Spanish Debate: Villa Takes The High Road

It's that most loathsome and irritating of football's clichés that a player can "put himself in the shop window," but if anyone justified wheeling out that old standby of unimaginative punditry it's David Villa.

For after a middling season with a Valencia side in utter freefall, 'El Guaje' recaptured Europe's attention in thundering fashion with the top goal haul at Euro 2008. Even though he was rested for one match and injured for the final he struck four goals. Sure, three of them may have come in the one match, but nonetheless he was a worthy winner of the top scorer award.

As such, Villa is wanted by several clubs, and while only one or two may be able and/or willing to meet the asking price, he is a man much in demand.

Yet he's said that he doesn't want to go... sort of.

No Great Escape

Yes, while players continent-wide have publicly stated their desire to move on for pastures new, Villa is a member of that band comprising those who are not only refusing to make a "come-and-get-me" plea, but have in fact done the opposite.

Indeed, speaking to the Spanish press a fortnight ago, Villa stated that he was pleased to remain at the Mestalla - or at least he did so on the surface.

What he said was that he would hopefully remain at the Mestalla, which is something quite different to a statement of undying loyalty. After all, he is not out of contract anytime soon - his deal in Valencia runs until 2013 - so his staying at the club would seem to be a matter of course for anyone whose thoughts only lay with Los Che.

What his words really meant, then, was that he will stay if the conditions are right. And that means a new contract. This seems to now be common knowledge.

Valencia's Role

Indeed, Valencia have not rushed to state unequivocally that Villa is not for sale. Sure, the first team coach and some members of the playing staff, not least Carlos Marchena, have said that the two will stay at the club, but the decision does not lie with them. Instead it's with those further up.

President Agustín Morera has made all the correct noises about the club's holding onto its top talents, but new powerbroker Juan Villalonga has been slightly more circumspect in his declarations.

That's because he knows that Villa's words regarding his contract were chosen carefully: as an experienced businessman, he's aware of the intricacies of the language of negotiation. Ergo he cannot, and will not, give a 100%, cast-iron promise about any squad member until he's certain of their status.

Villa is such a powerful player that he is able to bring his club to the negotiating table fully five years before they are obligated to do so, and this is what will happen. The current wage cap, said to be around the €1.8m per annum mark, must surely be smashed if Villa is to truly dedicate himself to a struggling club. Villalonga's decision, then, must be whether or not to do this, or to sell Villa and implement his other plans.

After all, it's no secret that Los Che's financial situation is, to put it mildly, less than ideal, and that the new stadium and new coaching staff alike could use a bit of a cash injection. If Villalonga, then, can take advantage of Villa's recent statements to "reluctantly" accept an "unmissable" offer then surely it's the best for everyone... perhaps.

A Different Path

In the end, then, this seems to be a rather dignified way of both parties involved - the club and Villa - recognising that despite the soundbites in the media, Villa knows full well that he may, and perhaps even will, leave this summer. After all, a player at the absolute top of his game deserves better than what he endured last season, and certainly the UEFA Cup does not befit his talents. He knows that better than anyone.

Sure, Villa is not a troublemaker by any means, but he is - in his own, calm way - making it perfectly clear to his club that he will stay but only if they make it worth his while. (And why shouldn't he?)

Villalonga, meanwhile, comes into the club with huge ambitions but also a very much idiosyncratic plan for organising team affairs. It may be that, once he weighs up the options, taking the €37m+ for Villa is the preferred option.

It may even be more than €40m, and some of that is down to precisely what we're talking about here: the dignity of discussions thus far. By refusing to come out and explicitly say, "I will leave if I don't get a huge paycheque," Villa has done his club a huge favour. They are now not being held to ransom by the player and thus are under no obligations to hold a fire sale for the likes of Chelsea and Barcelona.

He's also done himself a great service by outlining his professionalism and his business sense. Certain other players this summer are playing childish games with the press, and others are issuing well-meaning but ultimately self-defeating "I want out" statements that may ultimately get them nowhere while alienating some of their closest allies in the process. Villa has opted for the high road, and for both himself and his club this is the most profitable path, regardless of where it takes him to.

Ewan Macdonald, Goal.com

What do you think? Is Villa definitely staying at Valencia? Or is he just keeping his options open? Should Villalonga break the bank to keep him, or sell him at what might be the peak of his value? Let us know your thoughts.

ALSO: I am on vacation until the beginning of next week. The Spanish Debates will continue in the able hands of other members of the Goal.com team. Keep reading! --Ewan