Summer Transfers 2020 - Sponsored by Corona™

[randomlegend]

Aliou Traore on loan to French league 2 side SM Caen.

[niko_cee]

Is that Everton as in Everton Soares or whatever he was called, the Brazil guy? £18m seems very good value for him.

[Don]

He came outta nowhere to do a few good dribbles in Copa America but my mum could do that for Brazil and he's got a 1 in 3 scoring rate in the Tranny Favela League. Porto are signing Iranian international Taremi so good luck seeing out the remainder of your career in Portugal with no honours.

[John Arne]

Joe Hart to Tottenham came out of left field. Was half expecting him to retire.

[bruhnaldo]

Quota signing surely?

[Danny]

Has to be. Likely going to be 3rd choice and Vorm is leaving.

[randomlegend]

https://www.theguardian.com/football/2020/aug/17/liverpool-keen-on-thiago-alcantara-but-will-not-pay-30m-bayern-asking-price

lol

[Don]

Don't you fucking lol at the pre-eminent transfer workings in global sport, you little runt. Take notes.

[bruhnaldo]

I mean 30m for a 29 year old is probably a lot, right?

Which isn't to say I wouldn't want Utd to pounce on it bc it's not my money but sheesh.

[Giggles]

I mean 30m for a 29 year old is probably a lot, right?

Which isn't to say I wouldn't want Utd to pounce on it bc it's not my money but sheesh.

30m is pocket change, it’s not 2002.

[Jimmy Floyd]

For his 29-30 year it's a lot when they could otherwise get his 30-33 years on a free next summer.

[phonics]

Imagine being a member of the incredibly unpopular Barcelona board, you get the job because the previous guy was so corrupt in buying Neymar he's the one football director to serve a jail sentence in 30 years, you then lose Neymar and spend years not only failing but failing in ever more spectacular and embarrassing ways.

You hit rock bottom. 8 fucking 2. The fans are demanding your resignation, the players are demanding your resignation, the press are demanding your resignation. You refuse to cave. You have a choice, appoint Ronald Koeman who has at best achieved par or Pochettino, a man who speaks Catalan and got to a CL final 2 years ago.

You appoint Koeman because the other guy managed Espanyol and the fans wouldn't like that.

Mental.

[Jimmy Floyd]

Is Ronald Koeman a binman? There are arguments for and against.

[niko_cee]

I would say not binman, just crap manager.

Although in the Barcelona context he could veer towards binman. Quite why he'd take the job (other than the obvious) when it seems to be some temporary holding job until Xavi (actual binman) comes in next summer is anyone's guess. Why would he jack Holland for that? There will be other opportunities to manage Barcelona in the next 5 years or so.

[Ian]

Does Koeman KNOW THE CLUB / buy the ideology enough to be a binman?

[niko_cee]

Yeah, knows the club and played under Cruyff, so there's definitely some binman potential.

But has managed variously elsewhere in places he lacks binman pedigree, so I'd put him more in the Martinez managerial bracket. More a chancer than a binman.

[Giggles]

Did he fuck up at Southampton or just leave to go to Everton?

[niko_cee]

I thought he did reasonably well at Southampton and moved to Everton as a career step, arf. May be way out with that though.

[phonics]

This is like when it became big to hate 'hipsters' and the term became so broad that 'hipster' meant anyone under 35.

A top, top binman imo should have little to no experience as a number 1 and be promoted from within.

[phonics]

I thought he did reasonably well at Southampton and moved to Everton as a career step, arf. May be way out with that though.

He achieved par. They had a good team and plenty of money.

[Shindig]

Yeah, I've got some ideas of what the commandments of a binman should be.

- No or minimal experience at any other managerial role.
- 'Knows the club'
- Does not handle the press especially well.
- Struggles to do anything at any other club.
- Their binman role needs to be at a club of considerable stature.

There should be more to it, really. I'm not even sure about the press bit.

[SincereTheRebel]

Trophyless should also be part of the criteria

[bruhnaldo]

Surely you can only be a binman at your first club then. Anything else you're just a shit manager with crummy experience.

[Reg]

On the binman theme and probably the best Guardian football article for a while:

https://www.theguardian.com/football/blog/2020/aug/15/andrea-pirlos-vineyard-is-not-a-reason-to-think-he-will-be-a-vintage-manager

[Shindig]

Actually, Ole kind of throws the criteria up in smoke. I forget he managed at Molde for so long.

[phonics]

He’s a bin man but he’s in the bin rather than collecting it.

[Lewis]

Ole Gunnar Binman got the job because Ed Woodward drew up a list of club legends and went down it crossing everybody out who makes a living criticising Ed Woodward.

[Shindig]

And Carrick wasn't ready yet. Next in line, lads.

[niko_cee]

Yeah, I've got some ideas of what the commandments of a binman should be.

- Their binman role needs to be at a club of considerable stature.


This can't be overemphasised enough, imo.

Name checking Roberto Martinez got me to thinking about his career and its binman origins (Swansea and Wigan) but then you can't really extend the definition to anyone who takes over the running of a small club with little to no experience as that is almost everyone who takes that sort of job, even encompassing lord of all things proper managery Herr Klopp.

Now, drawing the cut-off point for appropriate club size/stature could be a whole new can of worms.

[Pepe]

Above Liverpool for sure. :baz:

[SincereTheRebel]

You can also shake off the binman tag once your successful at the club. Di Matteo needs a statue.

[bruhnaldo]

di Matteo is king of the bin tho surely.

[niko_cee]

Above Liverpool for sure. :baz:

I reckon some sort of inbuilt sense of entitlement to succeed is needed, so maybe they'd srape in.

[niko_cee]

In a similar although unrelated vein I see City are erecting a statue to David Silva (and maybe Kompany too). Not too sure about that. Maybe it's just Silva's style, and great player/servant he may have been, but I doubt many people will be waxing lyrical about him in 30 years time in the way people still remember the likes of Summerbee and Bell, for example.

[Jimmy Floyd]

Dalglish (21st century) was a classic binman.

Newcastle (Shearer) and West Ham (Brooking) have both had them. Could Southampton have one? Probably not.

[niko_cee]

I think the appointment needs to have some sort of semblance of longevity to it, which would probably preclude Shearer and Brooking. Desperation is not the same as expectation.

[Disco]

Does Tony Parkes get in through sheer perseverance, a caretaker binman across 20 odd years. He should have got a chicken burger named after him at least.

[niko_cee]

Maybe by dint of probably actually collecting the bins from Ewood Park at some point or other.

I went to his summer football school things as a kid. No idea who he was or if he even attended them, I would guess not.

[Disco]

I went to his summer football school things as a kid. No idea who he was or if he even attended them, I would guess not.

Neither does he these days.

[niko_cee]

:D

Is that for reasons of not incriminating himself?

No noncing to my knowledge though, we kept that local.

[Disco]

No he has alzheimers.

[Kikó]

I think we've lost sight of binman if we start making Koeman one. I feel there could be a schism in the binman religion.

[phonics]

Going through the niko/disco posts

https://thumbs.gfycat.com/DaringFickleKawala-size_restricted.gif

[Andy]

He achieved par. They had a good team and plenty of money.

Par? Are you bonkers? He was our best manager of recent times.

[Shindig]

Yeah, Koeman's more a journeyman. Binmen tend to get found out at some point and stop.

[Kikó]

Caretakers can't be binmen either.

[niko_cee]

My ignorance of Tony Parkes obviously continues to this very day.

[phonics]

Par? Are you bonkers? He was our best manager of recent times.

https://i.imgur.com/faH9LLv.png
https://i.imgur.com/K6JwwtU.png

Huge amount of those players ended up playing CL football. He had a great team and didn't even get you out the qualifying rounds in Europe.

I didn't say he was bad. I said he achieved par.

[Shindig]

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tim_Sherwood

I forgot he managed Villa. And that image of him managing them doesn't look like him.

[phonics]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fb96xOh4R1Y

So good.

[Andy]

https://i.imgur.com/faH9LLv.png
https://i.imgur.com/K6JwwtU.png

Huge amount of those players ended up playing CL football. He had a great team and didn't even get you out the qualifying rounds in Europe.

I didn't say he was bad. I said he achieved par.

So what would have been above par? Champions league football?

He was brilliant for us, we finished 6th and 7th, beat Sunderland 8-0 and beat Inter Milan 2-1.

We qualified for Europe as many times during Koemans tenure as every other manager in my lifetime put together.

But yeah par. Southampton not Arsenal.

[Andy]

Actually the Inter game may have been the season after Koeman, that was a bit of a blur. Point still stands, he was brilliant for us, didnt work out at Everton but wouldn't be surprised if he gets Barca back on track.

[phonics]

So what would have been above par? Champions league football?

Yes. Or a decent run in the Europa. Or getting past the 5th round of the cup.

There's 5 CL finalists in those 2 teams.

[Don]

Let's just not have some Virgil/Gini attempts. We'll give them a signed photo of both if Messi and Coutinho sign with us.

[bruhnaldo]

Yes. Or a decent run in the Europa. Or getting past the 5th round of the cup.

There's 5 CL finalists in those 2 teams.

Surely you're 'taking the piss' with this?

[Kikó]

Silva has gone to Real Sociedad.

[phonics]

Surely you're 'taking the piss' with this?

Roy Hodgson got Fulham to a Europa League final. Koemans replacement got them to an FA Cup final.

[randomlegend]

Real Sociedad have signed David Silva. In the announcement video they've bizarrely put his shirt on a random black guy.

EDIT: It's actually a mannequin, couldn't see it on my phone.

[mugbull]

Real Sociedad have signed David Silva. In the announcement video they've bizarrely put his shirt on a random black guy.

EDIT: It's actually a mannequin, couldn't see it on my phone.

:happycry:

[Gray Fox]

Mannequin lives matter.

[Offshore Toon]

I think TTH should make a Band Aid-like track for Metallica - Enter Binman. The lyrics barely need changing at all. We could even bring Sandman back as a nice little Easter Egg for our hardcore lurkers.

[bruhnaldo]

I thought Silva was washed up at this point? I saw Lazio were close to signing him and here I thought he'd make a bad signing for Inter Miami lol.

[mugbull]

David Silva? Are you insane?

[Jimmy Floyd]

I think TTH should make a Band Aid-like track for Metallica - Enter Binman. The lyrics barely need changing at all. We could even bring Sandman back as a nice little Easter Egg for our hardcore lurkers.

Take my hand, we're off to Sunder-sunderland.

[Andy]

Roy Hodgson got Fulham to a Europa League final. Koemans replacement got them to an FA Cup final.

You think Puel did a better job? :cry:

It was a league cup final. By your weird logic it's not an achievement anyway because we didnt win it.

[Shindig]

C'mon, Andy. Everyone knows two years of consistent league performances (and your best ever league finish that guaranteed European football) are no match for trip to Wembley.

[CJay]

And playing in a Champions League final isn’t necessarily a reflection of all round brilliance. It’s the Djimi Traoré paradox.

And all of those players bar maybe Alderweireld were still developing while they were at Southampton. It’s not like they had Mané in his prime banging them in every other week.

[Lofty]

Wenger has apparently 'offered his services' to the Dutch national team.

[SincereTheRebel]

Wolves need to get some bodies in.

[phonics]

Arsenal are signing a bunch of 19-22 yos that are getting released by other clubs for some reason.

One from Huddersfield, one from Spurs and another one in the last couple of days.

[randomlegend]

Favre seems to have had some weird digs at Sancho.

"Needs to do more headed flick-ons" :cab:

[Manc]

Let it go.

[bruhnaldo]

The interview was very odd though. He was all "oh yea Sancho is important but who knows what the future holds and also let's remember he doesn't do (list of things) well at all" from what I read lol

[Shindig]

"When's the last time you saw him take a goal kick?"

[phonics]

3 Brazilian defenders if this Gabriel bloke signs. Worrying.

[SincereTheRebel]

What?

[phonics]

Luiz, Marri, this guy.

[SincereTheRebel]

Isnt Marri from Spain?

[phonics]

You're right, I figured what Spaniard goes to Brazil.

[Lofty]

3 Brazilian defenders if this Gabriel bloke signs. Worrying.

He has to decide if he wants to join us though so in true Arsenal fashion he likely wont and then be a world beater.

[SincereTheRebel]

I guess that means three CBs starting for Arsenal then?

[John Arne]

Don't forget Rob Holding, one of the Premier Leagues best defenders, when fit :D

[Lofty]

I imagine if he signs it will be possibly Gabriel and Mari starting as a pair. Saliba won't be first choice immediately due to his age, Luiz staying as back up. Mustafi, Sokratis both for sale, Chambers and Holding both gone if good offers come in imagine.

[Jimmy Floyd]

I'd have Holding at Chelsea. Let's continue the exchange programme.

We're getting closer to Chilwell apparently - I am all for it, even if the price tag is silly. Exciting player to watch who can actually deliver a ball unlike the twats we've had in recent years.

[Max Power]

That delivery being a cross slammed into opposing full backs shins 95% of the time.

Would rather keep him but if the £65m+ funds the winger and others we need then fair enough.

[John Arne]

Good news.... Loris Karius is back for us :)

EDIT: And Grujic... completely forgotten that he played for us :D

[randomlegend]

Chilwell is fucking dogshit. Any lolling about us getting done on the Maguire fee should be increased tenfold for anyone paying £65m for Chilwell.

[Lofty]

I'd have Holding at Chelsea. Let's continue the exchange programme.

We're getting closer to Chilwell apparently - I am all for it, even if the price tag is silly. Exciting player to watch who can actually deliver a ball unlike the twats we've had in recent years.

I'd prefer to keep Holding because he definitely has the potential to be a solid option but just worry his injury might have lowered the ceiling on that somewhat.

[Waffdon]

Chilwell is fucking dogshit. Any lolling about us getting done on the Maguire fee should be increased tenfold for anyone paying £65m for Chilwell.

Maguire has a funny head though

[SincereTheRebel]

I imagine if he signs it will be possibly Gabriel and Mari starting as a pair. Saliba won't be first choice immediately due to his age, Luiz staying as back up. Mustafi, Sokratis both for sale, Chambers and Holding both gone if good offers come in imagine.

Given Sideshows recent performances, I suspect he will be a middle CB with two more CBs either side of him.

[Lofty]

Arsenal only played 5 at the back because Luiz is a liability when he isn't in a back 3.

When Arteta first came to Arsenal he played a flat back 4 and did the same after the restart, well until Mari got injured after 20 minutes. If everyone is fit I can't see Arteta playing anything other than a back 4.

[Don]

Good news.... Loris Karius is back for us :)

EDIT: And Grujic... completely forgotten that he played for us :D

You seen the kid Koumetio? 17 years old, 6'3" of prime French mandingo meat :**) If he doesn't become a world class CB within 3 years I'll nosh off every one of you.

[Ian]

Unlike the pube sandwich we'll all at least be glad if you bottle that one.

[Don]

1. The pube sandwich was completed, I won't allow for these these Trump tactics.

2. Behave, like I'd get a single rejection amongst you smegma ridden cunts.

[Baz]

:D

Eugh, makes me think of that gauntlet video.

[Don]

How have I never heard of RTG until now? I don't baddle in this shit but I have an empty afternoon, gwan then, link a brother up, Baz

[Ian]

The authenticity of the pube sandwich was dubious at best.

Though now I think about it I actually can't remember what that was for. What prompted an "I'll eat my pubes if-" ?

[John Arne]

You seen the kid Koumetio? 17 years old, 6'3" of prime French mandingo meat :**) If he doesn't become a world class CB within 3 years I'll nosh off every one of you.

Aye, bit of a man mountain. Also seems to have the reactions of comatosed sloth.

[niko_cee]

Andre Wisdom all over again then?

[Don]

How have I never heard of RTG until now? I don't baddle in this shit but I have an empty afternoon, gwan then, link a brother up, Baz

What a pleasant 15 minutes that was.


The authenticity of the pube sandwich was dubious at best.

Though now I think about it I actually can't remember what that was for. What prompted an "I'll eat my pubes if-" ?

Benteke related. Can't remember the details but safe to say time has proven me right.


Aye, bit of a man mountain. Also seems to have the reactions of comatosed sloth.

Ah is he one of them ones? I retract the BJ offer.


Andre Wisdom all over again then?

It was always going to end one way as soon as he locked down some premium Dominican fanny like that. RIP, gone but never forgotten. England lost a true great there.

https://www.instagram.com/p/B_fk0Q9BTkf/?hl=en

[Baz]

How have I never heard of RTG until now? I don't baddle in this shit but I have an empty afternoon, gwan then, link a brother up, Bazlol

It’s just runthegaunlet.org

[bruhnaldo]

Truly I'm off Sancho but Fabrizio Romano saying Dortmund will only do the 108m in one payment sounds insane, right? I mean before COVID all the large deals were done in installments.

I mean I guess it is in their right but it just seems like negotiating in bad faith.

[randomlegend]

Truly I'm off Sancho but Fabrizio Romano saying Dortmund will only do the 108m in one payment sounds insane, right? I mean before COVID all the large deals were done in installments.

I mean I guess it is in their right but it just seems like negotiating in bad faith.

He didn't actually say that, just they won't accept it over 4-5 years which sounds like what United were trying to do. I'm sure they'd take a large chunk up front and the rest over 2-3 years.

[Baz]

Would Sancho actually cut it in the Premier League?

Iwobi—1—2—3—4—Sterling

Where is he on this?

I’m looking forward to seeing how bad Ziyech does, cos his numbers in Holland look tasty. :harold:

[bruhnaldo]

1295924853657292801

To be fair you're right that it doesn't say that outright but that's still how I read it if I'm honest though I'm inclined to agree they'd be kinda silly to not if they were actually inclined to sell the player.

[randomlegend]

Would Sancho actually cut it in the Premier League?

Iwobi—1—2—3—4—Sterling

Where is he on this?

I’m looking forward to seeing how bad Ziyech does, cos his numbers in Holland look tasty. :harold:

Sancho is one of the top 3-4 young players in the world.

[Lewis]

I can't wait to start talking about 'Jadon' like I'm his mate.

[Don]

+1 for Ziyech and his Arab skeleton frame flopping harder than Jahanbaksh's massive penis.

[Giggles]

What the fuck do you be on about?

[Don]

It's not potato related, as you were.

[Giggles]

There’s definitely a want in you.

[bruhnaldo]

It's every post.

[Jimmy Floyd]

If we get Havertz, which seems a dead cert, then him and Pulisic and Werner and Mount etc is a lot clustered in that part of the pitch, so I'm guessing Ziyech is going to be in-and-out fodder. Plus we have to accommodate Ross Barkley and his five ton glutes.

[Baz]

What the fuck do you be on about?

Chelsea signed Hakim Ziyech from Ajax. He looks a bit like he could well get bullied in the Premier League, despite posting very good numbers (goals and assists, passes and chances created etc.) in the Eredivisie.

[Giggles]

Makes more sense without the penis obsession.

[Don]

James Joyce is spinning in his grave with his little Irish wonker in hand at the state of you.

[Manc]

Would Sancho actually cut it in the Premier League?

This is gold.

[Waffdon]

If we get Havertz, which seems a dead cert, then him and Pulisic and Werner and Mount etc is a lot clustered in that part of the pitch, so I'm guessing Ziyech is going to be in-and-out fodder. Plus we have to accommodate Ross Barkley and his five ton glutes.

It’ll be Pulisic and Ziyech starting every game out wide with Werner up top. Lampard just wanted one sitter in midfield so if he’s desperate to be playing Mount, he’ll play in an ‘8’ alongside Havertz.

Most them players can play all over though but I’d imagine the dead cert is Ziyech. He’s class, will absolutely piss the league.

[SincereTheRebel]

+1 for Ziyech and his Arab skeleton frame flopping harder than Jahanbaksh's massive penis.

Mahrez wasnt that bad...

[niko_cee]

Didn't come with a big rep from Holland though.

Chelsea might be quite fun to watch, in a Keegan Newcastle sort of way if they get anywhere near fielding that side up above.

[Kikó]

https://twitter.com/B24PT/status/1296160343316668422?s=19

Boavista sign Garcia. They will be one to watch in Portugal this year.

[Lofty]

Arsenal bidding cash + Guendouzi for Aouar apparently.

[John Arne]

It would need to be a fucking lot of cash.

[SincereTheRebel]

Lyon will probably not be under any pressure to sell him either. He is contracted until 2023.

[randomlegend]

Lyon's *sporting director has already said he'll leave

[Jimmy Floyd]

Lyon's sporting director is a market stall holder, he'll say lots of things but they will only sell him for gazillions.

[Gray Fox]

So the word is that while we are interested in Thiago the fee is not the issue. It's the most bloated area of the squad at present with Gini, Henderson, Milner, The Ox, Fabinho, Keita, Grujic and the introduction of Curtis Jones. Thiago will only join if one or two move on.

To that end new Barca(mate) Binman supposedly wants Gini, which is very understandable. The lack of movement on a new deal could signal a cash in here and swap for Thiago. This deal would be impacted by the Coutinho saga. Liverpool put in a clause stopping Barcelona bidding for any of our players, but this has now expired, however they also got the deal quite structured. As an example we're due something like £5-6m if he wins the CL for Bayern.

A fair chunk of that £140m~ fee is still owed. The dream here would be to get cash and/or Coutinho in return then also buy Thiago, but maybe I've played too much FM.

[Manc]

Letting Wijnaldum go would be a mistake imo.

[Giggles]

They only need van Dijk and Mane.

[Kikó]

Looks like Cavani to Benfica is done:
1293586844408578048?s=19

[SincereTheRebel]

That Barca clause that they cant buy any liverpool players :lol:

[SincereTheRebel]

3 Brazilian defenders if this Gabriel bloke signs. Worrying.

SSN are reporting now PSG and Man Utd are interested in him.

[Jimmy Floyd]

I would also like to officially register my interest in him.

[Giggles]

Nothing to kill the last small bit of hope like your best player heading for the SPL :face:

[Don]

The things I'd do to see a 35 year-old Thiago Silva try and play in the prem for Lamps. He'll be on the first flight back to Copacabana beach after 90 minutes of Michail Antonio :D

[Waffdon]

Chilwell to Chelsea is apparently close to being done. 50m rather than the 80m.

[SincereTheRebel]

Higuain and Khedira have both had their contracts terminated at Juventus

[Lewis]

That might be the worst [non-Barcelona] transfer ever made.

[niko_cee]

Whilst it's clearly in the realm of fantasy, if Barcelona were to swap Coutinho for Wijnaldum, or even more daft chuck cash into the mix as well they should probably just be shut down for their own protection.

Can see Wijnaldum going there, he certainly shines for Holland (although I think it'll have to be him wanting to go/not signing a new deal rather than being pushed out the door) but I tend to think that Koeman, as a manager with experience in England, and of good Coutinho, might be inclined to use him.

[Don]

Letting go of Gini would be the sort of mistake I don't see us partaking in, particularly as he apparently has no wish to leave (don't blame him).

It's all too easy to not recognise him as one ofthe most complete central midfielders in the world and a perfect fit for us.

[Kikó]

Looks like Cavani to Benfica is now off due to his wage demands https://twitter.com/futebolfactory/status/1296917909592309762?s=19

[Waffdon]

That might be the worst [non-Barcelona] transfer ever made.

Ashley Cole seems to like him which must be something at least. Not sure why they’re buying him though. Not like they need to fill an English quota but I suppose anything under £60m these days is fuck all

[Lewis]

I meant Gonzalo Higuain. Ninety million, and he did nothing for them.

[Don]

https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/jh-LhhRMxq4wFztfkli3yKCUofM=/1400x1400/filters:format(jpeg)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/19986260/1183648457.jpg.jpg

Chelsea's new 18 year-old CB from Barca. The search for the Virgil regen is a noble one but I can tell you now from the lad's limbs, he ain't making it.

[Sir Andy Mahowry]

What about his cock?

[Danny]

I presumed that was one of the limbs Taz was including

[Offshore Toon]

Looks like Cavani to Benfica is now off due to his wage demands https://twitter.com/futebolfactory/status/1296917909592309762?s=19
You're better as an Italian. Portuguese Kiko is a po(o)r( Ki)ko.

[Gray Fox]

Whilst it's clearly in the realm of fantasy, if Barcelona were to swap Coutinho for Wijnaldum, or even more daft chuck cash into the mix as well they should probably just be shut down for their own protection.

Can see Wijnaldum going there, he certainly shines for Holland (although I think it'll have to be him wanting to go/not signing a new deal rather than being pushed out the door) but I tend to think that Koeman, as a manager with experience in England, and of good Coutinho, might be inclined to use him.

Koeman would want to recreate the exact midfield he had success with in pairing him with De Jong.

I think we're past the point of a contract being agreed now, which is a shame, but he wont exactly leave on Emre Can terms either.

I also believe the Barca(mate) office and fans have decided Coutinho is to go and did so a while ago. They're in the toilet financially too. 3 massive recent transfers(De Jong wasn't cheap either) and none have really worked well, nor have they won the CL which is what they wanted. Wage bill is also through the roof.

Lord Messi is untouchable, even though we are now moving into the point where he probably will do as much harm as good to the team. So Suarez and one of Coutinho/Dembele will have to go at the minimum.

[Shindig]

Longstaff's signed. I'm surprised nobody else went for him or that he didn't consider it. His brother must drive him to training.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/53880967

Hey, it worked out for Isaac Hayden. Join us for half a Joelinton. You don't even need to learn Portuguese.

[Baz]

Chilwell to Chelsea for 50m is done. :harold:

[SincereTheRebel]

I would take Rob Holding for Wolves. He has played in a back three and Wolves are in need of depth.

[niko_cee]

I thought his busted heel was going to scupper it? (re: Chilwell)

[SincereTheRebel]

I thought his busted heel was going to scupper it? (re: Chilwell)

That didn't stop Megan with W.A.P

[Lofty]

Suarez released on a free?!

[Lewis]

What better way for Ole Gunnar Binman to show he's his own man than signing the bloke Siralex Ferguson wanted drummed out of the country.

[phonics]

Maitland-Niles to Wolves, excellent move by them.

[Baz]

That didn't stop Megan with W.A.P

:lol:

[SincereTheRebel]

Maitland-Niles to Wolves, excellent move by them.

Has shown he can cover multiple positions giving 6 out 10. Bring him in. Jonny is out for nine months. I would like to see Vinagre take that spot full time.

[randomlegend]

Havertz to Chelsea sounds basically done

[Jimmy Floyd]

Thiago Silva sounds likely too. This is turning in a classic lol Chelsea summer, up there with vintage years like 2003 and 1998. 9th place awaits.

[Don]

Maitland-Niles to Wolves, excellent move by them.

I've just seen a fee of £20m be touted. I can understand Iwobi madness a little cause at least he dribbles so threatens to not look like a mong every now and then but Maitland-Niles? I thought Wolves were a smarter club than that, fucking hell.

[Don]

Also, I see Barca telling Suarez, Rakitic, Vidal and Umtiti to fuck off. Fascinated to see where Suarez goes (by Christ I'd love to see him as back up for Bobby) and the next two are corpses but a 26 year-old Umtiti must be a very attractive proposition to a shit load of teams. Utd, Arsenal, Chelsea, they should all be in for him.

[phonics]

I've just seen a fee of £20m be touted. I can understand Iwobi madness a little cause at least he dribbles so threatens to not look like a mong every now and then but Maitland-Niles? I thought Wolves were a smarter club than that, fucking hell.

You liking athletes that can do a bit of everything and not liking mainland bikes makes no sense. He’s got good technique, good pace, can play literally anywhere it’s just when he has a bad game he has a really bad game.

[Don]

Being crowbarred into every position in that Arsenal side for want of having any competent alternative does not make a player be deemed capable. If he plays central midfield again it'll be in some BLM charity match and he's got fuck all as a wing-back that isn't i) already in every prem club's reserve team and ii) that can't be massively improved by signing some foreigner for a tenth of the price.

[Sir Andy Mahowry]

Mainland Bikes is a TOP lad.

[phonics]

Being crowbarred into every position in that Arsenal side for want of having any competent alternative does not make a player be deemed capable. If he plays central midfield again it'll be in some BLM charity match and he's got fuck all as a wing-back that isn't i) already in every prem club's reserve team and ii) that can't be massively improved by signing some foreigner for a tenth of the price.

1022756573335183360

He's Oxlade-Chamberlain without the injury history. We've treated him really badly imo.

[Don]

That is some dead video and an even deader appraisal of AOC. This guy does not have anywhere near the pace or dynamism which is problematic given it's basically all AOC has.

[niko_cee]

I must have missed the bit where Maitland-Niles was a highly sought after youngster being fought over by the nations' top teams.

+1 for the return of Suarez brigade. I've no idea if he'd be any use but it'd be amazing all the same.

[SincereTheRebel]

Suarez can still do good anywhere he goes. He isn't going to accept a reserved role behind a Brazilian with white teeth, who hasnt scored more than 15 league goals a season.

[niko_cee]

He's said he'd be happy to be a reserve (and stay at Barca, although £290,000-a-week maybe has something to do with that) but my guess would be he'd take the money they'll have to pay him off and go and get a starting role somewhere - hasn't Ajax been mooted? Or Italy, everyone seems to end up in Italy.

[bruhnaldo]

the Miami people seem to think they have a chance but I think that's all pie in the sky "BUT BECKS!" bullshit.

[phonics]

Messi has exercised his clause for immediate contract termination.

This will be fascinating. I'm going to start deep diving for tenuous links between Arteta and Messi.

[Shindig]

I really hope everyone puts a bid in, regardless of their budget constraints.

[phonics]

The two most lol possibilities are Juventus or just resigning with Barcelona.

[Lewis]

United should offer him whatever they had earmarked for Jadon Sancho over three years.

[Shindig]

In all seriousness, Messi and Ronaldo on the same team would be fucking excellent.

[Ian]

I suppose Messi could be a decent backup to Greenwood.

[SincereTheRebel]

Messi has exercised his clause for immediate contract termination.

This will be fascinating. I'm going to start deep diving for tenuous links between Arteta and Messi.

Is this 100% certified ?

[Baz]

In all seriousness, Messi and Ronaldo on the same team would be fucking excellent.

Ronaldo could then assert himself as the actual GOAT.

[Bernanke]

Is this 100% certified ?

Puyol seems to think it is:

1298315936592797697

[bruhnaldo]

Apparently Barcelona have confirmed it by mentioning that said "get out of Barca free" clause expired at some point jajajaja

[niko_cee]

I've already seen a Messi to Leeds story. Make it happen.


Messi has sent a burofax to Barcelona

Que?

[bruhnaldo]

"1% chance Messi comes to Inter Miami?!?!" real text i just got. Everyone's in on it now.

[niko_cee]

In reality he's just going to get the entire Barcelona board to resign, then he can run everything (into the ground) even more than has already been happening. Maybe he dislikes the dinner ladies?

[SincereTheRebel]

SSN are reporting Messi sent a fax to Barcelona informing them he wants to leave. These man are still using fax.

[Kikó]

Is engrained sexism the reason why the Dinner Lady model hasn't taken off at Barcelona?
Read more in the Guardian

[bruhnaldo]

Is dinner lady like another form of binman i don't know about ?

[Dquincy]

Apparently Barcelona have confirmed it by mentioning that said "get out of Barca free" clause expired at some point jajajaja

What a mad clause to allow into a contract. This one heading to the courts.

[SincereTheRebel]

Messi has had Barca on his puppet strings for a few years now. No idea how he has managed to get that clause in there. It's been active for a few years now.

[Gray Fox]

They've also told Suarez to do one.

Messi needs to go play with Ronaldo just for the lol of it all at this point.

[phonics]

Not something I like to do but you have to tip your hat to Real Madrid when comparing the Ronaldo sale to this.

Winning the CL and both moving on with minimal fuss or getting smashed 8-2 and a contract dispute.

[Pepe]

If he hasn't turned to shit yet, he will very soon.

[mugbull]

Messi will be Pirlo with goals for another 3 years

[phonics]

Everyone ignores that he's carried that Barcelona team for 3 years. He's still amazing.

[Shindig]

It's whether he can work it out at another club, for me.

[Mike]

Messi and Suarez would be decent to bring on for the last 20 minutes to give Salah and Bobby a rest ;)

[Don]

This is wild. What I'd give for Leeds or just any prem club to see how he'd stand up to the prem at this ripe age. One challenge from that 8ft West Brom Nigerian to end his career.

[Shindig]

City's probably going to spoil this by signing him.

[Luke Emia]

Is Koeman going full Valencia? Reports are that he’s pissed Messi off more by telling him his privileges are over and telling Suarez to do one. It’s almost like he’s going out of his way to piss off the possibly the best player ever(caveat it could be Ronaldo).

[bruhnaldo]

I'd like Messi to come to MLS to give the league some exposure but deep down I think I'd really want him to go to Juve.

If he went to City that would suck but I also despise Messi so it's really perfect.

[bruhnaldo]

I realize Messi is the 2nd best footballer of all time or whatever but if you're Koeman I mean..

I can see how having an aging squad while the biggest player in your club's history is basically pulling all the strings would undermine your authority a great deal.

I mean you can't really rebuild the squad around a player who is 33 years old, even if he's the 2nd greatest footballer ever, and Barca's squad is a fuckin aged shambles.

[Shindig]

Is Koeman going full Valencia? Reports are that he’s pissed Messi off more by telling him his privileges are over and telling Suarez to do one. It’s almost like he’s going out of his way to piss off the possibly the best player ever(caveat it could be Ronaldo).

Fuck it. Now is the time to rebuild. The Masia products aren't coming through like they used to, partly because of what they have to compete against in the first team.

[Yevrah]

Man City must be massive favourites.

[Don]

Koeman ain't a fucking tard, he'd blow his dad to keep Messi. They've just fucked him off over the brink by telling his bestie Luis to do one.

[Manc]

Inter. #ITK

[Gray Fox]

We know he loves Guardiola and he's godfather to Agueros kid.

The other option is to go to PSG and get paid whatever he wants.

[Ian]

Isn't it time in the Pep Cycle for him to sack it off and go to the next league with a club who have a shitload of cash to spend so he can win for a few years?

Guardiola and Messi to Qatar. :drool:

[Lofty]

You liking athletes that can do a bit of everything and not liking mainland bikes makes no sense. He’s got good technique, good pace, can play literally anywhere it’s just when he has a bad game he has a really bad game.

He's the love child of Coquelin and Flamini with an English passport.

[Foe]

He’s going to PSG. Imagine that front three.

Messi, Neymar and chupo moting, and then you’ve got Mbappe off the bench to take advantage of tired defenders.

[randomlegend]

Bartomeu has resigned apparently.

[Lewis]

I would appoint him player-coach and sit back.

[Ian]

That's the 2020-redeeming scenario, Lewis.


The dream not-gonna-happen scenario is that Barcelona properly go off the deep end, give Messi a player-manager role and he drives them into 12th place.

[Shindig]

The dream scenario is this going full Calciopoli and people being flung off balconies.

[SincereTheRebel]

I wonder what 'direction' Barca are going into that Messi didnt like. One where he had to take a wage cut? Which makes perfect sense in order to free up the budget for other players.

[niko_cee]

Down.

[Dquincy]

Gutting for Barca to lose Messi for free (if that happens), but think of the salary budget he and Suarez would free up. :drool: That would be an FM dream.

[Dquincy]

In other news, James "Hamez" Rodriguez is close to joining Everton.

That's quite a fall from grace.

[Jimmy Floyd]

Messi to Leeds is what needs to happen.

[phonics]

Bielsa bangs on about how much research him and his team do and then the first thing they do is buy a 1 in 4, Spanish targetman in his late 20s for 30 million euros.

Shit has Roberto Soldado written all over it.

[Don]

I'm not sure how he's going to do anything given his piss-poor spell with Bolton but Bielsa's Leeds should not be prejudged this season so I'll hold fire. I'm more intrigued as to how you've arrived at the conclusion Rodrigo is a target man :D

[Sir Andy Mahowry]

Rodrigo isn't a target man.

[John]

That's like when Magic posted that Arsenal would be mad to buy Lacazette because he and Giroud were basically the same player.

[John Arne]

It's Inter, surely.

Or LAFC :D

[Manc]

Rodrigo is essentially the Spanish Bamford. Lovely footballer who doesn't score anywhere near enough.

[Don]

Tucked away in some Messi article on Guardian was news Barca have signed this absolute nobody for £30m:

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Francisco_Trinc%C3%A3o

Bruv :D

[John Arne]

Tucked away in some Messi article on Guardian was news Barca have signed this absolute nobody for £30m:

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Francisco_Trinc%C3%A3o

Bruv :D

14 goals in 79 games for Braga and Braga B. Granted he's only 20, but that seems a bizarre signing for 30m

[Luca]

FM Legend.

[Sir Andy Mahowry]

He's apparently very highly rated in Portugal.

I'm sure Keeks will be along soon to tell us all how great he is.

[Trancemeister]

Chilwell to Chelsea official.

[SincereTheRebel]

Wolves have had a £15m bid rejetced for Maintland-Niles and Man Two have had a bid rejected for Monaco defender Benoit Badiashile

[Sir Andy Mahowry]

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/EgW9xv6WsAEw_tz?format=jpg&name=large

[SincereTheRebel]

Chelsea are playing no games with this cash. Making up for that transfer ban.

[SincereTheRebel]

James Rodriquez looks like he may play under Ancelotti for a third time at Everton.

[Giggles]

Chilwell is a disaster signing.

[Jimmy Floyd]

It's a considerable upgrade on what we have in that position.

[SincereTheRebel]

Jamal Blackman has gone on loan number 8 to Rotherham

[randomlegend]

Chilwell is awful

[Lewis]

What sort of self-respecting defender has teeth like that?

[Manc]

FM Legend.

This.

[niko_cee]

£45m doesn't seem too bad for Chilwell, considering the absolutely heroic amounts of money City chuck at useless fullbacks. Makes you wonder why they weren't interested in him themselves. Is he not any good?

[Dquincy]

James Rodriquez looks like he may play under Ancelotti for a third time at Everton.

Delete this now. I've already stated this news.

[Shindig]

I read that as Jay Rodriguez.

[niko_cee]

Who is it the bigger fall from grace from though, if you'd posed the scenario in 2014?

[Giggles]

They can just both agree that Everton is a shit place to end up.

[Giggles]

Nice wad for Bohemians if Doherty does go to Tottenham.

[Don]

£15m for Doherty whilst £50m for some inferior English cunt and £20m for Britains Next Top Rapstar.

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Efficient-market_hypothesis

That is genuine signing of the season territory. Mou :drool:

[randomlegend]

Inb4 he plays 3 games, Mourinho says he's shit, plays Eric Dier as right back for most of the season then moans next summer when Levi won't buy Pereira off Leicester for £70m.

[randomlegend]

Smalling to Roma almost done

[Waffdon]

£15m for Doherty whilst £50m for some inferior English cunt and £20m for Britains Next Top Rapstar.

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Efficient-market_hypothesis

That is genuine signing of the season territory. Mou :drool:

Is he out of contract? Not sure why Wolves are getting rid if not. Unless they’re away to be playing Traore there or something

[Spikey M]

Inb4 he plays 3 games, Mourinho says he's shit, plays Eric Dier as right back for most of the season then moans next summer when Levi won't buy Pereira off Leicester for £70m.

Nailed on.