I suspect the full package is nearer £100k than £70k. Samba was reportedly on £100k+ in Russia, and they have a much more accommodating tax rate, it's naive to imagine he has halved his salary. £100k taxed at 13% in Russia = take home of £87k £70k taxed at 50% in UK = take home of £35k That doesn't add up to me.
Actually, that 50% tax rate is an underestimate, the actual rate considering NI and so on is nearer 55%. I don't know enough about Russian tax arrangements to know if the 13% is similarly inaccurate, but my point still stands I think.
Is anyone else getting sick of the "Harry Redknapp interviewed through a car window" phrase that keeps popping in huge bold letter on BBC transfer deadline day text commentary page? This just about sums up my feelings when it appears:
BREAKING: Kieron Dyer has been ruled out for 3 months, as he breaks his wrist whilst signing his contract for Middlesbrough
And then makes out all innocent, like all he did was mention the name of a completely impossible target, and next thing a few days later Tony taps him on the shoulder and tells him it's a done deal - amazing the completely unexpectant Harry in the process!