As N’Zogbia turns
The latest news out of the rumor mill is that Birmingham City has renewed its effort to steal away our beloved Charles N’Zogbia.
As you may or may not remember, City was hot on the trail of The French Flash (just made that up myself!) but balked at Wigan’s reported $16 million transfer demand (look, I’m an American and I don’t know the key stroke for pounds so I’m just going to do rough conversions). City is reportedly considering an offer of about $14 million.
From the sound of it, Wigan manager Roberto Martinez does not want to part with N’Zogbia unless his price is met. But this may also be leading to some friction, as reports that N’Zogbia was on strike last week surfaced.
All of this has prompted Martinez to bemoan the transfer window staying open after the season begins.
“It would really help if the window was closed before the games started,” he said. “The transfer window gives a player a moment to think about their careers and their futures. By doing that you are disrespecting the team. If the window closed before the first game, at least the players can get focused. Football is a collective sport and at the moment the transfer window goes against that and treats it like an individual sport.”
The hope is that N’Zogbia will at least be ready for this week’s match against Chelsea. He would most likely serve as a replacement for the injured Victor Moses.
