Transfers between Real Madrid and Barcelona usually create a lot of buzz. Figo , Luis Enrique and Laudrup earned their media’s hall of fame for defecting to the enemy. But the latest to join that line hasn’t received the same amount of publicity. Javier Saviola, the ex argentine sensation has agreed to join Real Madrid after his contract at Barcelona had expired. Much like Luis Enrique and Laudrup, the club had little to do as it was the player’s prerogative to leave the club after his contract had expired. Barcelona didn’t feel like Saviola had met their expectations after the 20 million pounds they spent on him a few years ago and they thought he was fungible. A notion that I won’t reject.

As a 20 year old, Saviola showed great potential leading the Argies to the title in the 2001 Youth World Cup . But after that it has been the case of unfulfilled promises on the part of the Argentine. He was loaned out for two seasons in his 6 years as a Barca player and it was clear that he would be getting his wish of a big payday after rejecting a transfer to Sevilla at the end of the last season. As a free agent, he could move to any club with increased incentives, since the club wouldn’t need to shell out on the transfer fee. Moves to the English Premier league were mooted but none with the pedigree of Real Madrid. What is interesting is whether this transfer by Calderon has sporting implications or if its just a psychological jab at their rivals. It is very unlikely that new Manager Schuster would use him in the starting line up. He is a substitute at best.

Calderon meanwhile has turned his attention to Cesc Fabregas of Arsenal after Milan had spurned his advances for Kaka. It does look like Calderon isn’t half as savvy as his predecessor, Florentino Perez who was an absolute whiz in the transfer market. Calderon did win his election on the back of promises to sign Kaka, Cesc and Robben- three of whom have not shown the slightest intention of joining Real Madrid anytime soon. Madrid were once the leaders of the transfer market and need a Big money signing (Robben doesn’t qualify as he is surplus to requirements at Chelsea) to satisfy fans who were spoilt by Perez’s excesses.