How much would George Best be worth today?
On the twenty second of May nineteen forty six in Belfast, Northern Ireland, a football legend was born that millions would adore. A football star that was blessed with charm, skill and a complete love of the game.
But what if he was born in nineteen eighty six, forty years later? It would make him a twenty seven year old player today.
As football is a multi billion pound business what would his price be?
Well first I think Sir Alex Ferguson would have taken him under his wing, much like he did with David Beckham. I seriously doubt he would be clubbing all night long. We all know the gaffer didn't stand for that and he would have been out of the door.
A shining example of that is Ryan Giggs; imagine having the Welsh wing wizard and George in the same team! The mind boggles. Then again would the man that managed Manchester United to thirteen league titles have taken George Best as he already had Giggsy? He signed Robin Van Persie and with respect to the Dutchman, Best is a better player.
Now let's say we come to a point where it's time to move on for the man from Belfast; no doubt every club in the world would want to sign him but only a few could afford him. Barcelona and Real Madrid would have to be the top two contenders but what if he wanted to stay in England? Near neighbours City could afford him; would he join the Red Devils' arch rivals? I would put it down as a doubt as he loves United. Maybe the capital city of London; North to Arsenal or Tottenham or West to Chelsea? The Gunners and Spurs would be put off by the price but with a Russian owner that isn't scared to spend big, Chelsea would stand a great chance. Torres and Best would be an interesting combination.
As we know from history, one of the world's best ever players wasn't afraid to travel and Spain would have to be his port of call. I have no doubt both clubs, Barcelona and Real Madrid would put in bids and purely because of having Ronaldo and Gareth Bale, 'Los blancos' (the whites) would win. But what if Barcelona did; Best and Messi would certainly provide 'sexy football' and more than make the mind boggle.
But to a club that has had some of the best players ever to play the beautiful game a star like George Best is 'everyday'. Luis Figo, Roberto Carlos and Zinedine Zidane to name but a few players that have worn the famous Galacticos shirt.
Imagine a three man strike force of Bale, Ronaldo and Best! Defences would literally be sitting ducks and made to look very silly at times!
Let's remember one thing here; George is now playing on perfect football pitches which will show off his talent even more. If you add to that the protection players get then his value must again go up!
But just how much would he be worth in today's market?
Welsh sensation Gareth Bale cost eighty five million pounds while Portugese pin up Ronaldo was eighty million but that was a few seasons back and his value must have increased.
Would he be better than them?
Lionel Messi is in a class of his own, possibly the most gifted footballer that has ever lived; would a George Best of today be better than him?
With the way the transfer market is today and the silly money that is being paid out then it wouldn't be wrong to put the value of 'the beautiful boy' from Belfast at one hundred and fifty million pounds.
The reason the figure is high is because average players are transferred for over inflated prices but that's another article!
It's reported that Messi gets around thirty million pounds a year while Gareth Bale and Ronaldo are on similar so a modern day George Best would be on that sort of wage as well.
Of course this is all theory but another question would have to be would the George Best of today have a drinking problem? I don't think anyone can really answer that.
A quote from Manutd.com sums the player up superbly, 'Pele Good, Maradona Better, George Best'
He was born to play football whatever era he was born in. In nineteen seventy seven I got to meet him while he was playing for Fulham; our school was just round the corner. Every single child in my class including myself just wanted to see George Best; he signed autographs while the rest of the team played and he was the first 'Superstar' I ever met.My love for football has grown stronger everyday since then.
Here are just a few goals from his vast collection; youtu.be/jYU0KsGLuxE after watching it do you think you could say how much George Best is worth today?
This is written by Paul Moore, a football fan.