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Even if he doesn't become one of the five best players in the world (and I honestly think he will), how is that an argument to sell him? We've had numerous players in the past that were not exactly super stars, but fit in the team very well. Even in the games where he doesn't play very well, I think Robinho contributes to the team play. He's learn to play for the team and not just himself, which is something that the likes of Ronaldo and Robben have a lot of problems with.
But we were told when he signed that we were getting a future WPOTY. Obviously, there are plenty of very good players who are useful to their teams that never reach the most elite level. But I just don't see how anyone can say "Robinho is untouchable". I also disagree about Robinho contributing when he is not playing great. I think there are plenty of games where Robinho is completely absent.
You have to look at profit on a more relative level though. Think about the players that are out there in the market. The likes of Hleb and Joaquin would be cheaper, but a big risk. It's a good chance they will flop, so buying either of them for 20 million and saving 15 from Robinho's transfer may not be profit at all. We could get Quaresma for 35 m, but he's unproven in a big league and with Portugal, so it wouldn't make sense to trade him for Robinho.
But are they likely to be any more of a flop than Robinho has. Ok, he hasn't been a complete flop. But anyone who thinks he has lived up to expectations is in denial. I agree about Quaresma, if we sell Robinho just to bring him then there is no point, especially for the cost. But like I said, there is no reason that we necessarily need to bring another winger if Schuster isn't going to play with two wingers anyhow. But the other thing is that his contract is up after the 09/10 season so if we keep him next year and he doesn't do anything, he will have no value because he'd be able to leave for free after one more season. If we are going to sell him now is the time.
Personally, I care about the team. If tomorrow we get a 40 million Euro bid for Sneijder or a 30 million Euro bid for Higuain, does it mean we should sell them just because those figures are above what they are really worth right now? I don't see the logic in that. The way I see it, these players have been integral to our title win and they will only get better, so why sell them just to go look for other players in the market that may not adapt to us at all?
I care about the team too but I just don't think Robinho has earned an "untouchable" status. If we got a good offer for Sneijder, I would consider it. The difference with Sneijder is he is just finished his first season. Robinho has been here for three already. And for Higuain, he has already shown that he is a big-game player. He's scored more big goals than Robinho has and he is younger and been here for less time. IMO there are no un-sellable players except for Casillas and Sergio Ramos.
And who knows, after Spain's Euro triumph this year, Raul's exit from the starting lineup may come sooner than expected. I'm sure this will relieve Schuster from some pressure if he decided to bench Raul. So having Robinho and Higuain alternating as second strikers could work pretty well.
If I thought there was a reasonable chance that Robinho would play as second striker then I would be inclined to give him another opportunity to prove himself.
