Samuel Eto’o is on the verge of completing his move to Inter Milan from Barcelona after he agreed terms with the Serie A club.
The Cameroon striker’s transfer is a crucial component in a deal between Inter and the European champions which will see Swedish forward Zlatan Ibrahimovic move in the opposite direction for a £35 million fee.
Ibrahimovic is yet to agree personal terms with the Catalan club.
Eto’o’s agent Josep Maria Mesalles said:
“We found agreement. Samuel is happy to play for Inter. The only problem is a loyalty bonus with Barcelona. It should be settled in a week or so.”
All parties were waiting for the 28-year-old, who scored the opening goal in Barcelona’s 2-0 Champions League final win over Manchester United in May, to agree terms, with reports suggesting his wage demands could scupper the deal.
Barcelona also plan to loan midfielder Aleksandr Hleb to the Serie A champions for a season.
Earlier in the week, Barca manager Pep Guardiola thanked Eto’o for his time at the club, which saw three league titles, two Champions Leagues and a Copa del Rey winner’s medal, but added it was time for him to leave.
Guardiola said:
“I fully understand that people ask why. He’s a wonderful player. Everyone knows there are no football reasons. So why? It is a question of feeling,” Guardiola said. I feel that it is the best for the team, for the club, but I don’t dare say that it is best for Samuel. I am very grateful to Samuel, not for this year but for the five years he has spent here.”
Couple of things in the press report that stood out. One is that Eto’o and Barcelona have to work out a loyalty bonus as Eto’o claims he did not ask for a transfer. His agent says that will not be settled for at least another week.
Also, Zlatan has not yet agreed terms with Barcelona, so expect this transfer saga to continue on for anther week or so before everyone is completed.
