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    (CNN) -- It is a measure of Samuel Eto'o's talents that it has only been since the Cameroonian center forward's return to fitness and form that the Catalan club has looked anything like the side that swept all before it en route to a Champions League and Spanish Liga double last season. The 26-year-old has scored 10 goals in his last 14 league appearances, having spent most of the season in the stands with a knee injury -- most notably when Liverpool came to the Nou Camp in the Champions League last 16 and left with a 2-1 advantage that proved all they needed to end Barca's European defense. Despite that disappointment, Barca did enough in Eto'o's absence to stay on target for a third straight league title, though that prospect now looks threatened by the strengthening challenge of a resurgent Real Madrid (See Team of the Week). But, worryingly for Barca fans, the restless three-times African footballer of the year -- considered by many to be the club's most important player in recent seasons with some 65 goals in less than 100 appearances for the club -- may already have decided to move onto new challenges next season. The seeds of Eto'o's unhappiness at Barca date back to February when coach Frank Rijkaard accused him of refusing to come on as a substitute in the late stages of a match against Racing Santander. Rijkaard was backed by Ronaldinho, part of a Brazilian clique of players rumored to be at odds with other factions within the squad, who suggested Eto'o did not always think about "what's best for the team." Eto'o hit back by claiming he was the victim of a "civil war" within the club. Having also spoken out vociferously on numerous occasions about the racism he has encountered as a player in Spain, he may now have decided enough is enough. While the futures of Rijkaard and Ronaldinho are far from secure, Eto'o's unwillingness to sign a new deal beyond the remaining two years of his contract may force Barca to sell now while they can, or risk Eto'o walking out for nothing at the height of his powers. This week, in a sign that Barca could be preparing to cut their losses and cash in on a player with a $150 million buyout clause in his contract, Manchester United were reported to be considering a $80 million bid -- a scenario made all the more intriguing by Barca's own interest in United's Cristiano Ronaldo. With world-class goalscorers currently in short supply, Champions League finalists Liverpool, newly flush with American investment, and AC Milan are also rumored to be monitoring Eto'o with interest, though neither may be able or willing to match the sort of money available to Alex Ferguson at Old Trafford. But another option, if it comes to a bidding war, could be Chelsea, who could renew the interest they showed in Eto'o prior to signing Andriy Shevchenko as they now seek a replacement for the Ukrainian misfit -- and who, having surrendered their league title, may fancy putting one over United in close-season transfer dealing. One thing that is certain, however, is that Eto'o is perfectly suited to English football with a stripped-down style of play built around pace, power and a deadly eye for goal. "Fancy-flicks and back heels are fine," he said recently in one comment that could not have been aimed more squarely at some of his Barcelona teammates. "But it's goals that win matches." |
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Eto'o has score 65 goals in less than 100 games for Barca.
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