Neil on the move

[big slick]

West Ham's Lucas Neill could join Atletico Madrid due to low tax rates
By staff writers
September 03, 2009 West Ham United and Socceroos defender Lucas Neill is close to joining Spanish La Liga side Atletico Madrid due to tax benefits, according to reports in the English press.

The Sun reported that Neill will have half his earnings taxed if he remains in the Barclays Premier League, where the Hammers have offered the Australia captain £1.82 million ($3.55 million) to re-sign.

Atletico Madrid have offered £1.56m a year - £5,000 a week less - but Neill will pocket £338,000 ($659,000) more in Spain as he will only be taxed at 20 per cent.

Britain's new tax rate of 50 per cent for high earners will be implemented next April.

As previously reported by foxsports.com.au, Neill has been at the centre of ongoing speculation over where he will sign his next contract for a number of months, being linked to English clubs Sunderland, Blackburn and Hull.

Neill was also linked to a possible move to Turkish club Galatasaray where he would have linked up with fellow Socceroo Harry Kewell.

The 31-year-old ruled himself out of Australia's friendly against Korea Republic on Saturday night as he is keen to finally settle on a new playing home.




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[Ubietz]

Atletico Madrid have offered £1.56m a year - £5,000 a week less - but Neill will pocket £338,000 ($659,000) more in Spain as he will only be taxed at 20 per cent.

[OldRedback]

It's clear that Luca$h Neill's loyalties lie with his hip pocket and not his country..........

[homer]

thats a bit harsh, i thought he always did quite well for the socceroos

he defintaly isnt a club man

[rooboy1986]

Will believe it when it happens... Athletico are a top team, will be interesting to see how he goes!

[E. Grant & Co]

Yeah, I wouldn't leave my job for more money............much

[Redders]

heaven forbid in wanting more money for what you do...

[Lilly Whites]

If Fernando Torres left for more money I'd love to see your comments then.

[Chelsea4thewin]

he better hurry up and do something soon, seasons have already started

just what australia needs before a world cup, the captain without a club

[ruud]

heaven forbid in wanting more money for what you do...

he couldve gone to liverpool 2 seasons ago but snubbed them for more money

hes a joke

[ForzaChievo]

Atletico Madrid >>>> West Ham

Good move.

[INTERISTA]

who the hell would want to sign an aging defender who not only missed preseason but first couple of rounds of major European comp! let alone give in to his wage demands, seriously the closet homo should just get on with it.

[DOC]

madrid need a defender after heitinga left so looks like a rushed descision

[10]

article is clearly just playing up on the fact that everyone thinks he chases the cash. to say that a professional footballer would make a move based purely on 'tax benefits' is a joke. and anyone who believes that is the case is an even bigger joke.

[DON HALA MADRID]

bring on the derby

Cristiano Ronaldo vs Lucas Neil lol

[Judge Judy]

If Fernando Torres left for more money I'd love to see your comments then.

yeah, it'd be strange considering he took a paycut to join us

[OldRedback]

article is clearly just playing up on the fact that everyone thinks he chases the cash. to say that a professional footballer would make a move based purely on 'tax benefits' is a joke. and anyone who believes that is the case is an even bigger joke.

And tell us oh wise one what makes a professional footballer any different from a mining professional who might go and work in the Middle east because of the tax benefits? There is no difference - Neill is a mercenary like most in the workplace and goes where the cash is - he has already proved that by snubbing Liverpool for West Ham and now he is paying the price.

[hgd]

It is a fair point about any of us with normal jobs would move for more money, I am the same. Just the difference is I don't have 50,000 people outside my office chanting my name and cheering me on while I check my emails, or worse yet, write on Football news. Loyalty has more propensity to arise where a player has been with a club his whole life a-la John Terry & Steven Gerrard. Or when a player does so well for a club and is a fan favourite it can also happen. Lucas Neill is in neither of these categories.

Also, read this morning that his agent said he is keen on Champions League Football. He has ruled out a move to Galatasaray because of this.
Atheetico would be a good move for him, and he'd play at CB where he is more suited to IMO.

[Nice One Cyril]

..... he'd play at CB where he is more suited to IMO.

Best position is bench warmer