NewlyRetired
Footballguy
I don't want to be that guy but I think I have to warn you if you are looking for a league that does not, in various way, favor the "bigger" clubs, the sport may not be for you.
Fantasy Football - Footballguys Forums
This is a sample guest message. Register a free account today to become a member! Once signed in, you'll be able to participate on this site by adding your own topics and posts, as well as connect with other members through your own private inbox!
***Official Soccer Discussion Thread*** (3 Viewers)
- Thread starter Ramsay Hunt Experience
- Start date
rustycolts
Footballguy
Maybe so but I bet the favoritism isn't as obvious as it is towards Miami when they are in a big game.
Two bogus fouls on Breckalo which led to them scoring and putting us down a man. Also the non call on a obvious penalty that would have put us up by 2 but MLS was having none of that.
Last edited:
Dinsy Ejotuz
Footballguy
Seeing that it's 125 from LFC to NUFC, with Isak forgoing his 5MM loyalty bonus (he never handed in a request, or something) to make it worth 130 to Newcastle.
I know the club spent virtually nothing a year ago, won the league, sold a fortune in players, expanded the stadium revenue and have been on a tear with ancillary revenue, but I'm still shocked at the spend levels this offseason. Even knowing this is basically a one year makeover and they'll dial back again next year, I didn't really think they had this in them.
Dinsy Ejotuz
Footballguy
lol... on the other hand...
gianmarco
Footballguy
We will.
McBokonon
Footballguy
I'm just glad a plucky small club who never gets calls their way has a chance.
Dinsy Ejotuz
Footballguy
No joke, but selling Coutinho really did do that for Liverpool. Obviously FSG and Klopp mattered a lot too but if they hadn't gotten whatever it was for Coutinho I'm not sure any of it happens. VvD and Alisson were more or less paid for with that sale. Might end up being the best thing that could have happened.
McBokonon
Footballguy
Yeah, the hope is this is Coutinho-like. I'm obviously salty because Isak is ****ing prick, but objectively, he's not worth this. He's really good. But not THIS good. I just hope we reinvest wisely. The window has actually been pretty decent so far if you remove this thing.
CletiusMaximus
Footballguy
lol at “loyalty bonus”
Dinsy Ejotuz
Footballguy
Standards are, apparently, fairly low.
CletiusMaximus
Footballguy
it’s pure nonsense - a contract clause meant to discourage a player from seeking to leave the club. But it seems the request must be made in a formal notarized hand written letter signed in triplicate because what more could a player do to push for a transfer?
NewlyRetired
Footballguy
Seattle waxed Miami tonight 3-0 to win the Leagues Cup in front of over 69k fans.
B Maverick
Footballguy
He is skillful, has pace for days. Terrible in front of goal, poor on 1v1s, tends to overrun the ball while dribbling and easily stripped of the ball, selfish in front of goal.... Yes he is young, but with the amount of games he has played, you should see improvement in these areas and its not there.
Add in the poor attitude, entitlement and worse social media presence along with not fitting into the new formation and he was gone.
I would have liked to keep Hojlund for competition with Sesko but understand them moving him on.
Now stop starting Mount over Mainoo and we are getting somewhere.
Heck, even Bruno should be sat after a couple stinkers.
NewlyRetired
Footballguy
Looks like Luis Suarez had yet another oral incident tonight. Though instead of biting, he spit on a Seattle coach after the game.
encaitar
Footballguy
Liverpool have now spent £415M this summer window, making it the second most expensive transfer window in EPL history behind Chelsea's 2023 summer window.
They will likely pass Chelsea if they sign Guehi.
Gonna be hard for Liverpool fans to continue shouting that oil clubs are ruining football at this rate.
They will likely pass Chelsea if they sign Guehi.
Gonna be hard for Liverpool fans to continue shouting that oil clubs are ruining football at this rate.
Dinsy Ejotuz
Footballguy
It's dead easy: teams should spend what they earn and owners shouldn't be allowed to plow billions into a team that isn't earning it legit.
And Liverpool are around a net spend of around 240MM (with Guehi and Elliott offsetting each other, assuming). Over the last two years. Arsenal are at around 250MM this year alone.
But more power to them -- if you earn it, spend it. Same with United. Even Newcastle, oddly, seem to be living within their means. It's City, Chelsea under Abramovic, PSG, etc that I (and I think most people) object to.
I don't even mind Wrexham -- the owners bought a moribund asset, spruced it up with some smart spending and outstanding extra revenue streams and are potentially building something sustainable.
I'd much prefer a salary cap, but Europe doesn't roll like that so all you can hope for is rules that don't let a handful of corruptowners governments run riot thru the sport.
And Liverpool are around a net spend of around 240MM (with Guehi and Elliott offsetting each other, assuming). Over the last two years. Arsenal are at around 250MM this year alone.
But more power to them -- if you earn it, spend it. Same with United. Even Newcastle, oddly, seem to be living within their means. It's City, Chelsea under Abramovic, PSG, etc that I (and I think most people) object to.
I don't even mind Wrexham -- the owners bought a moribund asset, spruced it up with some smart spending and outstanding extra revenue streams and are potentially building something sustainable.
I'd much prefer a salary cap, but Europe doesn't roll like that so all you can hope for is rules that don't let a handful of corrupt
McBokonon
Footballguy
Wissa for 55 million is a lot but he’s proven. Getting 30 million for Osula is insane and takes the sting out of it quite a bit. Good bit of business. ETA: There’s a buyback clause, too??? 
It really seemed like we had no idea what we were doing but the window has been good. The international break came at the perfect time, too.
It really seemed like we had no idea what we were doing but the window has been good. The international break came at the perfect time, too.
Last edited:
B Maverick
Footballguy
I saw this and laughed why also asking WTH? 2 games in and he's gone?
B Maverick
Footballguy
United's day:
Sign GK Lammens from Royal Antwerp. Don't know how good he is, but if he can catch he's already better than the 2 they have. Plus no need for the overrated Emi Martinez.
Antony sold to Betis
Sancho season loan to AV
Previously Garnacho to Chelsea, Rashford to Barca, Hojlund to Napoli.
Now to move on Onana, Malacia, maybe Casemiro and hopefully bring in a CDM. 3 hours to go.
Sign GK Lammens from Royal Antwerp. Don't know how good he is, but if he can catch he's already better than the 2 they have. Plus no need for the overrated Emi Martinez.
Antony sold to Betis
Sancho season loan to AV
Previously Garnacho to Chelsea, Rashford to Barca, Hojlund to Napoli.
Now to move on Onana, Malacia, maybe Casemiro and hopefully bring in a CDM. 3 hours to go.
CletiusMaximus
Footballguy
Vardy to Cremonese Is surely the highlight of the summer window.
Dinsy Ejotuz
Footballguy
El Floppo
Footballguy
Whoa whoa whoa... THREE games in there, hoss. Ample time.
B Maverick
Footballguy
Sorry, missed a game. But still, wow and WTF?
NewlyRetired
Footballguy
There had to have been something else here.
I assume there was a massive personality conflict with some one above him that came to fruition during the preseason. Getting off to a bad start was probably the excuse needed to move on from him.
Note, his record over the 3 games was 1-1-1, although the draw in here, which is the most recent result was really bad (up 2 goals AND up a man with only 15 minutes left and only managed a draw).
Dinsy Ejotuz
Footballguy
Does seem to be the moral of the story.
Deal sheet was submitted and everything when they backed out. Glasner, who's almost certainly gone in any event, seems to have blocked the deal by threatening to quit.
McBokonon
Footballguy
“Newcastle United can announce the sale of striker Alexander Isak to Liverpool for a significant British record transfer fee. The Sweden international joined the Magpies from Real Sociedad in 2022 and made 109 appearances in all competitions.”
That’s the whole club message. Just the facts.
That’s the whole club message. Just the facts.
prefontaine
Footballguy
He may well be gone after the season but his point is pretty valid. You can't sell one of your best players without a replacement on deadline day. He's been there a year and a half and has won the FA Cup and Community Shield (first ever major trophies for Palace). And he is being forced to play Conference League because his ownership screwed him.
Over the last two off-seasons the club has sold starting CB Joachim Anderson and Wing Michael Olise, followed by Eze this year. And after qualifying for Europe, they acquired two backups and Pino while selling Eze (and Eduord). They are one injury (at any position) away from playing kids. It's not sustainable and a top level manager shouldn't have to put up with it.
Dinsy Ejotuz
Footballguy
Agree with all of that -- and if I were Glasner (or a Palace supporter) I'd be pissed.
Just saying that the ire of a coach you're not going to hang onto anyway might not be a good reason to give up 35MM for a smaller club (sorry Cletius). Especially once you've (reportedly) completed a deal. Guehi is out of contract next year, and that's a lot of money for any team, but especially a ~mid-table side.
FWIW, Liverpool seem awfully confident they'll still get him in January (if CP is out of the cups maybe?) or next summer. Time will tell.
Just saying that the ire of a coach you're not going to hang onto anyway might not be a good reason to give up 35MM for a smaller club (sorry Cletius). Especially once you've (reportedly) completed a deal. Guehi is out of contract next year, and that's a lot of money for any team, but especially a ~mid-table side.
FWIW, Liverpool seem awfully confident they'll still get him in January (if CP is out of the cups maybe?) or next summer. Time will tell.
Dinsy Ejotuz
Footballguy
I love it when managers are sane about the result they just got. That there were fortunate not to lose by more, that they played terrible but won, or played really well but the result didn't show it (Klopp at 0-3 vs Barca for example) or that they were pretty lucky to get a win, like above. It seems like it's a lot more common than it used to be for whatever reason.
B Maverick
Footballguy
Agreed there has to be more to it, esp with how many players were let leave, esp their better players. Was that ETH's doing or the board/DoF? Just a strange situation.
Ole, Jose, ETH all sacked within 4 days of each other.
B Maverick
Footballguy
Evidently Grimsby Town broke the rules and fielded an ineligible player in the League Cup vs United.
https://www.espn.com/soccer/story/_...void-carabao-cup-banishment-ineligible-player
The EFL said the breach related to Clarke Oduor, who came on as a 73rd-minute substitute. The player's registration was submitted at 12.01pm on the day before the match, shortly after the 12pm deadline required in accordance with this season's competition rules. They are getting fined but not kicked out of the cup. United can appeal but doesn't sound like they will.
And no, United should be out, I am ok with the fine. But could you imagine the outrage if they advanced United and kicked out Grimsby over this? HAHAHAHAHAHHA
https://www.espn.com/soccer/story/_...void-carabao-cup-banishment-ineligible-player
The EFL said the breach related to Clarke Oduor, who came on as a 73rd-minute substitute. The player's registration was submitted at 12.01pm on the day before the match, shortly after the 12pm deadline required in accordance with this season's competition rules. They are getting fined but not kicked out of the cup. United can appeal but doesn't sound like they will.
And no, United should be out, I am ok with the fine. But could you imagine the outrage if they advanced United and kicked out Grimsby over this? HAHAHAHAHAHHA
titusbramble
Footballguy
It is almost as if me saying to Blades fans we should tell you guys to **** off, watch him crush the Championship, and then if we get an offer way above what we actually sold him to you for, think about selling then, might have been correct after all
massraider
Footballguy
The Athletic has ranked all 155 Premier League transfers.
Good article for the ctrl F move. Cool to see a take on each deal. Here's top 3 deals:
Contract length: Five years
He’s 22 years old, gifted, two-footed, versatile and can win any match on his own. Not at the top level yet and needs to improve his work ethic, but he’s at the right club to do that. A potential steal at an initial £30.3m — he could be worth five times that amount in three years.
Reported contract length: Eight years
Not 19 until next April, but with 83 first-team appearances under his belt for Palmeiras, plus five senior appearances for Brazil. Expect all-action, full-throttle wing-play, outrageous ability and an adventurous, fearless attitude, trying things that many wouldn’t even think of. Just a kid… but the hype feels justified.
Contract length: One year
For two years with Fulham, Palhinha was arguably the Premier League’s best hairy-a***d ball-winning anchorman, and possibly one of Europe’s best, too. For Spurs to bring him back to England for peanuts adds a layer of steel to their midfield that has been missing for some time. Palhinha will not only shore up their defence, but will also help allow their creative talents to shine.
Good article for the ctrl F move. Cool to see a take on each deal. Here's top 3 deals:
3. Rayan Cherki, Lyon to Manchester City
The Athletic’s reported transfer fee: £36.3m (with add-ons)Contract length: Five years
He’s 22 years old, gifted, two-footed, versatile and can win any match on his own. Not at the top level yet and needs to improve his work ethic, but he’s at the right club to do that. A potential steal at an initial £30.3m — he could be worth five times that amount in three years.
2. Estevao, Palmeiras to Chelsea
The Athletic’s reported transfer fee: £49m (with add-ons)Reported contract length: Eight years
Not 19 until next April, but with 83 first-team appearances under his belt for Palmeiras, plus five senior appearances for Brazil. Expect all-action, full-throttle wing-play, outrageous ability and an adventurous, fearless attitude, trying things that many wouldn’t even think of. Just a kid… but the hype feels justified.
1. Joao Palhinha, Bayern Munich to Tottenham Hotspur
Transfer fee: LoanContract length: One year
For two years with Fulham, Palhinha was arguably the Premier League’s best hairy-a***d ball-winning anchorman, and possibly one of Europe’s best, too. For Spurs to bring him back to England for peanuts adds a layer of steel to their midfield that has been missing for some time. Palhinha will not only shore up their defence, but will also help allow their creative talents to shine.
encaitar
Footballguy
Liverpool and Chelsea together spent more than La Liga or Ligue 1 did. That's insanity.
TennesseeJed
Footballguy
El Floppo
Footballguy
Thats pretty big news. Congrats?
TennesseeJed
Footballguy
Time will tell.Thats pretty big news. Congrats?
I am of the opinion that the Lewis Family were a bigger roadblock to success than Levy. But, let's see how it all settles out.
BBC reporting that it was the Lewis kids (They are in their 60's so a little odd calling them kids) who forced Levy out, so now its time to put up or shut up.
El Floppo
Footballguy
The leitmotif has always been about how frugal/cheap hes been. Saw an article on espn today showing how much theyve spent each year. Not small.Time will tell.Thats pretty big news. Congrats?
I am of the opinion that the Lewis Family were a bigger roadblock to success than Levy. But, let's see how it all settles out.
BBC reporting that it was the Lewis kids (They are in their 60's so a little odd calling them kids) who forced Levy out, so now its time to put up or shut up.
TennesseeJed
Footballguy
If I had to pin a specific fault on Levy it would be similar, but not exactly being "cheap" though that plays into it.The leitmotif has always been about how frugal/cheap hes been. Saw an article on espn today showing how much theyve spent each year. Not small.Time will tell.Thats pretty big news. Congrats?
I am of the opinion that the Lewis Family were a bigger roadblock to success than Levy. But, let's see how it all settles out.
BBC reporting that it was the Lewis kids (They are in their 60's so a little odd calling them kids) who forced Levy out, so now its time to put up or shut up.
Levy is very conservative, and for many years - pre-Poch, but also beyond, Spurs payed very low wages. It was Levy's heartfelt belief that Wages were growing out of hand for years, and he refused to go along. I think he really thought he alone could control wage inflation. I also think he did not anticipate the revenue growth keeping pace with the wage growth - and so Spurs were always left behind. Even today, I think they have one of the lowest wages/turnover ratio in the league.
So, low wages, combined with low transfer fees (until recently), and a refusal to pay agent fees - meant Spurs were never attracting the top players. They lucked into Harry Kane, and to a lesser extent Sonny - and that led to the heights of the Poch era.
But Levy's real fault was not knowing when to take risks - in a sporting sense. He never understood the need to push on at various points, and really invest in the playing squad. That was always too risky, and too expensive for him. But, he spared no expenses on the stadium and training grounds - because he felt those were safer investments.
He leaves a complicated legacy at Spurs - transformed them really into a consistent "top-5" side, but never had the wherewithal to push for the top tier, like Arsenal, or Chelsea, or Liverpool, or City, or United have done with varying degrees of success. And. only winning 2 trophies in the Levy era will always leave a stain.
But, overall, I think he did more good than harm, and really if I were to lay fault at the lack of investment, its at Joe Lewis's feet - he was the money man, and it rarely ever went to Spurs.
NewlyRetired
Footballguy
Jesus
======
A full breakdown has been released by @BILD on why Erik ten Hag got sacked!
• He did not get along with ANYONE at the club, not even his own staff that he brought to Germany himself.
• He interfered with the planning and only proposed players from his own agency.
• The players did NOT understand why doing push ups was just as important as ball work.
• The atmosphere within the club was extremely cold.
• The players had no idea what they had to do during matches.
• The club wanted to sack him much earlier and believe they took too long.
• He is now considered the worst coach in their club history
======
A full breakdown has been released by @BILD on why Erik ten Hag got sacked!
• He did not get along with ANYONE at the club, not even his own staff that he brought to Germany himself.
• He interfered with the planning and only proposed players from his own agency.
• The players did NOT understand why doing push ups was just as important as ball work.
• The atmosphere within the club was extremely cold.
• The players had no idea what they had to do during matches.
• The club wanted to sack him much earlier and believe they took too long.
• He is now considered the worst coach in their club history
B Maverick
Footballguy
The bolded makes me laugh most.Jesus
======
A full breakdown has been released by @BILD on why Erik ten Hag got sacked!
• He did not get along with ANYONE at the club, not even his own staff that he brought to Germany himself.
• He interfered with the planning and only proposed players from his own agency.
• The players did NOT understand why doing push ups was just as important as ball work.
• The atmosphere within the club was extremely cold.
• The players had no idea what they had to do during matches.
• The club wanted to sack him much earlier and believe they took too long.
• He is now considered the worst coach in their club history
After watching him bring players to United that had played for him before, I am not surprised he was only bringing in players he shared an agent with.
