Kuruvchi," said Eto’o.
Samuel Eto’o may not be the most highly rated striker in Europe any more, if he ever was, but he is certainly still capable of playing in any prolific league, whether it’s the La Liga, Siere A, or even the English Premier League.
Why would he want to swoop down so low and sign for a virtually unknown club like Kurvuchi? It makes no sense.
At 27, Eto’o is still in the prime of his career and could easily play for one of Europe’s top clubs. Eto’o’s decision could make or break his career. In the meantime, all we can do is wait, and of course, speculate about where Eto’o will play next season.
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about 1 month ago
I don't buy it for a second.
Eto'o remains in Spain or moves to the EPL. Maybe, just maybe goes to Italy.
about 1 month ago
One reason for his transfer could very well be the rampant racism he experienced in years past. I really hope he does stay in Spain, and hopefully he can rediscover his abilities. But with rumors circulating, and the player more confirming than denying, I can only so much as doubt he will remain with the Catalan juggernaut.
I can see Chelsea sweeping him up on a bargain basement deal, as Guardiola has mentioned his taste for the future of the club, and how that future doesn't include Eto'o.
about 1 month ago
I highly doubt there's any chance he's going to stay at Barcelona. Tottenham were interested but he rejected the idea of playing for them. Honestly I think it would've been a good move, especially if they get rid of Berbatov and Keane.
But my point is, he's headed away from the Nou Camp. I heard Valencia were interested but I'm not sure.
about 1 month ago
Eto'o has always done what he think's right for him. Football is an international game like many other games, and standards are increasing everywhere and clubs and countries are willing some able to sell their images. One of the fundamental issues is for a player to be happy where he is. It would appear that people are so obssess about Europe that they think that football resides only here and the best is only found in Europe. That could be true but i do not believe in that. Eto's is a grown up and will take the decision that suits him best. I f Barca has treated them so disrespectfully, what next do u expect, it could be the next team or another, so let the boy do what is good for him. Counsellors, coaches and fan, we all regrets it but there is little we can do.
about 1 month ago
can you really think that hewould be going there who eve started this one needs a smack up side his head
about 1 month ago
He won't be headed that far East. Nothing wrong with him seeing the world though.
about 1 month ago
Etoo was a prolific striker as you said?believe me or not he is still the best natural striker in the game. Name any player that came back from injury and score 16goals in 18 games as you said. You are contradicting your own self. All those so call Villa,roney,pirlo etc are all inferior to etoos game. Believe me or not if etoo was not black it will be a different story.
about 1 month ago
Of course he's leaving Barca. If a coach told you that you weren't in his plans wouldn't you want to leave to? Or would you stay around and play only when the first team needs a rest now and then? Obviously he wants to leave. But to Uzbekistan? I know there's good football outside of England, Spain, Italy, France, Netherlands, etc. I know that as well as anyone. But Uzbekistan? He's only 27 and at one point even Manchester United was interested in signing him.
Personally I think it would be a step backwards in his career. And Fidelis, I don't think Rooney is inferior to Eto'o. Maybe Pirlo cause he's NOT even a striker.
about 1 month ago
Eto is a brill player and i would love to see him at arsenal any day of the week.dont know how much he would cost if barca want him gone and his wage would be 80,000 a week but still barca are crazy letting him go. arsenal should make the offer of adebayor and 15 million to barcalona and we might get him.
But i dont think he will go to spurs because they are not a top four squard yet. plus they have just brought dos santos and modarich and dont need another striker. the only way i see spurs getting eto is if they do a money plus berbatov for him or the other way around with barcalona wanting berbatov spurs could say eto and money if you want berbatov.
I know ac milan said they were not buying any more players but dont rule it out ronaldinio and eto is a tryed and tested force from barcalona and ac could also do a pato plus money deal to get him to the sansero.
no matter were he goes he will still be scaring defense for about another 4 years the next 3 to 4 weeks will be interesting!!!
about 1 month ago
Hugh mentions "rampant racism" - I like the alliteration there - and if he is conscious of this then I can't see him going to Italy. The reason Vieira left AC Milan for Arsenal was partly down to this. I can't see him coming to England either. Neither can I see Barcelona wanting to sell him to another Spanish team. If Lyon lose Benzema then they may be a good bet...
about 1 month ago
Yeah I doubt Barca would let Eto'o go to another club in Spain. Valencia can give up on signing him. As for him going to Arsenal, I kind of think its unlikely. I just can't picture Wenger splashing the cash to sign him especially with his club still having to pay off the debts of the Emirates stadium. But if Adebayor leaves it's an entirely different scenario. And I kind of doubt Eto'o will go to Italy either.
Personally I think the premiership would suit Eto'o... he has a great physical presence, he's fast and powerful, and he's got all of the other great attributes for a striker to succeed in England.
from about 1 month ago
hello Jeff. At times it is good to accept realities. If Eto was a white, he would have been rated the best player in the whole world. Roney as rightly said does not measure with Eto. His going to Italy may be a reality. Do not think racism may be a hinderance to him. He has proven to whites that where they want to show him some racial tendences, that is where he performs the best. The histories of Eto are invaluable. About barcelona, they are palying a cat and dog's game and the deal is to frustrate the career of this young striker. but i tell u, a first foul will never be the second again. Eto'o will leave barcelona. Thanks
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