Bordeaux Sells Two Best Players, Expects to be Taken Seriously

By: Sam | July 4th, 2007

I can’t say it enough: Bordeaux are super boring to watch. And hey hey whadda ya say? They just lost their two best players! Joy to the world. That’s right, young internationals Julien Faubert has decided to quit the wine country shed to go rebuild with the Hammers in West Ham, and Rio Mavuba has jumped ship to join the yellow submarine in Villareal.

Yes, it’s a real tragedy, but it’s not all bad. In spite of those two important losses to the roster, another name has been added. That of Matthieu Chalmé, the Lille defender who, come to think of it, is leaving a club in a bigger pickle than Bordeaux at the moment.

That’s right, Julien Faubert, the uni-capped (but what a cap it was!) defensive-minded midfielder who turns 24 in a month signed on with West Ham United for five years. The price was fixed at nine million euros, a bit less then what Bordeaux wanted, but more than the 6,5 that Rangers were previously offering.

Rio Mavuba, similarly to his ex-teammate Faubert, is a newly appointed international with France, is a very admirable defensive midfielder and in his early twenties. He too signed a five-year contract, albeit south of the border with Villareal CF, alongside fellow countrymen Robert Pirès and Pascal Cygan. Thought to be the next Makélélé, his fee is of eight million euros.

Now! Happier news for les bordelais! Matthieu Chalmé, the Lille fullback, is back where he belongs, as he’s a Gironde boy. He’s signed on for four years, monetary terms not disclosed as of yet. Great timing I think, because the Bordeaux fans on the websites I visit were moving over to the suicidal side. Chalmé is a good player, should make a fearsome backline with the likes of Planus and Marange (don’t laugh, I’m telling you they’re good).

That said, what of Lille? They’ve lost Keita, Bodmer and now Chalmé? It’s time to wake up, lillois.

Now, who do Bordeaux need? Let’s not forget they also lost Stéphane Dalmat, Jean-Claude Darcheville and Beto. A holding midfielder is urgently needed, and they’ll be looking for a young but well-known one, probably in Ligue 1. It would be in their best interests to go for Modeste M’Bami, the way I see it.

One thing’s for sure, um… Actually, nothing’s for sure, because Bordeaux are really going to have to do something, and I’m sure it’ll be unexpected.