The Summer Transfer Thread [17 May - 9 August]

[SincereTheRebel]

No wonder so many players have their friends and family members as their agents. They work for two weeks every two years and can earn £20m+ for some phone calls.

[Jimmy Floyd]

Kepa for £71 million. It's silly money, but in terms of the player we're getting I don't think we could have done too much better (if indeed it's true).

[niko_cee]

Should have signed Sirigu for nothing. Anyone who needed a 'keeper probably should have. Italian as well so you'd think he'd have been a shoe-in at Chelsea.

[-james-]

Bilbao got paid around the same sum in January for Laporte. What on earth are they going to spend all that on?

[SincereTheRebel]

Bilbao got paid around the same sum in January for Laporte. What on earth are they going to spend all that on?

More local lads from around the way.

[Kikó]

Whoever Chelsea replace Courtois with is likely going to be a massive downgrade so they may as well just stick with Slick Willy and Roberto Verdi rather than spaff a fortune on some useless twat.

I guess Di Laurentis propely scuppered what I assume was the plan to just take loads of Napoli players over. Doesn't Mertens have a reasonably non-insane release clause?

In other news I saw a pic of Jay Rodriguez on the bbc live text thing, what the fuck happened to him?

Oblak is a better keeper than Courtois.

United selling Pogba would probably make me skip the season.

[niko_cee]

Aye, but he doesn't want to go there (apparently), and why would he?

[thommo]

Chambers confirmed in on loan for the season. Still would like a left back signing before the deadline, but this window has been pretty unbelievable as a Fulham fan.

[Jimmy Floyd]

Bilbao got paid around the same sum in January for Laporte. What on earth are they going to spend all that on?

Pintxos and whores.

[Shindig]

Bilbao got paid around the same sum in January for Laporte. What on earth are they going to spend all that on?

Basque separatism.

[Kikó]

Aye, but he doesn't want to go there (apparently), and why would he?

I'm a million years behind actual transfer news. I may as well be jeet.

From red news today:

That picture from the pre-season tour, of Woodward meeting Mourinho [on August 1st], has an interesting bit of context ... It was the first time Mourinho and Woodward had seen each other on the tour, which (if you believe Media reports) hasn't impressed Mourinho #gossip

[niko_cee]

I liked the look of Belloti for Torino tonight. Never seen him before. Has a touch of the head prison guard from the Shawshank Redemption about him.

[SincereTheRebel]

Costa and now Courtois have both disrespected Chelsea by not turning up for training. The total violation in order to try and force moves. I will actually be near Chelsea today. I may have to drop into Stamford Bridge and tell the Chelsea bossmen about themselves.

[mugbull]

All i’ve been hearing about Grealish is that he has a terrible haircut, but I actually think it’s pretty great. Should go for more of a middle part if he wants to take it to the next level.

[SincereTheRebel]

I know he wears really small shin-pads.

[mugbull]

There’s gotta be a catch there

[SincereTheRebel]

Athletico Madrid has signed Nikola Kalinic who refused to play for Croatia for the World Cup and was sent home.
Wolves are interested in Sam Clucas from Swansea.
Bernard is joining up with Everton.
Huddersfield are in talks with a player called Isaac Mbenza. I dont know if he has any relation to Emile and Mbo, but that surname brings back memories from the great days of Pro Evo.

[Boydy]

Probably not related given their name was Mpenza.

[SincereTheRebel]

Disappointed. Hoping it was a son.

[Mazuuurk]

He's quite likely someones son.

But who knows what some Africans players might fake these days.

[phonics]

Malinkovic Savic rumors have picked up again. Savic > United. Pogba > Barcelona. Dembele > Arsenal. :drool:

[Waffdon]

Costa and now Courtois have both disrespected Chelsea by not turning up for training. The total violation in order to try and force moves. I will actually be near Chelsea today. I may have to drop into Stamford Bridge and tell the Chelsea bossmen about themselves.

Courtois done the same thing to join Chelsea so I’m not really understanding Chelsea fans crying about it. His family are in Madrid so it’s a no brainier for him.

[Mazuuurk]

Malinkovic Savic rumors have picked up again. Savic > United. Pogba > Barcelona. Dembele > Arsenal. :drool:

Not that you'd say no to a player with Dembeles talents if they are basically being offered out...

But A where would all that money come from, and B would it really be worth it at the end of the day?

[SincereTheRebel]

Courtois done the same thing to join Chelsea so I’m not really understanding Chelsea fans crying about it. His family are in Madrid so it’s a no brainier for him.

I wasnt even aware of that. Why are his family in Madrid? Is it he wife and daughter or his parents?

[Sir Andy Mahowry]

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/45113124

Kepa has paid his release clause.

[Yevrah]

A Pogba - Dembele swap (which seems to be doing the rounds in some form or another at the moment) would be quite lol. How would you feel about that United fans? Raw end of the deal? Dembele and Mina for Poggers?

I can't see how Mourinho would get anything out of Dembele.

He should probably just go upmarket big Sam at this point.

[SincereTheRebel]

Why they dont sign one and two year deals, I do not know.

[phonics]

Not that you'd say no to a player with Dembeles talents if they are basically being offered out...

But A where would all that money come from, and B would it really be worth it at the end of the day?

The rumor is a 10m loan fee followed by 90m permanent fee next year. The club has 2 wingers on the books and sold literally every player that can dribble past a man at this point so yes, even if he weren't clearly really fucking good, he'd be useful.

[phonics]

Why they dont sign one and two year deals, I do not know.

Because the agents fee is split over each year of the contract so why would he advise his player not to do it.

[John]

I wasnt even aware of that. Why are his family in Madrid? Is it he wife and daughter or his parents?

His ex girlfriend and their two children.

[SincereTheRebel]

His ex girlfriend and their two children.

A happy wife is a happy life.

[Mazuuurk]

The rumor is a 10m loan fee followed by 90m permanent fee next year. The club has 2 wingers on the books and sold literally every player that can dribble past a man at this point so yes, even if he weren't clearly really fucking good, he'd be useful.

I don't actually know how good he is. I always find it difficult to know if tricky wingers who have one amazing season are the real deal or one-season wonders, and he never seems to have been given a proper chance at Barcelona.

If Arsenal can afford him, why not.

At the same time I'd kind of like to see what becomes of Reiss-Nelson.

[Mazuuurk]

His ex girlfriend and their two children.


What a fucking ledge. He's kicking up shit at work to force a move just so he can be around his fucking Ex wife and parade some model WAG in her FACE.


Actual top, top LAD.

[SincereTheRebel]

The transfer window shuts on tomorrow :cab:

[Jimmy Floyd]

He could always go to Getafe if Real Madrid don't want him.

[bruhnaldo]

United are really gonna sign fuck all which idk is probably better than paying an asinine fee for a couple of World Cup merchants in Maguire and Mina.

[Gray Fox]

I was thinking it would go absolutely bonkers, but besides Chelsea it seems a bit too quiet. Fulham have quietly gone about smashing it all summer, Wolves too, to a more Portuguese extent.

You've got to think teams like Bournemouth and Southampton will be a bit worried. Needs some panic buys.

[Jimmy Floyd]

I'm starting to think that transfers shouldn't be allowed at all, except for those out of contract. The game of chicken is tedious and undermines the sport.

[SincereTheRebel]

I'm starting to think that transfers shouldn't be allowed at all, except for those out of contract. The game of chicken is tedious and undermines the sport.

I could be wrong, but i think basketball use that method.

[Lewis]

Rolling one year contracts for all.

[SincereTheRebel]

Wolves are now linked with Leander Dendoncker from Anderlecht and Renato Sanches. Get both of them the fuck out of here.

Jerome Boateng to Man Utd could still be possible, as an initial loan move.

[Waffdon]

Dendoncker would be a very decent signing. Fekir going to Chelsea or Liverpool is the only bit of excitement we’re going to get.

[Jimmy Floyd]

You must be an easily excited fellow.

[niko_cee]

Presumably Liverpool would only make another expensive signing as some sort of trolling exercise, which I would thoroughly endorse as a rationale (the kind of thinking that saw Chelsea sign Willian way back when).

[Baz]

Bernard is joining up with Everton.This is the best transfer of the window. Bernard is the scrawny child who played instead of Neymar when Brazil lost 7-1 last World Cup. He has the build of a starved orphan. Van Dijk will bully him out of Merseyside in the Derby. :drool:

Honestly can’t think of a worse kind of player to come to the Premier League.

[John]

Juninho and Zola did alright.

Flavour of the month defensive midfielders expensively acquired from Monaco have a much worse track record.

[mugbull]

With a sample size of 1

[niko_cee]

Zola was hardly scrawny.

Not that I know anything about this Bernard guy. I thought picking up a Brazilian international who went for £20m 8 years ago sounded quite shrewd business. What's the track record with Shakhtar's Brazilians? Willian's been good. No idea on that Texeira who buggered off to China. Didn't they have one called Taison as well? Douglas Costa? He'd be another hit.

[SincereTheRebel]

Fernandinho also came from Shakhter.

Until G.Jesus and Firminio turned up, attacking Brazilian players did poorly in the league. We have had this discussion before.

[Shindig]

What about the Eduardo that Arsenal signed? He was looking alright til his ankle disintegrated.

[SincereTheRebel]

Elano was another one.

[niko_cee]

Courtois to Real is BBC Official (https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/45122644).

[Gray Fox]

That Coutinho fella was pretty good.

[Jimmy Floyd]

It's the legs you need to look at. People with chunky legs will be alright. Scrawny legs, nah.

[niko_cee]

Diego Costa.

It does seem there have been quite a few good ones, whether "we've had this out before" or not.

Who are the shit ones? Alfonso Alves (legs maybe too thick?), poor old Kleberson? Of all the South American countries Brazil must rate fairly high in the good to bad in wet and windy Stoke stakes.

Who is their Marinelli?

[Lewis]

Why didn't Chelsea ask for Keylor Navas to be thrown in? Even a straight swap at that lol price would have left them better off than what they are doing.

[phonics]

Getting ahead of it, telling Real Madrid to leave him alone and buying him 6 months earlier when he had a 21m release clause would have probably been the most sensible option.

[Waffdon]

Money means nothing at the end of the day. They’re getting Kovacic for the season too - surely they’ll be offloading a midfielder or two as they have far too many.

Steve Bruce trying to catch Joe Bryan before he gets to Fulham is the greatest thing ever.

[Lewis]

Transfer fees still mean something to most clubs. Chelsea aren't United. They will be at risk of falling well behind if they balls the next couple of windows up.

[Sir Andy Mahowry]

£71m for Spain's number two...

[Kikó]

Zouma spotted in Manchester airport. Motwyw

[Lewis]

It's a smokescreen for Sergio Ramos (who is a smokescreen for Philippe Mexes [who is a smokescreen for Kevin Hofland {who is a smokescreen for Lilian Thuram}]).

[Jimmy Floyd]

The Red Devils’ move has shocked Chelsea, who are unsure whether they should allow one of their players to join a direct rival.

Direct rival for 8th the way things are going for us both. Still, nothing takes Marina by surprise does it.

[phonics]

United sell us Silvestre, Chelsea sell us Benayoun and then they go and do a deal for Kurt Zouma while we're chasing that Vida bloke who looked desperately average at a rather poor World Cup. I think Emery just wants a bunch of absolute bastards at the back, doesn't matter how shit they are. Lichtsteiner, Sokratis, Vida and Ashley Maitland Niles? 90% of the opposition will be donning the Terry Butcher headgear.

Maybe that's the plan as I haven't really seen one in pre-season and giving Chambers a 5 year deal, playing him twice and looking quite good, then sending him out on loan to a promoted team doesn't inspire confidence that there's a blueprint in place.

[Sir Andy Mahowry]

Desperately average? Were you watching a different player?

He was solid.

[phonics]

They were barely attacked all tournament and conceded 11 goals. I could look solid if my direct comparison was Dejan Lovren. International football is easier than club football. I know he's always been 'rated' but you don't move to Besiktas on a free at 28 if you've actually got something about you. Any Turkish club on your CV is a telltale sign of not being good but able to kick people at the right time.

[Sir Andy Mahowry]

I wouldn't be keen on signing him either for those red flags but I do feel he had a good World Cup.

Edit: Oh and they conceded 9 (1 against Iceland, 1 against Denmark, 2 against Russia, 1 against England and 4 against France).

[phonics]

My sums are normally 2-3 off when I'm sober and pulling me up when it's half 3 in the morning and what feels like 30 degrees is mean.

[niko_cee]

That's Dejan 'best in the world' Lovren to you, mate.

In all seriousness though, were he not a bit of an established laughing stock people would probably be shitting their pants Maguire-style at his World Cup performances.

Vida looks a decent back-up type centre-half. Not really one you want to be first choice, as he's a bit of a talentless lump, but someone it's nice to have when your better ones get injured. Historically for us someone like that Greek chap or Pellegrino. Must be a long hair thing.

[niko_cee]

I watched a bit of something called The Debate - Live on Sky last night and my word, what a nauseating shitfest that was. Geoff Shreeves paneling Craig Bellamy, Gordon Strachan and Steve Parish (seriously, what is the deal with Crystal Palace Chairmen and hair?) ostensibly fawning over Daniel super-savvy Levy for an hour. It was perplexing at best.

[Giggles]

I watched a bit of something called The Debate - Live on Sky last night and my word, what a nauseating shitfest that was. Geoff Shreeves paneling Craig Bellamy, Gordon Strachan and Steve Parish (seriously, what is the deal with Crystal Palace Chairmen and hair?) ostensibly fawning over Daniel super-savvy Levy for an hour. It was perplexing at best.

It being on 4 channels simultaneously is all the justification I ever needed for cancelling that shite.

[SincereTheRebel]

I was surprised by Vida. He had good pace. Numerous times it was him and sterling in a foot race. I was expected Sterling to just burn past him, but Vida got the best of him most of the time.

[SincereTheRebel]

Wolves are linked with the Man city young left back from Ukraine. They came in for him earlier in the summer but he claimed he wanted to stay. It looks like he is joining Wolves officially now.

[SincereTheRebel]

Man Utd are looking to bring in Diego Godin
Yerry Mina is having a medical for Everton.
Tottenham will not be making more offers for Jack Grealish
Fulham are trying to sign Martin Montoya and Sergio Rico

All according to SSN

[SincereTheRebel]

Just looking at all the league transfers so far. Tottenham have signed zero players. I thought there was a glitch in the matrix but its official. Not one new player has been signed. Are they balling on a budget?

https://www.premierleague.com/news/667700

[SincereTheRebel]

Godin has rejected Man Utd.
An image of Victor Moses is being removed from a Stamford Bridge wall.

[Mazuuurk]

Just looking at all the league transfers so far. Tottenham have signed zero players. I thought there was a glitch in the matrix but its official. Not one new player has been signed. Are they balling on a budget?

https://www.premierleague.com/news/667700


They must feel that they have some young ones coming through that can provide a bit of depth.

[Max Power]

Big Croatian lad Filip Benkovic arrives. Hadn’t heard of him two days ago but convinced he will be excellent and Man Utd will try to buy him next summer for £100m.

Another centre back Caglar Soyuncu also incoming for £20m and I am more wary of this because I have no idea of how to say his name even after listening to him pronounce it.

[Jimmy Floyd]

Letting Moses go because we're going back to 4-3-3 would be mental.

It also suggests Sarri is a complete ideologue.

[phonics]

The offer for Dembele has been put in :drool:

[Mellberg]

They must feel that they have some young ones coming through that can provide a bit of depth.

They've been trying. Just tried to play hardball and then had their pants pulled down :eyemouth:

[Mazuuurk]

The offer for Dembele has been put in :drool:

Something fishy about that report - why would they leave it so late when talk about it started several days ago?

Either something is already done, or it's all bullshit.

[SincereTheRebel]

Someone claimed dendoncker would be a good deal for Wolves. Its now official. Dendoncker sounds like a body part found in my girlfriend's jeans.

[bruhnaldo]

it sounds like fucking what

[Gray Fox]

A Dendonckadonk.

[Lewis]

That Diego Godin stuff is lol. He would have been perfect, what with being the best centre-back in the world by a mile, so why not make the move (or begin to cultivate it) three months ago? That way, whilst he probably still BOTTLES IT, you at least look like you're serious and not like the third Dildo Brother.

[Baz]

Put a banging Dedoncker on it.

[mugbull]

I’ll be ok with the no signings as long as none of the European teams take a player from us in the next 3 weeks

[Sir Andy Mahowry]

What a crap deadline day.

[John Arne]

It's bonkers that Southampton seem to have left it until the last half a day to sort out the deal for Ings. You've had 3 months...

[Andy]

It's bonkers that Southampton seem to have left it until the last half a day to sort out the deal for Ings. You've had 3 months...

We were hoping to move a few to raise some cash but haven't had any luck.

[SincereTheRebel]

I was hoping Welbeck to wolves would have gained traction but it didn't.

[Giggles]

I was hoping Welbeck to wolves would have gained traction but it didn't.

Why, do you not like them any more?

[Waffdon]

Fulham have made some cracking signings. 20/1 on them to get 55 points will be getting punted on.

[Shindig]

I've just realised we have absolutely no cover at left back. Wait. Apparently, we still have Achfraf Lazaar. And I guess Jamie Sterry?

[SincereTheRebel]

Why, do you not like them any more?

I see based on your name, you are a funny guy

[Giggles]

I see based on your name, you are a funny guy

It's more because I'm a clown.

[SincereTheRebel]

It's more because I'm a clown.
Good job im easily amused

[Lewis]

Meh, the United window isn't a DISASTER. People would be wanking themselves daft over Andreas Pereira if he was a new signing, 'Alexis' looks on it, and Anthony Martial might have a point to prove now the tosser. I'm surprised a right-sided attacker never came in, probably because nobody famous enough was available, but you can sort of see the board position on centre-backs when they have bought him a thirty million quid one each summer and he doesn't use them.

[Giggles]

Good job im easily amused

And I don't even easily amuse.

[randomlegend]

Meh, the United window isn't a DISASTER. People would be wanking themselves daft over Andreas Pereira if he was a new signing, 'Alexis' looks on it, and Anthony Martial might have a point to prove now the tosser. I'm surprised a right-sided attacker never came in, probably because nobody famous enough was available, but you can sort of see the board position on centre-backs when they have bought him a thirty million quid one each summer and he doesn't use them.

We should have bought a left-back but oh well. According to an ITK guy on reddit who definitely had a real source, Bale was looking like happening until Ronaldo went to Juve.

[Lewis]

I suppose one would have been nice if a shit hot one was available, but otherwise give Big Fat Luke Shaw six weeks to prove he hasn't changed. They could do not to be loaning Fosu-Mensah out though.

[randomlegend]

Fosu-Mensah would maybe get a few minutes at RB until Valencia and Dalot are back from injury, but not after that. He's best going on loan I think.

[Sir Andy Mahowry]

What we looking at tomorrow?

De Gea; Darmian, Bailly, A gimp, Shaw; Fred, McTominay, Pereira; Sanchez, Rashford, Mata?

[randomlegend]

Pereira will play the holding role in midfield, but yeah pretty much that probably.

[Lewis]

I wouldn't be surprised if Lukaku starts. Him and Mourinho are bezzie mates, and he can use it to shame the rest of them.

[Giggles]

Was the deadline today?

[Gray Fox]

5pm, but loans can still go through.

Southampton just got Ings, loan initially, then obligation to be permanent in 2019.

[Lewis]

So could United and Tottenham cook up one of those scam loans over the weekend?

[bruhnaldo]

Can you really loan a player for a year when his option is only a year?

Oh i guess a 6 month loan with option to buy in January now wouldn't that be fucking exquisite.

[Gray Fox]

Can you really loan a player for a year when his option is only a year?

Oh i guess a 6 month loan with option to buy in January now wouldn't that be fucking exquisite.

It's a way of fiddling the books. If the player comes in January, it's still this seasons budget and FFP. Staving it off until next July means it comes out of next seasons Budget.

[Lewis]

Six month loan, thirty million quid in January. Jew know it makes sense.

[niko_cee]

I thought it was only loans outside of the Premiership that were allowed?

[Jimmy Floyd]

Premier League clubs can't do any loans, it's only Football League clubs that can.

[Gray Fox]

Ah I see it only went through because the DEAL SHEET, went through on time and got them an extension.

[Lewis]

Who thought this was a good idea?

[Jimmy Floyd]

It makes total sense for all the non-ELITE Premier League clubs. The only clubs it doesn't suit is your Uniteds, your Chelseas and your Tottenhams who want to get involved in last gasp brinkmanship with continental sides.

[bruhnaldo]

How does it make sense though? Because they don't have to worry about their top players being poached by top English clubs?

[Gray Fox]

The thought is it stops players refusing to play to force through a move after the season has started, the problem is unless it's a global or at the least continental agreement, it means nothing.

Now Real Madrid have to the end of the month to try and get Hazard and Chelsea can do nothing about it, nor replace him if he does go now.

[Pen]

I much prefer the window closing before the league starts.

[Jimmy Floyd]

How does it make sense though? Because they don't have to worry about their top players being poached by top English clubs?

Correct, they now don't start the season with Virgil van Dijk or whoever going on strike for a move. If you are the sort of club that buys from the Championship and random foreign teams like Levante and Werder Bremen (who can't afford not to sell), then it suits you perfectly.

If you have to buy elite players for huge money, all while elite clubs are trying to buy your existing elite players, it's a nightmare.

Taking off my Chelsea fan hat, as we've made an absolute horlicks of it, I think it's great. Much better for the league.

[Bam]

What's the point in being able to complete deals once the window has shut. If a club has left it to late to finish the deal then tuff shit, you've had three months to sort it out.

[bruhnaldo]

Thanks Fox and Jimmy for taking the time xx

[Kikó]

The Glazers.

[niko_cee]

Now Real Madrid have to the end of the month to try and get Hazard and Chelsea can do nothing about it, nor replace him if he does go now.

They can not sell him.

Which is what they will do.

[randomlegend]

It's not that easy if the player really wants to go and is prepared to kick up a fuss though is it.

[Jimmy Floyd]

If that were the case they'd have sold him already, as with Courtois.

[randomlegend]

The Glazers.

Doesn't sound like the Glazers are the issue. Mourinho wanted to spend big money on short-term fixes and Woodward/the board were only willing to sanction that kind of spending for younger players because they have more of an eye on the future. We were apparently willing to pay £100m for Varane, but not £50m on 29 year old Alderweireld or £40m for Boateng.

[Sir Andy Mahowry]

Varane would have been amazing.

Any word on Martial?

[randomlegend]

Mourinho was willing to let him go and Spurs were after him, but the board refused to sell him.

Honestly I think if this is all true (and I can well believe it) I'm glad Mourinho isn't getting his way. I'd much rather see us buying younger players and developing them (which is actually what City have done to get where they are) than spend a bomb on a load of 29 year olds and be back in the same position in a few years.

Mourinho seemingly isn't on board with that strategy so probably needs to go.

[Sir Andy Mahowry]

That sounds promising, hopefully continental teams don't test the waters.

[Lewis]

Hopefully when Ronaldo wins the Champions' League again matey at Juventus will fancy a change of scenery, since you shudder to think who they would appoint if they actually had to put some thought into it. Probably 'AVB' (as if he is only forty).

[Kikó]

Doesn't sound like the Glazers are the issue. Mourinho wanted to spend big money on short-term fixes and Woodward/the board were only willing to sanction that kind of spending for younger players because they have more of an eye on the future. We were apparently willing to pay £100m for Varane, but not £50m on 29 year old Alderweireld or £40m for Boateng.

It's the glazers. It's complete smoke and mirrors that we were prepared to spend £100m on an unattainable target.

I'm prepared to sleep with Jessica Alba but doesn't mean it's at all likely.

The sniveling turd, Woodward, is the front of the problem.

[Jimmy Floyd]

This is the modern way at almost every club. Coaches want ready made players now as they know they will be blamed and fired instantly if the team doesn't do well, whereas the clubs are all now run by American style 'front offices' with people more concerned about long term value than anything else.

You can sympathise with both points of view, or at least I can. Where the front office model hasn't fully arrived is that unlike in the USA, the executives don't seem to have inherited any form of accountability.

[Kikó]

I understand the need to look long term but we're talking about signing an experienced player at centre back to play with two inexperienced players who have already been signed. Ed the red fancies himself as the DoF and thinks the targets aren't right. Ed Fucking Woodward knows better than a multi trophy winning football manager.

[Jimmy Floyd]

There again is your issue, unless it's very clear who has responsibility for what it's going to be a mess. Even worse at Chelsea post-Emenalo.

[Spikey M]

Mourinho wants to drop ~£75m on near 30 year olds. Only an idiot would sanction it.

[Jimmy Floyd]

You can say that, but if United finish 7th this year they will fire him and not Woodward.

[phonics]

The United stuff is so funny.

'We tried to get Varane' yeah I can totally see him leaving his starting position at the club who've won the Champions League 3 years in a row so he can get mind gamed by Mourinho. That's Wenger 'we nearly signed Messi' nonsense.

[Pen]

http://www.sportbible.com/football/news-cazorlas-official-unveiling-at-villarreal-is-our-new-favourite-thing-20180809

What a way to unveil your signings.

[SincereTheRebel]

Has a player been revealed in a Fifa Ultimate Team type ceremony yet?

[SincereTheRebel]

Wolves not getting in another left back is bonkers. Selling Barry Douglas was an awful idea when it happened four weeks ago. This new guy, Jonny has lots of experience with Celta Vigo, but considering Douglas was a critial part of the wing back system. It was foolish to chop him out. Funny business.

[Jimmy Floyd]

The purpose of Wolves is to get Mendes players into the lucrative English market, winning is only somewhat important as a facilitator to that. When he sells Neves to a top club for £75 million them everyone eats caviar regardless of whether Wolves are 6th or 15th.

[Panda Bear]

The purpose of Wolves is to get Mendes players into the lucrative English market, winning is only somewhat important as a facilitator to that. When he sells Neves to a top club for £75 million them everyone eats caviar regardless of whether Wolves are 6th or 15th.This logic is how I fell out of love with club football.

I can't imagine how much cognitive dissonance it requires for a supporter to believe that their club is anything more than a tool to spin money when the veneer of sport is so badly perforated.

At least with ice hockey in North America, you can't buy players and flip them for a profit.

[Shindig]

http://www.sportbible.com/football/news-cazorlas-official-unveiling-at-villarreal-is-our-new-favourite-thing-20180809

What a way to unveil your signings.

That could've went several different ways. I still think Shearer's was the best for us. It was like Pope coming to visit.

[Kikó]

You can say that, but if United finish 7th this year they will fire him and not Woodward.

Exactly this. What are the ages of Pogba, Lindelof, Bailly, Lukaku and Dalot when signed? What's this old age pensioner nonsense?

[John]

I thought I'd posted it last night, but we need to give Angers whatever they want for Lassana Coulibaly right now. The kid is a machine.

[SincereTheRebel]

Tiemoue Bakayoko has joiend Milan on loan
Ola Aina has joined Torino on loan
Steven N’Zonzi has joined Roma
Keita Baldé has left Monaco and joined Inter on loan
Kévin Gameiro has left A.Madrid and joined Valencia for 15m
Nice manager Vieira (never knew) has confirmed Mario Balotelli is going to be sold
Samuel Eto'o is off to Qatar

[Shindig]

Patrick Vieira, Nice Manager. One hell of a book title waiting to be written.

[Jimmy Floyd]

He hasn't got a club. He's just a lovely chap.

[SincereTheRebel]

Juventus have released Claudio Marchiso after 10 years in the first team. He is 32 years old now and is available on a free
Ragnar Klavan is close to joining Cagliari for £2m

[Shindig]

Saivet's back in Turkey with Bursaspor on loan. I'm keen to see where Marchisio goes. He's probably still got a couple of years left.

[SincereTheRebel]

Tottenham given they havent signed anyone

[Clunge]

Can see Marchisio having a Cambiasso-esque late flourish somewhere.

[Baz]

I had Marchisio many moons ago for Charlton on FM. Was an absolute beast and I hadn’t even heard of him at the time.

[Raoul Duke]

Marchisio is a sexy bitch. Utd should get him in to replace Pogba :moop:

[Waffdon]

Nottingham Forrest getting potentially three players from Olympiacos on a free because the same person owns both clubs and terminated the contract at the latter is a bit suspect. Watch Yaya join.

[Limoutsonik]

Nope,Yaya stays with us and Forrest gets a washed-up-at-27 former Serie A player in Tachtsidis and Olympiacos' top scorer with 17 goals last year,Ansarifard. Perfect for the championship.

[Bam]

Out of nowhere an Olympiacos fan turns up. :sherlock:

[Limoutsonik]

Well,anytime something is mentioned about us,i might pop in with an insight of sorts. Doesn't hurt anyone.

[Spikey M]

Do people comment on Olympiacos often?

[Limoutsonik]

In the off chance that Greek football or Olympiakos is mentioned,i can pop in and comment. Seldom it happens but in case it does...

[Bam]

I'll have to put this to the test.

[SincereTheRebel]

Giggles ManCity have signed some irish lad who plays in goal from Shamrock. Need a repport.

[Giggles]

Giggles ManCity have signed some irish lad who plays in goal from Shamrock. Need a repport.

Not much to tell, he arrived on the scene this year and was easily the best keeper at the club at 16. Definitely more assured than you'd expect a mid teen to be.

Won't be joining until he does his Leaving Cert and turns 17 but would love to have seen a full season of him. The way these things normally go is that we'll see him back in the league at 21 having never played and he'll join Preston in 2024.


.

[Jimmy Floyd]

The article I read used 'netminder' as elegant variation for goalkeeper. I thought the only legally approved ones were stopper and custodian.

[Giggles]

I've often heard the term but now that you mention it I think it was in relation to other sports.

[SincereTheRebel]

Not much to tell, he arrived on the scene this year and was easily the best keeper at the club at 16. Definitely more assured than you'd expect a mid teen to be.

Won't be joining until he does his Leaving Cert and turns 17 but would love to have seen a full season of him. The way these things normally go is that we'll see him back in the league at 21 having never played and he'll join Preston in 2024.


.

Seems likely but still, that some move he has pulled off.

[Baz]

I wonder how much he’s on.

[Giggles]

Seems likely but still, that some move he has pulled off.

Apparently Chelsea, Liverpool, and Spurs were interested also.

Rovers have built their whole model around youth these days, produce and sell. Only team in the league with teams from under 13 up. Damien Duff apparently picks kids up in the mornings a few days a week for training before school.


.

[SincereTheRebel]

Apparently Chelsea, Liverpool, and Spurs were interested also.

Rovers have built their whole model around youth these days, produce and sell. Only team in the league with teams from under 13 up. Damien Duff apparently picks kids up in the mornings a few days a week for training before school.


.

Sounds like a modern day slave trade

[Bam]

Damien Duff apparently picks kids up in the mornings a few days a week for training before school.


That's Reverent Duff I'll have you know.

[niko_cee]

https://nesncom.files.wordpress.com/2014/04/bartolo-colon.gif?w=636&h=351

[Giggles]

Consider me whooshed.

[Bam]

Kin Dounuts.

[Bam]

Or that Niko see's a better joke and it's been missed.

:cry:

[Raoul Duke]

John Terry has signed for Spartak Moscow :cab:

[Sir Andy Mahowry]

He'll have fun with hatred towards blacks actually encouraged over there.

[Jimmy Floyd]

He needs the money, but that is fucking random.

[Shindig]

He probably just can't do without football and isn't smart enough to do his badges.

[SincereTheRebel]

Surprised frank or steveie g couldnt convince the pussy to squad-up.

[phonics]

Jonathan Northcroft has gone off on one claiming it's unpatriotic to sign for Spartak in the current climate :D


‘The move is likely to spark more controversy around Terry, given Britain’s deteriorating relations with Russia over the poisoning in Salisbury in March of former military officer Sergei Skripal and his daughter, an incident which is understood to have then caused the death of local woman Dawn Sturgess’

What a fucking twat.

[Disco]

In principle yes it is silly but it might not be a great look if the Spartak clubs were the old KGB teams. I know CSKA are the old soviet navy teams and Torpedo were sides from soviet youth organisations but I don't remember what Spartak signifies.

[The Merse]

More the workers club. The various Spartak clubs across the bloc were all linked and were basically a co-operative for all the non-party/military types.

[Jimmy Floyd]

I'm sure Spartak were banned/discouraged until the end of communism.

[Disco]

There you go then. John Terry, man of the people.

[Shindig]

Rolando Aarons' World Tour finds a new stop. Slovan Liberec.

[Ian]

On my long-running FM15 save with Newcastle he was a bit of a legend. Not ever a key part of the team but he suddenly became an attacking midfield version of a Solskjaer-style substitute hero for a year in his early thirties. And all on the recommendation of Sama. Aarons and Chuks Aneke.

[Shindig]

Him and Adam Campbell. :( The latter's at Morecambe. And when I say that, I mean he's on loan to Carlisle from them.

[SincereTheRebel]

Has a modern english player even done a Lukaku, Salah, KDB, etc where they leave their parent club on loan and dominate in true FM fashion. Come back to the club or the league and be a star?

English players just dont seem good enough.

[Shindig]

It's not just that. Young players at Chelsea, United, Man City, etc will gladly hang around for years doing nothing for the money. Or they'll do well on loan and, rather than look to do a deal with the loan side, they'll go back to the parent club thinking they've turned a corner. Only to go out on loan and look like trash somewhere else.

Time and place.

[John Arne]

Current wolves captain Connor Coady came through Liverpool academy. Lots of loans and not much playing time later, he finally left. Seems to have now come good - not at the level of those 3, bit still decent.

[SincereTheRebel]

There is probably a few. Harry Kane being one. Times have changed now. English players are actually being loaned to foreign teams much more often it seems now so the curve may change. They were a bit slow getting it together so in a few years, we may see more English versions Salah’s and KDB’s.

Or it could just be the Chelsea recruitment system is levels above everybody else.

[Shindig]

I'd settle for another Jay Bothroyd. What a journeyman.

[phonics]

You still won't see much of it. Loftus-Cheek had a choice between making a move or a 60k a week contract with less than 10 games to his name. It's hard to turn that down.

Tammy Abraham signed a new contract before going to Swansea ffs. They've signed 3 strikers for over 20m since he signed that deal.

[Mellberg]

Terry to Spartak off :sherlock:

[Danny]

Apparently he asked for more money after ‘agreeing’ terms.

[SincereTheRebel]

Hazard wants to move to Spain

https://www.skysports.com/football/news/11095/11523512/chelsea-s-eden-hazard-says-he-wants-to-move-to-spain-to-win-ballon-dor

[Spikey M]

Water is wet.

[Pepe]

The last ten winners of the Ballon d'Or have been based in Spain

Lol at that.

[John]

That's because the last ten winners have all been Messi or Ronaldo.