European Summer Transfer Talk

I'm not too worried about Micky going to them; as much as I'd like to see him come home ol' Rafa has said repeatedly he's no use to us and his judgement was better than mine last season (tho the season before is still debatable :lol. I like the idea of Micky gettign a go with a proper squad and as long as he doesn't cost us the trophy I'd love to see him do well in the evil Red shirt.

As for Xabi, the Real Sociedad deal is in effect until mid year, so the idea that we're only hanging on to him for a few weeks is bung bro. I'm quite certain Rafa knows how instrumental he's been (he'd be blind not to) and that selling him is self defeating, so the only way I could see him being sold is to cover the bills that were talked about last month, and according to my uynderstanging it'd be dumb to do it before mid year

That said, the idea of no Xabi and a 5-1-3-1 or a 5-1-2-2 with Arbeloa as a sweeper or Agger, Skrtel, and Carra in the center isn't totally out of the realms of beliveability with a visionary like Rafa involved, I guess... ^_^

Very much doubt it bro, 5 man defenses are outdated as since the tunr of the century the accepted school of thought is that blocking up the midfield is far better defensively than playing an extra centre back. Even the Brazilian national side has abandoned their traditional 3-5-2 (well 3-4-1-2 in modern terms) in favour of a formation loosely resembling 4-2-3-1. Sweepers are also gone because everyone plays offside traps now and having a sweeper means you can't do that.

If Alonso does go, and I too am also concerned that he will be the next Galatico, I would be very surprised if Rafa changes the formation because it's working so well. It allows a deep lying playmaker (Alonso) more time to pick his passes, and he and Mascherano free up Gerrard to attack. Gerrard being further forward is better for his game because he's not great at maintaining possession - as he plays a lot of low percentage hero passes. Being further forward loosing the ball isn't as dangerous, plus by being closer to Torres it actually increases the chances of his hero passes being successful and allows for shooting chances. With a 5 man defense you only have 1 man in central midfield which would force Gerrard to drop deeper to help out thus reducing his effectiveness.

iirc Arbeloa has actually played as a defensive mid before so that could happen I guess... Although I guess if he does flick 'em both as a package (as I've heard might be the case) the point that Arbeloa is left over is null anyways

Yeah Jono is on the money here. If Alonso is sold then the only possibilities are

a) Buying a direct replacement. Which is pretty much impossible as Xavi is the only other player like Xabi (Pirlo at a push) and he's not going anywhere. I imagine this is what we'll try and do though- there has been talk linking us with Inler from Fiorentina. Arsene was pretty keen on him last season but he's only available at a pretty step price (we can thank Real for that)

b) Revert back to a strict 4-4-2 with Gerrard and Masch in the middle. A partner for Torres would need to be brought in though. We've been linked pretty hard with Negredo who ripped shit up for Almeria last season. This is a definite possibility as Real own him so he could be involved in the Alonso deal.

Obviously the best would be if he didn't leave but if it does happen I'd rather us play in our current formation with another central midfielder brought in. Our season will hinge on who that player is though.

Zhirkov has finally joined Chelsea, wonder if it's a Ancelotti or a Abramovich deal though, still should be a good player. Although with Malouda finally hitting form and Ashley Cole having his best season since he left Arsenal it's hard to see where he'll fit - bench probably.

You might get to keep Alonso afterall as Real Madrid have just lodged a €30m for Roma midfielder Daniele De Rossi. He's almost as Roma through and through as Totti though so I'm not certain he would join if Roma do accept the bid.

D'Agostino now isn't it..?

Yup, I had my doubts that Roma would sell for €30m so Real are in negotiations with Udinese for Juventus target D'Agostino. However with Juventus signing Diego and on the verge of signing Felipe Melo it is unlikely they will be interested in another midfielder so Real should be uncontested in their attempts to strengthen the midfield. D'Agostino is a good player but hardly a Galatico, not really in the same category as Alonso or De Rossi and at 27 years old he's pretty much the finished article, and to be honest I think he will suit the Juve midfield much more than Real Madrid's.

I see we signed Mavinga from PSG. Another solid left back who can play centre back also which is good. He played for the French U18 i believe.

Good signing

who?

A position in which you already have Fabio Aurelio, Dossena, and Insua... The biggest squad in Europe keeps growing.

Bignews today is that Adebayor is in talks with City who have apparently already agreed a fee with Arsenal. How many strikers do you need? Also there's seemingly more to the John Terry to City story than was first thought and it'snow become a real possibility.

Eh? How do you figure that??

tevez has gone to city, still pursuing terry in the mean time

saf said he won't make any more signings

Factually... The first and reserve team squads of Liverpool are in excess of 60 players in total, perhaps even 70. There was an article earlier in the year about the inflated nature of the squads of the top four in England, which are also the 4 biggest in Europe:

1) Liverpool
2) Arsenal
3) Manchester United
4) Chelsea

Chelsea have the biggest wage bill though, and Ballack is the highest paid player in England at the time I am writing this... That may change in the next few days if City have anything to do with it. Liverpool was also rated the hardest club for a young player to break through at, with only two academy products playing regular first team. One of their young centre backs who recently left had a real go at them because he was promised a chance then Rafa signed Srktel.

http://www.liverpoolfc.tv/team/squad/

Sixty on the dot.

Only the first twenty (save El Zhar and Skrtel) have appeared in more than a handful of games and several of them are on loan or are long term injuries.

The remainder almost ALL play juniors and reserves, difference being Rafa is more likely to bring them in when we suffer injuries or to try them out pre-season. Calling them first team is simply a misclassification.

Ultimately, as everyone knows, the gulf between reserves and first team is ridiculous, especially with so much on the line for the top four. Waiting half a season for someone to show their mettle or gel simply isn't an option in today's game which is sad in a way but a fact.

he also plays centreback. as i wrote. can never have enough defenders. We just let sami go. now we have a good replacement for teh future

Not at Barcelona, we like to give our youth a chance (as long as English teams don't take advantage of Spanish law to steal them first) which is probably why we have so many home grown players on the pitch each week, and our cantera is rated the best academy in Europe along with Ajax.

You're in a two horse race tho so you have the luxury of getting up in arms about nothing; you just wait til my Atletico boys get some fierce cash and Betis get promoted back up and then get moneyed up and then come talk to me, pal <:

Better than a one horse race though...

Hahahha SCKBRN, yah smrt cnt!

We'll sort that this season, buddy, just you wait

Tevez has gone to city, Downing on his way to Villa after Boro accepted a 12M bid

this transfer market sucks, the recession is here

well except for facist and evil city

Adebayor to Man City too by the looks, he's passed a medical.

What are you talking about? This tranfer market has been batshit insane... Utter mind boggling transfers every week, two world record fees (even if it was by the fascists), Owen to United after we all thought he was going to Hull, Arsenal looking like they'll actually get 25m for Adebayor, City buying fucking everyone and being linked to everyone, the absolute cherry on top would be if they sign Terry, I will fucking piss myself laughing if that happens.

what I don't get is why city needs so many strikers?

Barcelona have signed Maxwell from Inter for €5m, fantastic signing at a very low fee. I'm quite surprised Inter were willing to part with him for that price to be honest. Not complaining though, now all we need to do is buy a striker and we're in good shape.

Maxwell had one year left on his contract so it makes sense now.

Downing is going to Villa, and Zamora to Hull, apparently Spurs are trying to sign Vieira.

Barca and Inter have agreed a swap deal of Eto'o, Hleb on loan, plus some cash for Ibrahimovic... Epic! FUCKING EPIC! I just hope Eto'o doesn't fuck the whole thing up.

Hopefully this works, let me know if it doesn't and I'll rehost:

Coulda been well funnier but the sentiment is right

Tevez tho deserves to blatantly fuck over Man Utd's management after that cunt Saffas treatment of him.

That said I really do feel bad for their fans who loved him. It sucks cunt that their manager would betray them so badly. I'd fuckign hate to see the same happen in our camp so I truly feel bad for the Man Utd fans that have to deal with this situation.

I'm not too sure what sort of treatment Tevez will get in the upcoming Manchester derby...

Jono, I can't believe the Ibra swap deal with Eto'o plus Hleb is happening, Eto'o is one of the finest strikers in Europe if not the world, Ibra is the most over-rated player out there, he's good but not that good, I actually got really anxious when I read news United linked with him last few weeks, I hope Ibra is not turning out to be a rubbish buy for you guys, but I have my doubts, I wouldn't swap Eto'o with anything, as much as I don't like your team either, I rate him even though he did score against us in the final last season

with Tevez's situation since he was on loan from when we got him from Hammers was complicated as he's owned by an agent not by a club, the many off field drama was enough to unsettle the striker's future, he needs to play more though I don't know why city has so many strikers, and Adebayor is due to sign for them too?

nice work on the comics where did you get that?

The thing about Eto'o is that he is a grade A cunt, completely disruptive in the dressing room, and when we discussed a contract renewal he demanded 180k euros a week which is lightyears more than anyone is getting at Barca right now. I like Eto'o and am really grateful for everything he has done for us, and yes there is no better finisher in the game, but he's just been acting like a right cunt... When City made a bid he demanded a 25m euro compensation payment for leaving Barcelona and make no mistake he will leave on a free transfer at the end of the season when his contract expires. As it is no one is interested because he's being a prick and is waiting for his contract to run down so this is basically the only way we will get anything out of him leaving the club.

Ibra is fucking awesome, don't let anyone tell you differently, he has basically carried Inter for the last two seasons in a supposedly defensive league. His attributes are amazing, he is a big man who dominates in the air like no one else, is quick, has amazing skill with the ball at his feet, and has an incredible shot from distance. The media always likes to say he is lazy and not really that good, but that's crap, his CL record is not good yes, but his talent is incredible. He would be perfect for us given that we need a target man and he is not only a target man but amazingly skillful, meaning we wouldn't need to change our game at all to accomodate him, but could do so if the need arose (Chelsea in the CL). He's nowhere near as lazy and selfish as the English media like to make out either, plus, Pep is basically god so his good looks and charisma will make Ibra hungry and fall into line.

Pep:



Won it all as a player:



And as a manager:



And is Batman in his spare time:

Oh and Adebayor has ben confirmed as a City player.

Just watching the highlights of the Man U vs Malaysia game. macheda opening the scoring and MIchael OwenGrabbing his 2nd in as many matches.

Be interesting to know How he ended up with the famous number 7 shirt

I'm starting to think we might be holding on to both Xabi and Masch this window

Big press conference Wed UK time apparently. If either of them are moving it'll be announced then I reckon...

Whole thread = tl;dr so apologies if covered but...

Who are the promising n00bs coming up from relegation into the EPL this season? Anybody to watch out for?

Wolves, Birmingham, and Burnley are the noob teams but doubt they'll be a serious threat to anyone.

That said few people would have picked two of the three promoted teams (especially the bottom two of the promoted three) to beat out relatively established ones, so you never know really

With any luck the Burnley likely lads will be the ones to just edge Man Utd into the zone on the last day of the season ^_^

I take it you're taking about fantasy football, so are looking for cheap players who might earn you a few points:

Kevin Doyle - Wolves
Chris Eagles - Burley

To be honest I'm not overly encouraged by what I see, I expect Hull, Burley, and Wolves to get relegated next season, although if the takeover at Portsmouth doesn't go through then they will be dead certain for relegation and likely administration (10 point deduction). So basically avoid choosing defensive players from those four clubs as I can't see many clean sheet bonuses.

Eto'o has agreed to terms at Inter so the swap deal will hopefully be finalised soon... ZI9!

Yeah, mad transparent :>

I'm always on the lookout for undervalued players that will rise in value over the season. Last season I picked Turner and Geovanni from Hull and made a killing!

I had Geovanni too, he was great early.

I have a feeling Xabi is outies. Didn't play against Thailand due to "ankle injury" which hadn't been mentioned in the preceding week he was there.

Cotton wool imo...

Liverpool are reportedly trying to hijack Crouch's move to Tottenham at the last minute... Surely Crouch wouldn't go though, he left because he wanted to start every week and that's just not going to happen at Liverpool.

"Another transfer rumour can bite the dust after Rafa Benitez was asked if a recent report he was considering bringing Peter Crouch back to the club was correct. "No" was the straight reply."

Because strikers sell more personalised shirts.

The whole reason these dudes have shown up with their oil money is to turn City into a big spending club with flashy front players and a legion of fans world wide so that all the bitter, lifelong City fans of this world have to ask themselves 'What was it we hated about United?'

Oh, and they have no defenders so they might as well play 3-4-3, play Adebayore a little deeper in an effort to keep him onside for once.

Now that I've removed my tongue from my cheek, four's not too many as long as there's no dressing room rift. Four strikers worked out pretty well for United in 99 if you recall Minty.

You guys had a successful European and FA Cup campaing so there was plenty of game to keep them all happy in. City aren't even in the Europa Cup this season, and Carling Cup matches against Championship sqauds aren't going to keep people happy.

The problem with City is that they've bought second tier players with first rate egos. Don't get me wrong, they have some talented players, but when you have as big a squad as they do with the type of players they do there are definitely going to be some toys thrown.

As for how they do? I imagine they'll be pretty much the same as last year- absolutely put teams to the sword one minute and lose to the lower table teams the next. I'd be interested to see the odds on Hughes being the first managerial casualty.

Fuck I hope we have someone lined up if Alonso does indeed go. Lucas starting doesn't fill me with too much confidence

Toure to City would be a death knell to Arsenal imo tho hopefully that'll mean they won't nick 4 points off us this season and we'll get that bastard trophy finally :>

Ibra is ungoing a medical today so the deal should be confirmed by the end of the day. Fuck yes! This deal has made me giddy with excitement!

I don't imagine losing anyone would be the death knell to Arsenal, it's been said so many times in the past few years and while they haven't won anything for a while, they're cantering into at least fourth every season (and almost won the after season they lost Henry). Toure form has been downright shocking this last year and as far as Wenger is concerned, almost everyone has a price, all depends what he does with the money and who he has in the reserve team.

The only touch of note he's made that I've seen in pre-season was losing the ball

I think it's a combo of your very valid point and this also very valid (and awesome) call



Please don't think I was actually being serious comparing them with us, I think my tongue went back into it's cheek around then.

Thats just Ade running his mouth! lol at Yayas comments about how his brother would never step down to a club like city.

Still hoping for a defensive mid :/

Wanna lend of Jay Spearing? He's a bad little cunt but needs more first team experience before he's gtg; you guys have him this season on loan and we'll have him back once he's all adjusted kthx :>

omfg its actually gone through. Kolo to city. Why did we have to sell them a good defender, now they might actually be able to do something.

Funnily enough a lot of my Arsenal supporting mates are really happy with the money they got for him. They generally regard Toure as too inconsistent and woefully bad in the air, and considering every team in the Premiership is probably more direct than Arsenal that means he gets found out a lot. Talk is they'll sign Hangeland as a replacement for about the same as what they got for him, if this is true then it will be an excellent bit of business for Arsenal. Signing a 6'5" defender who was one of the best in the Premiership last season for a team that lacks height in defence could be a stroke of genius.

Alonso has now officially handed in a transfer request, I hope Liverpool play hard ball and make Real Madrid pay the full £35m they have valued him at. Real say they won't go above £28m but fuck them, why the hell would you give a club a £7m on a player you don't actually want to sell. Especially when the club has spent more than twice that on one player, Real Madrid have created this over inflated market so now Liverpool should make them live with it.

Looks like it's actually going to happen now. I hope we have a replacement lined up (that's not Lee FUCKING Cattermole)

Why are you so mean Scott? I didn't me mean when you lost Tevez or Ronaldo..

i didnt care much for Tevez and well the money for ronaldo was quite nice.

and we got our boy mikey - a true manc

Haha, good man

RIP Bobby

"Liverpool Football Club this evening confirmed they had reached agreement for the sale of Xabi Alonso to Real Madrid, subject only to a medical."

http://www.liverpoolfc.tv/news/drilldown/N165303090804-1808.htm

Good luck Xabi, hope your leaving us was, as is rumoured, for the welfare of your wife and newborn, and furthermore I hope all goes well for you

Fuck off, I hope he does shit and his new team crash and burn.

Haha, fair point actually, I want Xabi to do well and the rest of them to suck epic balls of fail and get demoted.

And Xabi to come home immediately

Aquilani is pretty much a sure thing to replace Xavi.

Fuck I'm gutted he's gone but stoked we have made a move to replace him asap. Guarantee it wouldn't of happened if Rick Parry was still with us. Props to Rafa for not fucking around.

Aquillani will miss the first two months of the season after having an operation prior to joining.

Everton have refused Joleon Lescott's request to be transfer listed, which may signal the end of any potential move to City.

David Villa to Barça is a dunne deal apparently, set to be unveiled next week after the final round of games.
Marca is also reporting that Di Maria is a dunne deal from Benfica to Real Madrid, however there's talk in the British papers that Chelsea are trying to sign him as well. Aguero to Chelsea is the other big rumour doing the rounds.

Italy is going batshit saying that Buffon is moving to Arsenal... Surely that can't be true, but Jesus titty fucking Christ if it is... Talk about a change in policy, that would be so epic... From Mr Prudent to signing the worlds best (well top 2) and possibly most expensive.

Moar:

Bayern Munich are lining up a move for Manchester United striker Dimitar Berbatov.
Full story: footylatest.com

Manchester United are ready to make a move for Real Madrid's £21m-rated midfielder Lassana Diarra.
Full story: Caughtoffside.com

Tottenham are preparing a £12.7m bid for AC Milan's Dutch striker Klaas Jan Huntelaar.
Full story: footylatest.com

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has set his sights on Lyon's abrasive 26-year-old Lyon midfielder Jeremy Toulalan, who is part of France's World Cup squad.
Full story: Caughtoffside.com

Wenger is also lining up Everton midfielder Mikel Arteta if Arsenal lose captain Cesc Fabregas to Barcelona in the summer.
Full story: Daily Mail

Barcelona midfielder Yaya Toure could be heading to Arsenal, with his agent admitting there is a 99% chance the Ivory Coast star will leave the Spanish club this summer.
Full story: imscouting.com

Liverpool are weighing up an £8m swoop for Valencia's 21-year-old Argentine midfielder Ever Banega, who has been likened to former Reds favourite Xabi Alonso.
Full story: Caughtoffside.com

The Anfield side are set to offload £20m signing Alberto Aquilani, who has failed to make an impact. Liverpool are bracing themselves for a huge loss on the midfielder.
Full story: Daily Mirror

Chelsea are the latest club to show an interest in Notts County keeper Kasper Schmeichel, who is also being tracked by Bayern Munich, West Brom and Derby.
Full story: Daily Mail

The Blues are also considering a £14m move for Manchester City's out-of-favour midfielder Stephen Ireland as a replacement for Joe Cole, who has been linked with a move from Stamford Bridge this summer.
Full story: Caughtoffside.com

Chelsea are planning a summer clear-out to raise funds for new signings, with Ricardo Carvalho, Deco, Juliano Belletti and Paulo Ferreira all set to leave the Premier League champions.
Full story: The Times

Tottenham boss Harry Redknapp will bring England goalkeeper David James, who he worked with at Portsmouth, to White Hart Lane on a free transfer in the summer.
Full story: Daily Mirror

Sevilla and Aston Villa are monitoring Liverpool midfielder Yossi Benayoun, who could leave Anfield this summer.
Full story: footylatest.com

Everton midfielder Jack Rodwell looks set to spurn the advances of Manchester United and sign a new contract at Goodison Park.
Full story: The Sun

Birmingham are lining up a summer bid for West Ham striker Carlton Cole, while Fulham left-back Paul Konchesky is also wanted by the Midlands club.
Full story: Daily Mirror

Fulham are lining up £2m swoop for Portsmouth striker Frederic Piquionne, who is also a target for Blackburn manager Sam Allardyce.
Full story: Daily Mirror

West Brom have made an approach for Sunderland right-back Phil Bardsley.
Full story: Daily Mail

Manchester City manager Roberto Mancini is lining up a move for Napoli midfielder Marek Hamsik and Inter Milan striker Mario Balotelli.
Full story: The Times

Italian club Palermo are keen on £2m-rated Celtic striker Georgios Samaras. (Various)

Aquaman won't be leaving us; firstly Rafa is too pig-headed to allow that but the fact is he's quickly becoming pivotal to us. Selling him now would only earn us a loss in finances and an excellent player. Benayoun going is likely though as he's been largely peripheral and hasn't done quite as well as he did the season before.
Torres going to Chelsea is likely I feel, though, and I'm actually not too upset by it. 50mn squid for him alone is enough to sure up the other gaps in our team and will offload a heartbreakingly regularly injured player while getting us a better squad.
Arteta to Arsenal is a interesting call; if anything (after a 'keeper) they need an out and out goal scorer rather than another small and pacey cunt. They need Crouchy I reckon; nice big target for the Nasri/Rosicky/Arshavin types to twat balls at.
Piquionne for £2m is mental; we should jump in here if he's going that cheap.

Wonder where Ireland is headed? Always though he's decent, though not really of use to us atm.

Talk is the that Bordeaux striker Maruone Chamakh is a dunne deal to Arsenal on a Bosman as his contract is up, and Wenger tried to sign him last year but was put off by the fee Bordeaux wanted for a player he could get for free now.

Ahh yeah, of course

In the wake of the Piqué/Ibra photo, this epic quote from Monster Masch:



Epic longing stares of forbidden gay love... Put your hand on the window Emilio... I'm reaching out to you Masch...

Hahahah, awww, that's sweet

Villa to be unveiled as a Barça player on Friday, also it's looking like Cesc will be next as well.

AWESOME!!!

Together again hopefully:





Piqué loves to cuddle.