Anssi Karjalainen
The transfer of Pohjanpalo from Venezia to Palermo is understandably a shock for both Venezia supporters and Finns, writes Anssi Karjalainen.
Joel Pohjanpalo changes the Venezia shirt to the pink Palermo storage. EPA / AOP
Top career and romance had gone hand in hand to this day. Now Joel Pohjanpalo gave up the latter.
The transfer of Pohjanpalo from Venezia to Palermo is understandably a shock for both Venezia supporters and Finns. The bond created by the Finnish star striker, the city and its supporters, was so deep.
When the city visited last spring, the images and speeches became real. Pohjanpalo was really a great hero in the city. Bombobomber, constantly received attention from locals while moving in a magnificent city’s narrow alleys like anyone. Captain Pohjanpalo seemed to enjoy his position, which he had earned with hard work and goal.
According to several Italian sources, Pohjanpalo himself accelerated the transfer when he received an offer from Sicily. According to various magazines, Palermo was able to offer him a seasonal salary of nearly EUR 2 million. The agreement would continue until 2029. At that point, the decision was transferred to Venezia.
Pohjanpalo has previously said that years in the raw business world of football have been educated by a skilled negotiator.
– I read all the papers, negotiate and set conditions. I know pretty well how things are done. If I show the club that they can take me like a liter, they will certainly do so. You have to be rude and know how to ask what you want. Nothing is given for free, Pohjanpalo told Iltalehti a year ago.
Why give up Serie A and move on to Palermo, who is fighting for Serie B in the middle of the season? The rise to the main series for next season is anything but sure.
Undeniably, the idea seemed very confusing. However, the realities can be seen in Venezia at the moment.
The team tries to persuade and fight their nails and teeth in Serie A. It is difficult. Venezia has stumbled against its main opponents throughout the season. The leadership positions have changed to bitter draws or losses. According to Opta statistics, Venezia has been a bit unfortunate in the goal. There should be more goals, but on the other hand, the team would still be the third weakest team in the league and on the way to Serie B.
Eusebio di Francesco’s position as the head coach of Venezia will decline the round if there are no points. What would a coach exchange mean for Pohjanpalo’s game time?
Pohjanpalo has finished six hits this season. It is a good balance, but not one that he alone would have supported Venezia and became a match between the matches.
At the same time, Venezia is still seeking in its direction. Beautiful jerseys and creating a boom in the city have been a stylish follow -up, but you still can’t talk about a completely breathing city.
Joel Pohjanpalo played himself in the hearts of the Venetians. Zumawire / mvphotos
The North Palo gets sighing for relief that Palermo is no longer the same club as in the mid-2010s. A nutshell club boss Maurizio Zamperini was known for his sensitive kick. Palermo changed head coach in 2015-2016 eight times. Giuseppe Iachini, who started as head coach during that season got fired twice.
Since then, Palermo has gone through the road that was inevitable. The club was dropped to the starting point due to financial hassles. From there, it has been a little quietly funded by the City Football Group towards the main series.
In other words, the club is pink. In the background of the City Football Group, the familiar Arab Emirates of Manchester City is also behind.
Now Palermo wanted a fireplace and was ready to shell out a large enough amount. It was “an offer that could not be refused,” as the mafia films have taught us.
It is an opportunity for North Palo to take on at the age of 30. The romance was to be forgotten. If Palermo, under the leadership of Pohjanpalo, rises to Serie A, the transfer may turn out to be a button.