The Transfer Speculation Thread

WingsForDinner · 05-13-2008, 05:40 PM

Might as well, right? Plenty to talk about already, and lots to speculate about.

First and foremost -- Henry. Back to England, off to France or the long trip across the pond?

Personally, I'm going with France, as it's more than likely he won't get another shot with Arsenal, and he doesn't want to go elsewhere in England (unless he wants to pull an Anelka and use Bolton until he's got his reputation back...PLEASE

). Still, I could see him in France more than I could see him in the States. It's not a knock on the American game, it's just the way I think it'll happen.

Ronaldinho to AC Milan...somewhat surprising, but not really. It's obviously not a done deal, yet, but it's about as certain as it gets at this point. I can't say I'm entirely shocked that AC Milan went for him. I'm ecstatic Chelsea or Man Utd didn't pick him up, as they're overburdened with elite level players in my eyes, but a "less-blessed" team would've been nice. That's the one thing I truly hate about todays' transfer market. Teams that don't have the flashy cash get nowhere...

Bosingwa to Chelsea...meh, it is what it is, I say. United wanted him, Chelsea signed him. Case closed, moving on.

Who else could we see moving on during the summer?

Personally, I'd love to see Bolton drop a few players, so long as they pick up a striker (and I mean a REAL striker, not another loaner from the Championship...). I suppose that'll never happen...

bedir than average · 05-13-2008, 07:44 PM

I'll be watching this one tightly because it is the first transfer window that affects my home team - Sounders FC

THere is a strong chance that Henry comes to the States. The money that can be offered is equal, and he is a foundational player who could change games. He also would already have a French teammate.

Marcus Hahnemann will be an interesting guy to watch as he's past his prime and his club is going down. I'm hoping that he will accept a max cap salary and return home.

WingsForDinner · 05-13-2008, 09:09 PM

Re: Hahnemann, I'd like to see him on a different team. He's a solid keeper and can still play at a very high level, but Reading just didn't have it this year. Shame for him, but could possibly be very good news for the American leagues...

With Henry, I think it would HAVE to be substantial cash in order to drag him away from Europe. Obviously, that's not a particularly huge issue with the current ownership in Seattle, which leaves the sole question of where Henry sees himself. I think we're also forgetting about the fact that Henry has a daughter that wants to stay in London. Henry going to Spain, and possibly to France isn't as large of an issue as Henry going halfway across the world to play in the MLS. So, I'm still going to stick with France for now, but ultimately, it's up in the air until he makes the move.

Motorboatjones33 · 05-13-2008, 11:35 PM

Juventus now appears to be the front runner in the race to land Fiorentina defender Tomáš Ujfaluši. Ujfaluši decided against renewing his contract with Fiorentina and appears ready to move to another club via free transfer.

Reports from several media outlets are stating that he has committed to the Bianconeri with a verbal agreement. Spanish sides Atletico Madrid and Sevilla FC have also been rumored to covet the Czech defender.

Juventus has already added Swedish international Olof Mellberg to the back line for the upcoming 2008-2009 season.

WingsForDinner · 05-14-2008, 03:41 PM

To be honest, I was a bit shocked by the Mellberg switch. He's been doing well in the Premier League, and it seemed a bit sudden to make that sort of a move. Still, very good for his career as it's with a team like Juve. Can't say I'm as surprised with the Ujfalusi situation.

Now the new questions are arising over Eto'o and his future with Barca. Obviously, it would appear to be coming to a close, but with the currently listed "top suitor" being Tottenham, and a host of other clubs looking for his services; however, there is still that minute chance that he could stay with Barcelona. I'm a bit on the fence on this one -- I can see him moving, but I highly doubt he would wind up with Tottenham....

Lots of interesting speculation showing up early this year

Motorboatjones33 · 05-16-2008, 01:52 AM

How did you end up a Bolton supporter?

WingsForDinner · 05-16-2008, 02:55 PM

It's my hometown, and it just somewhat came naturally

. I've been following them for a very long time now (during their division 1 and 2 struggles, right through to their division 1 championship and their first true run in the prem), and despite their financial shortcomings, I still think they're one of the better teams in the Prem outside of the big 4. It'd be great to see what they could do with some REAL financial backing

New reports of Ronaldo (C) potentially heading to Real Madrid...something to watch for. I SINCERELY doubt he'll make the move, and certainly not for any less than the rumored 100M, but it is still something worth watching.

Motorboatjones33 · 05-16-2008, 08:13 PM

Manchester City qualified for UEFA Cup via Fair Play.... I wonder how this will alter their transfer decisions.

WingsForDinner · 05-16-2008, 09:46 PM

That's hard to say. I suppose their first priority should be on replacing Sven so they're not going into the transfer market blind, hoping that any new manager will agree with the players pulled in. Of course, there's also no word on whether or not Sven is actually going, so that's another issue to consider. Different managers want different things, and I'm sure Sven has a list of key players he's interested in, that any new manger may not agree with.

Tough call there.

WingsForDinner · 05-17-2008, 02:12 PM

Here's a shocking one (for me, at least):

Quote:

Originally Posted by ESPNSoccernet

Midfielders Ivan Campo, Stelios Giannakopoulos and Andranik Teymourian have all been released by Bolton but manager Gary Megson is hopeful of persuading goalkeeper Jussi Jaaskelainen and defender Ricardo Gardner to sign new contracts.

ESPNsoccernet - England - Bolton release Campo, Stelios and Andranik

I'm ecstatic that Campo's gone. I never liked him with Bolton, he was just too iffy for my tastes. Stelios and Andranik were both great players, though, and it would've been nice to keep them on for at least another season. Still, this isn't particularly helpful to Bolton, as they're now Free Transfers for anyone that wants them, and Bolton are still no closer to that much needed striker, and now have even more holes to fill...

Not sure about this latest move...but here's to hoping Jussi and Gardner stay on!

bedir than average · 05-17-2008, 02:21 PM

Free transfers eh? What was their salary at last year?

WingsForDinner · 05-17-2008, 03:03 PM

I'm not 100% on that one, but I know that Campo was one of the top salaries on the team, Stelios was always a mid-range sort of Salary, but I can't give exact figures.

Stelios would be a hell of a pickup for anyone, and Campo...well...he'll gladly stand around at Midfield if anyone's willing to pay him for that particular service. As for Andranik, I still think he'll be a fantastic player if he gets a proper shot.

Motorboatjones33 · 05-18-2008, 09:49 AM

Sven to Mexico is being seriously reported by the Mexican press.

Motorboatjones33 · 05-18-2008, 09:52 AM

PSG forward Amara Diané (11 goals) linked with Newcastle United in media rumor reports.

Motorboatjones33 · 05-18-2008, 09:54 AM

Giovani dos Santos

I wonder how many million more Barca will ask for after yesterday's hat-trick against Murcia (33’, 52’, and 66’)?

05-13-2008, 05:40 PM	#1 (permalink)
WingsForDinner Moderator Join Date: Jun 2007 Posts: 391	The Transfer Speculation Thread Might as well, right? Plenty to talk about already, and lots to speculate about. First and foremost -- Henry. Back to England, off to France or the long trip across the pond? Personally, I'm going with France, as it's more than likely he won't get another shot with Arsenal, and he doesn't want to go elsewhere in England (unless he wants to pull an Anelka and use Bolton until he's got his reputation back...PLEASE ). Still, I could see him in France more than I could see him in the States. It's not a knock on the American game, it's just the way I think it'll happen. Ronaldinho to AC Milan...somewhat surprising, but not really. It's obviously not a done deal, yet, but it's about as certain as it gets at this point. I can't say I'm entirely shocked that AC Milan went for him. I'm ecstatic Chelsea or Man Utd didn't pick him up, as they're overburdened with elite level players in my eyes, but a "less-blessed" team would've been nice. That's the one thing I truly hate about todays' transfer market. Teams that don't have the flashy cash get nowhere... Bosingwa to Chelsea...meh, it is what it is, I say. United wanted him, Chelsea signed him. Case closed, moving on. Who else could we see moving on during the summer? Personally, I'd love to see Bolton drop a few players, so long as they pick up a striker (and I mean a REAL striker, not another loaner from the Championship...). I suppose that'll never happen... __________________ Bolton Wanderers: 9(w) - 10(d) - 19(l) = 37(pts) Dallas Stars: 45(w) - 30(l) - 7(otl) = 97(pts) ----------------------------------- New To FanHome? Please Register For Your Free Account Today! Be Sure To Read: FanHome Community Standards Moderating: Football / Futbol / Soccer, NHL General, and NHL Pacific Division Last edited by WingsForDinner; 05-18-2008 at 05:26 PM.

05-13-2008, 07:44 PM	#2 (permalink)
bedir than average Administrator Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Starbucks Posts: 8,256	I'll be watching this one tightly because it is the first transfer window that affects my home team - Sounders FC THere is a strong chance that Henry comes to the States. The money that can be offered is equal, and he is a foundational player who could change games. He also would already have a French teammate. Marcus Hahnemann will be an interesting guy to watch as he's past his prime and his club is going down. I'm hoping that he will accept a max cap salary and return home. __________________ US Men's National Team World Cup Qualifying \| Democracy in Sports Meets My First Campaign "You're only so sure you're right because they're so sure you're wrong." Orson Scott Card in Xenocide

05-13-2008, 09:09 PM	#3 (permalink)
WingsForDinner Moderator Join Date: Jun 2007 Posts: 391	Re: Hahnemann, I'd like to see him on a different team. He's a solid keeper and can still play at a very high level, but Reading just didn't have it this year. Shame for him, but could possibly be very good news for the American leagues... With Henry, I think it would HAVE to be substantial cash in order to drag him away from Europe. Obviously, that's not a particularly huge issue with the current ownership in Seattle, which leaves the sole question of where Henry sees himself. I think we're also forgetting about the fact that Henry has a daughter that wants to stay in London. Henry going to Spain, and possibly to France isn't as large of an issue as Henry going halfway across the world to play in the MLS. So, I'm still going to stick with France for now, but ultimately, it's up in the air until he makes the move. __________________ Bolton Wanderers: 9(w) - 10(d) - 19(l) = 37(pts) Dallas Stars: 45(w) - 30(l) - 7(otl) = 97(pts) ----------------------------------- New To FanHome? Please Register For Your Free Account Today! Be Sure To Read: FanHome Community Standards Moderating: Football / Futbol / Soccer, NHL General, and NHL Pacific Division

05-14-2008, 03:41 PM	#5 (permalink)
WingsForDinner Moderator Join Date: Jun 2007 Posts: 391	To be honest, I was a bit shocked by the Mellberg switch. He's been doing well in the Premier League, and it seemed a bit sudden to make that sort of a move. Still, very good for his career as it's with a team like Juve. Can't say I'm as surprised with the Ujfalusi situation. Now the new questions are arising over Eto'o and his future with Barca. Obviously, it would appear to be coming to a close, but with the currently listed "top suitor" being Tottenham, and a host of other clubs looking for his services; however, there is still that minute chance that he could stay with Barcelona. I'm a bit on the fence on this one -- I can see him moving, but I highly doubt he would wind up with Tottenham.... Lots of interesting speculation showing up early this year __________________ Bolton Wanderers: 9(w) - 10(d) - 19(l) = 37(pts) Dallas Stars: 45(w) - 30(l) - 7(otl) = 97(pts) ----------------------------------- New To FanHome? Please Register For Your Free Account Today! Be Sure To Read: FanHome Community Standards Moderating: Football / Futbol / Soccer, NHL General, and NHL Pacific Division

05-16-2008, 02:55 PM	#7 (permalink)
WingsForDinner Moderator Join Date: Jun 2007 Posts: 391	It's my hometown, and it just somewhat came naturally . I've been following them for a very long time now (during their division 1 and 2 struggles, right through to their division 1 championship and their first true run in the prem), and despite their financial shortcomings, I still think they're one of the better teams in the Prem outside of the big 4. It'd be great to see what they could do with some REAL financial backing New reports of Ronaldo (C) potentially heading to Real Madrid...something to watch for. I SINCERELY doubt he'll make the move, and certainly not for any less than the rumored 100M, but it is still something worth watching. __________________ Bolton Wanderers: 9(w) - 10(d) - 19(l) = 37(pts) Dallas Stars: 45(w) - 30(l) - 7(otl) = 97(pts) ----------------------------------- New To FanHome? Please Register For Your Free Account Today! Be Sure To Read: FanHome Community Standards Moderating: Football / Futbol / Soccer, NHL General, and NHL Pacific Division

05-13-2008, 11:35 PM	#4 (permalink)
Motorboatjones33 Member Join Date: May 2008 Posts: 17	Juventus now appears to be the front runner in the race to land Fiorentina defender Tomáš Ujfaluši. Ujfaluši decided against renewing his contract with Fiorentina and appears ready to move to another club via free transfer. Reports from several media outlets are stating that he has committed to the Bianconeri with a verbal agreement. Spanish sides Atletico Madrid and Sevilla FC have also been rumored to covet the Czech defender. Juventus has already added Swedish international Olof Mellberg to the back line for the upcoming 2008-2009 season.

05-16-2008, 01:52 AM	#6 (permalink)
Motorboatjones33 Member Join Date: May 2008 Posts: 17	How did you end up a Bolton supporter?

05-16-2008, 08:13 PM	#8 (permalink)
Motorboatjones33 Member Join Date: May 2008 Posts: 17	Manchester City qualified for UEFA Cup via Fair Play.... I wonder how this will alter their transfer decisions.

05-16-2008, 09:46 PM	#9 (permalink)
WingsForDinner Moderator Join Date: Jun 2007 Posts: 391	That's hard to say. I suppose their first priority should be on replacing Sven so they're not going into the transfer market blind, hoping that any new manager will agree with the players pulled in. Of course, there's also no word on whether or not Sven is actually going, so that's another issue to consider. Different managers want different things, and I'm sure Sven has a list of key players he's interested in, that any new manger may not agree with. Tough call there. __________________ Bolton Wanderers: 9(w) - 10(d) - 19(l) = 37(pts) Dallas Stars: 45(w) - 30(l) - 7(otl) = 97(pts) ----------------------------------- New To FanHome? Please Register For Your Free Account Today! Be Sure To Read: FanHome Community Standards Moderating: Football / Futbol / Soccer, NHL General, and NHL Pacific Division

05-17-2008, 02:21 PM	#11 (permalink)
bedir than average Administrator Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Starbucks Posts: 8,256	Free transfers eh? What was their salary at last year? __________________ US Men's National Team World Cup Qualifying \| Democracy in Sports Meets My First Campaign "You're only so sure you're right because they're so sure you're wrong." Orson Scott Card in Xenocide

05-17-2008, 03:03 PM	#12 (permalink)
WingsForDinner Moderator Join Date: Jun 2007 Posts: 391	I'm not 100% on that one, but I know that Campo was one of the top salaries on the team, Stelios was always a mid-range sort of Salary, but I can't give exact figures. Stelios would be a hell of a pickup for anyone, and Campo...well...he'll gladly stand around at Midfield if anyone's willing to pay him for that particular service. As for Andranik, I still think he'll be a fantastic player if he gets a proper shot. __________________ Bolton Wanderers: 9(w) - 10(d) - 19(l) = 37(pts) Dallas Stars: 45(w) - 30(l) - 7(otl) = 97(pts) ----------------------------------- New To FanHome? Please Register For Your Free Account Today! Be Sure To Read: FanHome Community Standards Moderating: Football / Futbol / Soccer, NHL General, and NHL Pacific Division

05-18-2008, 09:49 AM	#13 (permalink)
Motorboatjones33 Member Join Date: May 2008 Posts: 17	Sven to Mexico is being seriously reported by the Mexican press.

05-18-2008, 09:52 AM	#14 (permalink)
Motorboatjones33 Member Join Date: May 2008 Posts: 17	PSG forward Amara Diané (11 goals) linked with Newcastle United in media rumor reports.

05-18-2008, 09:54 AM	#15 (permalink)
Motorboatjones33 Member Join Date: May 2008 Posts: 17	Giovani dos Santos I wonder how many million more Barca will ask for after yesterday's hat-trick against Murcia (33’, 52’, and 66’)?