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***Official Soccer Discussion Thread*** (13 Viewers)

Yeah, I meant if the goal was allowed and the game went differently - as it was, it was a pretty comprehensive victory.  
Not sure if you heard this but Rafa and Newcastle are interested in ALmirion for the January transfer window. I also saw they are scouting recent young stud who just had his first SR call up to Italy Stefano Sensi who's being said to be the next Andrea Pirlo. The only thing that makes me question either move is will Ashley open up his tight purse for these purchases? 

 
Not sure if you heard this but Rafa and Newcastle are interested in ALmirion for the January transfer window. I also saw they are scouting recent young stud who just had his first SR call up to Italy Stefano Sensi who's being said to be the next Andrea Pirlo. The only thing that makes me question either move is will Ashley open up his tight purse for these purchases? 
Sensi looked really good against the US- hadn't heard of him before then.

I thought Almiron was slated for Arsenal? Newc would be a good fit, IMO- they need a guy like him to play off of mitrovic. I don't know how he'll handle the physicality of the EPL though... I foresee a lot of rolling around.

 
I thought Almiron was slated for Arsenal? Newc would be a good fit, IMO- they need a guy like him to play off of mitrovic. I don't know how he'll handle the physicality of the EPL though... I foresee a lot of rolling around.
About 12 different teams have been mentioned for Almiron in England by their media.  You almost have to ignore it because the reporters more times than not are just making things up.

Look at Pulisic, every other day an English paper is talking about a 70m pound transfer for Pulisic by team X.  

 
About 12 different teams have been mentioned for Almiron in England by their media.  You almost have to ignore it because the reporters more times than not are just making things up.

Look at Pulisic, every other day an English paper is talking about a 70m pound transfer for Pulisic by team X.  
totally.

it does seem like more and more rumor/grist linking him to chelsea. but probably the same quote being rehashed by every news outlet.

 
Grant Wahl‏Verified account @GrantWahl

Hearing a group from Miami is pushing hard with CONMEBOL to bring the Boca-River Copa Libertadores final 2nd leg to the Miami area. Decision expected from CONMEBOL meeting in Paraguay tomorrow

 
Sensi looked really good against the US- hadn't heard of him before then.

I thought Almiron was slated for Arsenal? Newc would be a good fit, IMO- they need a guy like him to play off of mitrovic. I don't know how he'll handle the physicality of the EPL though... I foresee a lot of rolling around.
Mitrovic signed with Fulham permanity for 22M Euros in the summer. 

 
Mitrovic signed with Fulham permanity for 22M Euros in the summer. 
:lol:  

jeebus- I've mixed up my crap EPL teams known for having americans. perez and rondon are the guys at newcastle. I always liked the two of them, but I don't think they're putting many in. or is that sunderland. or stoke.

 
Grant Wahl‏Verified account @GrantWahl

Hearing a group from Miami is pushing hard with CONMEBOL to bring the Boca-River Copa Libertadores final 2nd leg to the Miami area. Decision expected from CONMEBOL meeting in Paraguay tomorrow
CONMEBOL announced today that the second leg will not take place in Argentina.  The second leg will be played on either Dec. 8th or Dec 9th at a stadium TBD.

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

I don't know how hard the Miami group will press but that date of Dec 8th is very interesting.  Grant Wahl summarized one possibility.

Miami wins the bid.  Fox purchases the English language rights to the final and then broadcasts a double header of the Copa Final and MLS Cup (which is already slated for broadcast).

 
KC's and Portland supporter groups have put out a joint statement requesting more tickets be released for away fans for the MLS Cup final.

The issue is not in NY, where NY has allocated 1000 away tickets (which is close to the 5% teams typically shoot for).  The issue appears to be in Atlanta where they are only making 900 tickets available in a 72k stadium.

The statement requests that Atlanta come closer to the 5% recommended by FIFA for away fans, which would be around 3500 tickets.

 
Grant Wahl‏Verified account @GrantWahl

Just confirmed that Miami is out as a potential destination for the River-Boca Copa Libertadores final return leg.

Game will be in either Doha or Asunción—if Boca agrees to play.

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

Doha is offering an insane amount of money to the two teams and CONMEBOL.

 
Just confirmed that Miami is out as a potential destination for the River-Boca Copa Libertadores final return leg.

Game will be in either Doha or Asunción—if Boca agrees to play.
Reading that, I am thinking "Right, how on earth can they not play in a CONMEBOL country"....

Doha is offering an insane amount of money to the two teams and CONMEBOL.
Then I finished reading and and can now safely assume the the game will be played in the middle east. 

 
Reading that, I am thinking "Right, how on earth can they not play in a CONMEBOL country"....

Then I finished reading and and can now safely assume the the game will be played in the middle east. 
Its not quite as bizarre as it sounds - as I understand it the winner of the match would be going to Doha for some club competition no matter where the final leg is played - so playing it there also saves a little travel time/expense.

 
Its not quite as bizarre as it sounds - as I understand it the winner of the match would be going to Doha for some club competition no matter where the final leg is played - so playing it there also saves a little travel time/expense.
well,except for the losers ;)  

 
David Villa is leaving NY.  You can make an argument he was the best on field foreign signing ever in MLS history, right up there with Robbie Keane.

Sounds like he is going to play one more year.  Japan has been rumored.

 
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Godin has said yes to Milan to join in January, now the only obstacle remaining is convincing Atletico Madrid to let him go in January [QS]

Milan have prepared a two year and a half contract worth €4M for Godin [Il Giornale]

According to Alfredo Pudulla (Very reliable) Cesac Fabregas could be going to Milan in January on a small Fee or delayed to summer for free as he is out of contract come June. He's old but he'd be a solid depth signing for the MF. 

 
Godin has said yes to Milan to join in January, now the only obstacle remaining is convincing Atletico Madrid to let him go in January [QS]

Milan have prepared a two year and a half contract worth €4M for Godin [Il Giornale]

According to Alfredo Pudulla (Very reliable) Cesac Fabregas could be going to Milan in January on a small Fee or delayed to summer for free as he is out of contract come June. He's old but he'd be a solid depth signing for the MF. 
wow- atletico main-stay... huge move (always been a fan, so I think it's a terrible move, going to serie b, on his part). Z... thoughts?

is cesc still on the books at chelsea? they are loaded at MF... he and Kante should bail and continue playing somewhere.

 
David Villa is leaving NY.  You can make an argument he was the best on field foreign signing ever in MLS history, right up there with Robbie Keane.

Sounds like he is going to play one more year.  Japan has been rumored.
One could argue Giovinco has been as good. 
:goodposting:

those three are the tip-top. I always felt like Henry gave his all even if it was when he was on the decline. and before that, Angel was a less-heralded but in my memory the first of the bigger name euro transfers that actually seemed to give a #### and produce. certainly can't complain with the season the zlat gave either...

 
wow- atletico main-stay... huge move (always been a fan, so I think it's a terrible move, going to serie b, on his part). Z... thoughts?

is cesc still on the books at chelsea? they are loaded at MF... he and Kante should bail and continue playing somewhere.
I'm not sure if its @DJackson10 saying Pedulla is "very reliable" or whomever it is that DJax10 is quoting who said that, but he is really not at all reliable.  Pedulla was on the Sarri to Chelsea bandwagon with many many others, then spent the latter part of the summer rumoring a couple dozen guys to follow Sarri to Chelsea, then basked in his glory when one of them (Jorginho) came to pass.  His rumor tweets were often laughable. Cesc is on the books at Chelsea and should probably be looking for a move, but I doubt it will happen until the summer.  Right now, he is the only back-up in Jorginho's role.  Kante just signed a new 5 year contract and is the highest paid player at Chelsea. Why should he play elsewhere?

 
I'm not sure if its @DJackson10 saying Pedulla is "very reliable" or whomever it is that DJax10 is quoting who said that, but he is really not at all reliable.  Pedulla was on the Sarri to Chelsea bandwagon with many many others, then spent the latter part of the summer rumoring a couple dozen guys to follow Sarri to Chelsea, then basked in his glory when one of them (Jorginho) came to pass.  His rumor tweets were often laughable. Cesc is on the books at Chelsea and should probably be looking for a move, but I doubt it will happen until the summer.  Right now, he is the only back-up in Jorginho's role.  Kante just signed a new 5 year contract and is the highest paid player at Chelsea. Why should he play elsewhere?
Re Kante... I think he's being misused out wide. Would love to see him back in the middle where he belongs- if not for Chelsea, then elsewhere.

 
Re Kante... I think he's being misused out wide. Would love to see him back in the middle where he belongs- if not for Chelsea, then elsewhere.
Its an ongoing issue, but I don't think it would cause him to leave the club.  He's reportedly earning something like 290k Euros a week, and playing every game, albeit probably in a position that doesn't suit his strengths.  If he asks to leave this summer, the club will probably accommodate him, but I can't imagine him moving this winter. I still don't think Chelsea are a top 4 team this season, and they have some growing pains to work through that will take time, but I can't see them moving Kante just because Sarri's system doesn't accommodate his strengths.

 
Its an ongoing issue, but I don't think it would cause him to leave the club.  He's reportedly earning something like 290k Euros a week, and playing every game, albeit probably in a position that doesn't suit his strengths.  If he asks to leave this summer, the club will probably accommodate him, but I can't imagine him moving this winter. I still don't think Chelsea are a top 4 team this season, and they have some growing pains to work through that will take time, but I can't see them moving Kante just because Sarri's system doesn't accommodate his strengths.
FWIW- I'm not basing my comment on anything but personal preference... I don't read soccer news generally and had no idea he was so well paid. for my money and enjoyment of the game, he's the best DM in the world and I love watching him play that position. for chelsea or anybody else. 

 
More Almiron rumors

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

Newcastle United are set to take the game to their Premier League rivals in the chase for Miguel Almiron.

The Chronicle understands that United will send out head of recruitment Steve Nickson to the United States in the next week to hold discussion with Atlanta United and the attacking star's agent about what it will take to lure him to St James' Park in January.

Almiron plays an attacking midfielder or number 10 but can also play out wide on either flank.

Almiron's representatives have already been to the UK to look at options for a January move with Tottenham Hotspur, Arsenal and West Ham all interested in the player.

The star's agent Daniel Campos also spoke to La Liga clubs while there is also some interest from Serie A.

A fee of $32 million for Almiron has been set while Newcastle should be able to cope with his wage demands with the player currently on $2million per year.

 
I still don't think Chelsea are a top 4 team this season
Its kind of hard to not consider them a top-4 team this season, imo.

I look at Spurs, Chelsea and Arsenal fighting for 2 spots.  Its hard to see Man United passing two of these teams right now, and I don't see any other team that looks capable of a season-long run in the top-4.  

 
Its kind of hard to not consider them a top-4 team this season, imo.

I look at Spurs, Chelsea and Arsenal fighting for 2 spots.  Its hard to see Man United passing two of these teams right now, and I don't see any other team that looks capable of a season-long run in the top-4.  
agree with this.

City & Liverpool.

Spurs, Chels, Arsenal

united and others.

 
Its kind of hard to not consider them a top-4 team this season, imo.

I look at Spurs, Chelsea and Arsenal fighting for 2 spots.  Its hard to see Man United passing two of these teams right now, and I don't see any other team that looks capable of a season-long run in the top-4.  
I'll have a better view of it after I look at the table on Boxing Day.  I think CFC's schedule has been deceptively easy - played Arsenal, LFC, United all at home (2 draws and a lucky win), haven't played City yet, lost badly to Spurs away, and these Europa games have all been terrible opposition. I don't think the team is playing well at all, despite the long run of unbeaten games. I do have a certain bias though ...

 
this should make for an interesting time for Union fans if it happens

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Ryan Keefer‏ @reefa_k

Following on yesterday’s @CrossingBroad story, hearing that the @PhilaUnion interest in Mario Balotelli is legitimate and real, to the point that talks apparently are ongoing

 
this should make for an interesting time for Union fans if it happens

=======

Ryan Keefer‏ @reefa_k

Following on yesterday’s @CrossingBroad story, hearing that the @PhilaUnion interest in Mario Balotelli is legitimate and real, to the point that talks apparently are ongoing
Super Mario in Philly? Oh please make this happen!!!!!!! At the very least we can be entertained with Theatrics 

 
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this should make for an interesting time for Union fans if it happens

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Ryan Keefer‏ @reefa_k

Following on yesterday’s @CrossingBroad story, hearing that the @PhilaUnion interest in Mario Balotelli is legitimate and real, to the point that talks apparently are ongoing
According to the source they want to go to 2 strikers and get rid of Haris, Accam and Sapong. Haris makes sense as he's a D MF who doesn't defend. Accam did nothing but we're on the hook for his big salary and I believe 20% or something of a sale we don't get. Sapong is owed half a mil with an option for '19 so he's gonna be tough to move. Tanner wants to use Picalt as a second striker and the team won't try to buy Dockal and Brendan Aaronson will go up the depth chart ahead of Anthon Fontana. 

Per the article 

A few weeks ago, one of those folks showed up, sliding into my email with the following:

Bethlehem Steel will leave Lehigh University next season

Jim Curtin will be the head coach in 2019

Ernst Tanner wants to scrap the 4-2-3-1 and play with two strikers

Sure enough, all three of those things came true. Tim McDermott announced the Steel move a few days later, Jim Curtin signed a one-year contract extension, and Tanner touched on the idea of two forwards while talking about the predictability of the 4-2-3-1 in his season-ending press conference.

Strange? Maybe.

Accurate? Pretty much.

I talked to the same person again on Tuesday, who offered up the following, after the jump:

Ernst Tanner is not high on Haris Medunjanin, David Accam, and C.J. Sapong and would not be opposed to moving one or more of those players.

He highly rates Brenden Aaronson, who will “soon pass Anthony Fontana on the depth chart.”

The top offseason priority is a DP striker and he’s willing to sign a big name European player like Mario Balotelli. Tanner has been “heavily” scouting the forward market.

 
:lol:   knew you'd like this
Because to me Super Mario is the most talent striker that has never lived up to his potential in his generation. He reminds me of Cassano. Once he matured later in his career AC became a talented player even finally got his call back to the Italian National team where he and Mario led Prandelli's Italy to the finals in the Euro's and lost to the dominate Spain team. 

 
Because to me Super Mario is the most talent striker that has never lived up to his potential in his generation. He reminds me of Cassano. Once he matured later in his career AC became a talented player even finally got his call back to the Italian National team where he and Mario led Prandelli's Italy to the finals in the Euro's and lost to the dominate Spain team. 
why always him?

big fan of mario- on and off the field. would be great to get him here. 

 
why always him?

big fan of mario- on and off the field. would be great to get him here. 
Also even with all the off the field stuff in England a lot of it was fabricated by outlets known for fabrications. Over the yrs he has mature but he still has his Mario moments. He was on good behavior when he was at Milan. Plus the Union need a striker of his caliber that could come in cheap (transfer wise) as a DP. 

 
well that rumor did not last long :)

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Jonathan Tannenwald‏ @thegoalkeeper

Union sporting director Ernst Tanner called me from Germany to tell me “There is not a piece of truth” in reports linking Mario Balotelli to Philadelphia

 

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