...::[The Footy Desk]::... (Part 2)

[Tchuck]

Cristiano Ronaldo did grow up quite a bit since his time at Manchester United. Stopped being a spoiled brat and grew out of partying and squandering money like that. Maybe something to do with his many children. At least he's been spending his money on charity and other similar projects. Dude turned over a new leaf.

 

The Neymar foundation, though, is all about improving his own image. Dude doesn't care at all. While recovering from the injury, he was seen partying, playing ball with friends, doing all sorts of stupid sh*t. Didn't take his recovery very seriously.

 

Boy I do miss Roberto Carlos, though. One of the best leftbacks in history. Well into his late 30s, and still playing extremely well. Him and Cafu made form some excellent wings.

[Jason]

Not looking like a great transfer window for United. Mourinho is all but out right saying that he's really not happy with the lack of transfers, we still have a load of dead wood and reliable journalists are now saying/implying that we're happy to sell Martial if the deal suits us. I wouldn't panic so much if the window closed in over a month, but it closes on the 9th of August in England.

 

plsnomourinho3rdseasondisaster

[Eutyphro]

Who should they get? They got Fred, who seems possibly quite decent to me, but not sure whether he'll make the first 11. It's hard to think of a transfer that would make their first 11 and make it evidently better, except for something crazy like Bale. Fosu-Mensah is coming back, who I have high hopes for. It's pretty sad how Rashford is getting such little game time, and I do possibly blame that for him not being good at the World Cup, because I have faith in Rashford as a talent, and I think he's better than Sterling.

Edited July 24, 2018 by Eutyphro

[Jason]

Rashford had as many appearances as anybody last season, albeit many of them were off the bench in the second half of the season. He was very, very poor in the majority of his performances, his decision making being down right terrible for the most part. He needs to step up this season massively.

 

But yea, idk, the transfer talk went very quiet after we signed Fred and Dalot. Andrea Pereira looks to be staying, which is a plus, but Fosu-Mensah sounds like he might get another loan. We still need a leftback, a right winger and if available, a top centreback. We've been long rumoured to be in talks with Juve's Alex Sandro all summer but the current talk is that we're not willing to pay what Juve want (about €60m), which by the sounds of it has annoyed Jose. The latest rumour is that we're after Harry Maguire too, which idk about, he had a great WC but eh. If Martial goes and we don't replace him then there's gonna be a huge backlash from the fans I feel as well.

[Eutyphro]

For the right wing Mahrez would've been perfect, but well.. You've got Lingard on right wing, and I don't know why Rashford can't play on the right wing in a similar manner as Mbappe is currently doing, but Mourinho never uses Rashford on the right. On left back you've still got Shaw, but Mourinho seems pissed off at Shaws mentality.

For midfield you'd need something crazy like Verratti. Or maybe Saul Niguez, who could be more accessible. For center back Kalidou Koulibaly would be pretty awesome.

[Jason]

Talk from Italy is that Napoli rejected a €100m bid for Koulibaly with rumour that it was from United, so there could be interest there. AS for Rashford and Martial they have both been tried on the right wing a few times but neither have had a good run of games there so idk, a lot of United fans would like to see Rashford have a good run in that position too.

 

In other news, Conte to Milan sounds like it might be happening and Barca have gazumped Roma for Bordeaux's Malcom, literally sounds like they put the bid in at the very last second.

[Guest]

Yep, the president of Napoli Aurelio De Laurentiis said that on a radio show, but trust of me, when it comes to these things he's reliable like journalists, even if he talks about his own team... Examples? Some days ago he said: "Ronaldo's first choice was Napoli! His agent asked if we'd have wanted him, but sadly we haven't the same economical power as Juventus". Another thing he said in these days: "Benzema? He's too old, I want a young team!" - and Benzema replied saying: "Another crazy man to add in my list".

Maybe what I just said is a bit influenced by the fact that I'm a Juve fan, but I know for sure that De Laurentiis isn't so much loved from his own supporters.

 

Regarding Conte, it would be weird if he doesn't have a team for the next season, Milan in these days had a complete revolution after the re-admission to the UEL, so I wouldn't be surprised if the new president will sack Gattuso (even if he doesn't deserve that, he made practically a miracle with Milan this year). Barceloo na's move, for me, sounds a bit like a steal, because Malcom to Roma was officially announced by both teams (Bordeaux and Roma), he was waited at night at Rome at the Airport!

Anyway I'm glad to see how Italian teams are playing a big role in this market window, and I really hope this is only the start, Serie A must be considered again as one of the main championships in Europe.

[Laker23]

The defensive options we have going into the season are just worrying. It's obvious if Mourinho starts with Shaw, that it won't be long before he gets fed up with the attitude and benches him.

 

Which leaves Ashley Young. I like Young, but he should be nowhere near a starting position in the entire squad, let alone at left back.

 

Sandro would be fantastic, but that now seems like a slim possibility. Heard PSG are much more interested in him. As for Maguire, thanks but no thanks. 

[Tchuck]

Heh, FIFA just announced the ten shortlisted for The Best award (formerly known as Ballon d'Or).

 

And Neymar is not in it! Sweet, sweet schadenfreude! Had he spent more time playing ball rather than trying to be the ball during WC, he would have made the cut. So good to see him not make the cut! He was sooo sure the move to PSG and the World Cup would give him the accolade!

[Jason]

The Ballon d'Or is separate these days, it's still a thing I believe.

[Eutyphro]

Modric should win it.

[Tchuck]

Indeed. Just checked up, the Ballon d'Or used to be combined with FIFA's award. Now they're split again (but getting the nearly identical results?)

[Tchuck]

Ha. So Neymar decided that the best way to address his shenanigans at the World Cup.... was to get paid by Gillette to make an ad talking about how it isn't how fault he dives; it's the boy inside of him: it isn't his fault he exaggerates; it's the boy inside him: nothing is actually his fault, and he suffers a lot both inside and outside the pitch, all because of the boy inside of him.

 

Needless to say, it had the opposite reaction. He somehow managed to make things a lot worse than simply not saying anything at all. And it has also hit him abroad, with As, Marca, Der Spiegel and other criticizing him for his "apology".

 

God you know I never ask for much. Please break his knee. End his career. Or teach this piece of sh*t some humility. I prefer the former though! Up to you!

[Laker23]

The guy who leaked Moutinho to Wolves ahead of the major journalists is now saying Chris Smalling is going to Wolves.

 

Not sure what to make of it at the moment. If it's true then obviously we have a centre back lined up at this stage. Whether it's Maguire, Toby or somebody else remains to be seen.

 

Surprised Smalling would be the one to go, honestly.

[Guest]

Smalling isn't Portuguese, how can he be linked to Wolves? 

Jokes aside, I'm happy to see Wolves (which is also the team I support in England) back again in the PL, thanks to the new chinese owner and to Jorge Mendes they've now have a good team that could try to reach the UEL. Anyway I don't think that Smalling will go to Wolves, probably Pepe (who is at the end of his career) is more likely... And always talking about Wolves, they're also been linked to Andrè Silva (Milan), Joao Mario (Inter) and Sturaro (Juventus): all of them are good players who play in teams that need to sell someone, so Wolves could obtain a little "discount" on them. Man UTD doesn't need to get rid of some players, but if Smalling really wants to join Wolves I think they would buy another center back before selling him, especially considering that this transfer window will be closed in only 2 weeks. 

 

 

[Laker23]

Top tier journo saying it's false now, meanwhile the guy is sticking to his story.

 

Something that does seem to be close to being finalised is Marcos Rojo to Everton for around £30million. I like him but £30mil is far too good to pass up, especially considering he's not even a first choice in the team.

[Guest]

Deal done: Higuain and Caldara will play for AC Milan, Bonucci is again a Juventus player. Journalists are talking about an equal exchange between Caldara and Bonucci (€35m each) and a big loan of €18m for Higuain (+€36m as a right to purchase valid for the next year)... So I guess we won't see Higuain and Rugani playing for Chelsea

 

Honestly I'm quite surprised, I wasn't ever expecting to see Bonucci back in Turin, especially after what happend the last year and that exultation at Allianz Stadium after his goal. Probably this deal has helped both teams: Milan has now a young CB and a fantastic striker who could help for a 4th place in Serie A (which means UCL group stage), Juventus bought a player with a lot of experience who could be essential in the UCL. Apparently Chiellini played a big role in this deal, if you go to Boucci's Twitter page you can see some photos of him in holiday with Chiellini (they were also in the box of Ferrari at the F1 Canadian Grand Prix).

In Italy there are now rumors of a possible PogBack... 2 weeks remaining!

[Laker23]

4 hours ago, Wolver_321 said:

In Italy there are now rumors of a possible PogBack... 2 weeks remaining!

Certainly not happening this window, however this is something I could possibly see happening in the future.

 

Pogs is desperate for trophies, if we continue to labor while Manchester City dominate, I can't imagine him hanging around. I love him, but even when he came back I wasn't expecting him to be here for life.

He gets SO much sh*t in England, which must also be irritating. One poor performance and 'he's the worst midfielder in the Premier League'. Comes with the price tag, but it's still f*cking stupid.

[Crokey]

 

New Predictions season now open, like, share, subscribe.

[cactus.]

alright who's responsible for renewing the GTAF fantasy football league and gettin' that baby running? 

[Guest]

English tabloids and Italian journalists are now talking about a possible exchange between Pjanic and Pogba. Apparently Pogba's relationship with Mourinho has been even more compromised recently: Mourinho asked to Pogba to start with the training sessions a few days earlier, but the French player replied with a party on a yacht. Barcelona has been linked to Pogba recently, but Juventus' offer would be more appreciated by Man UTD because the Red Devils won't have to find quickly a replacement (in England this transfer window will be closed in only 4 days).

 

There are also rumors on Modric, who's been linked to Inter. His clause is set to €750M, but apparently there would be a "gentlemen agreement" (like the one that CR7 had) that could help teams playing in Serie A and in Bundesliga. Inter would offer €15M for a one-year loan + €25M for the permanent purchase = Total €40M

€40M for Modric? Well, if it happens GG to Inter, but for me this rumor sounds more like a dream.

[Eutyphro]

I've been watching pre season clips, and though I've seen many great talents, the one standing out is this Guendouzi kid Arsenal dug up from Ligue 2. He's so dynamic, and he sprays passes around with such pace and precision. As a defensive midfielder I've never seen anything like it. Could be a first team player for Arsenal, though he's only 19 years old.

 

 

Edited August 5, 2018 by Eutyphro

[Laker23]

6 hours ago, Wolver_321 said:

English tabloids and Italian journalists are now talking about a possible exchange between Pjanic and Pogba. Apparently Pogba's relationship with Mourinho has been even more compromised recently: Mourinho asked to Pogba to start with the training sessions a few days earlier, but the French player replied with a party on a yacht. Barcelona has been linked to Pogba recently, but Juventus' offer would be more appreciated by Man UTD because the Red Devils won't have to find quickly a replacement (in England this transfer window will be closed in only 4 days).

 

There are also rumors on Modric, who's been linked to Inter. His clause is set to €750M, but apparently there would be a "gentlemen agreement" (like the one that CR7 had) that could help teams playing in Serie A and in Bundesliga. Inter would offer €15M for a one-year loan + €25M for the permanent purchase = Total €40M

€40M for Modric? Well, if it happens GG to Inter, but for me this rumor sounds more like a dream.

Modric definitely has a much better chance of happening, this window at least.

 

No reputable source in England is reporting any discontent with Pogba, just the usual sh*tty newspapers trying to get clicks.

[Jason]

There is absolutely nothing from United's end about Pogba leaving. English tabloids rumours are worth basically zero, only specific journalists are worth listening to and even then it's on a club by club basis. The English window closes early next week as well, we'd only sell if we could replace him instantly. Also re: those Smalling to Wolves rumours from last week from what I hear the guy who reported it is a nobody, he got the Moutinho to Wolves stuff from elsewhere and used it as proof he was in the know. Just typical transfer window muppetry with people pretending to be in the knows.

[Tchuck]

How about the rumours regarding Courtois leaving Chelsea towards Madrid to stay closer to his family? Would be a pretty big blow to lose such an excellent keeper!

[Jason]

Chelsea journos reporting that Courtois has gone AWOL to force a move, so it looks like he's a goner.

 

Meanwhile, according to Italian journalist Di Marzio (who isn't know for flat out BS) has stated that United rejected a bid of €50m + Andre Gomes + Mina for Pogba. What are they smoking over in Catalonia?

[Tchuck]

Yeesh, going from the best goalkeeper in the world cup to one of the worst... Yeahhhhhhh.

 

Wasn't Mina already negotiated with Everton?

[Jason]

Who knows with Everton and centrebacks, they've been linked with more than United have in the past few days. I think the window shutting early in the Prem is gonna lead to the mother of all panic buys from a lot of clubs.

[Tchuck]

Cue someone pulling an Andy Carroll. 

[Eutyphro]

I'm reading Arsenal is trying to ditch Welbeck in the final days.

There are also rumours that the situation of Mourinho at United is unstable. Mourinho has been complaining about the lack of transfers recently and even trash talking his own players such as Valencia. He also has injury problems in the squad, and the start of the season looks problematic for United.