Beware Bored Billionaires: Xavi to PSG?
Paris, France. There is a stirring. The chants within the stands of the Parc de Princes may ring out with “Ici c’est Paris” but the beating heart of the club is one pumping with the gas and oil of Doha.
Paris Saint-Germain, historical giant of French football, is owned by the Qatar Investment Authority. This is an arm of the Qatari royal family and, it goes without saying, they are very, very wealthy.
So when they bought a majority in PSG, stripping some capital firms of much burden, what did they intend to do? Like most moguls and power brokers that snap up soccer sides the QIA wanted success. Fast. They also wanted to make PSG famed, if not for their gorgeous soccer, then for their eye-watering roster of superstars.
PSG already had an established support. Although only coming into existence as Paris Saint-Germain after merging sides in 1970, they have become a symbol of Paris. In a neat semiotic twist the cultural symbol of Paris, the Eiffel Tower, became their crest and the three became symbiotically dependent. PSG became recognizable, globally.
Of course they have not been a European force for some time. That is where QIA came in. France is a country were the radical is expected and a riot of passions can burst up at any moment. Traditional powerhouses must be torn down, the French almost insist upon it. Revolution before evolution. The people of Paris are moving.
Les Parisiens will of course hope that the soul of their club remains intact, but progress is keenly supported. Local lads like the captain Mamadou Sakho is to be supported at the back by Uruguayan captain Diego Lugano? Great. Huge decision by Sports Director Leonardo, formerly of Inter and AC Milan. He sees what the Qataris want.
Then all of a sudden PSG are welcoming stars like Javier Pastore for huge amounts of money. They boast playmakers like Jeremy Menez, Kevin Gameiro, Maxwell, Mathieu Bodmer, Alex and Thiago Motta. They were the biggest spenders in World soccer this season.
They have a Champions League winning coach in Carlo Ancelotti . They have unlimited funds and have serviced long standing debt. They are currently second in the league. Will they be the new force in European soccer? Will they firstly be the new force in France?
Last week the Gallic soccer fans were treated to a feast of delights as PSG drew 4-all with the most dominant side in contemporary French soccer history, Lyon. Leonardo heralded the spirit of PSG to draw in that game, but with the ability to sign whomever they like, is spirit buyable?
For all the bluster about upholding traditions soccer fans can be render delirious with joy if their teams win. A minority may complain about a loss of values or the death of tradition, but give them a goal getting striker, some new centre backs and a midfielder who makes your lips quiver with disbelief as he threads a no-look pass to a goal scorer and they are putty in your hands. Success breeds success. Success breeds soccer happiness.
Of course progress can never be slow. Particularly not in Paris. The Billionaires need new distractions; new play things. David Beckham was linked with PSG before he re-signed with LA Galaxy. The side are also now being linked to enigmatic playmaker Xavi, of Barcelona.
Beware the bored Billionaire.
An €80m buyout clause means very little to them. They can buy and sell who they like. Strong managers often say that no one is bigger than the team. In the land of the oil-rich and well-connected elite, though, no one is bigger than the bank account.
If it was to become a crusade, Xavi could be bought. Beckham could be bought. Drogba, Tevez, Neymar and Torres could be bought. It is not too pressing yet, though. The patience of a sickeningly wealthy company has not worn thin. Perhaps it will if Ancelotti, despite being undefeated, draws his fourth game in a row. We will have to wait and see.
Times are unpredictable in Paris, but they like it that way. They have an embarrassment of riches and an embarrassment of options. Ici c’est Paris.
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