MORE THAN MEETS THE EYE

by Clinton Ooi

The signing of Michael Ballack before the world cup have more implications than meets the eye. The implications to Ballack's switch to the Premiership ring well and truly even before the commencement of the 2006/2007 English Premier League season.

As Germany's captain, most recognisable player and arguably best talent, the spotlight come June 9th should have been Ballack leading off Germany on their world cup journey on his club, Bayern Munich's new turf the magnificent Allianz Arena.

These headlines however will have to be scraped by journalists with similar foresight.

Instead, the focus will shift to Ballack and his big money move (for him a reported £130,000 a week wages and nothing for the Bayern) to English champions Chelsea.

This move has more implications off the field more so than on it. Bayern have always and will continue to produce and poach the best stars in the Bundesliga, so on the pitch their status is lesser affected by the timing of Ballack's move.

So let us analyse what possible after effects would it have off the field:

• Advertising - Any ad campaigns T-Com, Bayern's sponsor, had in mind for Ballack, especially since the World Cup is going to be held in Germany would be binned. I would not be surprised to see media of Ballack in Chelsea colours during the tournament.
  
• Association - Undoubtedly throughout the tournament the probability that the world 'Ballack' is mentioned in the same sentence with the word 'Chelsea' would be beyond the number of fingers and toes I have.
  
• Access - By signing Ballack before the World Cup, Chelsea have not only gained widespread publicity into the German market but possibly Ballack's personal fanbase.
  
• Affirmative - Great World Cups performances tend to see club transfer fee demands soar and player pay packet expectations rise. Signing the player before the 'hoo-hah' of the World Cup is a definite stroke of genius.

The cases are similar for a number of other players about to light up the stage in Germany.

Andrei Shevchenko, Ballack's soon to be new clubmate just joined from AC Milan for a Premiership record £30.8m while talented Czech midfielder Tomas Rosicky has left Borussia Dortmund after 5 years to ply his trade at Arsenal for a reported £7m. Their new clubs will certainly fully exploit the market potential of their players especially if their nations progress and their players shine. Undoubtedly, these prices would inflate considerably after a successful campaign.

Therefore, instead of doing an El-Halji Diouf, the way to go is to sign before the show.