Fernando Gago, Gonzalo Higuain, and Marcelo are all young stars that are off to Europe after impressing in South America.

Boca Juniors president Mauricio Macri says of Europe, "there, the players can earn 10 times more."

Tim Vickery's column at the BBC explores the dilemma facing South American teams as they search for a balance between making a profit, and remaining competitive.

Tim Vickery column - BBC (new window)