The 2010 Summer transfer thread

[stokeriño]

Because 12 hours cannot go by without Joe Cole's future destination being completely reversed by Yet Another Informed Source.

[Blue Rosler]

He's going to have a great WC and go back to Chelsea.

[stokeriño]

One could argue he's already had a better WC than most of the England squad.

[Blue Rosler]

Have Chelsea actually released him, or just not offering a new contract? Since is it feasible that if he's fuck off awesome today (if he plays) then they change their mind?

[stokeriño]

His contract expires on July 1st and they've announced that he will be leaving then. So, um, both I guess.

[HailtotheYo]

Man City want Landon Donovan

Oh God, please no.

[Rich]

Man City want Landon Donovan

Oh God, please no.

I echo this, I do not want him on Match of the Day every week

[ChrisSteeleAteMyHamster]

The size of his head would obscure the cameras.

[HailtotheYo]

[Colossus]

Di Maria to Real Madrid is apparently a done deal. It is still unknown the fee, but it could range from 25 (reported by some Spanish newspapers, like As and Marca) to 40 (release fee) million euros.

My bet is something in the middle, maybe 35 million

[Noah]

Is it wrong that I now want Landon in the PL, just because nobody else does?

[brenchill]

Barcelona have released Thierry Henry. According to Sky Sports News he may be heading to the New York Red Bulls. Also, Man City are close to signing Yaya Toure.

[HailtotheYo]

Barcelona have released Thierry Henry. According to Sky Sports News he may be heading to the New York Red Bulls. Also, Man City are close to signing Yaya Toure.

That's been done for quite a long time. They've been running ads in NY for several months.

[Hobo]

Irish people used to go to New York to shop, now they will go to shop and boo Henry at MLS games

[HailtotheYo]

Asses in the seats, they'll take it.

[Pesci]

Henry's legs may be going but that's still a great signing for the MLS. Angel and Henry is actually a pretty decent strike force for that level - not sure how well they can play off eachother but still, if MLS teams can keep attracting players of that callibre the league is gonna continue to grow. New York and LA will always hold an advantage over other teams because of their location though, so I could see it becoming a little lopsided.

[ChrisSteeleAteMyHamster]

Joe Cole, you should make a decision NOW, not in two weeks after your holiday. Gah.

[HailtotheYo]

Henry's legs may be going but that's still a great signing for the MLS. Angel and Henry is actually a pretty decent strike force for that level - not sure how well they can play off eachother but still, if MLS teams can keep attracting players of that callibre the league is gonna continue to grow. New York and LA will always hold an advantage over other teams because of their location though, so I could see it becoming a little lopsided.

Single-entity/salary cap will keep that in check for the most part. Sure, until the league has developed overall another 5-10 years we'll have the LA/NY/SEA's going after people and fielding a better top 3-6 players. The way the league is set up though, they won't be very deep. As it is, the clubs have to make a choice right now. A couple of high profiles and a couple of thin spots, or a complete team with no real star hoping that someone breaks out. Last year's MLS Cup Final is the perfect example of that.

As the cap grows, the reserve league is put back in, and the youth development catches up though this could become an issue. The league has been slow and steady though, which is the smartest thing it can do. I mean there's still tons of room to grown and we're already signing guys like Beckham/Henry/Nkufo ... and people like Ronaldinho are considering offers.

Hell, Kansas City has put in a bid for Eidur Gudjohnson. The sites are set high, but they're keeping a handle on things pretty well.

[ChrisSteeleAteMyHamster]

The US league is now more like the Japanese league back in the 90s. The modern J League is strong enough, especially in the top half and some of those players are making splashes globally now. You've got guys like Nakata who went and played his career in Italy, you've got Inamoto who put in a decent turn in the Premiership and how Honda is looking very good in Russia.

They've also got guys like Tulio who are playing at Nagoya. Their teams are also winning the Asian Champions League and generally upping the standard. The fans have taken to it and football is definitely Japan's second biggest team sport now behind baseball (golf is also huge in a different way).

The US should follow Japan's model and slowly they'll stop bringing in the old big names who are looking for a final big paycheck (as they've been doing in the US since the days of Pele) and their own talent will develop alongside pretty decent internationals who are there from a younger age (like Kennedy and Burzanovic at Grampus).

[ChrisSteeleAteMyHamster]

Also, they need more mascots like the FOUR Nagoya have...

(Basically the main mascot, his missus, his son and his daughter).

"Root for Nagoya Grampus without fail and at any time! The Grampus-kun family will never forget the passionate spirit of our fans. They not only cheer for the team individually but also strive together with fellow supporters to increase cheering for the team.

In this way, they have been widely spreading their enthusiasm for support. Their presence is loved by the players, supporters and people in the region."

They also have their "team spirit colour"

Barbarian Red

/ Wild, Aggressive - "Fight"

Noble Red

/ Intellectual, Passionate - "Love"

Star Orange

/ Bright, Vivid - "Brilliance"

...and a reason behind their badge.

The emblem, in the shape of a shield topped with a crown to represent a king, incorporates the design of the initial characters of Grampus Eight and Nagoya’s symbol, the “killer whale.”Barbarian red represents wildness and fighting spirit, noble red indicates intelligence and affection, star orange characterizes brightness and beauty in team spirit. This emblem was officially adopted in 1998.

....Or just get Thierry Henry.