Villarreal to lose out in Riquelme departure (24 Nov 2007 16:41 GMT)
Villarreal could end up receiving a paltry amount if Juan Román Riquelme's transfer to Boca Juniors goes through next month, while Barcelona will coin it in.
The Yellow Submarine are reported to be on the verge of a deal with the Argentinian club to allow the mercurial midfielder to leave El Madrigal in the winter transfer window.
Boca have lodged a €9m bid and if that is accepted will represent good business for everyone, accept for Villarreal that is who will see only a fraction of it.
Riquelme has insisted this week that if he has to leave the club then he wants his contract paid up in full and that would mean him walking away with €6m of the transfer fee.
When Villarreal originally signed the 29-year-old from Barça they actually only bought 75 per cent of his rights for €5m, while the Blaugrana retained the other 25 per cent.
Barcelona have left the Yellow Submarine to do what they will regarding his transfer to Boca, but if the €9m is paid then they will be demanding €2.25m.
That leaves Villarreal earning just €750,000 for a player that is regarded as one of the finest playmakers in South America.
source : Goal.com