"Eto'o is said to want out of civil war-torn Dagestan," the report says. "A source close to the player claims the Cameroon striker has already agreed terms over a summer move to PSG, who must now find an accord with Anzhi if they are to make Eto'o one of a number of marquee signings expected this close season."
Eto'o, 31, has been playing for ultra-rich Anzhi since his shock departure from Inter Milan last summer. The three-time UEFA Champions League winner left the cauldron of continental European soccer in what seemed to many like a cash grab.
But Anzhi was embarking on a project to turn the club from the Caucasus region of Russia into one of the top teams in the world. Its players live and practice in the Moscow area, and fly to war-torn Dagestan for home games. Eto'o was thought to be the cornerstone of the project. He has played 18 competitive games and scored nine goals for the club, but his time could be coming to an end.
Anzhi recently recruited the respected Dutch tactician Guus Hiddink as its manager. World Cup winner and former Real Madrid star Roberto Carlos has been with the club since February 2011. He plans to retire at the end of the season, and take up an administrative role with the club.
Losing Eto'o wouldn't signal the end of Anzhi's project, but it would deal a blow to its credibility. Eto'o would bring a source of goals and experience to PSG should he join the French club. Although he is on the downside of his career, he could have an impact during key games if he is managed properly.
Photo via Flickr/mustapha_ennaimi
