It is always sad to see a player making a move for money rather than for the betterment of their career. And this sadness deepens when it involves a young player who is clearly being badly advised by those that just see him as a commodity, a cash cow.
Details of the Chido Obi-Martin have emerged in the last day or so which paints a bad picture for both the former-Arsenal teenager and his advisors.
The deal on the table from the Arsenal was reportedly for £15,000 a week. This is the top end of what we pay our 16-year-olds when they sign their first professional contract with us. The majority of youngsters sign for a lot less.
This sort of money is usually offered to those young players who the club expect to be breaking into the first team squad before they reach 18. Think Bukayo Saka.
The offer highlights just how highly the club rated Obi-Martin. But Manchester United have blown us out of the water.
Reports are that Man U have doubled Arsenal’s offer – with Obi-Martin set to earn in the region of £30,000 a week. Over 2 years – the maximum length contract a 16-year-old can sign, that is the difference between earning north of £3m and earning “just” £1.5m.
The figures are not huge considering what Obi Martin may earn if he continues his progression, but for a teenager yet to play a game they are massive. The £3m on the table from Man U would mean that Obi Martin could retire at 18 and never work again!
Considering the situation at Man U right now, it is clear that Obi Martin and his people have valued money earned over the next two-years above what is best for his entire career.
To further illustrate the move is all about greed, Obi Martin’s representatives have reportedly demanded £1.7m commission to make the deal happened. This is not money that goes into the players pockets, but money that goes into his handlers.
And handlers is very much what Obi Martin has.
The Danish forward is not the first youngster to be moved from club to club to benefit those that control him, and he will not be the last. Football is littered with teenagers who were encouraged to move for the money, and then never fulfilled their potential.
Agents who have their clients best interest at heart will ensure any move is to a club that will develop the player, and help them reach their full potential. They will know the real riches in football are when your career progresses. They are not interested in making a quick buck off a 16-year-old.
We should not be surprised by Obi Martin and his representatives actions. We poached him as 14-year-old from his native Denmark.
Whilst a move from Kjøbenhavns Boldklub to Arsenal is likely to be for football reasons, I imagine we sweetened the deal with payments to friends, family and the player. The move to Man U is clearly solely based on finances.
And I would not be surprised if in 2-years history repeats itself once more.
As mentioned, a 16-year-old can only sign a 2-year contract. Most will usually then sign a 3-year deal at 17, taking them through to their 20th birthday, and then a 4-year deal at 18. This is the progression most young players go through at almost every top club.
I would put money on Obi Martin not signing a new deal with Man U when he turns 17, and instead in 2 -years he and his handlers will re-assess their options. His handlers will likely pimp him out across Europe again to see if they can get him more money. And at the same time bolster their pockets with more commission.
By losing the greedy wonderkid, Arsenal rid themselves of being in the exact same situation again in 12-months.
If a player at 16 only has money on his mind, or is being influenced by handlers who have no interest in their career, then we are better off without them. the names Nicolas Anelka and Paul Pogba come to mind.
Chido Obi Martin might go on to become one of the best in the world. The won that got away. But he is more likely to be the next Marcus McGuane.
Enjoy your Thursday.
Keenos
She Wore A Yellow Ribbon 