Those Man City pirates are shifting the focus of their ongoing EPL raid to shoring up the back line. After getting Kolo Toure the Blues are now closer to getting Joleon Lescott after he told Everton he wants to make the short move northeast to Manchester. This would be a huge blow to Everton, which has built a nice workman-like team based on solid defense and superb goalkeeping. On the other hand, they'll still be able to fight with Arsenal for their place on the EPL table, only it will be a fight for fifth place rather than fourth place (and the Champions League windfall that brings).
And in a boost in the upcoming fight for fifth, Everton have lined up Arsenal defender Philippe Senderos as Lescott's replacement, though the move may stall over his transfer fee. If the move goes through, it will allow Arsene Wenger to finally reveal his ultimate attempt at beautiful attacking football, his new 2-5-3 formation (which of course will fight for the honor of most misguided formation with Man City's 4-2-4 or whatever they're going to deploy). The Lescott move may also relieve Chelsea with the hope that Man City will back off from their desire to sign John Terry. But don't bet on it.
In case Man City don't get their man, the plan B is either Philippe Mexes from Roma or Alex from Chelsea. Pretty good plan Bs if you ask me.
Across Manchester, the Red Devils learned that Edwin van der Sar will be out two months after having surgery on his broken finger. Not exactly the best way to start the season. Fortunately for Man U no one has come after Rio Ferdinand and Nemanja Vidic's move to Barcelona is still a year or two in the making, leaving the best center back pairing in the world in tact.
Andrea Pirlo is not for sale. I would venture that's a good thing for Chelsea. He wouldn't be a good fit in their midfield. AC Milan meanwhile will supposedly try to find another striker. I would think that Real Madrid has somebody in the clearance aisle of their footballer warehouse that would be more than serviceable.
For more gossipy and less reliable news, let's check out The Sun! One report has AC Milan tabling a £31 million offer for Cesc Fabregas, while another indicates that Bayern Munich is squashing rumors of a loan move for Luca Toni at West Ham. The Hammers meanwhile are hoping to resolve the transfer of Eidur Gudjohnsen. You may have forgotten that he was once an effective EPL player before being lost among the superstars at Barca.
Oh and I couldn't forget about Jozy! Altidore, as confirmed by Villareal, is in England finalizing a loan move to an unnamed EPL club. Will it be Everton, Fulhamerica, or Hull City? Hull City seem to be offering Jozy the potential for more playing time and have been gaining traction recently. So who should he go to? The potential for European play with Everton or Fulham is enticing, but playing time is most important and Hull may provide a better opportunity. I'm personally torn between Fulham and Hull. If he could get his way onto the field at Fulham, it would be a great team to play for and other US strikers have done well at Fulham (McBride, Dempsey). The only striker I know at Hull is ex-Ranger Daniel Cousin, so I'd be optimistic that Altidore can find playing time there, which ultimately is what's best for his development.
UPDATE: Jozy apparently loves the twitter. First he "tweeted" that he was in England for this unspecified loan move. Now he's tweeted again, confirming that he will be with Hull to face Chelsea when the season starts on August 15. I have to say I'm happy about this development.
Finally, Shaq has challenged David Beckham to a game of one-on-one, saying that while Kobe could score on him, Beckham could not.
Showing posts with label Transfers. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Transfers. Show all posts
Wednesday, August 5, 2009
Monday, August 3, 2009
Writing the Final Chapter on a Transfer Season
It's the first Monday in August and every team knows the window on improvement, banking, or whatever else a team desires is rapidly closing. The action will be fast and furious, especially in a summer that has seen most teams try and wait out the market because of Real Madrid's spending frenzy early on. Lots of rumors, but almost no moves yet, though we'd be expecting that to change quickly.
The news on Xabi Alonso's move to the White House is literally all over the place. Alternatively he has been signed, is very close with Real up to 30 million euros, or is moving farther away with Liverpool unwilling to move on the 40 million euro price tag. (In hilarious fashion, the link stating that Xabi might not be moving was replaced with one assuring that the English are reporting the move was complete for between 32 and 34 million euros). It appears Florentino's dream may be coming true, but one must wonder at what price.
Several sources are reporting that Chelsea has 118 million euros at is disposal and is looking to sign Aguero, Ribery, and Pirlo. Pirlo appears to be the most realistic aspiration, with Atletico directing all comers to the buyout clause on el Kun (60 million euros) and the Bayern Munich/Ribery/Real Madrid/90 million euro paradox being rather well advertised by now.
Wesley Sneijder has moved from the most likely to stay in the Bernabeu to the most likely to go. Pellegrini had wanted the Dutchman to stay, but it seems the final push for Xabi, and perhaps even a last ditch effort being prepared for Ribery have changed his mind. Not to mention the fact that Pellegrini has six surplus players to dispose of. Seriously linked with a move to Inter Milan this weekend, Sneijder is now looking at an offer from Peace Cup champions Aston Villa. Earlier this summer Chelsea and Liverpool were also suitors. There is still word that a Inter Milan loan is an option too.
Meanwhile, Chelsea look set to fight any overtures from Tottenham to sign Joe Cole. But just the interest in these moves from the likes of Tottenham and Aston Villa show that it's not just Manchester City that smells the blood in the water as Arsenal's lack of signings seem to open up that prized fourth spot.
Moroccan striker Marouane Chamakh seems to have gotten the message about late summer last chances and has started doing his part to hasten a move to Arsenal. He is very unhappy with Les Girondin's attitude toward the move.
Barcelona keep pushing for Mascherano and Chygrynskiy. Liverpool's pitbull seems unlikely to move at this point, with Rafa pricing him at 50 million euros. The Shakhtar centerback's move has been complicated by his play in the Champions League qualifiers. Barcelona believe this should lower his price since he is cup-tied, while Shakhtar are sticking close to their original figure.
Gianfranco Zola, who played with Eidur Gudjohnsen at Chelsea, is seeking to sign the Icelandic striker for West Ham. The move could be completed this week, and means that Guddy is rethinking his early retirement on the Barcelona banch.
Why should the Eurpoeans have all the fun? Corinthians is interested in bringing Riquelme in to accompany fat Ronaldo (less fat now, post-liposuction). Now all they need to sign is a time machine.
FutbolNation will likely be previewing the EPL as well, but that's no reason to keep you from this well written team-by-team preview. First up: Arsenal.
The news on Xabi Alonso's move to the White House is literally all over the place. Alternatively he has been signed, is very close with Real up to 30 million euros, or is moving farther away with Liverpool unwilling to move on the 40 million euro price tag. (In hilarious fashion, the link stating that Xabi might not be moving was replaced with one assuring that the English are reporting the move was complete for between 32 and 34 million euros). It appears Florentino's dream may be coming true, but one must wonder at what price.
Several sources are reporting that Chelsea has 118 million euros at is disposal and is looking to sign Aguero, Ribery, and Pirlo. Pirlo appears to be the most realistic aspiration, with Atletico directing all comers to the buyout clause on el Kun (60 million euros) and the Bayern Munich/Ribery/Real Madrid/90 million euro paradox being rather well advertised by now.
Wesley Sneijder has moved from the most likely to stay in the Bernabeu to the most likely to go. Pellegrini had wanted the Dutchman to stay, but it seems the final push for Xabi, and perhaps even a last ditch effort being prepared for Ribery have changed his mind. Not to mention the fact that Pellegrini has six surplus players to dispose of. Seriously linked with a move to Inter Milan this weekend, Sneijder is now looking at an offer from Peace Cup champions Aston Villa. Earlier this summer Chelsea and Liverpool were also suitors. There is still word that a Inter Milan loan is an option too.
Meanwhile, Chelsea look set to fight any overtures from Tottenham to sign Joe Cole. But just the interest in these moves from the likes of Tottenham and Aston Villa show that it's not just Manchester City that smells the blood in the water as Arsenal's lack of signings seem to open up that prized fourth spot.
Moroccan striker Marouane Chamakh seems to have gotten the message about late summer last chances and has started doing his part to hasten a move to Arsenal. He is very unhappy with Les Girondin's attitude toward the move.
Barcelona keep pushing for Mascherano and Chygrynskiy. Liverpool's pitbull seems unlikely to move at this point, with Rafa pricing him at 50 million euros. The Shakhtar centerback's move has been complicated by his play in the Champions League qualifiers. Barcelona believe this should lower his price since he is cup-tied, while Shakhtar are sticking close to their original figure.
Gianfranco Zola, who played with Eidur Gudjohnsen at Chelsea, is seeking to sign the Icelandic striker for West Ham. The move could be completed this week, and means that Guddy is rethinking his early retirement on the Barcelona banch.
Why should the Eurpoeans have all the fun? Corinthians is interested in bringing Riquelme in to accompany fat Ronaldo (less fat now, post-liposuction). Now all they need to sign is a time machine.
FutbolNation will likely be previewing the EPL as well, but that's no reason to keep you from this well written team-by-team preview. First up: Arsenal.
Friday, July 3, 2009
Weekend Transfer Rumors
Sitting at work? Bored, and anticipating the Fourth of July festivities to come? Well, it looks like our friends from across the pond have some fireworks of their lined up for this weekend, and several players could be celebrating their own personal independence shortly.
Brushing those tortured metaphors aside, let's get down to business.
Sir Alex Ferguson could be the biggest mover and shaker since Michael Owen appears to be on his way to Manchester United. He could sign as early as today. At first this move seems shocking and risky. But on second thought, if all Sir Alex wants out of Owen is an effective bench striker (let's assume he gets Tevez-like minutes) then Owen may be a good fit. In addition he may allow Ferguson to buy some more time for the development of Macheda and Wellbeck.
I still question Manchester United's insistence on signing a third starting striker though. Ferguson couldn't satisfy Tevez, who was a consummate professional while he was on the team. I guess Ferguson wants to keep playing Rooney out of position - reports indicate United are looking at both Atletico Madrid's Sergio Aguero and Confederations Cup topscorer and Sevilla's Luis Fabiano.
The offer for Aguero is reportedly 40 million pounds, or about 46 million euros. Atletico Madrid president Enrique Cerezo, however, appears to continue to refer interested teams to Aguero's buyout clause of 60 million euros. The offer for Fabiano is reportedly 16 million pounds, or 18 .6 million euros. This surpasses the reported bids made by AC Milan for the Brazilian striker. Let me just remark that while the age difference between the two strikers is notable (21 v. 28), the price gap seems a bit shocking. Fabiano has proven himself repeatedly with Sevilla, in both Spanish competitions and UEFA competitions, as well as with Brazil. Meanwhile, Aguero has played one season in Champions League, and is fast becoming best known for creating five scoring opportunities a game, and capitalizing on (maybe) one. It seems to me, Fabiano may be a bit undervalued and Aguero a bit overvalued.
That said, reports are that Atletico would like to sign Pirlo from Milan. Milan recently declared him transferable. Because of their financial circumstances, Atletico is going to need cash - but will it be Aguero-produced cash?
But let's stay in Manchester, but now with City. City is proving cachet and history and a Champions League berth are worth more than money and ambition to most top players. With Eto'o's signing in the ether, Chelsea recently disclosed that they rejected a 30 million pound bid for John Terry.
Sticking with the EPL and continuing our discussion of overrated strikers, Arsene Wenger has admitted that if Adebayor were to leave, despite his own desire that the Togo striker stay at Emirates, he was been eyeing Bordeaux striker Marouane Chamakh as a replacement. In the same article Wenger stated that he did not make an approach for Benzema because he never thought Lyon would sell him this year.
However, if Adebayor doesn't move to AC Milan, the Italian powerhouse are looking at Luis Fabiano, Huntelaar, and even Peter Crouch to make a move to the San Siro.
Meanwhile, Barcelona begin to make serious moves in the transfer market. Reports from England assure that Barca will make a serious bid for their own youth product and current Arsenal man Cesc Fabregas. Barca also remains infatuated with Liverpool's Argentine bulldog, Mascherano.
Barca's pursuit of David Villa also shifts into high gear, despite Valencia president Manueal Llorente's repeated assurances that there is no offer on the table for the striker, and he will not sell. Undeterred, earlier this week Barcelona Football Director Txiki Begiristain reportedly met with Villa in Asturias and reached an agreement with the player. Today, reports indicate that Barcelona has indeed made a formal offer for the striker. The offer? 40 million euros plus loaning expected Barcelona signing Keirrison and Uruguayan centerback Martin Caceres.
A brief aside, if I may. Valencia is in serious financial straits as a result of terrible management. Their players went without pay briefly this year. Construction on the team's new stadium, the "new Mestalla" has been halted. Sadly, it does not appear that the new management is much of an improvement. Llorente had reached an agreement with Real Madrid for Villa, which Llorente broke. Presumably, the interest from Chelsea, Manchester United, and Barcelona led Llorente to believe he could drive the price of Villa up substantially. Villa proceeded to state that he would not play outside of Spain. Real Madrid signed Benzema, a younger striker, for considerably cheaper than Villa. Llorente is now left with one suitor - Barcelona. If you ask me, Barcelona is offering an enormous amount considering that everyone knows Valencia is in serious trouble. More importantly, Llorente would be well served by deciding whether players are for sale or not, and coordinating his transfer policy with some semblance of logic and planning. Otherwise, a classic Liga team with exceptional talent may fall victim to a series of inept strongmen at the helm.
Anyway, back to Valencia and Barcelona. The Spanish champions are looking to sign ex-Real Madrid youth player and Valencia winger Mata after signing Villa. This appears related to the reiteration this week by Ribery that it was Real Madrid or nothing for him. Bayern, of course, responded, that it would be "nothing."
Speaking of which, Real Madrid has now signed the best player in the Serie A, EPL, and Ligue. So why not the best in the Bundesliga? The dominoes are starting to fall. Ribery told L'Equipe that he wanted to leave and would like to talk with the Bayern brass. Additionally, his attitude has been less than exemplary at practices. Shortly after the start of the second training session Ribery spoke with manager Van Gaal and left practice, ostensibly due to blisters.
There's a backstory here though. Ribery's wife, Wahiba, has not adapted to life in Munich, moving to Paris. As such, he'll only be able to see her and his daughters two months of the year. The assumption appears to be that she would move to the Spanish capital. Ribery, rumor has it, will or has made clear to Bayern that if they opt not to sell he will not renew his contract and stay until its end - January 1, 2011, leaving then, and for free.
Publicly, Florentino Perez has been pessimistic regarding the signing, reiterating that he accepts that Bayern simply does not want to sell. Nonetheless, the player seems willing to force his hand, it appears that Zidane's only mission for the summer is to get Ribery to Madrid, and France teammate Benzema has already said he'd like to play with his friend - well, let's just say this one could get ugly fast. Reports indicate Florentino is holding onto 55 million euros for the possible signing.
Despite earlier reports that Real Madrid youth product Negredo would stay if Van Nistlerooy and Huntelaar are sold, now Negredo appears to be the last shot Real have of signing Xabi Alonso. Real are also pursuing Valencia winger David Silva - I presume if Ribery were not to arrive. So, I'm a madridista, but even I have to ask - what the hell is going on here?
On other fronts:
Nakamura will be presented for Espanyol on the 13th of July, and the fanfare from the Japanese media should be intense.
Newly descended Real Betis and Lazio are in negotiations for Brazilian striker Oliveira. Oliveira blew Betis' chance to beat Barca this year on two terrible misses, and may be best remembered for his failure in Milan, as well as starting for both Zaragoza and Betis when they went down to the second division in consecutive years. I'm just saying, don't be surprised if Lazio goes down next year with Oliveira on the field.
Ironically, Lazio is also trying to snag Matuzalem from newly ascended Zaragoza.
On the international scene, Maradona has stated that he'll call up Higuain when "things are clear." What that means, no one knows. While Messi, Tevez, and his future son-in-law Aguero, carry a lot of weight, Higuain is fast becoming one of the premier Argentine strikers in the world. He's also notably more versatile as to positioning than all those listed barring Messi. How long Maradona will hold a grudge for his sitting out the U-21 World Cup in Canada? We'll soon find out. Though, judging by CONMEBOL qualifying, Maradona may not be Argentina's coach for much longer.
Want more? ESPN's Norman Hubbard writes an interesting piece on one of my favorite subjects - Spain/Liga v. England/EPL, here. Mandatory stab at Real Madrid included.
Also, mark your calendars, Fox Soccer will televise the Copa Libertadores final between Brazil's Cruzeiro and Argentina's Estudiantes live on the 8th and 15th of this month (home and away legs).
Brushing those tortured metaphors aside, let's get down to business.
Sir Alex Ferguson could be the biggest mover and shaker since Michael Owen appears to be on his way to Manchester United. He could sign as early as today. At first this move seems shocking and risky. But on second thought, if all Sir Alex wants out of Owen is an effective bench striker (let's assume he gets Tevez-like minutes) then Owen may be a good fit. In addition he may allow Ferguson to buy some more time for the development of Macheda and Wellbeck.
I still question Manchester United's insistence on signing a third starting striker though. Ferguson couldn't satisfy Tevez, who was a consummate professional while he was on the team. I guess Ferguson wants to keep playing Rooney out of position - reports indicate United are looking at both Atletico Madrid's Sergio Aguero and Confederations Cup topscorer and Sevilla's Luis Fabiano.
The offer for Aguero is reportedly 40 million pounds, or about 46 million euros. Atletico Madrid president Enrique Cerezo, however, appears to continue to refer interested teams to Aguero's buyout clause of 60 million euros. The offer for Fabiano is reportedly 16 million pounds, or 18 .6 million euros. This surpasses the reported bids made by AC Milan for the Brazilian striker. Let me just remark that while the age difference between the two strikers is notable (21 v. 28), the price gap seems a bit shocking. Fabiano has proven himself repeatedly with Sevilla, in both Spanish competitions and UEFA competitions, as well as with Brazil. Meanwhile, Aguero has played one season in Champions League, and is fast becoming best known for creating five scoring opportunities a game, and capitalizing on (maybe) one. It seems to me, Fabiano may be a bit undervalued and Aguero a bit overvalued.
That said, reports are that Atletico would like to sign Pirlo from Milan. Milan recently declared him transferable. Because of their financial circumstances, Atletico is going to need cash - but will it be Aguero-produced cash?
But let's stay in Manchester, but now with City. City is proving cachet and history and a Champions League berth are worth more than money and ambition to most top players. With Eto'o's signing in the ether, Chelsea recently disclosed that they rejected a 30 million pound bid for John Terry.
Sticking with the EPL and continuing our discussion of overrated strikers, Arsene Wenger has admitted that if Adebayor were to leave, despite his own desire that the Togo striker stay at Emirates, he was been eyeing Bordeaux striker Marouane Chamakh as a replacement. In the same article Wenger stated that he did not make an approach for Benzema because he never thought Lyon would sell him this year.
However, if Adebayor doesn't move to AC Milan, the Italian powerhouse are looking at Luis Fabiano, Huntelaar, and even Peter Crouch to make a move to the San Siro.
Meanwhile, Barcelona begin to make serious moves in the transfer market. Reports from England assure that Barca will make a serious bid for their own youth product and current Arsenal man Cesc Fabregas. Barca also remains infatuated with Liverpool's Argentine bulldog, Mascherano.
Barca's pursuit of David Villa also shifts into high gear, despite Valencia president Manueal Llorente's repeated assurances that there is no offer on the table for the striker, and he will not sell. Undeterred, earlier this week Barcelona Football Director Txiki Begiristain reportedly met with Villa in Asturias and reached an agreement with the player. Today, reports indicate that Barcelona has indeed made a formal offer for the striker. The offer? 40 million euros plus loaning expected Barcelona signing Keirrison and Uruguayan centerback Martin Caceres.
A brief aside, if I may. Valencia is in serious financial straits as a result of terrible management. Their players went without pay briefly this year. Construction on the team's new stadium, the "new Mestalla" has been halted. Sadly, it does not appear that the new management is much of an improvement. Llorente had reached an agreement with Real Madrid for Villa, which Llorente broke. Presumably, the interest from Chelsea, Manchester United, and Barcelona led Llorente to believe he could drive the price of Villa up substantially. Villa proceeded to state that he would not play outside of Spain. Real Madrid signed Benzema, a younger striker, for considerably cheaper than Villa. Llorente is now left with one suitor - Barcelona. If you ask me, Barcelona is offering an enormous amount considering that everyone knows Valencia is in serious trouble. More importantly, Llorente would be well served by deciding whether players are for sale or not, and coordinating his transfer policy with some semblance of logic and planning. Otherwise, a classic Liga team with exceptional talent may fall victim to a series of inept strongmen at the helm.
Anyway, back to Valencia and Barcelona. The Spanish champions are looking to sign ex-Real Madrid youth player and Valencia winger Mata after signing Villa. This appears related to the reiteration this week by Ribery that it was Real Madrid or nothing for him. Bayern, of course, responded, that it would be "nothing."
Speaking of which, Real Madrid has now signed the best player in the Serie A, EPL, and Ligue. So why not the best in the Bundesliga? The dominoes are starting to fall. Ribery told L'Equipe that he wanted to leave and would like to talk with the Bayern brass. Additionally, his attitude has been less than exemplary at practices. Shortly after the start of the second training session Ribery spoke with manager Van Gaal and left practice, ostensibly due to blisters.
There's a backstory here though. Ribery's wife, Wahiba, has not adapted to life in Munich, moving to Paris. As such, he'll only be able to see her and his daughters two months of the year. The assumption appears to be that she would move to the Spanish capital. Ribery, rumor has it, will or has made clear to Bayern that if they opt not to sell he will not renew his contract and stay until its end - January 1, 2011, leaving then, and for free.
Publicly, Florentino Perez has been pessimistic regarding the signing, reiterating that he accepts that Bayern simply does not want to sell. Nonetheless, the player seems willing to force his hand, it appears that Zidane's only mission for the summer is to get Ribery to Madrid, and France teammate Benzema has already said he'd like to play with his friend - well, let's just say this one could get ugly fast. Reports indicate Florentino is holding onto 55 million euros for the possible signing.
Despite earlier reports that Real Madrid youth product Negredo would stay if Van Nistlerooy and Huntelaar are sold, now Negredo appears to be the last shot Real have of signing Xabi Alonso. Real are also pursuing Valencia winger David Silva - I presume if Ribery were not to arrive. So, I'm a madridista, but even I have to ask - what the hell is going on here?
On other fronts:
Nakamura will be presented for Espanyol on the 13th of July, and the fanfare from the Japanese media should be intense.
Newly descended Real Betis and Lazio are in negotiations for Brazilian striker Oliveira. Oliveira blew Betis' chance to beat Barca this year on two terrible misses, and may be best remembered for his failure in Milan, as well as starting for both Zaragoza and Betis when they went down to the second division in consecutive years. I'm just saying, don't be surprised if Lazio goes down next year with Oliveira on the field.
Ironically, Lazio is also trying to snag Matuzalem from newly ascended Zaragoza.
On the international scene, Maradona has stated that he'll call up Higuain when "things are clear." What that means, no one knows. While Messi, Tevez, and his future son-in-law Aguero, carry a lot of weight, Higuain is fast becoming one of the premier Argentine strikers in the world. He's also notably more versatile as to positioning than all those listed barring Messi. How long Maradona will hold a grudge for his sitting out the U-21 World Cup in Canada? We'll soon find out. Though, judging by CONMEBOL qualifying, Maradona may not be Argentina's coach for much longer.
Want more? ESPN's Norman Hubbard writes an interesting piece on one of my favorite subjects - Spain/Liga v. England/EPL, here. Mandatory stab at Real Madrid included.
Also, mark your calendars, Fox Soccer will televise the Copa Libertadores final between Brazil's Cruzeiro and Argentina's Estudiantes live on the 8th and 15th of this month (home and away legs).
Wednesday, June 24, 2009
Real Madrid Signs Albiol
The third signing of the new Florentino Perez era, and finally a defender. Raul Albiol, 24 years old, and Valencia's centerback should make for a nice dancing partner with Pepe in front of Casillas. The transfer fee was 15 million euros, and he'll earn 1.8 million euros a year, with an 80 million euro buyout clause. This signing is pending the medical examination.
This looks to shore up a defensive spot opened by Cannavaro's departure, and that Metzelder looked unable to fill adequately.
This looks to shore up a defensive spot opened by Cannavaro's departure, and that Metzelder looked unable to fill adequately.
Monday, June 22, 2009
Florentino Perez Saved My Summer - and yours too
Real Madrid is a club that is mired in constant crises. For all its historical greatness, the new millennium has been a cruel mistress for the club dubbed the best of the 20th century by FIFA. Though the club won its ninth, and so far its last, Champions League in the 2001-2002 season, it has had a rough go of it for the past few years. After winning the 2002-2003 league title, Real Madrid entered into its longest title drought in over fifty years, failing to win silverware for three years before Fabio Capello's triumphant return to the Bernabeu. Before his arrival, Madrid underwent a series of mini and mega crises including a revolving door of coaches, players and after Florentino's fall from grace, presidents.
In 2006-2007 Cappello's side caught a Barcelona team that had set the world afire the previous year in the Champions League and La Liga, winning both. But Capello's vision of the game was the antithesis of what Real Madrid stood for as an entity. Shown the door after a stellar season, Bernd Schuster promised to return "footballing excellence" to the Bernabeu. In truth, Schuster did little more than build off of an incredible team spirit and will to win that Capello had instilled in the team. If Capello's league title was called "La Heroica," then Schuster's 2007-2008 could have been dubbed "La Continuacion," for it was little more than that.
Much of this extended crisis resulted from Florentino's "galacticos" signing policy that was as remembered for the signings of Zidane (and his historic volley in Glasgow), Figo, Ronaldo, and Beckham, as it was for tossing away Makelele and Hierro, team players and stars in their own right, like so much trash. The club, however, was in economic ruin when Florentino arrived and he saved it financially thanks to some creative deal making - a fact any madridista recalls fondly. While Madrid may have returned to its winning ways and picked up two consecutive leagues, the inescapable truth was that it did so in unimpressive fashion, playing a brand of bland and insipid football that aside from testicular fortitude offered little to the demanding Bernabeu.
Add in a corrupt president in Calderon, an ebb in the youth system, and the rise of perhaps the best Barcelona side in history (winning the only treble in Spanish football history), a 6-2 drubbing in the Bernabeu, and the fifth consecutive exit in the first knockout round of the Champions League, and by Real Madrid's standards a spectacular crisis was on hand. Certainly fun for the many haters out there, but dreary for madridistas like myself. Enter Florentino Perez.
Within a week of his uncontested return to the presidency, Florentino had chosen Real legend Jorge Valdano as his General Director and Zidane as his personal adviser. Rebuffed by his own first choice, Arsene Wenger (likely in a not-so-subtle acknowledgement of the lack of stability at the club), Florentino quickly snapped up Valdano's first coaching choice, Villareal 's Manuel "the Engineer" Pellegrini. Pellegrini's unwavering allegiance to attacking football, knowledge of the Spanish game, and (somewhat) proven track record overrode other concerns. Less than a week later, Kaka was signed for 65 million euros. Shortly afterwards, Cristiano Ronaldo was signed for 96 million euros. Suddenly, a Madrid side that had lacked both stars and creative flair since Zidane's departure had two FIFA World Players on its roster again, and every madridista on earth was ecstatic and full of hope once more. The push for Villa, Benzema, Ribery, Xabi Alonso, and Maicon was on, and once again Madrid fans could see the (white) light at the end of the tunnel.
But Florentino has done more than save my summer - he may have saved yours as well. What's that you say? You hate Real Madrid, and even more after this post? Fear not, I'll explain how he saved your summer too. Obviously, he saved mine by signing Kaka and Ronaldo, pushing for several other great players, inflating the market so that we're likely to see huge transfer fees across the board and thus making life difficult for our rivals to sign players after we've signed our priorities. Throw in the fact that Barcelona's president and top directors seem to have forgotten their treble and simply CANNOT stop talking about what Madrid's doing (inferiority complex anyone?) and Madrid's back on the map in a big way, and no one in a white jersey has kicked a ball in weeks!
Florentino saved your summer because once the Confederations Cup ends, all you'll have to look forward to is the Gold Cup (or should I say, an extra U.S. v. Mexico game) and the transfer market. A transfer market that had been expected to be one of the worst in history thanks to that little thing called the global economy. But in came Florentino splashing around money like Tony Montana in South Beach circa 1983. Sure, the prices were driven up by Madrid, but so was the need to buy. Manchester United is now holding a cool 96 million euros, missing its best player, and Tevez can't be signed. Benzema anyone? It always fun watching a negotiation with Aulas isn't it? Suddenly, Ibrahimovich is worth 80 million euros, Villa wants out, Manchester City and Chelsea want everyone under the sun, Inter's willing to sell, and Tevez is going to Liverpool, Chelsea, or Manchester City - despite a great offer from Manchester United!
Not to mention, Real Madrid HAS to get rid of 6-14 players, none of which have left yet. That is to say, some talented players, like Robben, Van der Vaart, Huntelaar, Van Nistlerooy, and Drenthe may be making moves to "lesser" teams, and shaking up the middle table teams in Italy and England.
In effect, a number of teams we thought might stand pat, are out shopping. Several quality players that weren't on the market, may be now. Not all of this can be attributed to Florentino, but some of it can be. How many times have you trashed Madrid this summer already for the ludicrous sums of money spent on two players? Do you ever wonder if Kaka and Ronaldo can play together? Who's Real going to let go and since it's a known fact they must go, will they get fleeced on the deals? Who will Manchester United sign? And have you realized that on the club side of world football, Real Madrid is relevant again without winning a game?
Don't get me wrong, there are concerns. The galacticos era ended poorly. Indeed, just the new coach and first two signings of this new Florentino era have raised questions regarding the control and input afforded to the coach, economic stability, economic responsibility (drastically overstated in my opinion), the undervaluing of Spanish players, the endless problems between Real Madrid and Valencia, Florentino stumbling over the same rock again, and many, many others. The rumors of possible future signings also raise doubts. Soon enough, Ill post on these and other issues.
But for now, I'll go ahead and bask in the clean white light of our signings, the return of a gentleman to the presidency, and (hopefully) the return of footballing beauty to its home - the Estadio Santiago Bernabeu.
In 2006-2007 Cappello's side caught a Barcelona team that had set the world afire the previous year in the Champions League and La Liga, winning both. But Capello's vision of the game was the antithesis of what Real Madrid stood for as an entity. Shown the door after a stellar season, Bernd Schuster promised to return "footballing excellence" to the Bernabeu. In truth, Schuster did little more than build off of an incredible team spirit and will to win that Capello had instilled in the team. If Capello's league title was called "La Heroica," then Schuster's 2007-2008 could have been dubbed "La Continuacion," for it was little more than that.
Much of this extended crisis resulted from Florentino's "galacticos" signing policy that was as remembered for the signings of Zidane (and his historic volley in Glasgow), Figo, Ronaldo, and Beckham, as it was for tossing away Makelele and Hierro, team players and stars in their own right, like so much trash. The club, however, was in economic ruin when Florentino arrived and he saved it financially thanks to some creative deal making - a fact any madridista recalls fondly. While Madrid may have returned to its winning ways and picked up two consecutive leagues, the inescapable truth was that it did so in unimpressive fashion, playing a brand of bland and insipid football that aside from testicular fortitude offered little to the demanding Bernabeu.
Add in a corrupt president in Calderon, an ebb in the youth system, and the rise of perhaps the best Barcelona side in history (winning the only treble in Spanish football history), a 6-2 drubbing in the Bernabeu, and the fifth consecutive exit in the first knockout round of the Champions League, and by Real Madrid's standards a spectacular crisis was on hand. Certainly fun for the many haters out there, but dreary for madridistas like myself. Enter Florentino Perez.
Within a week of his uncontested return to the presidency, Florentino had chosen Real legend Jorge Valdano as his General Director and Zidane as his personal adviser. Rebuffed by his own first choice, Arsene Wenger (likely in a not-so-subtle acknowledgement of the lack of stability at the club), Florentino quickly snapped up Valdano's first coaching choice, Villareal 's Manuel "the Engineer" Pellegrini. Pellegrini's unwavering allegiance to attacking football, knowledge of the Spanish game, and (somewhat) proven track record overrode other concerns. Less than a week later, Kaka was signed for 65 million euros. Shortly afterwards, Cristiano Ronaldo was signed for 96 million euros. Suddenly, a Madrid side that had lacked both stars and creative flair since Zidane's departure had two FIFA World Players on its roster again, and every madridista on earth was ecstatic and full of hope once more. The push for Villa, Benzema, Ribery, Xabi Alonso, and Maicon was on, and once again Madrid fans could see the (white) light at the end of the tunnel.
But Florentino has done more than save my summer - he may have saved yours as well. What's that you say? You hate Real Madrid, and even more after this post? Fear not, I'll explain how he saved your summer too. Obviously, he saved mine by signing Kaka and Ronaldo, pushing for several other great players, inflating the market so that we're likely to see huge transfer fees across the board and thus making life difficult for our rivals to sign players after we've signed our priorities. Throw in the fact that Barcelona's president and top directors seem to have forgotten their treble and simply CANNOT stop talking about what Madrid's doing (inferiority complex anyone?) and Madrid's back on the map in a big way, and no one in a white jersey has kicked a ball in weeks!
Florentino saved your summer because once the Confederations Cup ends, all you'll have to look forward to is the Gold Cup (or should I say, an extra U.S. v. Mexico game) and the transfer market. A transfer market that had been expected to be one of the worst in history thanks to that little thing called the global economy. But in came Florentino splashing around money like Tony Montana in South Beach circa 1983. Sure, the prices were driven up by Madrid, but so was the need to buy. Manchester United is now holding a cool 96 million euros, missing its best player, and Tevez can't be signed. Benzema anyone? It always fun watching a negotiation with Aulas isn't it? Suddenly, Ibrahimovich is worth 80 million euros, Villa wants out, Manchester City and Chelsea want everyone under the sun, Inter's willing to sell, and Tevez is going to Liverpool, Chelsea, or Manchester City - despite a great offer from Manchester United!
Not to mention, Real Madrid HAS to get rid of 6-14 players, none of which have left yet. That is to say, some talented players, like Robben, Van der Vaart, Huntelaar, Van Nistlerooy, and Drenthe may be making moves to "lesser" teams, and shaking up the middle table teams in Italy and England.
In effect, a number of teams we thought might stand pat, are out shopping. Several quality players that weren't on the market, may be now. Not all of this can be attributed to Florentino, but some of it can be. How many times have you trashed Madrid this summer already for the ludicrous sums of money spent on two players? Do you ever wonder if Kaka and Ronaldo can play together? Who's Real going to let go and since it's a known fact they must go, will they get fleeced on the deals? Who will Manchester United sign? And have you realized that on the club side of world football, Real Madrid is relevant again without winning a game?
Don't get me wrong, there are concerns. The galacticos era ended poorly. Indeed, just the new coach and first two signings of this new Florentino era have raised questions regarding the control and input afforded to the coach, economic stability, economic responsibility (drastically overstated in my opinion), the undervaluing of Spanish players, the endless problems between Real Madrid and Valencia, Florentino stumbling over the same rock again, and many, many others. The rumors of possible future signings also raise doubts. Soon enough, Ill post on these and other issues.
But for now, I'll go ahead and bask in the clean white light of our signings, the return of a gentleman to the presidency, and (hopefully) the return of footballing beauty to its home - the Estadio Santiago Bernabeu.
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