Gamba strike again with Lucas move
January 8, 2008: True to form, Gamba Osaka have been busy in the transfer market for an overseas player – but they have not gone far to sign him.
On this occasion their target – and their catch – was the experienced striker Lucas, all the way from FC Tokyo.
Like other imports before him, Lucas represents no risk for Gamba as he has played in the J.League for four seasons and is a proven, consistent goal scorer.
His haul of 48 in 120 league games is a solid record, and he should work well alongside the powerful Bare next season; Bare, himself, of course, signed from Ventforet Kofu.
Lucas is the replacement for Magno Alves, who left in disappointing circumstances, but Gamba went back to Brazil for the man to fill Sidiclei’s boots at the back, Mineiro from Internacional.
But back to the Gamba policy of signing successful foreign players from other J.League clubs. They monitor their record, they check their character on and off the field – and then they offer them more money and the chance to challenge for titles. Easy really, isn’t it?
I was debating this issue with a Japanese colleague the other day, but he took a very different standpoint.
He thought it was bad for Japanese football that clubs did not go overseas and sign new foreign players to boost interest in the league. He thought it would be more attractive for fans if they were constantly being offered new faces from exotic lands (meaning Brazil, of course, such is the lack of imagination of most clubs).
I found this view hard to understand, as surely it would mean clubs wasting even more money on players (and their agents) they knew nothing about: Premier League wages for non-league players.
In this context, therefore, I find Gamba’s policy quite reassuring and good business – and if other clubs complain they have “stolen” their best foreign players, they should give them two- or three-year contracts at the outset; although that, admittedly, is a massive gamble and expensive risk.
I cannot see how anyone can question Gamba’s policy.
ends
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