The much debated future of Radamel Falcao

Colombian international, Radamel Falcao, has started off this season with a bang. He is a goal scoring machine. He has scored 11 goals in 7 appearances for Atletico Madrid, and he has scored 4 goals in 3 appearances for Colombia in the World Cup Qualifiers.

This has led to a lot of speculation about the upcoming January transfer window. Chelsea, Manchester City, and Real Madrid have all been reported to have high interest in purchasing the Colombian striker. What started as rumors in the summer, largely fueled by comments from Falcao’s father, are now starting to seem as they could become a reality.

 

In the summer, Atletico Madrid made strong statements that they had every intention of keeping Falcao for the entire 2012-2013 season. Falcao also tweeted a few times, stating that he was happy with Atletico Madrid and that he was only focusing on having the best season he possibly could with Los Rojiblancos.

However, Atletico Madrid is still in debt from their original purchase of Falcao from FC Porto. They also owe money to the Spanish Tax Authorities, according to ESPN FC. President, Enrique Cerezo, just set Falcao’s buyout clause at €60 million ($77.2 million). He also stated that if any club is willing to meet this buyout clause, he would do nothing to stop Falcao from leaving. Atletico Madrid’s general manager, Gil Marin, recently told Spanish radio statio COPE, that €60 million would solve a lot of the club’s financial problems.

Atleti is in a very tough position, they are in a lot of financial strain, but Falcao is one of their top players and is very loved by the ever-so-passionate Rojiblanco fans.  One of the team’s key success factors is the overall attitude and dedication of the team. Falcao not only nets goals, but also inspires his team and works very well with coach Diego Simeone. With Falcao out of the picture, Atleti will have a very hard time qualifying for the Champion’s League. 

written by Donais Deetz