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Carlos Vicente’s move to Birmingham City is an example of the ‘systemic crisis’ in Spanish football at this moment in time.

That’s according to Heraldo de Aragon. The newspaper turn their anger towards Javier Tebas and his running of Spanish football.

It’s seen as a major issue that one of Alavés’ best players has just signed for Birmingham City. Not Arsenal, Liverpool, or Chelsea. Not even one of the lower-table Premier League sides. A player from the Spanish first division is leaving to join Birmingham, who sit 13th in the Championship.

The deal, worth €8m, is another sign of Spain’s problems. While it’s a ‘pittance’ for Birmingham City, it’s big money in ‘Javier Tebas’ La Liga’.

According to the newspaper, they’re suffering from a ‘systemic crisis’. That is highlighted transfer window after transfer window thanks to struggles with the salary cap and registering new players.

Most clubs simply can’t afford to compete. Tebas’ insistence that the Premier League model doesn’t work is starting to wear thin. He’s claimed that England “only surpasses us in debt” but the reality is very different.

Transfer to Birmingham City just the latest disappointment

The Premier League, and even Championship, has continued to push on with bigger salaries and transfers. That’s whilst most Spanish clubs are left with a feeling of ‘stagnation’. Vicente’s move to Birmingham City is proof of that. Much smaller TV money for the vast majority of clubs is presented as an issue which Tebas is trying to distract from.

The fact that Alavés simply couldn’t refuse a team sitting 13th in England’s second tier is being seen as a sign that Tebas has it very wrong.

A week ago, Villarreal manager Marcelino made clear he’s still bitter about losing Yéremy Pino in the summer. The experienced coach said: “Look at our case. We’re a Champions League team, we had a Spanish international, and then Crystal Palace, which is not a top English club, came along and signed Yeremy Pino for a significant sum of money. With a higher salary than any Spanish team could pay him.”

None of that is the problem of Birmingham City or Carlos Vicente. The player said his goodbyes earlier this week: “To those of you who have been and still are my family, of all the things I could say, the one that best defines my feeling is a heartfelt thank you. Thank you for making me feel like one more Vitoriano from the moment I arrived, thank you for giving me the chance to do what I love most and to enjoy wearing that shirt and playing at Mendizorroza.”

 

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