Pablo Barrera’s Unusual Deal with Pumas for European Move
Pablo Barrera, the 38-year-old winger, has opened up about his transition to European football during an interview on Failteson sin Censura. He detailed an unusual arrangement made with Pumas UNAM, which allowed him to pursue a career in England.
Pablo Barrera’s European Move: The Pumas Agreement
Barrera explained that following the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa, he negotiated with Pumas and his agent, Jorge Berlanga. The agreement involved extending his contract temporarily to facilitate his departure to England.
- Barrera completed his contract extension with Pumas.
- The low transfer fee was set to ease his move.
- He secured a position at West Ham in England.
The deal proved beneficial for Barrera, enabling him to leave Pumas for a European career, where he also played for Real Zaragoza in Spain. He expressed gratitude toward Pumas for their support during this pivotal moment in his career.
Learning from the U.S. Model
Barrera emphasized the need for Mexican clubs to adopt strategies similar to American sports. He cited Santiago Gimenez as an example, suggesting that U.S. teams negotiate lower player valuation while retaining a percentage of the player’s rights.
- He advocates for clubs to implement flexible transfer terms.
- This approach could facilitate players’ movements to Europe.
- Such changes would enhance the Mexican national team’s competitiveness.
Legacy and Future Aspirations
Barrera reflected on his long career, noting significant achievements, including a Liga MX title with Pumas, two championships with Cruz Azul, and multiple Gold Cup victories with the Mexican national team.
He also mentioned his hope for Efra, a player with strong ties to Pumas, as he transitions into coaching. Barrera believes that instilling the club’s fighting spirit is crucial for players on the pitch.
As the conversation shifted towards the current performance of Pumas, Barrera expressed optimism for the team’s potential to finish their season strong, despite recent challenges.
