Barca offer Eidur as Pique bait

Stuart Brennan

June 15, 2007

Eidur Gudjohnsen

EIDUR Gudjohnsen will be offered as bait to Manchester United by Barcelona as they seek to sign young defender Gerard Pique.

The former Chelsea star may fit the bill for the Reds next season as they look for a new striker, despite the fact that they have received assurances that Louis Saha will be fit for the start of the season on August 11.

Barca are tracking 20-year-old Pique, who was snatched from under their noses as a 17-year-old in the youth ranks at the Nou Camp three years ago.

The Spaniard has been on loan at Real Zaragoza all season, and his stay has been successful enough for the club to want to make the move permanent - and Barca have joined the hunt.

Zaragoza are ready to offer cash for Pique, who has made 10 first-team appearances for the Reds, and they will have ready money as they prepare to sell Gaby Milito to Juventus for £16m.

Decision

Barca will offer Gudjohnsen, but will expect cash on top for the 6ft 1n Icelander, who scored five goals in 25 league appearances and three in eight Champions League games last season.

Gudjohnsen's father and agent, Arnor, insists Barca will not make a decision on his future until after this weekend’s La Liga climax.

He said: “Honestly, I have not heard anything from Manchester United. I can confirm that.

“It’s only speculation. I think the club will decide many things after the weekend and what is going to happen after the game (against Gimnastic).

“Then, maybe you might see a clearer picture of what’s going to happen. But at this stage, nothing.”

Admirer

Sir Alex Ferguson has been a long-time admirer of Gudjohnsen, who began his English career with Bolton in 1998 but is only 29 years old, and he could be landed for £5m plus Pique.

The Reds are casting their net far and wide for a new striker this summer, with 23-year-old Italian starlet Fabio Quagliarella also coming in for some attention.

Ferguson's brother and chief European scout Martin watched the Sampdoria star playing against Palermo towards the end of the season, but United face stiff competition as Juventus are also in for a player who has broken into the Italian national squad this season.

Known as a ruthless finisher, Quagliarella has three caps and he scored his first international goals earlier this month, netting both as Italy beat Lithuania 2-0. Those goals added to a season in which he has scored 13 times in 35 games for Sampdoria.

Would you like to see Gudjohnsen at United, and should the Reds let Pique go? Have your say.

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Red Seven (15/06/2007 at 08:57)

Would like to see Gudjohnsen at Old Trafford, he would be like Larrson and give a different option upfront or even in the hole.

What's the story with Rossi, he didn't start for the Italians U21 team last night and we don't know if he is staying to get his chance or going elsewhere.

Anyone know what Row number the second tier in the North East Quadrant starts at?

Cheers

Birdy, Ireland (15/06/2007 at 09:00)

He's a good player and SAF is definitely an admirer, but i dont think we'd be getting a great deal by giving Pique and 5m. Gudjohnsen wouldnt be a replacement for Saha as he hasnt got much pace. I would see him a Teddy Sheringham type player - no bad thing - but i'd like us to get someone with pace. If it was a case of him replaceing Smith then maybe that wouldnt be a bad deal.

Either way, if we're giving Pique PLUS 5m then what is Piwue being valued at? Given that, if memory serves, Barca got Gudjohsen for around 7m, it means that having only scored a handful of goals and gotten older he's increased in value because Pique is surely worth more than 2m. I'd have thought he'd be worth at least 5m

Pedro Lupu (15/06/2007 at 09:13)

It would be madness to let one of Europes most talented centrebacks go to Barca! He has proven himself against some of the best strikers in the world this season at Zaragoza. As for Gudjohnsen he is not the prolific marksman we are looking for and with Anderson at the club and Wayne at his best as a deep lying striker I think the Quagliarella option is far better! Anyone seen much of this guy?

Kevin, Tralee, Eire (15/06/2007 at 09:31)

Somehow i can't see us leaving Pique go this summer for any amount of money. His stock has risen on the back of some very impressive performances ths season for Zaragoza. Next season he'll be eased into the team & we'll see if he can cope with the EPL, but until he's been given a chance to prove himself he's going nowhere. The rumours about Quagliarella have been floating around for a month now. He seems to be the hot young property in Italy at the moment, quick & a good finisher at 10 million, would imo, be a steal. We'll have to wait & see, with the news on Saha's knee being better than expected we may not make any additions to our strikeforce, which may not be ideal, but we'll wait & see.

Andy Bergen, Bergen, Norway (15/06/2007 at 09:33)

I don't know how good Pique is at right back, but that's the only position he can hope to make his own in the near future, as Ferdinand/Vidic occupies the center of defence and Hargreaves/Carrick sits deep in midfield. Seeing as we also have Evans coming through, it might be best for both player and club for him to go if we get £ 7 m for him.
Fergie's a known admirerer of Gudjohnsen, and he's a quality player who will do a decent job. I rate him somewhere between Smith and Rooney, and he would suit our play with his movement and passing ability. But I wouldn't pay £ 5 m plus Pique, then I'd rather sell Pique for £ 7 m +, and offer cash for Eidur, as Barca is keen to sell him, and as he would seek a move to a top club, and Chelsea and the scousers are unlikely to bid, Bayern and Inter already have bought, there aren't that many clubs in a position to drive the price up.

Jimmy the gent, south coast (15/06/2007 at 09:35)

Gudjohnsen at OT that bit is ok with me...always rated him and can definately do a job.

Gudjohnson at OT in return for Pique.. plus 5 million...that's madness.

We have a potentially world class centre back who we nicked from under Barca's noses and now we give THEM money to return him...NO NO NO.

NO to them. NO to Real Z. Get the lad back here and make him feel a big part of the future along with Evans.

SukhothaiRed, Sukhothai Thailand (15/06/2007 at 09:37)

Well I hope SAF doesn't take the bait. Gudjohnsen has played 388 times for Bolton, Chavski, Barca and Iceland (as of Feb) and netted just 120 times, hardly earth-shattering stats. Rossi got 9 in 19 in Serie 'A' this year. Pique is a quality act, and I think we should retain him. As for the Fabio Quagliarella story, according to the MEN's big sister newspaper, his agent claims United offered 10 million for him a month ago, so I suspect this is pie in the sky...

Hilton (15/06/2007 at 09:37)

Dessent player, with bags of experience. He has played in the premiership before and can score goals.
He is NOT an Samuel Eto by a long shot but can play.
He is also very versatile; can play alone as a target man, can play with a partner and also in the midfield.
His movement around the box is priceless; a definite improvement on Alan Smith.

I am not sure about his pace though..........anyone?
MICK?

george (15/06/2007 at 09:41)

It's difficult for us to know the value of Pique.Gudjohnson's a fine player but obviously Barca don't need him! Other clubs are interested in Pique.There's no need to let him go cheaply to a major european opponent.

JonyB-), North Staffs (15/06/2007 at 09:44)

I think we'd be absolutly bonkers to go anywhere near this deal and hopefully its just paper talk to fill some column inches.
The idea of exchanging a 20 yr old defensive Hot property like Pique for a 30 yr old La Liga failure and £5mil would be criminal and see BArcelona laughing all the way to the bank!!!!!
Not that i don't rate Gudjohnsen - but why buy a Older poorer rooney substitute. Would make no sense - So probably will happen!!!! Any how immitwerial as he's already stated he doesn't want to return to the EPL!
Now Fabio Quagliarella at 10-12mil would be an excellent buy - fast, skillful, strong and excellent technically - a scorer of great goals in and around box (& even centre circle if u look on U Tube!)
Xs as been championing this guy for a while on these forums and must say i think if we could get him for £15mil or less would be worth the obvious risk as a direct replacement for Saha & with Rossi back - someone who'd you hopefully help to settle quicker.
That leaves Anelka, Saviola & my preference Torres as alternatives (all with pro's and cons but IMO they are the only realalistic choices/targets if you consider value for money/quality)

Duncan, London (15/06/2007 at 09:48)

No. Real Zaragosa offered 7 million for Pique which we rejected and they are to improve it. Gudjonsson is worth nowhere near that at his age. So I would say no deal.

mani (15/06/2007 at 09:50)

Pique and cash for Gudjohnsen I don't think is worth it. By the looks of it Henry will be heading to Barcelona which will push Eidur even further down the pecking order. Although a very clever and skillful player he is one of the slowest strikers around. Pique has been getting brilliant reviews this season and can play as a defensive midfielder. So I would either load him out for another year or else get a straight swap. Plus having watched the U21 game last night I think Rossi is every bit as good a player as Gudjohnsen and a better finisher to boot.

Hilton (15/06/2007 at 09:52)

Jonathan Chin, Truly Asia (15/06/2007 at 10:06)

Can Barca take KR,MS or DF? G.Pique look promising.

DrPhil, Donegal (15/06/2007 at 10:06)

Quagliarella's agent has claimed United made a bid of £10M a month ago and that if that offer still stands it is likely to be accepted. Sounds like a good deal for a 23 year old full international but I must admit I know little about him.

Gudjohnson is good, but would prefer younger. Plus, Pique should be staying and trying to make the first team, not leaving.

Why do we keep nabbing the best young talent around, (Rossi, Pique) and then sending them on their way again a few years later?

Yorkie, huddersfield (15/06/2007 at 10:21)

I find it rather strange or is it just paper talk. Gudjohnson has scored in every 5 games for Barcelona. Fabio every 2.7 in a decent team in Seria A, whilst Rossi has scored in every 2.1 games for a struggling Parma. I rest my case. Rossi should be the one we are bringing back for nothing and putting him in the first team. Also Pique should be coming back and get 20 games per season.

Frank Old Trafford (15/06/2007 at 10:24)

Madness!!! We have to keep Pique. The Fabio Quag deal looks like another piece of astute business if they pull it off!! I think we might be in for some goals next season!!

Duncan, London (15/06/2007 at 10:25)

Gudjonsson plus 5 million. Now that might be a deal worth looking at. Might be.

Red Dawn (15/06/2007 at 11:02)

This is just a story that appeared in the Spanish Press and is complete and utter rubbish. Several well known websites (and one newspaper) that constantly give off a strong odour had the story yesterday.

Gerard Pique is one of the best young defenders in Europe and he was one of Zaragoza's best players this season. He has really filled out too. Every Spanish Club would love to sign him, but, unless United have lost the plot, there is no way he will be sold and certainly not for a ridiculous £2 million pounds.

His value in a few years time, considering his progression already at just the age of 20, will be extremely high, and I'd put him in the £20 million bracket when he reaches his full potential. They are calling him the new Fernando Heirro in Spain.

Gudjohnsen "was" a good player for Chelsea, and I emphasise the word "was". Cheslea would have done everything possible to keep him if they thought he still had it, and the same applied to Duff, but I can tell you they are both well past it. Eidur has been rubbish for Barcelona, no matter how many games he has played, he sticks out like a sore thumb when he does and just isn't good enough. If he isn't good enough for them, then he isn't good enough for us.

As I already said, there is no way Pique will be sold unless United have thrown their policy of developing the best young players in the world out the window.

I would be shocked and disgusted if it did happen, as would many others who realise the boys potential.

Jrogger, Canterbury (15/06/2007 at 11:05)

Very interesting commentary over at squarefootball discussing the likelihood of United signing Fabio Q. The gist was that it's unlikely as Utd will play 451 mostly, and have Rooney, Saha, Smith and Rossi. However, I am not convinced that Utd will play 451 more than half the time: Most of the time in Europe and then in bigger games in the Prem. Last season, we mostly played Rooney/Saha or Rooney/Larsson. Towards the end it got more variable. Even if Utd do play a lot of 451, you can't assume Rooney won't get injured and Saha is unreliable as cover, as he manages to get injured as often in training as actual full games. Rossi seems an unlikely choice for the front spot in a 451 leaving us with Smith for that role as cover. Rossi does seem like useful cover for Saha, but would we really want to rely on a Saha/Smith or Rossi/Smith frontline in 442 if Rooney picks up an injury? Bottom line, Saha's injury proneness means we need a third proven striker and Smith doesn't seem to offer good cover for such a scenario. Rossi/Saha sounds quite acceptable to me, so the only reason to keep Smith is 1) to cover for Rooney in a 451 and 2) as a partner for Rooney with Rooney playing deeper. That limits Smith's value to us, even assuming he can get his game to the level needed for United.

manc abroad, OT (15/06/2007 at 11:16)

Not going to happen. If they were to offer Gudjohnsen + 5 million then maybe, but Pique + 5 million !!! They are having a laugh.

Sandysen Carpanen (15/06/2007 at 11:27)

We dont need Eidur.. Smith is good enough.
Thank U Mr Rainkard. Maybe U should be more creative. Send us Leo Messi.

Red Max (15/06/2007 at 11:31)

Keep Pique, and buy Anelka and conclude all this empty, closed season speculation!!!!

Joe, Malta (15/06/2007 at 11:46)

5m + Pique for Gudjohnsen? No way! Do not get me wrong Gudjohnsen is still a good player and imo he is a bit under-rated but he s not worth more than 8m. According to the press United already refused a 6m offer for Pique by zaragoza. So this offer does not make sense.

chris, oxford (15/06/2007 at 12:02)

Not sure about Gudjohnsen but can see Pique leaving this summer because of the depth we have in defence and Evans being back at the club.

I'm in the minority by the sounds of things but I've never been convinced by Pique - he makes Blanc look quick!

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