***Official Soccer Discussion Thread*** (8 Viewers)

[B Maverick]

ESPN

Fergie confirms De Gea to join United

Atletico Madrid goalkeeper David De Gea is set to join Manchester United, with Sir Alex Ferguson confirming that the young Spaniard will be Edwin van der Sar's replacement

But Ferguson feels that De Gea - half the age of Van der Sar - to stand between the Old Trafford posts in the Dutchman's place next season, with a deal of around £16 million thought to have been agreed with Atletico

Signing expected to be finalized Monday....

***

I dont know much about De Gea, but have seen his name tossed out as one of the best. And at 20 years old for $16M, if he is that means they should be solid in goal for many years. Well, at least a couple years, then at 25, after winning a few trophies, he will be sold to Real Madrid for $40M

I often feel like United is almost a farm team for RM, nearly every big star goes from MU to RM - Ruud, Beckham, Ronaldo... Heck, Rooney was even rumored to be going there. Come to United, win lots of trophies as a youngster, then move to RM for the big $$ and NO trophies....

 

[El Floppo]

ESPN

Fergie confirms De Gea to join United

Atletico Madrid goalkeeper David De Gea is set to join Manchester United, with Sir Alex Ferguson confirming that the young Spaniard will be Edwin van der Sar's replacement

But Ferguson feels that De Gea - half the age of Van der Sar - to stand between the Old Trafford posts in the Dutchman's place next season, with a deal of around £16 million thought to have been agreed with Atletico

Signing expected to be finalized Monday....

***

I dont know much about De Gea, but have seen his name tossed out as one of the best. And at 20 years old for $16M, if he is that means they should be solid in goal for many years. Well, at least a couple years, then at 25, after winning a few trophies, he will be sold to Real Madrid for $40M

I often feel like United is almost a farm team for RM, nearly every big star goes from MU to RM - Ruud, Beckham, Ronaldo... Heck, Rooney was even rumored to be going there. Come to United, win lots of trophies as a youngster, then move to RM for the big $$ and NO trophies....

:tap: :tap: :tap:Z to the white courtesy phone please.

 

[El Floppo]

Pirlo leaving Milan for Juve... that will be strange seeing him in the white and black.

 

[Christo]

Pirlo leaving Milan for Juve... that will be strange seeing him in the white and black.

Saw him a few times this year. He looks sloooooooooooooooow.

 

[The Z Machine]

The friendlies this summer just won't quit. Man City will now play Club America in San Fran on July 16

Nice! I might have to go to that one.

 

[The Z Machine]

ESPN

Fergie confirms De Gea to join United

Atletico Madrid goalkeeper David De Gea is set to join Manchester United, with Sir Alex Ferguson confirming that the young Spaniard will be Edwin van der Sar's replacement

But Ferguson feels that De Gea - half the age of Van der Sar - to stand between the Old Trafford posts in the Dutchman's place next season, with a deal of around £16 million thought to have been agreed with Atletico

Signing expected to be finalized Monday....

***

I dont know much about De Gea, but have seen his name tossed out as one of the best. And at 20 years old for $16M, if he is that means they should be solid in goal for many years. Well, at least a couple years, then at 25, after winning a few trophies, he will be sold to Real Madrid for $40M

I often feel like United is almost a farm team for RM, nearly every big star goes from MU to RM - Ruud, Beckham, Ronaldo... Heck, Rooney was even rumored to be going there. Come to United, win lots of trophies as a youngster, then move to RM for the big $$ and NO trophies....

:tap: :tap: :tap:Z to the white courtesy phone please.

De Gea siad he was leaving Atleti about a few days ago. It was assumed that a deal was done with United. He's a very good goalie, especially for someone so young. With good length and agility he's got the tools. We'll see if he has the mental fortitude to make it in England, outside his comfort zone. He'll likely be the Spanish selección goalie of the future. Atlético has 2 other quality young goalies (Asenjo, who was supposed to be the future until De Gea showed up, and Joel Robles). Both has seen action for the Spanish national youth teams, although Asenjo has been injury plagued since he came to Madrid. It's a loss, as it always is to lose yet another homegrown star. I'm disappointed, but that's the way things go.The bigger issue for this Atleti fan is that Kun has said he wants to go now too and Atlético doesn't want him to leave. This is a BIG problem. His buyout clause is 45m€ so there's only a few teams willing to pay that much for him. real would pay that much, but part of Kun's last contract states that even if Real met the release clause, he couldn't play for them. That leaves Juventus, Man City, Chelsea, and Barça. I see the first two as real possibilities as well as Chelsea. I'll be VERY surprised if he goes to Real. I think they'll have to pay like 65m€ for him.

I'm a bit upset at all this, since it's almost a foregone conclusion that Forlán is gone as well. It looks like Atlético will get something north of 70m€ fin transfer fees this offseason. We'll see how they spend them, or if they think they can get by without any superstars. Valencia showed that a team can play at a high level whilst losing a bunch of their best players, so who knows?

 

[NewlyRetired]

Sky Sports is reporting that West Ham has offered Spector a new contract.

I hope he takes it. Playing every week in the Championship is better than every week in MLS or part time in the EPL.

It will likely be for more than he could get in MLS so I don't think that MLS will factor in unless he has other reasons to come.

 

[NewlyRetired]

TV information for UEFA Champions League final between Manchester United and Barcelona on Saturday

By Steven Goff

The UEFA Champions League final featuring Manchester United and Barcelona is available on Fox on Saturday afternoon — not Fox Soccer Channel, not Fox Soccer Plus, not FX, not Fox Sports Net, not Foxsoccer.tv. The Fox national network, the one you turn to every week for “American Idol,” “Glee,” and “Bob’s Burgers.”

Coverage begins Friday night at 8 p.m. ET with a one-hour special on Fox Soccer Channel, anchored by Fox NFL Sunday co-host Curt Menefee. The panel includes the FSC usuals — Warren Barton, Eric Wynalda and Christopher Sullivan — as well as Aston Villa’s American goalkeeper, Brad Friedel.

On Saturday, the group returns at 1 p.m. ET on FSC for an hour-long preview show. Coverage then moves to the main Fox channel at 2 p.m. for a half-hour, high-definition production. Kickoff at Wembley Stadium in London is set for around 2:45 p.m., with Martin Tyler and Alan Smith calling the action. FSC will carry the postgame show at 5 p.m.

For additional details.....

The match will also be shown live on Fox Deportes and rebroadcast Sunday on FSC at 3 a.m., noon and 11 p.m., and on FSP at 5 p.m.

Last year, in its first live coverage of the final on a Saturday afternoon, Fox drew a 1.1 overnight rating for the less-apetizing match between Inter Milan and Bayern Munich — the same figure as a golf tournament on CBS and less than NBC’s NHL playoff coverage (1.6).

Overall, 1.6 million viewers watched the match on Fox and another 600,000 on Fox Deportes.

This Saturday, soccer is up against French Open tennis and senior golf on NBC, PGA golf on CBS, and the NASCAR Nationwide Series (second division stock-car racing) on ABC.

 

[NewlyRetired]

Spain to announce its roster for the US game tomorrow.

 

[El Floppo]

ESPN

Fergie confirms De Gea to join United

Atletico Madrid goalkeeper David De Gea is set to join Manchester United, with Sir Alex Ferguson confirming that the young Spaniard will be Edwin van der Sar's replacement

But Ferguson feels that De Gea - half the age of Van der Sar - to stand between the Old Trafford posts in the Dutchman's place next season, with a deal of around £16 million thought to have been agreed with Atletico

Signing expected to be finalized Monday....

***

I dont know much about De Gea, but have seen his name tossed out as one of the best. And at 20 years old for $16M, if he is that means they should be solid in goal for many years. Well, at least a couple years, then at 25, after winning a few trophies, he will be sold to Real Madrid for $40M

I often feel like United is almost a farm team for RM, nearly every big star goes from MU to RM - Ruud, Beckham, Ronaldo... Heck, Rooney was even rumored to be going there. Come to United, win lots of trophies as a youngster, then move to RM for the big $$ and NO trophies....

:tap: :tap: :tap:Z to the white courtesy phone please.

De Gea siad he was leaving Atleti about a few days ago. It was assumed that a deal was done with United. He's a very good goalie, especially for someone so young. With good length and agility he's got the tools. We'll see if he has the mental fortitude to make it in England, outside his comfort zone. He'll likely be the Spanish selección goalie of the future. Atlético has 2 other quality young goalies (Asenjo, who was supposed to be the future until De Gea showed up, and Joel Robles). Both has seen action for the Spanish national youth teams, although Asenjo has been injury plagued since he came to Madrid. It's a loss, as it always is to lose yet another homegrown star. I'm disappointed, but that's the way things go.The bigger issue for this Atleti fan is that Kun has said he wants to go now too and Atlético doesn't want him to leave. This is a BIG problem. His buyout clause is 45m€ so there's only a few teams willing to pay that much for him. real would pay that much, but part of Kun's last contract states that even if Real met the release clause, he couldn't play for them. That leaves Juventus, Man City, Chelsea, and Barça. I see the first two as real possibilities as well as Chelsea. I'll be VERY surprised if he goes to Real. I think they'll have to pay like 65m€ for him.

I'm a bit upset at all this, since it's almost a foregone conclusion that Forlán is gone as well. It looks like Atlético will get something north of 70m€ fin transfer fees this offseason. We'll see how they spend them, or if they think they can get by without any superstars. Valencia showed that a team can play at a high level whilst losing a bunch of their best players, so who knows?

Good stuff, Z.

 

[El Floppo]

Pirlo leaving Milan for Juve... that will be strange seeing him in the white and black.

Saw him a few times this year. He looks sloooooooooooooooow.

yeah. very true. but soooooo silky on and delivering the ball.he was a guy I was half thinking might be a good fit for a couple of years in MLS- but Juve is most definitely a step up from that.Still hoping Seedorf heads to my BullStars... no rumors or anything, just a hope.

 

[El Floppo]

That Neville testimonial game was kind of weird- only because of hte CL final this weekend. Giggs, Rooney? WTF were they even suited up for, let alone playing? (ok- I get Giggs, but ROoney?)

 

[Christo]

Pirlo leaving Milan for Juve... that will be strange seeing him in the white and black.

Saw him a few times this year. He looks sloooooooooooooooow.

yeah. very true. but soooooo silky on and delivering the ball.he was a guy I was half thinking might be a good fit for a couple of years in MLS- but Juve is most definitely a step up from that.Still hoping Seedorf heads to my BullStars... no rumors or anything, just a hope.

I'm hoping Rooney comes to Chicago.

 

[El Floppo]

Pirlo leaving Milan for Juve... that will be strange seeing him in the white and black.

Saw him a few times this year. He looks sloooooooooooooooow.

yeah. very true. but soooooo silky on and delivering the ball.he was a guy I was half thinking might be a good fit for a couple of years in MLS- but Juve is most definitely a step up from that.Still hoping Seedorf heads to my BullStars... no rumors or anything, just a hope.

I'm hoping Rooney comes to Chicago.

NY already got him.

 

[LHUCKS]

MLS' 10 Most Valuable Players So Far

 

[NewlyRetired]

Not that Seattle needs any help selling tickets but they are selling the Man U tickets in a 3 pack along with a NY and SJ game. They are opening up much more of the stadium (looks to be around 55k or so) so those two Seattle games should get more than the normal 36k they get every game.

 

[NewlyRetired]

MADRID (AP) -- Spain coach Vicente del Bosque left Xavi Hernandez and Carles Puyol out of the World Cup champion's squad for upcoming friendly matches against the United States and Venezuela.

Del Bosque preferred to rest the Barcelona pair as Puyol has played little in 2011 due to a knee injury. Del Bosque says Xavi is getting an extra break after a long season.

Spain plays the U.S. in Foxborough, Massachusetts, on June 4 and Venezuela in Puerto La Cruz three days later.

The matches will be the first test of whether relations within the Spain squad have been strained by the recent run of ill-tempered matches between Real Madrid and Barcelona, with a combined 11 players from the two teams included.

 

[NewlyRetired]

Still hoping Seedorf heads to my BullStars... no rumors or anything, just a hope.

MILAN (AP) -- Clarence Seedorf has extended his contract with AC Milan for one more season.The Serie A champion made the announcement on its website Wednesday, saying the Dutch midfielder has extended his deal with the club until June 30, 2012.Having turned 35 last month, there had been speculation that Seedorf might retire. He joined Milan from city rival Inter in 2002, having previously played with Ajax, Sampdoria and Real Madrid.Seedorf is the only player to have won the Champions League with three different clubs - Ajax in 1995, Madrid in 1998 and Milan in 2003 and 2007.

 

[El Floppo]

Still hoping Seedorf heads to my BullStars... no rumors or anything, just a hope.

MILAN (AP) -- Clarence Seedorf has extended his contract with AC Milan for one more season.The Serie A champion made the announcement on its website Wednesday, saying the Dutch midfielder has extended his deal with the club until June 30, 2012.Having turned 35 last month, there had been speculation that Seedorf might retire. He joined Milan from city rival Inter in 2002, having previously played with Ajax, Sampdoria and Real Madrid.Seedorf is the only player to have won the Champions League with three different clubs - Ajax in 1995, Madrid in 1998 and Milan in 2003 and 2007.

given the Pirlo move, this makes a bunch of sense... but a guy's gotta dream.

 

[NewlyRetired]

Here is the full Spanish squad. They brought an excellent team

SPAIN ROSTER BY POSITION

GOALKEEPERS (3): Iker Casillas (Real Madrid), José Manuel Reina (Liverpool), Víctor Valdés (Barcelona)

DEFENDERS (7): Álvaro Arbeloa (Real Madrid), Raúl Albiol (Real Madrid), Sergio Ramos (Real Madrid), Gerard Piqué (Barcelona), Carlos Marchena (Villarreal), Joan Capdevila (Villarreal), Andoni Iraola (Athletic Bilbao)

MIDFIELDERS (6): Xabi Alonso (Real Madrid), Sergio Busquets (Barcelona), Santiago Cazorla (Villarreal), Andrés Iniesta (Barcelona), Bruno Soriano (Villarreal), Borja Valero (Villarreal)

FORWARDS (7): David Villa (Barcelona), David Silva (Manchester City), Fernando Llorente (Athletic Bilbao), Fernando Torres (Chelsea), Pedro Rodríguez (Barcelona), Manu Del Moral (Sevilla), Álvaro Negredo (Sevilla)

 

[NewlyRetired]

At least Blazer is getting off his butt and trying something. I would like to believe that Blazer was underhanded enough to do this with a backdoor agreement to reopen the voting but I think that is hoping for too much.

In all likelihood this simply means Blatter wins in a landslide and Qatar is not punished

=============================================

FIFA to investigate Warner and Bin Hammam

442 Staff - 3 hours ago

ZURICH - Mohamed bin Hammam is facing an ethics investigation just days before his attempt to unseat Sepp Blatter as FIFA president after a report alleging possible bribery rocked the election campaign on Wednesday.

Bin Hammam, the Qatari head of the Asian Football Confederation and the only man running against Blatter in the June 1 vote, was one of four officials summoned by FIFA to appear before its ethics committee on Sunday following a report from fellow executive committee member Chuck Blazer.

FIFA said in a statement it had opened ethics proceedings against Jack Warner of Trinidad & Tobago, the president of the CONCACAF confederation, and two Caribbean Football Union (CFU) officials as well as Bin Hammam.

Blazer's report, which included "bribery allegations", referred to a CFU meeting which was attended by Warner and Bin Hammam on May 10/11 and was linked to the election campaign, FIFA said.

The meeting, held in Port of Spain in Trinidad & Tobago, was organised so Bin Hammam could state his election case to delegates as he was unable to attend the CONCACAF Congress in Miami on May 3 after being denied a visa for the United States.

Unlike last year's scandal, in which two executive committee members were banned following investigations by the Sunday Times newspaper, the allegations came from within FIFA for the first time.

Blazer, of the United States, is CONCACAF's general secretary.

CONCACAF, the North and Central America and Caribbean Confederation, holds 35 of the 208 votes at the FIFA Congress which will choose between Bin Hamman and incumbent President Blatter.

Warner has always been regarded as a staunch Blatter supporter but said that his confederation had not yet chosen who it would back this time.

FIFA would not comment on whether the election might now be postponed.

A spokesman for Blatter also said he would not comment and a Bin Hammam spokesman said any comment would come via his website.

POSSIBLE VIOLATIONS

"On May 24, FIFA Executive Committee member and CONCACAF general secretary Chuck Blazer reported to FIFA secretary general Jerome Valcke possible violations of the FIFA code of ethics allegedly committed by officials," FIFA said in a statement.

"In view of the facts alleged in this report, which include bribery allegations, Jerome Valcke requested the FIFA Ethics Committee to open ethics proceedings."

FIFA added that the ethics committee would be headed by Namibia's Petrus Damaseb as its usual chairman Claudio Sulser shares the same nationality as Swiss Blatter.

Caribbean Football Union (CFU) officials Debbie Minguell and Jason Sylvester have also been asked to attend the ethics committee hearing.

FIFA has been mired in corruption allegations since last year when two executive committee members were banned from all football-related activity for allegedly offering to sell their votes in the 2018 and 2022 World Cup hosting contests to undercover newspaper reporters.

Earlier this month, a British parliamentary inquiry into why England failed to secure the 2018 finals was told by member of parliament Damian Collins there was evidence from the Sunday Times newspaper that Issa Hayatou of Cameroon and Jacques Anouma of the Ivory Coast were paid by Qatar.

Qatar, chosen in December to host the 2022 World Cup ahead of the United States, Australia, Japan and South Korea, have categorically denied the allegations as have Hayatou and Anouma.

Blatter, standing for a fourth term, already has the support of Europe, Africa, South America and Oceania.

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[NewlyRetired]

Wonderful news for Holden. Anyone questioning just how good a season he had, this news should answer them. To be voted the player of the year for his club while also missing a small chunk of the season is very impressive.

=========================

Despite suffering a horrible knee injury that knocked him out of action in March, popular American midfielder Stuart Holden earned a high honor by being named Bolton Wanderers’ Player of the Year on Monday.

According to the team’s website, the 25-year-old Holden was the unanimous choice for the award. Due to his high skill level and tireless work ethic, Holden is widely seen by both fans and media as a Bolton cornerstone for the future.

The former Houston Dynamo star also has ties to the club that could foretell a long career at the Reebok.

“My grandparents live just down the road, my second cousins are Bolton fans through and through and they are calling me every Friday asking for tickets. So it’s quite ironic how I ended up at Bolton, near where my dad was born,” Holden said at the awards dinner. “I’m an easy going family guy and that’s the kind of club that Bolton is. On the field you go out and perform to your best but off the field you have to enjoy life, and when you are in the kind of environment that there is here then it really helps.”

Holden was leading the EPL in tackles at the time of his injury, which was suffered in a match against Manchester United on March 19, 2011. While the tackle by United’s Jonny Evans was a rough challenge, it also brought up a larger question when it comes to Holden’s fearless style of play: Can a player his size (he’s not a particularly big player) stay healthy long-term while playing such a fearless style of soccer?

Only time will tell. Holden signed a three-year contract with Bolton, giving him plenty of time to put his stamp on the club and the EPL.

 

[B Maverick]

That Neville testimonial game was kind of weird- only because of hte CL final this weekend. Giggs, Rooney? WTF were they even suited up for, let alone playing? (ok- I get Giggs, but ROoney?)

I believe Giggs and Rooney both sat this past weekend so they havent seen live game action in over a week. Nice little mid week warm up game getting ready for Sat. I thought it was weird too at first, but with not having seen action, they needed a good warmup run, something not as big as a real game nor as little as intrasquad games....I recorded the game but havent watched it though.

 

[B Maverick]

ESPN

Fergie confirms De Gea to join United

Atletico Madrid goalkeeper David De Gea is set to join Manchester United, with Sir Alex Ferguson confirming that the young Spaniard will be Edwin van der Sar's replacement

But Ferguson feels that De Gea - half the age of Van der Sar - to stand between the Old Trafford posts in the Dutchman's place next season, with a deal of around £16 million thought to have been agreed with Atletico

Signing expected to be finalized Monday....

***

I dont know much about De Gea, but have seen his name tossed out as one of the best. And at 20 years old for $16M, if he is that means they should be solid in goal for many years. Well, at least a couple years, then at 25, after winning a few trophies, he will be sold to Real Madrid for $40M

I often feel like United is almost a farm team for RM, nearly every big star goes from MU to RM - Ruud, Beckham, Ronaldo... Heck, Rooney was even rumored to be going there. Come to United, win lots of trophies as a youngster, then move to RM for the big $$ and NO trophies....

:tap: :tap: :tap:Z to the white courtesy phone please.

De Gea siad he was leaving Atleti about a few days ago. It was assumed that a deal was done with United. He's a very good goalie, especially for someone so young. With good length and agility he's got the tools. We'll see if he has the mental fortitude to make it in England, outside his comfort zone. He'll likely be the Spanish selección goalie of the future. Atlético has 2 other quality young goalies (Asenjo, who was supposed to be the future until De Gea showed up, and Joel Robles). Both has seen action for the Spanish national youth teams, although Asenjo has been injury plagued since he came to Madrid. It's a loss, as it always is to lose yet another homegrown star. I'm disappointed, but that's the way things go.The bigger issue for this Atleti fan is that Kun has said he wants to go now too and Atlético doesn't want him to leave. This is a BIG problem. His buyout clause is 45m€ so there's only a few teams willing to pay that much for him. real would pay that much, but part of Kun's last contract states that even if Real met the release clause, he couldn't play for them. That leaves Juventus, Man City, Chelsea, and Barça. I see the first two as real possibilities as well as Chelsea. I'll be VERY surprised if he goes to Real. I think they'll have to pay like 65m€ for him.

I'm a bit upset at all this, since it's almost a foregone conclusion that Forlán is gone as well. It looks like Atlético will get something north of 70m€ fin transfer fees this offseason. We'll see how they spend them, or if they think they can get by without any superstars. Valencia showed that a team can play at a high level whilst losing a bunch of their best players, so who knows?

Good stuff, Z.

Amen, thanks

 

[NewlyRetired]

Busy night for MLS teams, all times Eastern. From Ives

8 p.m. - New York Red Bulls vs. Colorado Rapids

8 p.m. - Toronto FC vs. Vancouver Whitecaps (Canadian championship second leg, tied 1-1)

8:30 p.m. - Sporting Kansas City vs. New England Revolution (USOC play-in)

10 p.m. - Seattle Sounders vs. FC Dallas

10 p.m. - Portland Timbers vs. Ajax Amsterdam (friendly)

10:30 p.m. - Los Angeles Galaxy vs. Houston Dynamo

 

[The Z Machine]

Atlético has offered (yet another) contract to Kun to try and get him to move off his demand for a transfer. This will have him signed until 2017 and would bump his salary from 6.5m€ to 9+m€. I would think there'd be a signing bonus and an even larger buyout clause (like 70m€) as well.

Kun has insisted that he wants to move on however. We'll see if it's just posturing, but getting a 30+% pay raise would be a nice incentive.

Atlético would be a shell of itself if Forlán, Kun, De Gea, and Quique (the coach, now departed) all left in one year. Quique is a good coach, and he brought some nice success to AdM. I think he'll catch on somewhere quickly. It was his choice to leave BTW. Maybe he saw the writing on the wall about the administration dismantling the team.

 

[Bonzai]

Atlético has offered (yet another) contract to Kun to try and get him to move off his demand for a transfer. This will have him signed until 2017 and would bump his salary from 6.5m€ to 9+m€. I would think there'd be a signing bonus and an even larger buyout clause (like 70m€) as well.Kun has insisted that he wants to move on however. We'll see if it's just posturing, but getting a 30+% pay raise would be a nice incentive.Atlético would be a shell of itself if Forlán, Kun, De Gea, and Quique (the coach, now departed) all left in one year. Quique is a good coach, and he brought some nice success to AdM. I think he'll catch on somewhere quickly. It was his choice to leave BTW. Maybe he saw the writing on the wall about the administration dismantling the team.

Where is Forlan headed? Any clue?

 

[Bonzai]

As a United fan, I'm not sold on De Gea. He's shown composure, but the sample size is just too small. With GKs, I prefer the strategy of getting established guys in their 30s. They'll still give you 5-10 years. A player like De Gea is extremely talented, and could set you at the position for over a decade, but there's just too much risk for my liking. Granted, SAF knows a bit more about this stuff than I do.

 

[Pope Benedict XVI Fan]

Re: Aguero - I think it's actually the new the contract offer that is just posturing from the club to try and keep the fans onside. Aguero has already said it's not a financial decision, and in any case the contract he'd sign with Real Madrid, Man City or Chelsea would be more than what Atleti could offer.

 

[NewlyRetired]

Atlético has offered (yet another) contract to Kun to try and get him to move off his demand for a transfer. This will have him signed until 2017 and would bump his salary from 6.5m€ to 9+m€. I would think there'd be a signing bonus and an even larger buyout clause (like 70m€) as well.Kun has insisted that he wants to move on however. We'll see if it's just posturing, but getting a 30+% pay raise would be a nice incentive.Atlético would be a shell of itself if Forlán, Kun, De Gea, and Quique (the coach, now departed) all left in one year. Quique is a good coach, and he brought some nice success to AdM. I think he'll catch on somewhere quickly. It was his choice to leave BTW. Maybe he saw the writing on the wall about the administration dismantling the team.

Where is Forlan headed? Any clue?

DUBAI (Reuters) -- Al Wasl have made an offer to Atletico Madrid to sign Uruguay striker Diego Forlan on a one-year loan as coach Diego Maradona's first big foreign acquisition, the Dubai-based club said on Tuesday.In a statement the club said Al Wasl had made an improved offer after Atletico Madrid had rejected the initial bid."Forlan was expected to visit Dubai this week to negotiate personal terms with Al Wasl but the club has confirmed that Forlan's visit has been postponed while they wait on Atletico Madrid's reply," it said.Forlan, 32, voted player of the World Cup finals in South Africa last year, has struggled for form in recent months in Spain's La Liga after reports of a rift with former Atletico Madrid coach Quique Sanchez Flores.Al Wasl chief executive Ashraf Ahmad Mohammad earlier told Gulf News that the club was striving to make Forlan Maradona's first foreign marquee sign."He (Forlan) is one of the big names on the line...We are working on it. We are certainly doing our best to bring top things to this country, because the UAE (United Arab Emirates) deserves it," Mohammad was quoted as saying.Maradona, who captained Argentina to their 1986 World Cup triumph, takes charge of the seven-times UAE league winners next month.Mohammed said Maradona had already told the club where their weaknesses lay after watching videos of their matches."He knows that we've signed Chilean midfielder Edson Puch, and he's seen Francisco Yeste and Mohammad Shaiba," he said."He's now talking about a striker and I think that we've given him that opportunity."

 

[Bonzai]

Just started sniffing around this blog. Looks pretty awesome for EPL nerdery:

http://5addedminutes.wordpress.com/

 

[The Z Machine]

Re: Aguero - I think it's actually the new the contract offer that is just posturing from the club to try and keep the fans onside. Aguero has already said it's not a financial decision, and in any case the contract he'd sign with Real Madrid, Man City or Chelsea would be more than what Atleti could offer.

Quite possibly. He says it's not financial, but who knows. Rooney postured a lot too recently as I recall. I´d put the odds of him leaving at 75% right now. Forlán is more like 90%.

 

[Bonzai]

Just started sniffing around this blog. Looks pretty awesome for EPL nerdery:http://5addedminutes.wordpress.com/

I came across this thing doing some research on the Ashely Young to United rumors. I don't really get the connection, but this guy put a pretty interesting spin on it. Could make sense. He also had a good take explaining why a deal for Sneijder isn't realistic.This French prospect Raphael Varane seems pretty interesting as they could use a destroyer in the middle. I still haven't anything about a realistic replacement for Scholes, though. That's probably their biggest need. Either way, should be an interesting summer. Seems like a lot a movement going on around Europe.

 

[Good Posting Judge]

Atlético has offered (yet another) contract to Kun to try and get him to move off his demand for a transfer. This will have him signed until 2017 and would bump his salary from 6.5m€ to 9+m€. I would think there'd be a signing bonus and an even larger buyout clause (like 70m€) as well.Kun has insisted that he wants to move on however. We'll see if it's just posturing, but getting a 30+% pay raise would be a nice incentive.Atlético would be a shell of itself if Forlán, Kun, De Gea, and Quique (the coach, now departed) all left in one year. Quique is a good coach, and he brought some nice success to AdM. I think he'll catch on somewhere quickly. It was his choice to leave BTW. Maybe he saw the writing on the wall about the administration dismantling the team.

Where is Forlan headed? Any clue?

DUBAI (Reuters) -- Al Wasl have made an offer to Atletico Madrid to sign Uruguay striker Diego Forlan on a one-year loan as coach Diego Maradona's first big foreign acquisition, the Dubai-based club said on Tuesday.In a statement the club said Al Wasl had made an improved offer after Atletico Madrid had rejected the initial bid."Forlan was expected to visit Dubai this week to negotiate personal terms with Al Wasl but the club has confirmed that Forlan's visit has been postponed while they wait on Atletico Madrid's reply," it said.Forlan, 32, voted player of the World Cup finals in South Africa last year, has struggled for form in recent months in Spain's La Liga after reports of a rift with former Atletico Madrid coach Quique Sanchez Flores.Al Wasl chief executive Ashraf Ahmad Mohammad earlier told Gulf News that the club was striving to make Forlan Maradona's first foreign marquee sign."He (Forlan) is one of the big names on the line...We are working on it. We are certainly doing our best to bring top things to this country, because the UAE (United Arab Emirates) deserves it," Mohammad was quoted as saying.Maradona, who captained Argentina to their 1986 World Cup triumph, takes charge of the seven-times UAE league winners next month.Mohammed said Maradona had already told the club where their weaknesses lay after watching videos of their matches."He knows that we've signed Chilean midfielder Edson Puch, and he's seen Francisco Yeste and Mohammad Shaiba," he said."He's now talking about a striker and I think that we've given him that opportunity."

Barca was also linked with Forlan (and Rossi), but it looks like the Al Wasl thing is close.Ugh, Dubai.

 

[B Maverick]

As a United fan, I'm not sold on De Gea. He's shown composure, but the sample size is just too small. With GKs, I prefer the strategy of getting established guys in their 30s. They'll still give you 5-10 years. A player like De Gea is extremely talented, and could set you at the position for over a decade, but there's just too much risk for my liking. Granted, SAF knows a bit more about this stuff than I do.

SAF normally prefers the established ones as well, VDS being the latest of this... But he sees something in De Gea, and as you said, he seems to know what he is doing!Lets hope De Gea is more Schmeichel and VDS then Fabian Bartez!!!

Just started sniffing around this blog. Looks pretty awesome for EPL nerdery:http://5addedminutes.wordpress.com/

 

[GoFishTN]

Interesting article showing the average cost per point for each Premier League team.

http://www.epltalk.com/revealed-the-premier-league-table-thatll-make-you-go-hmmm-31868?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+EPLTalk+%28EPL+Talk%29&utm_content=Google+Reader

 

[El Floppo]

Just started sniffing around this blog. Looks pretty awesome for EPL nerdery:http://5addedminutes.wordpress.com/

I came across this thing doing some research on the Ashely Young to United rumors. I don't really get the connection, but this guy put a pretty interesting spin on it. Could make sense. He also had a good take explaining why a deal for Sneijder isn't realistic.This French prospect Raphael Varane seems pretty interesting as they could use a destroyer in the middle. I still haven't anything about a realistic replacement for Scholes, though. That's probably their biggest need. Either way, should be an interesting summer. Seems like a lot a movement going on around Europe.

How old is Fletcher? He developed pretty well as a defensive central mid with decent playmaking abilities to replace Scholes... seemed like when he was healthy, he had already replaced him.

 

[Bonzai]

Interesting article showing the average cost per point for each Premier League team.

http://www.epltalk.com/revealed-the-premier-league-table-thatll-make-you-go-hmmm-31868?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+EPLTalk+%28EPL+Talk%29&utm_content=Google+Reader

Really kills that awful United/Yankees comparison.

 

[Bonzai]

Just started sniffing around this blog. Looks pretty awesome for EPL nerdery:http://5addedminutes.wordpress.com/

I came across this thing doing some research on the Ashely Young to United rumors. I don't really get the connection, but this guy put a pretty interesting spin on it. Could make sense. He also had a good take explaining why a deal for Sneijder isn't realistic.This French prospect Raphael Varane seems pretty interesting as they could use a destroyer in the middle. I still haven't anything about a realistic replacement for Scholes, though. That's probably their biggest need. Either way, should be an interesting summer. Seems like a lot a movement going on around Europe.

How old is Fletcher? He developed pretty well as a defensive central mid with decent playmaking abilities to replace Scholes... seemed like when he was healthy, he had already replaced him.

Big fan of Fletcher. He's somewhere in between a creator and a destroyer, though. Not really a true playmaker. I still think he should see the field as much as possible. He's had some mysterious illness the last few months of the season though. So there's a question mark about him at the moment.

 

[B Maverick]

Just started sniffing around this blog. Looks pretty awesome for EPL nerdery:http://5addedminutes.wordpress.com/

I came across this thing doing some research on the Ashely Young to United rumors. I don't really get the connection, but this guy put a pretty interesting spin on it. Could make sense. He also had a good take explaining why a deal for Sneijder isn't realistic.This French prospect Raphael Varane seems pretty interesting as they could use a destroyer in the middle. I still haven't anything about a realistic replacement for Scholes, though. That's probably their biggest need. Either way, should be an interesting summer. Seems like a lot a movement going on around Europe.

How old is Fletcher? He developed pretty well as a defensive central mid with decent playmaking abilities to replace Scholes... seemed like when he was healthy, he had already replaced him.

Fletcher is 27, so he is in good position to pair with Carrick, Anderson or a new transfer. He and Gibson sometimes look IMO like they are trying to be Scholes hitting the 25 yard screamer into the upper v but often its ill-advised. He passes well and isnt the clumsy tackler that Scholes is. Not sure if he has the class to be a 1st choice every game. Not a bad guy to have as a fall back if a big signing doesnt happen. I think United has a lot of #2 type center mids, but lack the #1 guy to really run the show like Keane, Cantona, and Scholes have prior. With that though, the way Chicharito allows Rooney to play, Rooney is more of a playmaker allowing guys like Carrick and Fletcher to play more defensive, so it might work. Giggs also had a rebirth in the middle of the pitch and could play that role while everyone else gets another year to develop.Outside a major signing you have Anderson, Giggs, Carrick, Fletcher, Gibson all lining up for the middle spot. If Carrick can find is 09-10 form he is the best option. Anderson needs to learn to pass more and more accurately.

 

[B Maverick]

Interesting article showing the average cost per point for each Premier League team.

http://www.epltalk.com/revealed-the-premier-league-table-thatll-make-you-go-hmmm-31868?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+EPLTalk+%28EPL+Talk%29&utm_content=Google+Reader

Really kills that awful United/Yankees comparison.

Never really understood that comparison when you have teams like RM, Chelsea, and Man City out there spending away. The history of winning makes a decent comparison, but the spending doesnt.

 

[El Floppo]

Just started sniffing around this blog. Looks pretty awesome for EPL nerdery:http://5addedminutes.wordpress.com/

I came across this thing doing some research on the Ashely Young to United rumors. I don't really get the connection, but this guy put a pretty interesting spin on it. Could make sense. He also had a good take explaining why a deal for Sneijder isn't realistic.This French prospect Raphael Varane seems pretty interesting as they could use a destroyer in the middle. I still haven't anything about a realistic replacement for Scholes, though. That's probably their biggest need. Either way, should be an interesting summer. Seems like a lot a movement going on around Europe.

How old is Fletcher? He developed pretty well as a defensive central mid with decent playmaking abilities to replace Scholes... seemed like when he was healthy, he had already replaced him.

Fletcher is 27, so he is in good position to pair with Carrick, Anderson or a new transfer. He and Gibson sometimes look IMO like they are trying to be Scholes hitting the 25 yard screamer into the upper v but often its ill-advised. He passes well and isnt the clumsy tackler that Scholes is. Not sure if he has the class to be a 1st choice every game. Not a bad guy to have as a fall back if a big signing doesnt happen. I think United has a lot of #2 type center mids, but lack the #1 guy to really run the show like Keane, Cantona, and Scholes have prior. With that though, the way Chicharito allows Rooney to play, Rooney is more of a playmaker allowing guys like Carrick and Fletcher to play more defensive, so it might work. Giggs also had a rebirth in the middle of the pitch and could play that role while everyone else gets another year to develop.Outside a major signing you have Anderson, Giggs, Carrick, Fletcher, Gibson all lining up for the middle spot. If Carrick can find is 09-10 form he is the best option. Anderson needs to learn to pass more and more accurately.

Kinda what I was implying- but I thought that Fletcher had won the starting role unless injured or wracked out with that strange infection that Bonzai alluded to. He's grown on me over the years- hardworking, dependable and high quality, but I agree that he's not the guy that will put the game on his back when needed the way Keano or Scholes, or even Giggs this year have done is recent years. Cantona was a forward though IIRC. Great point about Rooney transforming into a real playmaker- but it's definitely in more of the withdrawn striker role than the #10 getting the ball out ofthe MF role (even if he's forced to track back deeper into the MF at times).I had high hopes for Anderson based on him showing some real flashes... but then he just fades away into mediocrity. Almost a little slow too, IMO- seems like he doesn't have that closing burst or first step. I remember a bunch of games in the middle of this season where he'd get the start and just do bupkis, while Scholes would replace him at the 60 and immediately change the offesnive dynamic positively.

 

[GoFishTN]

Interesting article showing the average cost per point for each Premier League team.

http://www.epltalk.com/revealed-the-premier-league-table-thatll-make-you-go-hmmm-31868?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+EPLTalk+%28EPL+Talk%29&utm_content=Google+Reader

Really kills that awful United/Yankees comparison.

Never really understood that comparison when you have teams like RM, Chelsea, and Man City out there spending away. The history of winning makes a decent comparison, but the spending doesnt.

Note that this is just wages. This table has transfer amounts, but it's not broken down the same.

 

[Good Posting Judge]

Interesting article showing the average cost per point for each Premier League team.

http://www.epltalk.com/revealed-the-premier-league-table-thatll-make-you-go-hmmm-31868?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+EPLTalk+%28EPL+Talk%29&utm_content=Google+Reader

Really kills that awful United/Yankees comparison.

Never really understood that comparison when you have teams like RM, Chelsea, and Man City out there spending away. The history of winning makes a decent comparison, but the spending doesnt.

I don't think this table takes the law of diminishing returns into account. The Yankees spend double-triple everyone every year to win, what, an additional 15 games?

 

[B Maverick]

Just started sniffing around this blog. Looks pretty awesome for EPL nerdery:http://5addedminutes.wordpress.com/

I came across this thing doing some research on the Ashely Young to United rumors. I don't really get the connection, but this guy put a pretty interesting spin on it. Could make sense. He also had a good take explaining why a deal for Sneijder isn't realistic.This French prospect Raphael Varane seems pretty interesting as they could use a destroyer in the middle. I still haven't anything about a realistic replacement for Scholes, though. That's probably their biggest need. Either way, should be an interesting summer. Seems like a lot a movement going on around Europe.

How old is Fletcher? He developed pretty well as a defensive central mid with decent playmaking abilities to replace Scholes... seemed like when he was healthy, he had already replaced him.

Fletcher is 27, so he is in good position to pair with Carrick, Anderson or a new transfer. He and Gibson sometimes look IMO like they are trying to be Scholes hitting the 25 yard screamer into the upper v but often its ill-advised. He passes well and isnt the clumsy tackler that Scholes is. Not sure if he has the class to be a 1st choice every game. Not a bad guy to have as a fall back if a big signing doesnt happen. I think United has a lot of #2 type center mids, but lack the #1 guy to really run the show like Keane, Cantona, and Scholes have prior. With that though, the way Chicharito allows Rooney to play, Rooney is more of a playmaker allowing guys like Carrick and Fletcher to play more defensive, so it might work. Giggs also had a rebirth in the middle of the pitch and could play that role while everyone else gets another year to develop.Outside a major signing you have Anderson, Giggs, Carrick, Fletcher, Gibson all lining up for the middle spot. If Carrick can find is 09-10 form he is the best option. Anderson needs to learn to pass more and more accurately.

Kinda what I was implying- but I thought that Fletcher had won the starting role unless injured or wracked out with that strange infection that Bonzai alluded to. He's grown on me over the years- hardworking, dependable and high quality, but I agree that he's not the guy that will put the game on his back when needed the way Keano or Scholes, or even Giggs this year have done is recent years. Cantona was a forward though IIRC. Great point about Rooney transforming into a real playmaker- but it's definitely in more of the withdrawn striker role than the #10 getting the ball out ofthe MF role (even if he's forced to track back deeper into the MF at times).I had high hopes for Anderson based on him showing some real flashes... but then he just fades away into mediocrity. Almost a little slow too, IMO- seems like he doesn't have that closing burst or first step. I remember a bunch of games in the middle of this season where he'd get the start and just do bupkis, while Scholes would replace him at the 60 and immediately change the offesnive dynamic positively.

Rooney is def playing more a withdrawn striker then a MF. But it allows then to have a more defensive central MF then in years past. Makes the counterattck style work better, esp with the speed of Valencia, Nani, Chicharito and Rooney and the workrate of Park. Also, I love those long crosses from Rooney to Valencia, dropping right on his foot over the defender, changing fields, turning defenders and allowing Chicharito and Rooney to make the run behind for the comeback and goal. United plays it beautifully. All too often I see teams trying to get 3-5 passes along the top of the 18 and move the ball into the box instead of driving and turning teams around with a major change of direction like that. Beautiful.Yeah, Anderson shows a flash then holds the ball too long then tries to thread a closing needle. I agree, hopes were high for him and Nani. Nani has had more success but still holds the ball to long trying to emulate Ronaldo. Then pouts when on the bench as Valencia is a better option and Park seems to come up big in big matches.

 

[El Floppo]

Just started sniffing around this blog. Looks pretty awesome for EPL nerdery:http://5addedminutes.wordpress.com/

I came across this thing doing some research on the Ashely Young to United rumors. I don't really get the connection, but this guy put a pretty interesting spin on it. Could make sense. He also had a good take explaining why a deal for Sneijder isn't realistic.This French prospect Raphael Varane seems pretty interesting as they could use a destroyer in the middle. I still haven't anything about a realistic replacement for Scholes, though. That's probably their biggest need. Either way, should be an interesting summer. Seems like a lot a movement going on around Europe.

How old is Fletcher? He developed pretty well as a defensive central mid with decent playmaking abilities to replace Scholes... seemed like when he was healthy, he had already replaced him.

Fletcher is 27, so he is in good position to pair with Carrick, Anderson or a new transfer. He and Gibson sometimes look IMO like they are trying to be Scholes hitting the 25 yard screamer into the upper v but often its ill-advised. He passes well and isnt the clumsy tackler that Scholes is. Not sure if he has the class to be a 1st choice every game. Not a bad guy to have as a fall back if a big signing doesnt happen. I think United has a lot of #2 type center mids, but lack the #1 guy to really run the show like Keane, Cantona, and Scholes have prior. With that though, the way Chicharito allows Rooney to play, Rooney is more of a playmaker allowing guys like Carrick and Fletcher to play more defensive, so it might work. Giggs also had a rebirth in the middle of the pitch and could play that role while everyone else gets another year to develop.Outside a major signing you have Anderson, Giggs, Carrick, Fletcher, Gibson all lining up for the middle spot. If Carrick can find is 09-10 form he is the best option. Anderson needs to learn to pass more and more accurately.

Kinda what I was implying- but I thought that Fletcher had won the starting role unless injured or wracked out with that strange infection that Bonzai alluded to. He's grown on me over the years- hardworking, dependable and high quality, but I agree that he's not the guy that will put the game on his back when needed the way Keano or Scholes, or even Giggs this year have done is recent years. Cantona was a forward though IIRC. Great point about Rooney transforming into a real playmaker- but it's definitely in more of the withdrawn striker role than the #10 getting the ball out ofthe MF role (even if he's forced to track back deeper into the MF at times).I had high hopes for Anderson based on him showing some real flashes... but then he just fades away into mediocrity. Almost a little slow too, IMO- seems like he doesn't have that closing burst or first step. I remember a bunch of games in the middle of this season where he'd get the start and just do bupkis, while Scholes would replace him at the 60 and immediately change the offesnive dynamic positively.

Rooney is def playing more a withdrawn striker then a MF. But it allows then to have a more defensive central MF then in years past. Makes the counterattck style work better, esp with the speed of Valencia, Nani, Chicharito and Rooney and the workrate of Park. Also, I love those long crosses from Rooney to Valencia, dropping right on his foot over the defender, changing fields, turning defenders and allowing Chicharito and Rooney to make the run behind for the comeback and goal. United plays it beautifully. All too often I see teams trying to get 3-5 passes along the top of the 18 and move the ball into the box instead of driving and turning teams around with a major change of direction like that. Beautiful.Yeah, Anderson shows a flash then holds the ball too long then tries to thread a closing needle. I agree, hopes were high for him and Nani. Nani has had more success but still holds the ball to long trying to emulate Ronaldo. Then pouts when on the bench as Valencia is a better option and Park seems to come up big in big matches.

So true about Rooney's ability to switch the ball- jaw-dropping how he can hit that ball to within a postage stamp of where needed. And totally agree that's the type of play that separates United from an Arsenal who wants to pass it into the goal.

 

[Spartans Rule]

Barca was also linked with Forlan (and Rossi), but it looks like the Al Wasl thing is close.Ugh, Dubai.

Loved watching Forlan play during the WC and would like to see him to go to a team that's on TV a lot. Something tells me that even with Maradona and Forlan, Al Wasl's not going to be playing regularly on FSC.

 

[Spartans Rule]

Interesting article showing the average cost per point for each Premier League team.

http://www.epltalk.com/revealed-the-premier-league-table-thatll-make-you-go-hmmm-31868?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+EPLTalk+%28EPL+Talk%29&utm_content=Google+Reader

Really kills that awful United/Yankees comparison.

Never really understood that comparison when you have teams like RM, Chelsea, and Man City out there spending away. The history of winning makes a decent comparison, but the spending doesnt.

I don't think this table takes the law of diminishing returns into account. The Yankees spend double-triple everyone every year to win, what, an additional 15 games?

Plus there's the increasing value of points to consider. The difference between 45 and 55 points is negligible, but the difference between 60 and 70 is massive with the CL money. So $ per point isn't a great measure.

 

[B Maverick]

Barca was also linked with Forlan (and Rossi), but it looks like the Al Wasl thing is close.

Ugh, Dubai.

Loved watching Forlan play during the WC and would like to see him to go to a team that's on TV a lot. Something tells me that even with Maradona and Forlan, Al Wasl's not going to be playing regularly on FSC.

"He received his footballing education in Penarol's junior teams, but at the age of 17 moved to Argentina's Independiente. It was here he made his name, prompting Manchester United to buy him for £6.9 million. He lasted only a little longer than two seasons at Old Trafford, though, as he struggled with to find his best form under the pressure of playing for Sir Alex Ferguson''s side. Despite the spell representing the least prolific of his career, he is remebered fondly by United fans for a memorable match-winning brace against Liverpool at Anfield."

I am happy to see Forlan making a name for himself, esp this last WC. He was a disappointment for United, and the move away really helped him florish. Not all great players can florish in the United system, either due to the style, the amount of talent (breaking into regular time) or dealing with SAF. Unfortunately, I believe Forlan was stuck behind Ruud van Nistelrooy and the beloved Ole Gunnar, so he didnt get much chance.

And if you score vs Liverpool in a win, you will always be remembered fondly!

Also under great players becoming great elsewhere, Tim Howard is a big one. Would love to have him now but he has made a name at Everton after leaving United. I personally think it was the loss of Rio to the 8 month ban that made it tough on Howard. United went south once Rio was lost and unfairly i think that led to Howard moving on, and possible being considered a disappointment. I think that was Arsenal's last trophy?

 

[Steve Tasker]

Interesting article showing the average cost per point for each Premier League team.

http://www.epltalk.com/revealed-the-premier-league-table-thatll-make-you-go-hmmm-31868?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+EPLTalk+%28EPL+Talk%29&utm_content=Google+Reader

Really kills that awful United/Yankees comparison.

Never really understood that comparison when you have teams like RM, Chelsea, and Man City out there spending away. The history of winning makes a decent comparison, but the spending doesnt.

I don't think this table takes the law of diminishing returns into account. The Yankees spend double-triple everyone every year to win, what, an additional 15 games?

Plus there's the increasing value of points to consider. The difference between 45 and 55 points is negligible, but the difference between 60 and 70 is massive with the CL money. So $ per point isn't a great measure.