Huntelaar to AC Milan

Word in today that Klaas Jan Huntelaar is on his way to AC Milan for what seems like a rather paltry sum of $21 million. Considering the crazy fees flying around this summer it seems like a heck of a bargain. I realize they don't play the same position but if Xabi Alonso at 28 is worth $30 million it's hard to believe that Huntelaar was picked up for such a relatively small fee, not too mention what Man City paid for Adebayor and seem willing to pay for Joleon Lescott. It's a great move for AC Milan who absolutely had to do something, with the loss of Kaka and the brutal form they've shown thus far in the preseason. If Ronaldinho can find some form and Pirlo can hold off father time for another season Milan should have a nice duo up front with Huntelaar and Pato. I've long been a big fan due to his propensity for bicycle kicks.

It will be interesting to see what the reaction is from Manchester United fans where Huntelaar has long been a rumored target. Sir Alex can't complain about out of control transfer market with Huntelaar moving for such a relatively small amount. It either tells me he is very satisified with the form Owen has shown and really feels Macheda is ready for real playing time. Or the contrarian, who are many, can point to the Huntelaar situation and make the claim that United truly are banking the Ronaldo money to pay off some of that debt. I'm in the former camp who feels that Sir Alex is happy with the squad he has and didn't feel the need to add Huntelaar to the strike quartet of Rooney, Berbatov, Owen and Macheda.

The madness of Real Madrid continues. They pay $29 million for Huntelaar in January and sell him for an $8 million loss in August. I think Huntelaar is someone they should have looked at keeping. The strike force at Real Madrid now consists of the very young in Karim Benzema and Gonzalo Higuain and the very old in Raul and Ruud Van Nistelroy. Considering all the money they spent I'm not completely confident about this group--- even considering the fact they have Kaka and Ronaldo. Hiquain had a great year last season but prior to that he was largely seen as a bit of a disappointment. Benzema is an uber-talent but did have an inconsistent year last season and is only 21. You'd have to think Raul and Ruud will start to show there age at some point. All the reason to hang on to Huntelaar.