Pablo Barrera’s Unusual Deal with Pumas to Secure Europe Move

Pablo Barrera, a 38-year-old Mexican winger, shared details about his unique agreement with Pumas that facilitated his transition to Europe. In a recent interview on Failteson sin Censura, he reflected on the deal that allowed him to play in England.

Pablo Barrera’s Deal with Pumas

Upon concluding his contract after the 2010 World Cup in South Africa, Barrera engaged in negotiations with Pumas and his then-agent, Jorge Berlanga. They reached an arrangement for Barrera to extend his contract for one or two years while securing a salary increase. This extension was primarily a formality, as he planned to leave for England within three to four months.

Pumas agreed to a low transfer fee, making his transition smoother. Barrera expressed satisfaction with his time at Pumas, stating, “I was very well treated at Pumas during that period.”

Playing in Europe

Barrera later played for West Ham in England and Real Zaragoza in Spain. He emphasized the need for Mexican players to emulate some practices from the United States to enhance their opportunities in Europe. He cited Santiago Gimenez as an example, suggesting that a similar strategy could benefit many Mexican athletes.

Implementing New Strategies for Player Transfers

• Mexican players often struggle to get full value from their transfers.
• Negotiating lower costs could allow clubs to retain a percentage of the player’s value.
• This approach could help Mexican players gain necessary experience to compete effectively in Europe.

Barrera also commented on the importance of nurturing local talent. He believes that coaches like Efra, who have deep roots within Pumas, can instill the club’s values in emerging players.

A Legacy of Success

Aside from his achievements with Pumas, Barrera won two championships with Cruz Azul: the Copa MX in the 2013 Clausura and the 2014 Concacaf Champions League. Additionally, he was a pivotal player for the Mexican national team, winning the Gold Cup in both 2009 and 2011, and competing in the 2010 World Cup.

Barrera’s insights shed light on the path for future players, emphasizing resilience and strategic planning. His experience underscores the evolving dynamics of player transfers in Mexican football.