“Barcelona have raided Olympique Lyon for seven year-old Kais. The youngster was signed by Lyon after being spotted playing for FC Gerland. However, after just two days of trials in May, he was offered a place at Barca’s academy.”
“La Tribune de Lyon says Lyon insiders claim in 30 years they have seen only one other youngster with the ability of Kais: Karim Benzema, now of Real Madrid.
“Kais will move to Barcelona once he finishes his school year.”
Personally, I find this absolutely ludicrous! The poor lad has now a heap of pressure weighing down on him and he’s only seven. I don’t think anyone should have to see clubs stealing players of such a young and fragile age.
At this rate, clubs will be signing the offspring of famous footballers. Pele’s son, aged 5months, signed to Chelsea for 500,000 pounds Maradona’s son, aged 2 years, signed to Barcelona for 1.5m pounds
Could you honestly imagine something like that occuring?
I find it absolutely disgusting at how clubs are now treating players and children as some form of commodity that they can throw money at in the hope that they live up to the HUGE expectations on them.
Phutbol
Guest
Isn't this what FIFA's rule about moving kids for football-only reasons was supposed to stop? the same rule Kofi Danning nearly fell foul of? or is that only in relation to which country they can play for?
DiCanio
Guest
ahaha Agreed This is the opposite of exploitation.
Simone`
Guest
"However, after just two days of trials in May, he was offered a place at Barca’s academy.” No one forced him or his parents into it. He was offered a place, a 'scholarship' of sorts and they accepted. Barcelona clearly have one of the best football acadamies in the world so he went. This is no different to schooling scholarships to gifted childrten to go to elite schools and learn at the best level. He is going to learn at the best possible place to enhance his talents. Get over yourselves. I wish Barca had poached me at 7
Pippinu
Roar Guru
It is starting to get out of hand. Maybe world football needs a father and son rule?
FCBarca
Guest
Problem with this 'logic' is that technically speaking, Barca cannot sign these U-18 players to professional contracts...They are invited to become a member of the youth academy...It is not something they receive pay for but become enrolled into...It includes schooling, housing etc...Barca pays for it...They may reap the benefits later but they flip the bill for it from the outset. Hardly exploitation let alone apples to apples wrt what happened with Chelsea and other Premiership clubs