Heinze's arrival gives United extra flexibility
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.As Manchester United yesterday unveiled Gabriel Heinze, their new Argentinian defender, the club was placed at the top of a league table of Europe's most valuable football brands.
As Manchester United yesterday unveiled Gabriel Heinze, their new Argentinian defender, the club was placed at the top of a league table of Europe's most valuable football brands.
The club's manager, Sir Alex Ferguson, said Heinze will be "a great acquisition" because of his versatility at the back. United confirmed the £6.9m signing of the former Paris St-Germain player to the Stock Exchange.
Heinze is the second recruit of the summer. The striker Alan Smith joined from Leeds for £7m a month ago.
"We've been monitoring Gabriel for a long time and he demonstrates all the qualities of the top Argentinian defenders - strength, speed and excellent technical ability," Ferguson said. "He can play either as a central defender or left-back and this flexibility means that he is a great acquisition for the club."
Heinze, who has signed a five-year contract, said: "I'm extremely proud to sign for such a great club. It's a very important step in my football career to join Manchester United and I have faith and great belief that I can meet the high expectations required.
"We have not yet discussed which position I will play," he added. "I don't know whether it will be in central defence or left back. All they said is that they wanted me."
Heinze joined PSG from Valladolid in 2001 and spent three seasons in Paris where he imposed his style. "I have loads of emotion about leaving PSG. I owe them a lot," he said. "But my dream is coming true by joining Manchester United. I am going to keep working hard on the other side of the Channel."
United, in keeping with the new policy on transfers, have revealed the breakdown of the payments involved in the deal. Paris St-Germain are to receive £5.7m - £3.4m in July, £1.3m on 31 December and £1m in July 2005. A £0.3m fee is potentially payable under the five per cent solidarity levy imposed by Fifa, the world governing body, a £0.3m levy is payable to the FA Premier League and £0.6m in fees is payable to agents for the acquisition of the player and the negotiation of his contract.
The split-down of the agent fees is £100,000 payable immediately and the balance in quarterly instalments over the duration of the player's contract.
Meanwhile, United's place on top of a league table of Europe's most valuable football brands, has been boosted by a huge global fan base, particularly in Asia, which according to the club numbers around 53m.
They are closely followed by Real Madrid, though the Spanish club have not fully capitalised on its strength financially, the strategic branding consultancy FutureBrand said. The report said Europe's top 20 clubs earned revenues of over £2.5bn in the 2002/2003 season.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments