Riberys next move – an Olympique de Marseille perspective

By: Daniel Phan | June 30th, 2009

Since we are ripe in the midst of the transfer season, I thought it would be interesting to provide a quick commentary on the possible destination of a former Olympique de Marseille son: Franck Ribery.
Since his good showing in the 2006 World Cup, Ribery has continued to blossom in his creative midfield role, going from strength to strength; making for one of the hottest properties in European football today. Those who tuned into the second tie between Bayern Munchen and FC Barcelona will tell you all about him. Kudos to OM for culminating such a talent! (All this seconded by Ludovic Giuly who gladly watched Ribery at the World Cup from the comfort of his lounge room) – I clearly didn’t fare too well in Comedy101.

Though his transfer destination does not affect OM on the park at such, it’s repercussions

With a wealth of big-club options at his door, which avenue should Mr Ribery embark on?

1 Follow the trend of recent years and head to the money pile that is aka the English Premier League to sample some Earl Grey (or a trademark Fergie earful if Manchester United was to be the destination), or possibely add to the growing list of former Ligue 1 players at Carlo Ancelotti’s Chelsea, or may I say – Roman Abramovich’s.

2 Join the Real Madrid circus to mix with football’s who’s who in Kaká, Cristiano Ronaldo, Raúl, Casillas; And Most importantly, please Olympique de Marseille fan and current Real Madrid advisor Zinedine Zidane who has made no secret of his desire to see Ribery pull the Los Blancos shirt.

3 Replace Thierry Henry at FC Barcelona. A French-for-French swap. I don’t see Samuel Eto’o leaving despite the recent claims from his agent, and club honchos.

4 Remain at Bayern Munich and allow Louis Van Gaal to mould a new-look team around his play, rather then join a team with an established playing set like FC Barcelona.

5 The wise and safest option: return to Olympique de Marseille and help the club in its bid for European, Ligue 1, French Cup conquest.. and ultimately World domination

All jokes aside.

I strongly believe that a move to Spain would be most advantageous for our friend – and given his style he would fit into the Spanish game like a glove.

A mental depiction of the eloquence that Ribery is known for coupled with the creative flair and power of Kaká and Ronaldo respectively.. . If you disregard the financial pulling power that was required to acquire these names, and the final two season’s of Florentino Perez’s first tenure as club President – then the prospect of a Kaká, Ronaldo, Raul, Ribery combination is simply ming-boggling. Not to mention the possible purchase of fellow Frenchmen Karim Benzema.

As Olympique Marseille fans – do you have any preferences over Ribery’s next destination?

Over and out.

P.S Arent we all a little dissapointed that done of the expected signings materialised over the weekend?, I guess I’ll just have to keep twitching my thumbs.. *fingers crossed*