Source: FOOTYMAD
Vata lot of money
There is more to playing football abroad that just playing football. Culture shocks can affect how you play. Rudi Vata is confident that Aiden McGeady could be a double millionaire if he signs for Spartak Moscow. Former Hoops defender, Vata as a football agent who specialises in the Eastern European market so should know the score. He was involved in the deals which saw former Hibs striker Garry O'Connor both join and leave Lokomotiv Moscow. McGeady still has three years to go of the five-year deal he signed in 2008 but has been the subject of a bid from Spartak which was reported as £8.3million. The Parkhead club turned the offer down, insisting the Republic of Ireland midfielder is not for sale. However, we have all heard that before and if the Russians are serious they will be back. Vata said: " He will get anything between £1.5million to £2million net in Russia, I can guarantee that. He will be able to make much more money than he would get at say, Birmingham or any team at that level in the Premier League. I know the mentality of the Russians, I have a lot of contacts over there. They rarely buy star players over 25 or 26. They look to bring players who are around 25 or younger and then sell them on. If you have a star player in countries like Belgium or France - or Scotland - who is an international then that will attract the Russian clubs and McGeady fits in to that category. It is a good league in Russia and it will make him a better player. If he stays two years he will be stronger physically and mentally. They will think that they can then sell him to a Premier League club for £15million, they have done that in the past. They know what they are doing, they know they will get the fee back." Despite the financial attractions, Vata, who played for Celtic between 1993 and 1996, understands why some players are reluctant to make the move to Russia even for a short spell. O'Connor's family did not take to the Moscow life and were influential in his decision to head back the the UK. Vata said: "Moscow is a beautiful city, a great city but it it takes a strong personality, someone with a strong mentality to survive over there. It is not easy to make new friends and you travel long journeys to games. I don't think he will go. If he has one or two options down south then I think he will go there."
