Steve Bruce has revealed today that Wigan do not have a first option on this season’s “scoring sensation”, Amr Zaki.
Zaki joined Wigan on a season-long loan deal from Egyptian side Zamalek, so he’s at the JJB until the summer. After that, a massive bidding war will ensue. Things could have been so different though. Bruce and Wigan had the opportunity to take the plunge with Zaki but it was considered a gamble. That’s got to hurt that little bit more every time he finds the net.
Looking at the situation that they now find themselves in, there’s a clear parallel with the fantasy football world, as sans Zaki Fantasy Premier League managers, ponder a belated move for the Egyptian…
Steve Bruce acknowledges that he had the opportunity to seal a long-term deal for Zaki by coughing up around £7.25 million for his signature. The fee was agreed in principle but Bruce and Wigan chose not to take the punt on the striker. That £7 million is a considerably smaller sum of money than the one likely to be thrown into the ring by Man City and Liverpool should they step up their interest. And, as Zaki keeps scoring, his likely fee is gradually rising by the million.
Similarly, in fantasy terms, Zaki is now priced at 6.9 in the FPL, having started the season at 6.0. While it will doubtless pain managers to lay down the extra cash and disadvantage themselves against fellow Zaki owners; standing by and watching his goal count and value rise will surely only sting that little bit more in the future.
Seven goals in eight games: Zaki has shown little sign of letting up. His fixtures over the coming weeks have goals plastered all over them and his value in the FPL has climbed week on week. Even at the new, inflated price, there are few viable alternatives in the same price bracket.
The only question that remains is just how much will that 0.9+ difference hinder you against Zaki’s early investors. You’ve got to hope that this cash can be redeemed elsewhere or find yourself gambling on the striker’s form fading. That looks a forlorn hope.
Steve Bruce can at least greet every Zaki goal with jubilation but he’s got to be wondering just where the player’s valuation will end up. FPL managers are in the same boat but unlike Bruce, FPL managers without Zaki are only losing out each time the Egyptian finds the net.