Transfer Window Money Affecting Players Preparation for World Cup Football 2010

World Cup Football is definitely the biggest show in world football. The tournament can attract people from around the world who can find themselves involved in it. Football fans are now excited with the upcoming FIFA World Cup 2010 which will kick off on 11 June in South Africa. However, players’ preparation is being affected by the big money offers in the transfer window.

Teams are taking preparation for the World Cup with full swing. However, the European transfer window is affecting their preparation at the moment. There are many players who have already been linked with other clubs in the Summer transfer window. European clubs are offering lucrative deals, while their existing clubs are trying hard to keep hold on them or capitalize on their market demand, and thus, delaying their move.

FIFA World Cup may be the most prestigious tournament in world football, but when it comes to money, European club football is much more important to the players.

For example, the winning team of the World Cup Football 2010 would receive $30 million, while Real Madrid last summer spent €35 million (around $43) on French international Karim Benzema who could not even make it to the final World Cup squad of France.

The total prize money of World Cup Football 2010 is $420 million, while the combined spending of Real Madrid and Barcelona last summer was around €452 million ($555 million). So, it is pretty much clear that club football is much more significant when it comes to money. Players, however, see World Cup as a stage where they can get huge exposure, and thus, increasing their market value.

A number of star players are now uncertain about their future ahead of the World Cup. Arsenal duo Cesc Fabregas and William Gallas, for instance, do not know whether they would remain at Arsenal next season or move away from the North London club.

Barcelona is highly interested to acquire the service of Fabregas before the World Cup begins, while Arsenal wants to wait until the tournament finishes, hoping that a good performance from the midfielder could increase his market value. Gallas has not yet reached any agreement with the club on a contract extension.

Real Madrid’s new manager Jose Mourinho is keen to make a swap deal involving Kaka and Chelsea’s Lampard. A number of Liverpool stars including Torres and Gerrard are also doubtful about their stay at Anfield next season with the club facing intense financial crisis. Manchester City has gone all the way to sign Aston Villa’s English international James Milner. Sevilla forward Luis Fabiano is keen to join AC Milan this summer.

The list would go on. However, the players are trying to put in their full concentration on World Cup preparation, even though the lucrative offers from various clubs are making it difficult for them. Coaches of the participating teams are also worried about this matter and are asking their players to pay more concentration on preparation. Still, it is very difficult to resist when it comes to money.