Last week Friday my compatriot, General Signdowns, wrote an article on why Sundowns should sign Ronaldinho, but, to be realistic, this transfer simply will not work… His salary equates to nearly 20 of our players!
Now, while I have to commend his efforts in the thought process, expecting Sundowns to sign one of the world's biggest stars is one of the most far-fetched ideas I have heard in a while.
To make you understand why I have slated this conception of Ronaldinho coming to Sundowns, I have taken a look at how much his one salary would cost in comparison to our whole salary bracket.
To break things up, here is a rough breakdown of who earns what at Sundowns.
Pitso Mosimane: R9 million per year
Top three earners: R3 million per year = R9 million per year
Twenty players: ± R1,5 million per year = R30 million per year
Ronaldinho is currently plying his trade in Mexico at Queretaro, and, according to reports coming out of the country; the Brazilian is earning a base salary of $2 million (R25 million per year). Remember, this excludes appearance performance bonuses.
This is a staggering amount of money and should he come to South Africa, Ronaldinho will be expected to be paid the same, if not more, should he arrive in Mzansi.
R25 million per year equates to nearly the same amount as what 20 of our own players earn at Chloorkop. Crazy, I know!!
So really, the dream of bringing Ronaldinho is never going to happen! Yes, the revenue he will bring in will be massive, but there is no way we can afford to fund these astronomical figures.
With a salary demand for one player taking up 85% of the total of what our players are earning, the 'Ronaldinho to Sundowns' campaign will remain a dream rather than become a reality.
It's good to dream big, but not too big. What do you think of this?
