403: Kleberson, Manchester United, Merlin’s F.A. Premier League 04 Official Sticker Collection, Autograph Edition

Today Mat Jolin-Beech takes a look at the summer following a major international tournament when almost anyone can appear to be the answer to the prayers of a Premier League manager. A special mention must go here to Milan Baros who managed to eke out a Champions League winner’s medal with Liverpool by hitting a purple patch during Euro 2004 hitherto unseen at Anfield. It’s also fair to say that Sir Alex Ferguson did have the odd off day in the transfer market unless we are “all f***ing idiots” and Juan Sebastion Veron was actually “a f***ing great player”. Over to Mat.

Every two years at a major tournament, or three as Euro 2020 takes place in 2021, players are in the shop window. There are the big names we all know, showing off their talents and reinforcing their status as the world’s best. Ronaldo, Lewandowski, Kane, Mbappe and Pogba to name but a few. However, for the rising stars, unheard of at least to armchair fans without the full Champ Manager database to trawl through, it is a chance to earn a big money move.

The first three that come to mind have all failed to hit the heights that were expected. The first two had mitigating circumstances. Karel Poborský’s move to Manchester United in the summer of 1996 coincided with the rise of one David Beckham. And yet, after leaving Old Trafford, he went on to have a pretty good career and is the most capped outfield player for the Czech Republic. The other of this duo is Davor Šuker. He burst onto the scene, at least for this then 10 year-old, by winning the Golden Boot at France 98. While his move to Arsenal failed to be a success, the Croat had a stellar career and is widely regarded as the best Croatian striker of all time. He is now the current president of the Croatian Football Federation.

Then we come to the name behind this blog. Kleberson. A Brazilian World Cup winner in 2002, as part of one of the best international teams of all time featuring the original Ronaldo, Roberto Carlos, Rivaldo, Cafu, Ronaldinho and even Romario. After a failed move to Leeds United in 2002, as his girlfriend was under 16, he was snapped up by Sir Alex the following summer to great fanfare. He was meant to be the next big playmaker for the team, stepping in where Veron had failed. However, injury, and the ongoing brilliance of Paul Scholes, meant he was unable to shine. After a tumultuous stint with Besiktas, he returned to Brazil, before a stint in the MLS: the international retirement home for once successful footballers. And Bradley Wright-Phillips.

This era at United is littered with dreadful signings. David Bellion from Sunderland. Daniel Nardiello from Swansea City. And, most infamously of all, the next Roy Keane: Eric Djemba-Djemba from Nantes. If I’m being harsh, I’d go as far to say Kleberson was a worse signing then Djemba-Djemba. The expectation of great things crushed by the disappointing reality. He may be up there with Bebe as one of Ferguson’s worst ever signings.

So, let this be a warning to all those Euro 2020/21 players hoping for a big money move. They do not always turn out as you hope or expect. Now, I wonder what happened to that other summer signing back in 2003, a little known teenager by the name of Cristiano Ronaldo…

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