2014 Summer Transfer Window

[Hawkspur]

I always take great pleasure in Arsene Wenger's moaning, but this time I think he has an interesting point. Wenger is questioning the details of the Lampard to NY/City deal and the influence of financial fair play on it. I'm inclined to agree with him; I can't think of any reason why New York would want to buy a player like Lampard, only to loan him out, without City offering incentives, financial or otherwise.

I don't like the loan system - I think football would be a lot better if there were NFL style roster cut-downs and a maximum squad size in order to share the wealth and improve competition at the top - and if it's going to be used as a way to side step financial fair play then questions need to be asked, and Wenger is right to do so.

 

[Uncle Si]

I always take great pleasure in Arsene Wenger's moaning, but this time I think he has an interesting point. Wenger is questioning the details of the Lampard to NY/City deal and the influence of financial fair play on it. I'm inclined to agree with him; I can't think of any reason why New York would want to buy a player like Lampard, only to loan him out, without City offering incentives, financial or otherwise.

I don't like the loan system - I think football would be a lot better if there were NFL style roster cut-downs and a maximum squad size in order to share the wealth and improve competition at the top - and if it's going to be used as a way to side step financial fair play then questions need to be asked, and Wenger is right to do so.

Yeah, I agree. Basically, the big teams can have a farm system in the US, use those US teams to stash high-profile players which then get 'loaned' back to the parent team, thereby skirting the FFP rules. It's dumb.

I have no issues with making the MLS a "farm" system. I guess a better way to put this is: I am encouraged by the interest, both financial and in players, Euro clubs are willing to invest in US soccer clubs and academies. However, it cannot be used to usurp FFP. If they are going to allow a Euro team to purchase an MLS one (which really should be the illegal part) than the two teams rosters need to be viewed as one. Meaning that if you own NYFC, than its roster counts as yours, not as some foreign based club you can transfer players to then "loan" back.

I have a feeling this issue will be dealt with swiftly and justly, like all of what FIFA does.

oh wait, is Suarez involved? no? ok, then absolutely nothing will happen and it will continue to fester, leaving the MLS as an open pool for trashy clubs to piss in.

 

[Uncle Si]

Manquillo might not to Liverpool! Something is up with this transfer.

knock it off....

(honestly, dont. Id take you and I've never met you, over Glen Johnson at right back. I cannot handle the disappointment of some player I've never seen play nor even heard of NOT joining Liverpool and helping push Johnson out the door, such is my disdain for his play this past year)

 

[Uncle Si]

RIght Liverpool. Get stuck into this shower of shite.

Started brightly enough. Thought Sterling earned a second pen and should've scored early in the second...

Then...oh that defense. Thankfully 3 of the 4 starting back line aren't in yet.

 

[Nog]

Manquillo might not to Liverpool! Something is up with this transfer.

Source?Last I'd heard he passed his medical and was set to be announced either today or tomorrow, with Moreno following shortly after. Have you read something different?

Read that from a french report... Might be wrong!

 

[Gatehawk]

Quick question I just want your guys opinion on. Do Arsenal really and truly need a center forward? Campbell and Sanogo were impressive against Benfica and made it appear that it isn't that pressing a matter, Giroud didn't have a good game against Monaco, but even he admitted that he didn't feel 100% ready. Arsene has also hinted at the possibility of using Sanchez as a striker at times this season and even Walcott has shown his worth at times up front.

So really I suppose the question is, should Arsenal place a major priority on a striker or should they wait just a few weeks and see what happens with what they have at the moment?

 

[Smurf]

RE: Lampard.


Yall are forgetting that MLS is single entity. Frank Lampard is a player signed by MLS with his rights distributed by the league to NYCFC.

MLS has final say in just about everything related to player movement.

Loan of lampard out of MLS serves the purpose of not being on the hook for his wages for a period of time in which he cannot play for the league as his team doesn't exist. Same thing happening to Villa and other NYCFC players.

I think 3 or 4 players of NYCFC have already been loaned.

 

[Smurf]

Quick question I just want your guys opinion on. Do Arsenal really and truly need a center forward? Campbell and Sanogo were impressive against Benfica and made it appear that it isn't that pressing a matter, Giroud didn't have a good game against Monaco, but even he admitted that he didn't feel 100% ready. Arsene has also hinted at the possibility of using Sanchez as a striker at times this season and even Walcott has shown his worth at times up front.

So really I suppose the question is, should Arsenal place a major priority on a striker or should they wait just a few weeks and see what happens with what they have at the moment?

Yes.

433 with Walcott or Sanchez up front would be miserable.....even with a false 9. Neither are messi. They aren't barca. It won't work.

They need another reliable striker. Not just Giroud and two unknowns.

 

[Uncle Si]

RE: Lampard.


Yall are forgetting that MLS is single entity. Frank Lampard is a player signed by MLS with his rights distributed by the league to NYCFC.

MLS has final say in just about everything related to player movement.

Loan of lampard out of MLS serves the purpose of not being on the hook for his wages for a period of time in which he cannot play for the league as his team doesn't exist. Same thing happening to Villa and other NYCFC players.

I think 3 or 4 players of NYCFC have already been loaned.

I think you're being a bit naive here Smurf

While the MLS may have the final say in any player movements, its quite obvious they are flexible when bringing big names to the league and wedging them into certain markets. Now with a money investor like City entrenched in the league, its fair to say the MLS will have a hard time saying no to any of its requests.

Again, I dont see it as a major issue, yet, but it can begin to turn off fans of places like Portland when the league is constantly favoring to certain clubs.

The Lampard move simply reflects a notion that the MLS is willing to work behind the scenes for the benefit of one its bigger ownership groups for the benefit of all, except of course the international ruling body of the biggest sport in the world.

In truth, owners should not be allowed to own more than one club. If they do, the two clubs should either be counted as one for the purposes of FFP or not be able to do business together. I am all for having City (I'd love Liverpool to invest in the Revolution for example) invested in the league. It will be great to see players go both ways. But in terms of FFP (which the MLS is not a factor in) the NYCFC roster should be counted as reserves, not a separate identity. therefore Lampards move would not have been a "loan" but simply a call up. It accomplishes the same purpose for both clubs without skirting financial regulations.

 

[Uncle Si]

Quick question I just want your guys opinion on. Do Arsenal really and truly need a center forward? Campbell and Sanogo were impressive against Benfica and made it appear that it isn't that pressing a matter, Giroud didn't have a good game against Monaco, but even he admitted that he didn't feel 100% ready. Arsene has also hinted at the possibility of using Sanchez as a striker at times this season and even Walcott has shown his worth at times up front.

So really I suppose the question is, should Arsenal place a major priority on a striker or should they wait just a few weeks and see what happens with what they have at the moment?

Yes.

433 with Walcott or Sanchez up front would be miserable.....even with a false 9. Neither are messi. They aren't barca. It won't work.

They need another reliable striker. Not just Giroud and two unknowns.

Yeah Gate, i'm afraid Smurf nailed this one, which is odd as he rarely knows what he's talking about.

A second striker is your biggest need, as Giroud will need a direct sub. Walcott and Sanchez just dont offer that, (Sanchez will get run off the ball playing between the centerbacks and Walcott doesnt have the strength up top to play their consistently). and I wouldnt hold my breath for Campbell and Sanogo to make significant impacts in the PL (Benfica played with one starter from last season in that match). Both are great 3rd striker options. Campbell may be a decent second striker, but its a leap of faith.

I was surprised Arsenal didnt go for Remy and I'm wondering if they still might. If not him, I feel a player like him is what Arsenal need. If they get it, they will be challenging for the top 2 spots.

 

[Smurf]

RE: Lampard.


Yall are forgetting that MLS is single entity. Frank Lampard is a player signed by MLS with his rights distributed by the league to NYCFC.

MLS has final say in just about everything related to player movement.

Loan of lampard out of MLS serves the purpose of not being on the hook for his wages for a period of time in which he cannot play for the league as his team doesn't exist. Same thing happening to Villa and other NYCFC players.

I think 3 or 4 players of NYCFC have already been loaned.

I think you're being a bit naive here Smurf

While the MLS may have the final say in any player movements, its quite obvious they are flexible when bringing big names to the league and wedging them into certain markets. Now with a money investor like City entrenched in the league, its fair to say the MLS will have a hard time saying no to any of its requests.

Again, I dont see it as a major issue, yet, but it can begin to turn off fans of places like Portland when the league is constantly favoring to certain clubs.

The Lampard move simply reflects a notion that the MLS is willing to work behind the scenes for the benefit of one its bigger ownership groups for the benefit of all, except of course the international ruling body of the biggest sport in the world.

In truth, owners should not be allowed to own more than one club. If they do, the two clubs should either be counted as one for the purposes of FFP or not be able to do business together. I am all for having City (I'd love Liverpool to invest in the Revolution for example) invested in the league. It will be great to see players go both ways. But in terms of FFP (which the MLS is not a factor in) the NYCFC roster should be counted as reserves, not a separate identity. therefore Lampards move would not have been a "loan" but simply a call up. It accomplishes the same purpose for both clubs without skirting financial regulations.

I was being intentionally naive because that's how its going to look to FIFA if anyone was to investigate further. Single entity protects City doing this to skirt FFA issued. Their investigations are notoriously crap.

City don't own the player. That's all FIFA will need to know. Or care to know.

Is it bullshit? Yes.
But so is just about everything about FIFA.

 

[Smurf]

Quick question I just want your guys opinion on. Do Arsenal really and truly need a center forward? Campbell and Sanogo were impressive against Benfica and made it appear that it isn't that pressing a matter, Giroud didn't have a good game against Monaco, but even he admitted that he didn't feel 100% ready. Arsene has also hinted at the possibility of using Sanchez as a striker at times this season and even Walcott has shown his worth at times up front.

So really I suppose the question is, should Arsenal place a major priority on a striker or should they wait just a few weeks and see what happens with what they have at the moment?

Yes.

433 with Walcott or Sanchez up front would be miserable.....even with a false 9. Neither are messi. They aren't barca. It won't work.

They need another reliable striker. Not just Giroud and two unknowns.

Yeah Gate, i'm afraid Smurf nailed this one, which is odd as he rarely knows what he's talking about.

A second striker is your biggest need, as Giroud will need a direct sub. Walcott and Sanchez just dont offer that, (Sanchez will get run off the ball playing between the centerbacks and Walcott doesnt have the strength up top to play their consistently). and I wouldnt hold my breath for Campbell and Sanogo to make significant impacts in the PL (Benfica played with one starter from last season in that match). Both are great 3rd striker options. Campbell may be a decent second striker, but its a leap of faith.

I was surprised Arsenal didnt go for Remy and I'm wondering if they still might. If not him, I feel a player like him is what Arsenal need. If they get it, they will be challenging for the top 2 spots.

Holy shit I was right!

Count it!

1-0 to the smurf.

 

[Uncle Si]

You're up early

Reina to Bayern Munich...

 

[Smurf]

You're up early

Reina to Bayern Munich...

Stupid work...had to be there at 4am today...it was hell.

 

[Nog]

4 am???? That's rough!!!!!

Anyway, QPR shows some interests for Morgan Amalfitano. He is a decent player if only if he plays for a collective team IMO

 

[Uncle Si]

Amalfitano has talent. 'Arry can probably get the best out of him, might be a good move for all involved there.

Manquillo was made official today. Great signing, low risk/high reward, IMO. Moreno deal apparently imminent, too. All that leaves then is a top-drawer striker to be brought in and we should be all set. Papers have Falcao going to City. Maybe a move for Dzeko? I dunno. Wouldn't mind Balotelli, even though Rodgers said he's not on our radar. Lacazette would be good, but will he be 20 goals a season good? Still a lot of questions to be asked here, I think.

We are going to need two in my estimation. I dont see us going in for a Cavani type player because there's nothing in the way we play that supports Sturridge and another "striker". A player like Remy was perfect, and perhaps Lacazette.. decent quality backup that plays a similar way.

To really complete the window though we need another winger, one who can score. We can see that with Sterling out wide and Coutinho underneath Sturridge we are are quite dangerous. But the ball dies on the other side of the field. Henderson and Lallana can play out there, but I'd be happy for a Shaqiri/Kono type player.

Those two "types" would cost the same as Cavani/Lavezzi and deepen the team significantly.

How does United replace Webb? big big loss for them

 

[Uncle Si]

LOL, Saw that about Webb. United lost their best player.

I kind of agree about needing a winger, and Shaquiri would be decent, but I still feel we need a quality goalscorer. Reus would be a good get, and I think Lacazette could start for us. Sterling has his eye on the no. 10 position this season, but I think his value is on the wing. Ibe looks really really good, he may sneak in on that opposite flank this season some. Personally, I like Coutinho in the 10 role, but his finishing is still a ways off. Lallana will add a thing or two, and don't forget about Markovic, we haven't really seen him in action yet, he may be the player you're looking for.

I agree about Markovic... I just dont want our attack to run out of options as it did last year when Aspas and Moses were it off the bench. Rodgers has done an exceptional job of improving the squad everywhere except in the massive gap Suarez left. Given the improvements on defense, we dont need to fill his 30 goals, but we do need a player who can both spell Sturridge late on, fill in for him when he's hurt, and another who can add quality around the #9.

For me I'd take a flyer on a striker and winger...just to be sure.

but its not my money...

 

[Smurf]

I actually shed a tear reading about Webb retiring this morning....

Anywho...more Yedlin rumors. Apparently Spurs have entered the race and are now the Favorites.

 

[Uncle Si]

:1:

I actually shed a tear reading about Webb retiring this morning....

Anywho...more Yedlin rumors. Apparently Spurs have entered the race and are now the Favorites.

Wonder when his statue goes up at OT...

Official Yedlin rumour...he's not going to Liverpool

So recent rumours are now: no Yedlin (Manquillo) and two of Reus, Kono and...(wait for it) Falcoa

Sure...works for me.

 

[Smurf]

:1:

I actually shed a tear reading about Webb retiring this morning....

Anywho...more Yedlin rumors. Apparently Spurs have entered the race and are now the Favorites.

Wonder when his statue goes up at OT...

Official Yedlin rumour...he's not going to Liverpool

So recent rumours are now: no Yedlin (Manquillo) and two of Reus, Kono and...(wait for it) Falcoa

Sure...works for me.

Reports coming out earlier today that stated he is perfectly OK staying Seattle if the right situation doesn't present itself.