TFC 2014-15 Off-Season player moves/speculation/rumours/etc. thread

[VoxPopuliCosmicum]

That's why it is pretty fantastic that he is our player, despite all the challenges - an in demand Premier League calibre striker at TFC. Who would have thought that in 2007????!!!!!!


Personally, I can think of a half-dozen content, healthy MLS strikers I would rather have than to be in this Defoe drama. In the best-case (read "ridiculously optimistic") scenario where we recoup our pro rata transfer fee, there's no way we spend the same money (transfer/salary) on new talent. Whoever made the Bruce McNall comparison at the outset of the Bloody Big Deal was being kind (aside from the fraud charges). Our circumstances are trending downward.

[Canary10]

Larson is saying Leicester is talk.

But then he's having an off again on again fued with the Guardian's UK based columnists who specialise in snark over substance

The Guardian's football coverage is really good.

[Areathrasher]

Another Guardian writer thinks we will make a profit on him


Simon Evans‏@sgevans (https://twitter.com/sgevans)

@Kubani7 (https://twitter.com/Kubani7) From the outside TFC has looked pretty amateurish for a while. They will probably make a profit on him though.

[OgtheDim]

The Guardian's football coverage is really good.

Oh, I agree that the coverage is good. The MLS guys are the least jaded of the lot. It's the snarky attitude of the UK based writers that I can't stand. That and the constant return to the narrative of the week.

[Areathrasher]

he may be right, but if Bony leaves Swansea for Liverpool, as rumoured, then there is another club looking for a striker in Swansea. Pretty soon Defoe is far and away the best option, and how much is that worth to one of the clubs? That's why it is pretty fantastic that he is our player, despite all the challenges - an in demand Premier League calibre striker at TFC. Who would have thought that in 2007????!!!!!!

In relation to this, Hull have just cleared Ben Arfa off their books and have a 50k a week hole burning in their budget.

Transfer fee may be a problem for them but they have an owner that has backed Bruce financially in the past.

Pardew and Pullis have just taken jobs with relegation threatened teams at the start of the transfer window, you gotta think they have been promised funds to spend. Palace and West Brom could be options too. Especially if West Brom sell Berahino.

Palace backed Pullis financially this time last year for survial and will probably do the same with Pardew. Pardew and Defoe were at West Ham at the same time.

The way the dominoes are falling at the bottom of the Prem may be very advantageous for TFC

[TorontoGooner]

Oh, I agree that the coverage is good. The MLS guys are the least jaded of the lot. It's the snarky attitude of the UK based writers that I can't stand. That and the constant return to the narrative of the week.

Can you really blame the snarky attitude this week? MLS has looked pretty weak since the season ended. It really is doing very little to shift the retirement league tag, and from the outside its still pretty laughable

[Areathrasher]

Can you really blame the snarky attitude this week? MLS has looked pretty weak since the season ended. It really is doing very little to shift the retirement league tag, and from the outside its still pretty laughable

Lets see

We have one Premier League team that stopped a 36 year old going to an MLS team.

We have 4 Premier League teams linked with a 32 year old MLS striker.

And lets not forget that 2 Premier League teams have signed two young MLS bred defenders recently.

And Leicester, QPR and Chelsea all signed over the hill mid to late 30's players in the summer.

Narrative

[TorontoGooner]

Lets see

We have one Premier League team that stopped a 36 year old going to an MLS team.

We have 4 Premier League teams linked with a 32 year old MLS striker.

And lets not forget that 2 Premier League teams have signed two young MLS bred defenders recently.

Narrative

Hahaha. Sorry, the biggest league in the world is the retirement league, I forgot.

Let's see: we've got Lampard staying at City because they need the depth for a tough schedule, Gerrard realising he's too slow for English football and 4 teams in a relegation battle wanting to bring Defoe home (because he hates it here). As for Henry and Yedlin? Yeah, good for them. But they won't be regulars. And most West Ham fans didn't even know they'd signed Henry, let alone ever heard of him. That's a better narrative.

I'm not saying I completely go along with the scorn from football journalists in England, but I can see why they get such easy targets to aim at. MLS has not helped its self. You can't deny that the signings of Keane, Beckham, Defoe, Lampard, Di Vaio, Nesta and now Gerrad do nothing but fuel the retirement tag. Because it's true. I admire the loyalty of fans of MLS, but at times the sense of perspective is way off the mark. You can make decent money towards the end of your career, playing against much weaker opposition. Can't say I blame them.

[GuelphStorm2007]

i love how Kurt had an "EXCLUSIVE" interview with Bez and came up with zero on Chapman's homegrown status, transfer strategy (are we waiting for the CBA to be done, etcetera) or why Bloom hasn't been given his raise yet.

The USL stuff was interesting though it'll be interesting to see how they assemble that roster in the next month or two

What do you expect form a Toronto Sun Reporter.,........

[Areathrasher]

Hahaha. Sorry, the biggest league in the world is the retirement league, I forgot.

Let's see: we've got Lampard staying at City because they need the depth for a tough schedule, Gerrard realising he's too slow for English football and 4 teams in a relegation battle wanting to bring Defoe home (because he hates it here). As for Henry and Yedlin? Yeah, good for them. But they won't be regulars. And most West Ham fans didn't even know they'd signed Henry, let alone ever heard of him. That's a better narrative.

I'm not saying I completely go along with the scorn from football journalists in England, but I can see why they get such easy targets to aim at. MLS has not helped its self. You can't deny that the signings of Keane, Beckham, Defoe, Lampard, Di Vaio, Nesta and now Gerrad do nothing but fuel the retirement tag. Because it's true. I admire the loyalty of fans of MLS, but at times the sense of perspective is way off the mark. You can make decent money towards the end of your career, playing against much weaker opposition. Can't say I blame them.

If the majority of the players you listed came over and played like Rafa Marquez, took their money and went home you'd have a point but Henry, Keane, Beckham, Di Vaio didn't. They bought in, contributed and to various degrees were successful and were good for the league.

Beckham finished his career in France.
Henry was wanted by Monaco and PSG but took the Sky money instead of playing on.
Keane could go back to the Prem tomorrow if he wanted.
Nesta is playing in India.

The retirement league tag is old and cliched at this point.

You want a retirement league? Look at India or Australia.

[TorontoGooner]

If the majority of the players you listed came over and played like Rafa Marquez, took their money and went home you'd have a point but Henry, Keane, Beckham, Di Vaio didn't. They bought in, contributed and to various degrees were successful and were good for the league.

Beckham finished his career in France.
Henry was wanted by Monaco and PSG but took the Sky money instead of playing on.
Keane could go back to the Prem tomorrow if he wanted.
Nesta is playing in India.

The retirement league tag is old and cliched at this point.

Old and cliched. For sure. But the biggest 'world' names in the League are names who's finest years came years before. It's impossible to deny it's a League the attracts players close to retirement. The perks over here are huge, as is the money.

None of the examples you have listed went on to lift trophies on the biggest stage, or played/could play top flight football week in, week out whilst holding their own. The odd appearance off the bench in Ligue 1 is hardly a resurgence in a career. And Nesta to India? That's pretty much proven my point.

It is a retirement league. It has been making strides and has nurtured the odd youthful talent. But until big names at the peak of their careers come here, and until we don't an influx of former superstars who want a final hoorah, it will remain a retirement league. I love MLS, I love its fans, and I love the fact the sport is growing. And I see good things in the future, alas, maybe one day it will be considered a top league. But right now, I accept it for what it is. And I'm 100% okay with that.

[Areathrasher]

Old and cliched. For sure. But the biggest 'world' names in the League are names who's finest years came years before. It's impossible to deny it's a League the attracts players close to retirement. The perks over here are huge, as is the money.

None of the examples you have listed went on to lift trophies on the biggest stage, or played/could play top flight football week in, week out whilst holding their own. The odd appearance off the bench in Ligue 1 is hardly a resurgence in a career. And Nesta to India? That's pretty much proven my point.

It is a retirement league. It has been making strides and has nurtured the odd youthful talent. But until big names at the peak of their careers come here, and until we don't an influx of former superstars who want a final hoorah, it will remain a retirement league. I love MLS, I love its fans, and I love the fact the sport is growing. And I see good things in the future, alas, maybe one day it will be considered a top league. But right now, I accept it for what it is. And I'm 100% okay with that.

You and I clearly don't see eye to eye on what constitutes a retirement league so this is going to go nowhere.

To me a retirement league is league where players go to put their feet up and do nothing put pick up a paycheck. MLS hasn't been that for years.

Keane and Henry went to World Cups and European Championships as MLS players FFS.

[Yohan]

Exactly.

The offset to the salary Defoe is demanding can be offset by a club that would benefit from staying up this year. If he comes in a bags the 10-12 goals that clubs think that can help them to stay up the payments from staying up far outweigh the negative contract that comes with it.
If. It's a huge if, staying up.

Those teams with already huge wages risk a big burden if relegated. They will have to somehow shed enough wages to be financial competitive in the Championship, and that's not an easy task. Staying up means big money, but being relegated with a huge wage bill can potentially mean financial ruin for the team.

Getting Defoe, expect him to jell with the team and score 8-10 goals right away, and also has to include Defoe just coming off an injury and nowhere near match fit is a huge gamble.

[gdg_9]

... But until big names at the peak of their careers come here...

MICHAEL BRADLEY!


And as for Keane, he could play for most EPL teams.
Cahill was a star at the World Cup.
So was Jones.
Dempsey came back still in his prime years.
Cubo to Houston at 21.

Even Gilberto was a top scorer in Brazil's top league before coming to TFC at 24.

And guys like Defoe and Villa should have good years left at only 32.

Most MLS teams are doing a lot to shed the retirement league image (Lampard & Gerard aside)

[mcolvy]

If. It's a huge if, staying up.

Those teams with already huge wages risk a big burden if relegated. They will have to somehow shed enough wages to be financial competitive in the Championship, and that's not an easy task. Staying up means big money, but being relegated with a huge wage bill can potentially mean financial ruin for the team.

Getting Defoe, expect him to jell with the team and score 8-10 goals right away, and also has to include Defoe just coming off an injury and nowhere near match fit is a huge gamble.

Ok, so after some great points made I am looking pretty optimistically at this sale.

I mean this Liverpool deal must be bs. No way Defoe does that. Makes zero sense. Not a bad way to drive up his price though...

Teams are going head to head fighting for him and he is going to take whatever money he can get to get the hell out of here.

[TorontoGooner]

You and I clearly don't see eye to eye on what constitutes a retirement league so this is going to go nowhere.

To me a retirement league is league where players go to put their feet up and do nothing put pick up a paycheck. MLS hasn't been that for years.

Keane and Henry went to World Cups and European Championships as MLS players FFS.

We don't see eye to eye on this matter, BUT I'm not going to fall out with you over it mate!

Your Twitter stuff is some of my favourite, so I'm eager not too piss you off haha

[ag futbol]

If TFC ends up loaning Defoe, then they're bunch of cowards. If Defoe wants to play back home, then make him or club interested him pay for it. TFC isn't in corner, it's clubs like QPR who are desperate for goalscorers who need Defoe are in the corner. I predict by end of the transfer window, one of EPL clubs will end up paying for it if they can't find another goal scorer in the last minute.
Tfc needs to offload that contract to sign an AM and sweep under the rug how much of a quagmire it is. The contact is above market value. We have to be sweating bullets which is why you have clubs baiting us to take loan deals and we haven't roundly told them to go fly a kite. Our saving grace might be competition between EPL clubs but otherwise tFC is very much desperate.

[OgtheDim]

Tfc needs to offload that contract to sign an AM and sweep under the rug how much of a quagmire it is. The contact is above market value. We have to be sweating bullets which is why you have clubs baiting us to take loan deals and we haven't roundly told them to go fly a kite. Our saving grace might be competition between EPL clubs but otherwise tFC is very much desperate.

Nobody negotiating is going to tell people to go fly a kite publicly. By all accounts, these negotiations are going well for TFC

a) there is interest mentioned by at least 2 teams (Hull, QPR) and speculation on at least 2 others (Leicester, Liverpool)

b) there is public acknowledgement and acceptance of what TFC's main sticking point is

c) Teams are publicly floating their negotiation stands (never a good thing0

d) Circumstances in the market for this player are driving up demand for his skills (i.e. Teams need scoring)

These are little things that all help TFC win this.


That and until the CBA comes out, we do not know if we need to offload this player to get a DP.

Most of us would love to have Defoe out. But, if the financial circumstances are such that doing so would hamper the season until August, I would not be surprised if Defoe is kept around. I have no doubt that in August he would garner the original transfer fee back.

With 20 20 hindsight, we all wish he would have been sold back in August. That was a calculated but poor decision by TL and TB. The 2014 team wasn't good enough to make the playoffs.

[BuSaPuNk]

If. It's a huge if, staying up.

Those teams with already huge wages risk a big burden if relegated. They will have to somehow shed enough wages to be financial competitive in the Championship, and that's not an easy task. Staying up means big money, but being relegated with a huge wage bill can potentially mean financial ruin for the team.

Getting Defoe, expect him to jell with the team and score 8-10 goals right away, and also has to include Defoe just coming off an injury and nowhere near match fit is a huge gamble.

Agreed. It's tough but a solid player that is sought after around the EPL even if your relegated you can sell him off to recoup some dollars if you don't stay up. Huge gamble and really only see 'Arry making that deal.

[Canary10]

Agreed. It's tough but a solid player that is sought after around the EPL even if your relegated you can sell him off to recoup some dollars if you don't stay up. Huge gamble and really only see 'Arry making that deal.

QPR is negoatiating a new deal with Austin. Problem for them is if they sign Defoe in his current contract, how do they not give one of the top scorers in the EPL the same or similar deal?

[BuSaPuNk]

QPR is negoatiating a new deal with Austin. Problem for them is if they sign Defoe in his current contract, how do they not give one of the top scorers in the EPL the same or similar deal?

True it's an issue. That's why with Austin on a tear lately for QPR I can't see Defoe going there. I'm sure another team that is more desperate will pay up. It will take some time but I'm sure he will be moved on.

[Canary10]

True it's an issue. That's why with Austin on a tear lately for QPR I can't see Defoe going there. I'm sure another team that is more desperate will pay up. It will take some time but I'm sure he will be moved on.

Probably but the teams mentioned seem like such long shots. I'd bet now Leicester gets relegated. I can't believe they are seriously in the market. When Norwich was relegated they had to sell contracts probably a quarter of Defoe's (like Leroy Fer to QPR). A team like West Brom makes more sense, if they sell Berahino. They've paid stupid amounts for players like this in the past. Like Anelka last year.

[ag futbol]

Nobody negotiating is going to tell people to go fly a kite publicly. By all accounts, these negotiations are going well for TFC

a) there is interest mentioned by at least 2 teams (Hull, QPR) and speculation on at least 2 others (Leicester, Liverpool)

b) there is public acknowledgement and acceptance of what TFC's main sticking point is

c) Teams are publicly floating their negotiation stands (never a good thing0

d) Circumstances in the market for this player are driving up demand for his skills (i.e. Teams need scoring)

These are little things that all help TFC win this.


That and until the CBA comes out, we do not know if we need to offload this player to get a DP.

Most of us would love to have Defoe out. But, if the financial circumstances are such that doing so would hamper the season until August, I would not be surprised if Defoe is kept around. I have no doubt that in August he would garner the original transfer fee back.

With 20 20 hindsight, we all wish he would have been sold back in August. That was a calculated but poor decision by TL and TB. The 2014 team wasn't good enough to make the playoffs.
Forget the CBA, TFc as an organization is not going to sit on that contract and take on any more big moves. Defoe here past this window is a potentially huge distraction and risk.

Public speculation isn't necessarily bad or favourable to the seller.

[Yohan]

Probably but the teams mentioned seem like such long shots. I'd bet now Leicester gets relegated. I can't believe they are seriously in the market. When Norwich was relegated they had to sell contracts probably a quarter of Defoe's (like Leroy Fer to QPR). A team like West Brom makes more sense, if they sell Berahino. They've paid stupid amounts for players like this in the past. Like Anelka last year.
Leicester is only 4 pts to safety right now. And they should be higher than they are right now.

[TFC07]

According to theScore app, Defoe is going to Leicester

[spe18]

According to theScore app, Defoe is going to Leicester

There's also this:

Kurtis LarsonVerified account ‏@KurtLarSUN (https://twitter.com/KurtLarSUN) I'm told Defoe to Leicester City remains "speculation" at this point. Expect him to be linked everywhere over next few weeks ...

[Canary10]

Leicester is only 4 pts to safety right now. And they should be higher than they are right now.

Ok bet me then. They've been bad.

[Marc"2L"]

ok, so Henry is gone.
Who the fuck is going to play CB? And then, who the fuck is going to be on the bench?

Also, who the fuck is going to back them up and play when Caldwell gets hurt/suspensed?!

Let me ask this:

How many CBs do we need at the moment?

[Yohan]

Ok bet me then. They've been bad.
now? no. after jan transfer window and pending on who they add, maybe ;)

[ensco]

This Defoe talk will still be going on at 6pm on Jan 31.

Both Defoe and TFC have to eat a lot of money in order to get something done. Neither wants to, obviously, so both are dreaming about whether there is someone stupid enough out there to get them both out whole.

It wouldn't surprise me if nothing happens, look at what happened to Julio Cesar before he came to us.

[ManUtd4ever]

ok, so Henry is gone.
Who the fuck is going to play CB? And then, who the fuck is going to be on the bench?

Also, who the fuck is going to back them up and play when Caldwell gets hurt/suspensed?!

Let me ask this:

How many CBs do we need at the moment?

We only have 2 natural CBs in Caldwell and Hagglund, so we really need to add a couple of competent central defenders to provide adequate depth.

[pdubs]

Yep 2 MLS ready CB's and then maybe one via the draft. Need them in this winter window as well.

[Canary10]

now? no. after jan transfer window and pending on who they add, maybe ;)

Ha ha. We'll see if they go for him.

[Yohan]

Ha ha. We'll see if they go for him.
any team that signs Defoe will need to sign another striker. just Defoe isn't going to be enough.

[MightyDM]

Nobody negotiating is going to tell people to go fly a kite publicly. By all accounts, these negotiations are going well for TFC

a) there is interest mentioned by at least 2 teams (Hull, QPR) and speculation on at least 2 others (Leicester, Liverpool)

b) there is public acknowledgement and acceptance of what TFC's main sticking point is

c) Teams are publicly floating their negotiation stands (never a good thing0

d) Circumstances in the market for this player are driving up demand for his skills (i.e. Teams need scoring)

These are little things that all help TFC win this.


That and until the CBA comes out, we do not know if we need to offload this player to get a DP.

Most of us would love to have Defoe out. But, if the financial circumstances are such that doing so would hamper the season until August, I would not be surprised if Defoe is kept around. I have no doubt that in August he would garner the original transfer fee back.

With 20 20 hindsight, we all wish he would have been sold back in August. That was a calculated but poor decision by TL and TB. The 2014 team wasn't good enough to make the playoffs.

Lets add some reality to this conversation. With Defoe, we were clearly good enough to make the playoffs, and maybe more. Without him, and without Nelsen, we weren't - the record proves that. This club has had four real goal scorers - Danny D, Danny K, DeRo and Defoe. Those who are cheering for him to leave may come to deeply deeply regret that during the season, just as we did DeRo part I. Gilberto, Moore and Dike together don't equal Defoe - his goals, or his strategic impact on games. He will be an irreplaceable loss.

[jloome]

Lets add some reality to this conversation. With Defoe, we were clearly good enough to make the playoffs, and maybe more. Without him, and without Nelsen, we weren't - the record proves that. This club has had four real goal scorers - Danny D, Danny K, DeRo and Defoe. Those who are cheering for him to leave may come to deeply deeply regret that during the season, just as we did DeRo part I. Gilberto, Moore and Dike together don't equal Defoe - his goals, or his strategic impact on games. He will be an irreplaceable loss.

Danny K had a better strike rate (one of the best in league history); he also was a lousy signing and out of the roster less than in. Only he didn't have his mother whining about how he should go home.

Irreplaceable loss, on eleven goals and a petulant second-half of the season performance? Not likely.

[MightyDM]

Danny K had a better strike rate (one of the best in league history); he also was a lousy signing and out of the roster less than in. Only he didn't have his mother whining about how he should go home.

Irreplaceable loss, on eleven goals and a petulant second-half of the season performance? Not likely.

Danny K was fantastic and unlucky to tear his knee up. Defoe, in the first half of the season, was close to unstoppable. On the field, he played hard, even if sometimes he expressed frustration with his teammates. If we sell him, those goals won't be replaced by anyone on the current roster. I know he is our favourite whipping boy right now, but that's the truth, and it doesn't make sense to me that we collectively pretend otherwise.

[Yohan]

Danny K was fantastic and unlucky to tear his knee up. Defoe, in the first half of the season, was close to unstoppable. On the field, he played hard, even if sometimes he expressed frustration with his teammates. If we sell him, those goals won't be replaced by anyone on the current roster. I know he is our favourite whipping boy right now, but that's the truth, and it doesn't make sense to me that we collectively pretend otherwise.
it also depends on whether he still wants to play for TFC. he can easily pull a Carlos Ruiz. or not.

[Pookie]

Danny K was fantastic and unlucky to tear his knee up. Defoe, in the first half of the season, was close to unstoppable. On the field, he played hard, even if sometimes he expressed frustration with his teammates. If we sell him, those goals won't be replaced by anyone on the current roster. I know he is our favourite whipping boy right now, but that's the truth, and it doesn't make sense to me that we collectively pretend otherwise.

I think you need to look at it a different way.

TFC is remarkably thin on homegrown/drafted talent. A percentage of the roster comes from sources like the MLS waiver wire, re-entry draft. The other option is to find players to sign up to their maximum allocation. They absolutely need to have signings that contribute.

Further, they play in a league where roughly half the teams dress 3 DPs.

I think we can all agree that for TFC to be competitive, they need to get those DPs right. That means being healthy and contributing for the bulk of the season. This is made even more important in that MLS does not allow you to replace injured Designated Players on the roster with other "temporary DPs." If you are at 3 or at your max budget, you are stuck.

Defoe is a great player. Defoe is also an injury prone and older player.

Considering all of the above he is not the right fit for this team, in this league, at this time.

[MightyDM]

All I am saying is be careful what you wish for. I agree, Pookie, that the team is deficient in other areas, especially how they have strategically approached building the team (although Nelsen had a clear strategy), but Defoe is quality, and if recovered, will score at will. We shouldn't be cheering his departure the way these boards are unless there is a clear replacement lined up who can score like him. Which there isn't. The same thing happened to Roberto Alomar - he was run out of town and the Blue Jays have never really replaced him.

[OgtheDim]

Forget the CBA, TFc as an organization is not going to sit on that contract and take on any more big moves.

Well there is the current rumour we offered $5 million a year for Gerrard. (possibly knowing that LAG would up whatever we offered)

[ag futbol]

Danny K had a better strike rate (one of the best in league history); he also was a lousy signing and out of the roster less than in. Only he didn't have his mother whining about how he should go home.

Irreplaceable loss, on eleven goals and a petulant second-half of the season performance? Not likely.
Have to say I share this opinion. We still need the striker to influence the game when not scoring. Missing someone for half a season isn't something that can be easily dismissed.

Defoe is also very much a player who requires service. While brilliant in front of goal his overall influence on the game isn't nearly what some of the other guys is in his pay bracket (henry, Keane)

[Yohan]

Have to say I share this opinion. We still need the striker to influence the game when not scoring. Missing someone for half a season isn't something that can be easily dismissed.

Defoe is also very much a player who requires service. While brilliant in front of goal his overall influence on the game isn't nearly what some of the other guys is in his pay bracket (henry, Keane)
I think using pay to demand the DP do pretty much everything is too much, and this is product of building a team that relies too much on a DP rather than using DP to put a team over the top.

asking Defoe to suddenly become a complete all around striker when that was not his main role all his career IMO is not fair. smart players evolve their role as they get older (as in case of Henry, Keane and even Martins), but that shouldn't be dictated by how much he makes.

and we wouldn't be having his conversation if Defoe put 15-17 goals like he was on pace to do so.

[ag futbol]

I think using pay to demand the DP do pretty much everything is too much, and this is product of building a team that relies too much on a DP rather than using DP to put a team over the top.

asking Defoe to suddenly become a complete all around striker when that was not his main role all his career IMO is not fair. smart players evolve their role as they get older (as in case of Henry, Keane and even Martins), but that shouldn't be dictated by how much he makes.

and we wouldn't be having his conversation if Defoe put 15-17 goals like he was on pace to do so.
well that's not a criticism of defoe, it's just a limitation of spending DP money on this sort of player. However I do think it's fair to make the comparison because ultimately you need to influence the game as much as possible.

Given MLS teams are unbalanced and you can't always count on service, it makes little sense to me to put all your marbles on a pure goal scorer, when that person requires someone else to make him effective. That's an issue here more so than Europe.

If we are behind the teams who spend their money in better places it's only logical to question why we've proceeded the way we have.

[Blixa]

We're doomed with or without Defoe.

[molenshtain]

We're doomed with or without Defoe.


yeah man.

[gdg_9]

...
and we wouldn't be having his conversation if Defoe put 15-17 goals like he was on pace to do so.

You're right, we wouldn't.

Because that would mean he didn't have a fragile hamstring and groin.

It would mean he didn't have a demanding, interfering mother who pressured him to move back to England half way through the season.

It would mean he wasn't unhappy and petulant when he did return, and clearly wanting out.


But he IS all those things, so good riddance!
The open DP spot will be much more valuable than an unhappy broken down Defoe.
(assuming they use it smartly)

[cementhead]

Give me a brake ! If Defoe the Diva want to go let him go I don't want any unhappy camper .Plus MLSE has lot of our money to spend on a shine new DP and I hope he`s not another broken down cry babe Brit!

[mcolvy]

So when we get this Defoe deal done, where will the money go..
I keep hearing South American #10, but does the region he is from really matter?

How about Sebastian Giovinco? He's out of contract in the summer. I'd toss him Defoe's 6 MIL a year + the transfer fee we receive from Defoe as a signing bonus.

[flamehawk]

So when we get this Defoe deal done, where will the money go..
I keep hearing South American #10, but does the region he is from really matter?

How about Sebastian Giovinco? He's out of contract in the summer. I'd toss him Defoe's 6 MIL a year + the transfer fee we receive from Defoe as a signing bonus.

As much as I'd like Giovinco, if he was to sign, I think it'd be the biggest signing in MLS history (ie. unlikely). A young 27 year old playing for a major national team joining MLS - that has never happened before.

[PopePouri]

As much as I'd like Giovinco, if he was to sign, I think it'd be the biggest signing in MLS history (ie. unlikely). A young 27 year old playing for a major national team joining MLS - that has never happened before.

Michael Bradley

[flamehawk]

Michael Bradley

That's the closest I can think of, but I think the fact that Bradley is from the States changes things a little.

[ensco]

So when we get this Defoe deal done, where will the money go..


I think you've made an assumption here that doesn't bear scrutiny.

[OgtheDim]

A lot of the midfield and attacking spending is going to depend on the formation Vanney wants to focus on.

We need a starting level CD and another backup CD. That better be addressed in the next 3 weeks. Somebody has to be brought in who will replace Caldwell in 2016 as the leader at the back.

Pundits seem to be forgetting about the defence in all the Defoe talk.

[Richard]

TFC need to sell Defoe, it shouldn't matter if they take a bath or not on the transaction just get it done, we don't need this drama and his petulant mother anymore.

We need three centre backs, two starters and a draft/project player.

Two wingers because niether of ours has any IQ or ability to consistently make a good cross, keep Jackson because he is useful as a defender.

If were going go for an AM DP for our formation, then we probably need an extra two for cover, Bekker can count as the 3rd cover.

We also probably want to upgrade the DM spot.

There is a lot of work needing to be done on this roster.

[Defoe]

TFC need to sell Defoe, it shouldn't matter if they take a bath or not on the transaction just get it done, we don't need this drama and his petulant mother anymore.

We need three centre backs, two starters and a draft/project player.

Two wingers because niether of ours has any IQ or ability to consistently make a good cross, keep Jackson because he is useful as a defender.

If were going go for an AM DP for our formation, then we probably need an extra two for cover, Bekker can count as the 3rd cover.

We also probably want to upgrade the DM spot.

There is a lot of work needing to be done on this roster.

Just please, please, please... find a way to sell Defoe. This team doesn't have the finciacial luxury to keep paying a prima-dona overpaid 32 year old that amount. Amazing skill - but clearly becoming injury prone. A guy like Defoe should be the final piece, and we're just not there yet. Invest the money throughout several positions. CB CAM and 2 wingers.

[ag futbol]

^ bang on. Think one draft pick will end up being cb depth, another will be striker depth. If lucky we might find a DM or some sort of winger who can contribute sooner.

But totality of it is exactly what you wrote: we need more regular roster players who are experienced.

[Initial B]

I'm thinking that 30 should be the absolute age limit that players should be signed to a contract here, and even then only for a 2 year contract at most. It seems that the probability that a signing will have a serious injury goes up significantly from ages 31-34. If they are 35 and have had a relatively injury free career, they're probably well built, but they'll have lost a step by that point.

Another thought - the TFC FO seems to have been somewhat quiet on the transfer market front. I'm wondering if Tim knows something about how the CBA process is going and betting that it's going to go to a lockout/strike this season, resolved by June when Lampard is supposed to come back to NYC Farm Club.

[portu]

i think when KJ mentions a "South American #10" he's talking about a specific player and given he previously stated that Bez is looking for an international i wouldnt be surprised if the #10 was brazilian international Ricardo Goulart.

Guy is the brother of Juninho in LA, scored 23-25 goals this year for Cruzeiro in a 4-2-3-1 similar style to what Vanney might play and is only 24. There's been interest from Liga MX so far.

Whoscored:
http://www.whoscored.com/Players/74692

Highlights:
http://youtu.be/t-W5e854YO4


Note:
Loyd Barker has said that Montreal has signed two "quality" CBs and DP strikers one, Gilardino, from Europe and one from SA...
Teams are beefing up and we're being left in the dust

[Ossington Mental Youth]

its January 4th

[ensco]

its January 4th

See you in 27 days.

[Derko]

Give me a brake ! If Defoe the Diva want to go let him go I don't want any unhappy camper .Plus MLSE has lot of our money to spend on a shine new DP and I hope he`s not another broken down cry babe Brit!

Got something against Brits? I would hope that MLSE would not spend it on an old cry baby player of ANY nationality, just saying
And don't fuck with us Brits or I might have give you a lesson in Beer Drinking,lol

[Marc"2L"]

Relax, Defoe will be sold.

The CB issue is more pressing. Then the number 10 DP. These things are happening at the same time...I would imagine...

Right?

[OgtheDim]

Could be worse....Could support this one team.

Lost a DP and hasn't signed anybody yet.

Meanwhile their two biggest conference rivals are either doing major moves or signing quality defenders while the newboys in the conference just landed a big young striker and just down the road, a great experienced coach is just getting ready to spring his wily strategies once again on his opponents.









FIRE BRUCE ARENA!!!! :)

[RedsYNWA]

its January 4th

Do YOU know where your children are ????

[Ossington Mental Youth]

See you in 27 days.

Not entirely sure what you meant by this.
Im just not ready to throw the baby out with the bathwater at this moment.

[Ossington Mental Youth]

Do YOU know where your children are ????
lulz, thankfully non existent.

[ensco]

Not entirely sure what you meant by this.
Im just not ready to throw the baby out with the bathwater at this moment.

Thought you were talking about the fact Defoe hasn't moved yet. I was suggesting it'll happen at the last second, if at all.

[Ossington Mental Youth]

Thought you were talking about the fact Defoe hasn't moved yet. I was suggesting it'll happen at the last second, if at all.
nah was referring to moves being made in our favor, in general.
Wouldnt be surprised if youre right, would be vaguely shocked to still see him here at the start of the season

[mcolvy]

i think when KJ mentions a "South American #10" he's talking about a specific player and given he previously stated that Bez is looking for an international i wouldnt be surprised if the #10 was brazilian international Ricardo Goulart.

Guy is the brother of Juninho in LA, scored 23-25 goals this year for Cruzeiro in a 4-2-3-1 similar style to what Vanney might play and is only 24. There's been interest from Liga MX so far.

Whoscored:
http://www.whoscored.com/Players/74692

Highlights:
http://youtu.be/t-W5e854YO4


Note:
Loyd Barker has said that Montreal has signed two "quality" CBs and DP strikers one, Gilardino, from Europe and one from SA...
Teams are beefing up and we're being left in the dust

Ambitious. Cool that he has the MLS connection. Would be right around the type of player we should be after...

UPDATE: After watching the highlights.. this guy is clinical in front of goal and in the air. We are kind of looking for someone to deliver set pieces, not finish them off.. I mean he looked great and I see that he plays deeper, but I don't see him as a good partner for Gilberto

[portu]

Ambitious. Cool that he has the MLS connection. Would be right around the type of player we should be after...

UPDATE: After watching the highlights.. this guy is clinical in front of goal and in the air. We are kind of looking for someone to deliver set pieces, not finish them off.. I mean he looked great and I see that he plays deeper, but I don't see him as a good partner for Gilberto

Everton Ribeiro (totally out of. our price range) sort of forces him out of that playmaking role for Cruzeiro, but you can definetly see the potential in his passing game to take on a heavier load... i dont know just my .02$

[mcolvy]

Everton Ribeiro (totally out of. our price range) sort of forces him out of that playmaking role for Cruzeiro, but you can definetly see the potential in his passing game to take on a heavier load... i dont know just my .02$

He looks more like a Cahill. A second striker that attacks from deep (and obviously the strength in the air). I am sure he is a good passer as well, as he is a class player, but you'd be paying top dollar for that goal scoring, which then wouldn't make sense to not utilize. But then we need our Wingers to be playmakers.. and I just don't see it out of Oduro, Lovitz and Jackson...

And why not then go after Everton Ribeiro. No one is out of our price range. That is not enough of a reason for me.
How much did we commit to Defoe 6MIL x 4 years. + another 10MIL transfer fee.
As long as we can reinvest Defoe money (And I am assuming we recoup the same transfer fee for him when we see him this window)-
That is 34MIL. Everton Riberio and Cruzeiro would take it...

[ag futbol]

Top, top prospects in Brazil / argentina wouldn't be interested nor would we have the financial heft to be players in that market. Unless TFC suddenly decides (and MLS allows) $10m plus expenditures on pure talent as opposed to some combo of talent / branding. Has MLS even paid a 5M fee yet to SA?

[portu]

Top, top prospects in Brazil / argentina wouldn't be interested nor would we have the financial heft to be players in that market. Unless TFC suddenly decides (and MLS allows) $10m plus expenditures on pure talent as opposed to some combo of talent / branding. Has MLS even paid a 5M fee yet to SA?
No they haven't, but why would MLS have a say in a transfer fee that we pay? It's not like I'm suggesting we raid the Brazilian market. Goulart is a great player, but not the next Oscar or Neymar, if he was he would already be in Europe. In addition to that he's definitely not a prospect at 24 years of age. The only barrier I see here is the players aspirations.

[portu]

He looks more like a Cahill. A second striker that attacks from deep (and obviously the strength in the air). I am sure he is a good passer as well, as he is a class player, but you'd be paying top dollar for that goal scoring, which then wouldn't make sense to not utilize. But then we need our Wingers to be playmakers.. and I just don't see it out of Oduro, Lovitz and Jackson...

And why not then go after Everton Ribeiro. No one is out of our price range. That is not enough of a reason for me.
How much did we commit to Defoe 6MIL x 4 years. + another 10MIL transfer fee.
As long as we can reinvest Defoe money (And I am assuming we recoup the same transfer fee for him when we see him this window)-
That is 34MIL. Everton Riberio and Cruzeiro would take it...

Yeah, except Cruziero have publicly stated that they want 20 million EUROS for Ribeiro when confronted by interest from Serie A clubs and I'm guessing it would take a Defoe type salary to bring him over, given the European competition.
I see what you mean about the Cahill thing, but he can't send a through ball or play tiki taka for his life. I see more Lee Nguyen in him, with more bite in the air, in terms of his contribution if you want to make an MLS comparison.

[ag futbol]

No they haven't, but why would MLS have a say in a transfer fee that we pay? It's not like I'm suggesting we raid the Brazilian market. Goulart is a great player, but not the next Oscar or Neymar, if he was he would already be in Europe. In addition to that he's definitely not a prospect at 24 years of age. The only barrier I see here is the players aspirations.
You are wrong to suggest nobody good gets sold to a top league at 24 years of age(or older). Especially since brasilerio clubs are holding on to their players longer as of late.

MLS has a say in everything. The issue is the transaction sets precedent, one they are probably not comfortable with keeping at this point.

[Yohan]

Top, top prospects in Brazil / argentina wouldn't be interested nor would we have the financial heft to be players in that market. Unless TFC suddenly decides (and MLS allows) $10m plus expenditures on pure talent as opposed to some combo of talent / branding. Has MLS even paid a 5M fee yet to SA?
the numbers are starting to go up. Gilberto reportely cost around 3 mil, and Caps new DP Octavio Rivero reportely around same amount. Diego Valeri for Portland.

MLS clubs are buying SA talents and MLS FO would love for talented SA players to come to MLS for at least few years before selling them to Europe

[Areathrasher]

the numbers are starting to go up. Gilberto reportely cost around 3 mil, and Caps new DP Octavio Rivero reportely around same amount. Diego Valeri for Portland.

MLS clubs are buying SA talents and MLS FO would love for talented SA players to come to MLS for at least few years before selling them to Europe

Laba
Urruti

[brad]

the numbers are starting to go up. Gilberto reportely cost around 3 mil, and Caps new DP Octavio Rivero reportely around same amount. Diego Valeri for Portland.

MLS clubs are buying SA talents and MLS FO would love for talented SA players to come to MLS for at least few years before selling them to Europe

There is big money in this if model if it pans out.

[kuku]

Duane Rollins ‏@24thminute 7m7 minutes ago (https://twitter.com/24thminute/status/552109788877053952) Seems like Jay Chapman is once again Toronto's. Got that from three separate places over weekend/this morning. Not directly from TFC though

[Areathrasher]

To those that thought Higuain was available

http://www.thecrew.com/news/2015/01/crew-sc-signs-federico-higuain-new-designated-player-contract

[spark]

Laba
Urruti

Argentina is particularly dire right now and it would be wise to hop on heavily scouting that league. When Matias Garcia came to SJ his comments were to the effect of what a breath of fresh air it is playing in MLS - in that there is a negative energy around the Primera right now where fans are hostile and the league quality is dropping. Maxi Rodriguez is also noted for saying how much of a difference there was between the ten years he was away from Old Boys. Even with all this said, if due diligence is done, there are probably still many players in the vein of Laba, Urruti, Higuain, Valeri, Morales who aren't names outside of Argentina or Europe-bound, but could be very effective here.

[gdg_9]

Sven apparently interested in bringing Defoe to China with a "Huge offer"...

Don't see this happening, but thought it was worth posting anyway.
Could at least help to drive the market a bit with more teams potentially interested.


Meanwhile, in other reports, former City manager Sven-Goran Eriksson is said to be joining the race to sign another City target, Jermaine Defoe.
City have remained interested in signing the former Tottenham Hotspur and England striker after trying to clinch a deal with his club, FC Toronto, in the summer, but signing Defoe would require a huge financial investment from City.

The Sun has reported that Eriksson’s club Shanghai are set to make Toronto and Defoe a huge offer and have the financial clout to back it up.


Read more: http://www.leicestermercury.co.uk/Transfer-rumours-Reports-Italy-say-Leicester-City/story-25806554-detail/story.html#ixzz3NxubjwUh

[jloome]

Duane Rollins‏@24thminute 7m7 minutes ago (https://twitter.com/24thminute/status/552109788877053952) Seems like Jay Chapman is once again Toronto's. Got that from three separate places over weekend/this morning. Not directly from TFC though

Given that his agent confirmed it on the weekend, not exactly a stretch.

[mcolvy]

Yeah, except Cruziero have publicly stated that they want 20 million EUROS for Ribeiro when confronted by interest from Serie A clubs and I'm guessing it would take a Defoe type salary to bring him over, given the European competition.
I see what you mean about the Cahill thing, but he can't send a through ball or play tiki taka for his life. I see more Lee Nguyen in him, with more bite in the air, in terms of his contribution if you want to make an MLS comparison.

Yeah, I actually just saw a transfer rumour from last summer that has him linked to Manchester United... So, his price may be high.
But still, it wouldn't be a bad investment. Look at what Porto does.
The only thing that should be holding us back from these sorts of things are the player's aspirations.
MLS hasn't carved out a niche as a stepping stone on the way to major european football. It should though.

[barticusz]

Sven apparently interested in bringing Defoe to China with a "Huge offer"...

Don't see this happening, but thought it was worth posting anyway.
Could at least help to drive the market a bit with more teams potentially interested.

Say TFC accepts an offer from that Chinese club, does it still boil down to Defoe accepting a contract or can he just be shipped off so long as his new employer agrees to assume his current contract?

[portu]

Yeah, I actually just saw a transfer rumour from last summer that has him linked to Manchester United... So, his price may be high.
But still, it wouldn't be a bad investment. Look at what Porto does.
The only thing that should be holding us back from these sorts of things are the player's aspirations.
MLS hasn't carved out a niche as a stepping stone on the way to major european football. It should though.
Yeah, I totally agree. The great thing about Brazilian national teams is that they're often full of coaches favourites, not to take from the skill level of the players though, and that there is precedent through Julio to pick an MLS player. So, so long as the player is playing well enough they should be picked, so that helps. The next step for this league is to overtake Liga MX, but that's only going to happen if we get to the TOP quality players in SA before them.

[Yohan]

Say TFC accepts an offer from that Chinese club, does it still boil down to Defoe accepting a contract or can he just be shipped off so long as his new employer agrees to assume his current contract?
player has to agree to a new contract for an international transfer

[Yohan]

To those that thought Higuain was available

http://www.thecrew.com/news/2015/01/crew-sc-signs-federico-higuain-new-designated-player-contract
nothing like a big fat new contract to make an unsettled player happy

[ag futbol]

the numbers are starting to go up. Gilberto reportely cost around 3 mil, and Caps new DP Octavio Rivero reportely around same amount. Diego Valeri for Portland.

MLS clubs are buying SA talents and MLS FO would love for talented SA players to come to MLS for at least few years before selling them to Europe
I agree it's a good idea, just question if they'd do it. Gets a little more risky, the more money you spend.

[Areathrasher]

nothing like a big fat new contract to make an unsettled player happy

Except was he ever unsettled? It all sounded like people putting 2+2 together and getting 5 all from the basis that he didn't travel with the Crew for the return leg of the playoff game against the Revs while injured.

[Yohan]

Except was he ever unsettled? It all sounded like people putting 2+2 together and getting 5 all from the basis that he didn't travel with the Crew for the return leg of the playoff game against the Revs while injured.
there were also rumours that he was unhappy being stripped of captaincy

[Ossington Mental Youth]

Dunno how much value there is to this but Steven Vitoria may be coming. Not sure i understand how he'd get out of a 4 year contract early.
http://tfc-rumors.blogspot.ca/2015/01/scouting-series-1-steven-vitoria.html

[Ultra & Proud]

Dunno how much value there is to this but Steven Vitoria may be coming. Not sure i understand how he'd get out of a 4 year contract early.
http://tfc-rumors.blogspot.ca/2015/01/scouting-series-1-steven-vitoria.html
Not putting anything into this rumor at all.

If just picking random young players with Canadian connections who get no playing time is a valuable resource for rumors then this board might as well be the new TFC Rumors site.

[ag futbol]

Vitoria is not young and he is fairly high quality. The "canadian" part is the question mark.

It should be noted they've not said he's linked to us, only that the club should consider him. Think it's unlikely that he leaves europe, was very close to cracking the Portugese squad last I heard.

[TFC07]

Usually this time of the year we hear rumours of potential signings, but this year (so far) we haven't heard a single rumour who TFC might sign. Not sure if this is a good or bad thing.

Hopefully TFC is doing a good job not leaking info on potential signings, but for some reason, I feel like they're not doing much and end up signing players at the last minute.

[Yohan]

Usually this time of the year we hear rumours of potential signings, but this year (so far) we haven't heard a single rumour who TFC might sign. Not sure if this is a good or bad thing.

Hopefully TFC is doing a good job not leaking info on potential signings, but for some reason, I feel like they're not doing much and end up signing players at the last minute.
or in holding pattern pending outcome of Superdraft/Defoe/new CBA

[TFC07]

or in holding pattern pending outcome of Superdraft/Defoe/new CBA

- Defoe only affects signing one player (DP)

- Superdraft isn't somewhere we should rely on for starters (which we need few this season)

- CBA isn't stopping other teams signing players so why should it stop TFC?

[Areathrasher]

I've been trying to keep perspective on the lack of movement but given our need for a CB and that that Chicago, NYCFC and Orlando have signed CBs from outside of the league in the past few days and MTL with supposedly one on the way...

EDIT: The lad NYCFC have signed from Ecuador has been lined up since August, but still...

[Red Skies At Night]

All those shiny new F5 keys... and nothing to press them for... :(

[Areathrasher]

All those shiny new F5 keys... and nothing to press them for... :(

We need a rumor so we can have #UrrutiWatch part 2 :lol:

[gdg_9]

- Defoe only affects signing one player (DP)


Not necessarily... Allocation received from potential transfer fee could play a big part in any future signings.

[Yohan]

- Defoe only affects signing one player (DP)

- Superdraft isn't somewhere we should rely on for starters (which we need few this season)

- CBA isn't stopping other teams signing players so why should it stop TFC?
1. Defoe affects whether TFC can bring in another DP at what price. And have to sell him first to avoid another potential Laba situation

2. Superdraft traditionally has trades that can affect the roster.

3. Bez might feel he should see just how much cap space he'll have available before signing players. Though with someone with connections like him with MLS FO, he should have a better idea what the new CBA should look like. More and better players might be available after the new CBA, because by the sounds of it, some players and agents are holding out to see the outcome.

it's always the problem with being a backseat driver. we can only operate with benefit of hindsight, but we rarely have enough info about the future

[Red Skies At Night]

I think the best gauge of what might be going on is to compare the amount of player movement this off-season so far, and compare to this point in previous off-seasons. If there seems to be less movement then likely teams are playing a wait and see game with the new cba. If movement is comparable to past years (except for tfc), then maybe we can have cause for concern.

[Red I]

Dunno how much value there is to this but Steven Vitoria may be coming. Not sure i understand how he'd get out of a 4 year contract early.
http://tfc-rumors.blogspot.ca/2015/01/scouting-series-1-steven-vitoria.html

... and a 4-Year Contract with Benfica no less?? Unless TFC is paying a transfer fee, and he's getting a fat raise, why push aside UEFA top-of-table European Champions League caliber football for us?

Huge upgrade, but that is one flimsy rumour with absolutely no legs

EDIT: ok, so not a rumour, but the article is simply a suggestion... kinda weird, but whatever

[Areathrasher]

Kurt has been reading here today!!! Dropping a hint?

Kurtis Larson ‏@KurtLarSUN (https://twitter.com/KurtLarSUN) 3m3 minutes ago (https://twitter.com/KurtLarSUN/status/552200144129900544)
Felipe Anderson. Have you heard? #Lazio (https://twitter.com/hashtag/Lazio?src=hash)

NVM: Turns out he's just watching Lazio :lol:

[OgtheDim]

There's also a bit of cap space to clear with Oduro and Moore- somebody will want them.

[Ruffian]

There's also a bit of cap space to clear with Oduro and Moore- somebody will want them.

Nobody wanted Oduro in the expansion draft and either Orlando or NYC could have had him for free. He has a large cap hit.

[Ultra & Proud]

Nobody wanted Oduro in the expansion draft and either Orlando or NYC could have had him for free. He has a large cap hit.
Not necessarily true. Remember we did the Lovitz scam with NYCFC and frankly, there were better options available for Orlando. When the cap raise comes out and if it is as high as predicted then there will be teams looking at him.

[PopePouri]

Nobody wanted Oduro in the expansion draft and either Orlando or NYC could have had him for free. He has a large cap hit.

Some team will have extra cap room and take a shot. Even if we get a bag of balls, he was basically a free signing for us.

[gdg_9]

Latest name making the rounds on twitter...

Damien Perquis
30y/o Polish National Team CB from Real Betis.

http://translate.google.com/translate?depth=1&hl=en&nv=1&prev=search&rurl=translate.google.ca&sl=es&u=http://sevilla.abc.es/deportes/alfinaldelapalmera/noticias/real-betis/perquis-con-una-oferta-para-irse-toronto-83594-1420466265.html

[PopePouri]

Latest name making the rounds on twitter...

Damien Perquis
30y/o Polish National Team CB from Real Betis.

http://translate.google.com/translate?depth=1&hl=en&nv=1&prev=search&rurl=translate.google.ca&sl=es&u=http://sevilla.abc.es/deportes/alfinaldelapalmera/noticias/real-betis/perquis-con-una-oferta-para-irse-toronto-83594-1420466265.html

Looks experienced. Could be a decent pickup.

[gdg_9]

Latest name making the rounds on twitter...

Damien Perquis
30y/o Polish National Team CB from Real Betis.

http://translate.google.com/translate?depth=1&hl=en&nv=1&prev=search&rurl=translate.google.ca&sl=es&u=http://sevilla.abc.es/deportes/alfinaldelapalmera/noticias/real-betis/perquis-con-una-oferta-para-irse-toronto-83594-1420466265.html


Looks experienced. Could be a decent pickup.

Only issue will be salary... could be expensive.

[barticusz]

Looks experienced. Could be a decent pickup.

Perquis is a good defender though he has suffered from multiple injuries in the latter parts of his career. I dont' believe he's the same player that last suited up for Poland. His position has been taken over by Szukula who is a 30 year old playing in the Arabian league and who only has 10 caps (all recent) to his name.

Not sure if I'd do it or not.

[PopePouri]

A little bit of Paul Mariner scouting reveals he's a beast but injury prone. He also played in Euro 2012.

[Ossington Mental Youth]

Only issue will be salary... could be expensive.

i feel certain we have bags of allocation around due to Henry, Laba and prob the sale of Defoe

[Ultra & Proud]

Latest name making the rounds on twitter...

Damien Perquis
30y/o Polish National Team CB from Real Betis.

http://translate.google.com/translate?depth=1&hl=en&nv=1&prev=search&rurl=translate.google.ca&sl=es&u=http://sevilla.abc.es/deportes/alfinaldelapalmera/noticias/real-betis/perquis-con-una-oferta-para-irse-toronto-83594-1420466265.html
Don't know much about him but he has a pretty fancy website: http://damienperquis.com

[barticusz]

I haven't seen him play for quite some time but he was solid in the Euro's. Watched him live and he would definitely be an improvement over Caldwell, not sure how good is attitude is.

[sully]

http://www.irishmirror.ie/sport/soccer/soccer-news/sean-st-ledger-would-consider-4929383

with his experience at the right salary he could be a handy pick up...

[ANTZ]

Dunno how much value there is to this but Steven Vitoria may be coming. Not sure i understand how he'd get out of a 4 year contract early.
http://tfc-rumors.blogspot.ca/2015/01/scouting-series-1-steven-vitoria.html

This is very possible as His family is from Missisauga, great CB Hope he comes, I know MLS teams Are interested as well.

[barticusz]

This is very possible as His family is from Missisauga, great CB Hope he comes, I know MLS teams Are interested as well.

Can we stop talking about a player that has only been suggested by a random blogger that TFC should look at them? Maybe just stick with actual rumours.

[BuSaPuNk]

http://www.irishmirror.ie/sport/soccer/soccer-news/sean-st-ledger-would-consider-4929383

with his experience at the right salary he could be a handy pick up...

I agree. He fits the need and wouldnt Brea the bank especially if hes just looking for a team to play with. Might be a good opportunity for us and him.

[Areathrasher]

I agree. He fits the need and wouldnt Brea the bank especially if hes just looking for a team to play with. Might be a good opportunity for us and him.


"I've no idea if it'll be a 'yes' or 'no'. Darren O'Dea played over there with Toronto and I've spoken to him about it."He says it's a better standard than you think.

Good lad Darren

[Defoe]

Toronto FC is only set at 3 position's. Morrow (RB) Gilberto (ST) Bradley. (CM) We literally need an entire new team if we want to compete. Caldwell could maybe pass as one of our CB's. So that's 4 if you can stomach a 33 year old Caldwell for another year. I don't expect Defoe to be back. I'm not even confident in Bendik. I don't care if i'm asking to much... I'm not stating what I want, i'm stating what TFC needs. I am not asking for luxuries i'm stating what they need. If they want to be competitive and have a chance at the playoffs they need an entire revamp. if they want to be competitive next year they need a MINIMUM of 5 new starters. Osorio, Bloom, jackson etc all bench players. If you think Osorio has IQ you should check your own IQ... He's not very athletic either. I don't care if he's Canadian he sucks and if you disagree your wrong

We need:

A striker to replace Defoe
A winger to replace jackson
A winger to replace Oduro
A Left back to replace Bloom
A Center back
A midfielder to compliment Bradley, either attacking or defensive
And a new Goalie that won't give the ball away every SINGLE possession.

I'm not being picking, these players simply aren't good enough.

That's 7... They need to fix at least 5/7... or get ready for a long year. Without Bradley and Defoe, that Toronto FC would have been historically terrible. Like worse then Montreal and Chivas. A lot worse. If they keep Defoe they need 4 new starters.

[JuliquE]

Toronto FC is only set at 3 position's. Morrow (RB) Gilberto (ST) Bradley. (CM) We literally need an entire new team if we want to compete. Caldwell could maybe pass as one of our CB's. So that's 4 if you can stomach a 33 year old Caldwell for another year. I don't expect Defoe to be back. I'm not even confident in Bendik. I don't care if i'm asking to much... I'm not stating what I want, i'm stating what TFC needs. I am not asking for luxuries i'm stating what they need. If they want to be competitive and have a chance at the playoffs they need an entire revamp. if they want to be competitive next year they need a MINIMUM of 5 new starters. Osorio, Bloom, jackson etc all bench players. If you think Osorio has IQ you should check your own IQ... He's not very athletic either. I don't care if he's Canadian he sucks and if you disagree your wrong

We need:

A striker to replace Defoe
A winger to replace jackson
A winger to replace Oduro
A Left back to replace Bloom
A Center back
A midfielder to compliment Bradley, either attacking or defensive
And a new Goalie that won't give the ball away every SINGLE possession.

I'm not being picking, these players simply aren't good enough.

That's 7... They need to fix at least 5/7... or get ready for a long year. Without Bradley and Defoe, that Toronto FC would have been historically terrible. Like worse then Montreal and Chivas. A lot worse. If they keep Defoe they need 4 new starters.
Disagree; here's why:

http://forums.redpatchboys.ca/showthread.php?36774-TFC-2014-15-Off-Season-player-moves-speculation-rumours-etc-thread&p=1703279&viewfull=1#post1703279

[barticusz]

That's 7... They need to fix at least 5/7... or get ready for a long year. Without Bradley and Defoe, that Toronto FC would have been historically terrible. Like worse then Montreal and Chivas. A lot worse. If they keep Defoe they need 4 new starters.

Please step down from the ledge.

Take a look at last years roster (without Bradley/Defoe) and look at the previous year's rosters. We have improved. We have a lot of young MLSer's on the roster and it takes time for them to get accustomed to the league and to really start producing.

We've seen what happens after year over year turnover. It's time this group stays together, with some added pieces here and there. Really, if you add a competant CAM such as a Valeri type we improve immensely. That's just one addition.

[Canary10]

A good way to engage in dialogue with people on the board is to say that if anyone doesn't agree with you they should have their IQs checked.

[pdubs]

I don't care if he's Canadian he sucks and if you disagree your wrong

well then

[Still Kicking]

A good way to engage in dialogue with people on the board is to say that if anyone doesn't agree with you they should have their IQs checked.

Sorry to be a touch slow to agree with you, I was having my IQ checked...

[Canary10]

Sorry to be a touch slow to agree with you, I was having my IQ checked...

I had to spell check IQ.

[BFin]

A good way to engage in dialogue with people on the board is to say that if anyone doesn't agree with you they should have their IQs checked.

Or to tell them that if they disagree they're wrong. End of story.

I do appreciate the confidence in the opinion, however misguided it may be.

[OgtheDim]

People who write this:
Toronto FC is only set at 3 position's. Morrow (RB).... should not talk about other's IQ.

[DanTFC]

TFC interested in Damien Perquis?

http://www.lequipe.fr/Football/Actualites/Perquis-vers-toronto/526355

http://eurosport.onet.pl/pilka-nozna/inne-ligi/damien-perquis-moze-przeniesc-sie-do-mls/pltqc

the translations are a bit crap but u get the point

just noticed its been posted already

[Red I]

TFC interested in Damien Perquis?

http://www.lequipe.fr/Football/Actualites/Perquis-vers-toronto/526355

http://eurosport.onet.pl/pilka-nozna/inne-ligi/damien-perquis-moze-przeniesc-sie-do-mls/pltqc

the translations are a bit crap but u get the point

I think this was mentioned earlier...

1 post, DanTFC? Either you are Perquis' agent, an MLSE insider, or a reporter trying to fuel a small flame of a rumour...

... or new to the board, in which case, welcome aboard!

[DinamoTFC]

player has to agree to a new contract for an international transfer

if his whole reason for leaving is cause hes unhappy and misses England, theres no way he would accept China. makes no sense.

[barticusz]

if his whole reason for leaving is cause hes unhappy and misses England, theres no way he would accept China. makes no sense.

It would be nice if you could just transfer that player over and not have to have them agree to it. You signed and didn't like it. Boo hoo.. off you go to the highest bidder. No more of this whine and cheese dance. You're getting paid 6M a year to perform and not cry about it. You're lucky enough to be playing for a living.

[TFC/Everton]

Whoa!

https://pbs.twimg.com/profile_images/516894189590949888/-jRiS4gg_bigger.jpegTaylor Twellman ‏@TaylorTwellman (https://twitter.com/TaylorTwellman) now12 seconds ago (https://twitter.com/TaylorTwellman/status/552910095236218880)
Multiple sources tell me Jozy Altidore and @MLS (https://twitter.com/MLS) are in discussions about his return this winter with 3 teams applying. #TFC (https://twitter.com/hashtag/TFC?src=hash) #RBNY (https://twitter.com/hashtag/RBNY?src=hash) #POR (https://twitter.com/hashtag/POR?src=hash)

[gdg_9]

[EDIT] ^Beat me to it ^





So Taylor Twellman just dropped this bomb on twitter...

Taylor Twellman‏@TaylorTwellman 1m1 minute ago (https://twitter.com/TaylorTwellman/status/552910095236218880) Multiple sources tell me Jozy Altidore and @MLS (https://twitter.com/MLS) are in discussions about his return this winter with 3 teams applying. #TFC (https://twitter.com/hashtag/TFC?src=hash) #RBNY (https://twitter.com/hashtag/RBNY?src=hash) #POR (https://twitter.com/hashtag/POR?src=hash)

[Red CB Toronto]

Having Jozy here would be something special. I would thing the Red Bulls would be the favourite to get him, he is a Jersey Boy.

[Canary10]

Of course he's coming to MLS. He's been hapless at Sunderland. Someone else take him please.

[gdg_9]

Having Jozy here would be something special. I would thing the Red Bulls would be the favourite to get him, he is a Jersey Boy.

Not if the rumours of Red Bull cheapening out on their investment in the team are true

[Fort York Redcoat]

[EDIT] ^Beat me to it ^





So Taylor Twellman just dropped this bomb on twitter...

Taylor Twellman‏@TaylorTwellman 1m1 minute ago (https://twitter.com/TaylorTwellman/status/552910095236218880) Multiple sources tell me Jozy Altidore and @MLS (https://twitter.com/MLS) are in discussions about his return this winter with 3 teams applying. #TFC (https://twitter.com/hashtag/TFC?src=hash) #RBNY (https://twitter.com/hashtag/RBNY?src=hash) #POR (https://twitter.com/hashtag/POR?src=hash)

I vote he go to that Red Bull place as well.

[OgtheDim]

Portland - their owner already hinted.

[Red CB Toronto]

Of course he's coming to MLS. He's been hapless at Sunderland. Someone else take him please.

He was on fire at AZ, a young gun scorer is what the Reds need. Sunderland was a bad choice from the get go.

[C.Ronaldo]

happy Jozy is coming back

he is a special player that somehow lost his way

[Canary10]

He was on fire at AZ, a young gun scorer is what the Reds need. Sunderland was a bad choice from the get go.

His play has been awful though. Appalling. He can't get into a near bottom of the table team because he's been worse than what they have.

[gdg_9]

His play has been awful though. Appalling. He can't get into a near bottom of the table team because he's been worse than what they have.

Haven't seen much of him, but the game I did see him come on as a late sub for, he ran around like a headless chicken.
Maybe coming back to MLS will help get him back on track...

[Red4ever]

I'd take Jozy. Pair him with Defoe and ship out Gilberto.

[Ossington Mental Youth]

I'd take Jozy. Pair him with Defoe and ship out Gilberto.

Id be shocked if Defoe will still be here.
Im not so sure where we would play him with 5 strikers already

[pdubs]

This is not the #10 we have been looking for aha.

[Canary10]

We should just focus on a damn AM and let the next passing fancy go.

[C.Ronaldo]

Would Jozy be a DP?

I dont think his play has deserved this status.

[TFC/Everton]

I'd take Jozy. Pair him with Defoe and ship out Gilberto.

Agreed. Gilberto just can't cut it at this level.

On the other hand, Defoe jokes aside. He would play well with Findley up front.

Ship off Gilberto and sign an attacking mid.

And of ya, GET US A GOD DAMN CB.

[Smokecell]

Where is this Gilberto hate coming from all of a sudden? Can't cut it at this level? Give me a break.

If Defoe goes I wouldn't mind adding Altidore but not at the expense of Gilberto, thats for sure.

[OgtheDim]

I gets the feeling we are putting money down knowing full well somebody else is going to outbid. Makes us look good and puts pressure on Defoe to leave.

i.e. Its spin.

[Ossington Mental Youth]

Where is this Gilberto hate coming from all of a sudden? Can't cut it at this level? Give me a break.

If Defoe goes I wouldn't mind adding Altidore but not at the expense of Gilberto, thats for sure.

cosign on all of these statements

[PopePouri]

If Gilberto goes, it's not a surprise. He's not a no. 10 and may not be the type of no. 9 Vanney is looking for. If both Defoe and Gilberto are gone by January and we bring in the SA no. 10 and Jozy, it's a more traditional look to building a squad (creative no. 10, big and strong no. 9).

[pdubs]

Where is this Gilberto hate coming from all of a sudden? Can't cut it at this level? Give me a break.

If Defoe goes I wouldn't mind adding Altidore but not at the expense of Gilberto, thats for sure.

+1

I am actually excited to see Gilberto develop more this year.

[OgtheDim]

So I suppose Duane Rollins will be be tweeting soon (and again) that Gilberto is going?




Cause, you know, just because a couple of people on here who don't like him suggest he should be dealt means its going to happen.....

[TorontoGooner]

Think he's probably going to Portland. A lot points to that direction

[barticusz]

PTFC had some tweets out sounding confident they'd be getting a big USMNT player. So my bet is they want him. May TFC outbids, and then can get somethign else in return by letting them trade for him?

[ag futbol]

If Gilberto goes, it's not a surprise. He's not a no. 10 and may not be the type of no. 9 Vanney is looking for. If both Defoe and Gilberto are gone by January and we bring in the SA no. 10 and Jozy, it's a more traditional look to building a squad (creative no. 10, big and strong no. 9).
I think he wants a guy who can break a high defensive line and get in behind, something he couldn't do enough of last year because of bad service / poor tactics. Giberto is perfect for that.

You're Dike / bruiser will be used depending on the matchup, but will generally be second choice.

[Red4ever]

I think what's gonna be really interesting is what happens in the second transfer window. A back heavy home schedule means we'll need points then. Will be interesting to see if they wait and at least try to spin us to keep numbers up.

[PopePouri]

I think he wants a guy who can break a high defensive line and get in behind, something he couldn't do enough of last year because of bad service / poor tactics. Giberto is perfect for that.

You're Dike / bruiser will be used depending on the matchup, but will generally be second choice.

IMO, the high line wasn't the issue. The first half of the season, we were a dangerous counter-attacking team with pace on the flanks. It was when teams sat back (the New Englands, Phillys) that we fell short and couldn't break them down.

[Canary10]

Gilberto still has a lot to prove. 7 goals isn't the greatest start. Can find college players doing that for much less.

[MightyDM]

IMO, the high line wasn't the issue. The first half of the season, we were a dangerous counter-attacking team with pace on the flanks. It was when teams sat back (the New Englands, Phillys) that we fell short and couldn't break them down.

Yes, that's right. It's the weakness of counter attacking football. And without defoe, that tactic worked.

[ag futbol]

IMO, the high line wasn't the issue. The first half of the season, we were a dangerous counter-attacking team with pace on the flanks. It was when teams sat back (the New Englands, Phillys) that we fell short and couldn't break them down.
Agree with you there somewhat. Tactically once we were found out we were exposed as one dimensional.

Yes we counter attacked but it was largely through channel play and route 1, not what you'd get gilberto to do ideally. What I'm talking about is breaking down a team that's defensively set or getting the striker to pull off the CBs and get intelligent balls in behind, something we saw very little of. This is exactly what he was asked to do at portugesa with much success.

[Smokecell]

Toronto FC is only set at 3 position's. Morrow (RB) Gilberto (ST) Bradley. (CM) We literally need an entire new team if we want to compete. Caldwell could maybe pass as one of our CB's. So that's 4 if you can stomach a 33 year old Caldwell for another year. I don't expect Defoe to be back. I'm not even confident in Bendik. I don't care if i'm asking to much... I'm not stating what I want, i'm stating what TFC needs. I am not asking for luxuries i'm stating what they need. If they want to be competitive and have a chance at the playoffs they need an entire revamp. if they want to be competitive next year they need a MINIMUM of 5 new starters. Osorio, Bloom, jackson etc all bench players. If you think Osorio has IQ you should check your own IQ... He's not very athletic either. I don't care if he's Canadian he sucks and if you disagree your wrong

We need:

A striker to replace Defoe
A winger to replace jackson
A winger to replace Oduro
A Left back to replace Bloom
A Center back
A midfielder to compliment Bradley, either attacking or defensive
And a new Goalie that won't give the ball away every SINGLE possession.

I'm not being picking, these players simply aren't good enough.

That's 7... They need to fix at least 5/7... or get ready for a long year. Without Bradley and Defoe, that Toronto FC would have been historically terrible. Like worse then Montreal and Chivas. A lot worse. If they keep Defoe they need 4 new starters.

Probably the most spot on assessment of this roster I've seen although you've flipped the flanks in which Bloom and Morrow play (Morrow LB and Bloom RB). Probably a bit harsh on Osorio too, I agree he should not be starting but he definitely does not suck. Bekker on the other hand....let's just say he has his work cut out for him to be nice (ditto Morgan for that matter). Being Canadian is no reason to play somebody if we're claiming to be a fanbase that wants to win.

I'm not sure why this city is so content with mediocrity, the team as it stands will not be competing for the MLS Cup. Regardless what formation is played we definitely need upgrades over Jax and Oduro. Bloom is your run of the mill one dimensional RB but again not starting material on a team that wants to contend.

Agreed entirely that Caldwell should not be seen as a definitive solution at CB. I'd argue we need 2 starting caliber CBs as it stands and 3 if we could be so fortunate as to drop Caldwell's horrible contract.

Warner and Oso should compete for playing time behind a new playmaking Mid to compliment Bradley.

As for Bendik I don't rate him as a starter either but he will do I guess, but only because with the MLS cap it doesn't make much sense to invest too much into a GK.

I would like to see this team taken seriously for once. I might be hated for saying this but I really don't think anyone has done anything worth a damn in a TFC shirt (don't even get me started about the Amway Cup it's so far from a valid counter arguement, it's a 5 team tournament miraculously spanning 2 tiers of a football pyramid that isn't even ours, hosted in the 112th ranked nation of Canada. Still ways to go before that's considered an important trophy.). I get the sentimental value behind Dichio being on the Wall of Honour but really he's far from worth of the spot. Not even sure why Brennan is up there. Hell, we don't even have anybody with >100 MLS appearances. I don't see how we could have anybody that we remotely call a club legend. We need to lose this loser mentality and hopefully keep a solid squad together that can give birth to true legends that win us trophies.

[portu]

no thank you to jozy altidore he's been a joke for Sunderland and we have Gilberto... get a #10 for godsake

[notthesun]

I think the chances of Altidore succeeding if he returns to MLS are extremely high. I would not be opposed to getting him.

[Richard]

If there is a 4th DP then sure why not, Gilberto and Altidore would be a monster duo with a DP CAM providing service.

[Doucet3]

Agree where is the Gilberto hate coming from... Give me a fucking break... New whipping boy already cause he won't score at Defoe GPG rate? ... Toronto fans never happy. We could win the MLS cup and there would be some one saying "this is stupid the banners streaming down arnt long enough pft damn MLSE being cheap again sell Bradley" or some other lunacy

[AdamAM]

The money would be spent 100 times better if we could get a PROVEN attacking midfielder/playmaker. This team has been lacking creativity for God knows how long

[ANTZ]

Met a TFC Source at World Jr Game few days ago said Defoe Gone and Gilberto, Shocked at Gilberto think he had good work rate! Hope he stays 1 more season knowing what to expect from the league, should be good for 10-15 Goals, as long as he can Get Service???

[Derko]

A good way to engage in dialogue with people on the board is to say that if anyone doesn't agree with you they should have their IQs checked.

I think it is also very important to have one's spelling and grammar checked when posting on the boards. Yes I checked my IQ at the door!!

[evermorian]

Met a TFC Source at World Jr Game few days ago said Defoe Gone and Gilberto, Shocked at Gilberto think he had good work rate! Hope he stays 1 more season knowing what to expect from the league, should be good for 10-15 Goals, as long as he can Get Service???
Are you saying the person you were talking to said Gilberto is gone as well?! Or are you just shocked at some of the anti-gilberto sentiment shared on this board? From what I have seen from Gilberto, he is an awesome talent who, with service, should be good for at least the amount of goals mentioned above.

[ANTZ]

Are you saying the person you were talking to said Gilberto is gone as well?! Or are you just shocked at some of the anti-gilberto sentiment shared on this board? From what I have seen from Gilberto, he is an awesome talent who, with service, should be good for at least the amount of goals mentioned above.

Yes, doesn't expect to be back. Hope Not I like the guy, has passion and wants to win!

[jazzy]

Not if the rumours of Red Bull cheapening out on their investment in the team are true

is this why they fired Petke ?.......a great coach

[Canary10]

Are you saying the person you were talking to said Gilberto is gone as well?! Or are you just shocked at some of the anti-gilberto sentiment shared on this board? From what I have seen from Gilberto, he is an awesome talent who, with service, should be good for at least the amount of goals mentioned above.

Duane tweeted today that Gilberto sold his house and car. Anyone else hear anything more on this?

[jazzy]

We should just focus on a damn AM and let the next passing fancy go.

yup and defence please ...............!

[Richard]

Duane tweeted today that Gilberto sold his house and car. Anyone else hear anything more on this?

Well isn't that just wonderful.

Sarcasm btw folks

[MightyDM]

Duane tweeted today that Gilberto sold his house and car. Anyone else hear anything more on this?

I hope that he is buying better ones. In Toronto.

[Pint]

Duane tweeted today that Gilberto sold his house and car. Anyone else hear anything more on this?

Can't find that tweet, could you quote it here?

[Canary10]

Can't find that tweet, could you quote it here?

@24thminute: @McGuire_Mike Wouldn't be there call. There were rumblings last fall that he was preparing to go. He sold his house/car, etc.

[jazzy]

Are you saying the person you were talking to said Gilberto is gone as well?! Or are you just shocked at some of the anti-gilberto sentiment shared on this board? From what I have seen from Gilberto, he is an awesome talent who, with service, should be good for at least the amount of goals mentioned above.

gilberto wants to play for a team that cares!... hopefully this isn't true ,.........trying so hard not to be negative but are we even going to have a respectable squad .?......with what we have in the works and no D , we're looking at a low budget barely competitive squad . we have Bradley and have to get an AM and strong D . How ? No idea anymore , with aging Caldwell and draft picks ? Moore up front ? ha !....god we need some luck ...you simply can't throw a contending team together without long term planning .....I guess they expect us to wait another what 3 years.........with the 'sensational' draft picks ......this a team based on mediocrity . MLSE accountants will be pleased .

[Yohan]

People should be banned from making long posts on a cell without paragraphs :p

[Pint]

@24thminute: @McGuire_Mike Wouldn't be there call. There were rumblings last fall that he was preparing to go. He sold his house/car, etc.
Thanks, I looked through his feed but obviously not close enough.... cheers

[flamehawk]

http://www.torontosun.com/2015/01/07/toronto-fc-in-for-jozy-altidore

Vanney confirms interest in Perquis and Altidore. I wonder if this is a diversion or a negotiation tactic for another player. As much as perquis seems like a good addition, it doesn't add it up for me that he can be signed at less than DP-level considering his current salary of 700,000+ Euros and having another year on his contract left (thus, needing a transfer fee).

[TFC/Everton]

"Front runner"? I like it. This would be a major signing and would be a top notch replacement for Defoe and or Gilberto.


http://www.torontosun.com/2015/01/07/toronto-fc-in-for-jozy-altidore

Vanney confirms interest in Perquis and Altidore. I wonder if this is a diversion or a negotiation tactic for another player. As much as perquis seems like a good addition, it doesn't add it up for me that he can be signed at less than DP-level considering his current salary of 700,000+ Euros and having another year on his contract left (thus, needing a transfer fee).

[flamehawk]

"Front runner"? I like it. This would be a major signing and would be a top notch replacement for Defoe and or Gilberto.


I don't know. I really don't want Gilberto to leave. Even if we have four DP slots with the new CBA, I kind of prefer the idea of having DPs along the spine, Gilberto, AM DP, Bradley, CB DP.

[Areathrasher]

I don't buy the Gilberto stuff. His car and condo were probably leased given that he was gonna spend the off season in Brazil.

[TFC/Everton]

Altidore is a clinical finisher, Gilberto is not. Not that I dont see his qualities, but I would prefer Jozy.


I don't know. I really don't want Gilberto to leave. Even if we have four DP slots with the new CBA, I kind of prefer the idea of having DPs along the spine, Gilberto, AM DP, Bradley, CB DP.

[flamehawk]

I don't buy the Gilberto stuff. His car and condo were probably leased given that he was gonna spend the off season in Brazil.

I hope you're right. But considering the money he makes, why not just buy a car? And if you expect to stay at a club for at least a couple years, why not buy? You are in the city for at least 8 - 9 months.

[Areathrasher]

I hope you're right. But considering the money he makes, why not just buy a car? And if you expect to stay at a club for at least a couple years, why not buy? You are in the city for at least 8 - 9 months.

I read an article with an agent once about soccer players managing money. He always advised clients to rent/lease when they get their first big contracts. That just popped into my head when reading the tweet.

That and Duane said house when he has a condo on the Lakeshore in the Humber river area.

[Defoe]

A good way to engage in dialogue with people on the board is to say that if anyone doesn't agree with you they should have their IQs checked.

This is the one time it's literally true. It's not even up for debate, it's just a fact. Some players are smart and can read the game, others can't. If you watch the leafs you can see that Morgan Rielly makes smart effective decisions as a 19 year old but yet a guy like Jake Gardiner (amazing skater) can't read plays or make smart decisions with the puck. Osorio is a VERY hard worker. He doesn't read plays very well, he's not a great footballer and he doesn't really do anything well. If there's one compliment I can give him it's that he doesn't really suck terribly at anything, he's just not very good at anything. I would argue he does not have significant potential other then a squad rotation player (which hey isn't a bad career) You need those type of players. Point is, he is NOT a high IQ player. If he's one of your best players you are in serious trouble. The only valid point you made is that I shouldn't engage in conversation in that manner, which is true (I admittley jumped the gun) Yet does anyone actually believe Osorio is a high IQ player?

And to the guy that disagree's with me that Morrow should be in our lineup, he was our 4th best player last season in my evaluation and I watched every TFC game. Though that's not saying very much.

[flamehawk]

I read an article with an agent once about soccer players managing money. He always advised clients to rent/lease when they get their first big contracts. That just popped into my head when reading the tweet.

That and Duane said house when he has a condo on the Lakeshore in the Humber river area.

Just curious, why?

[Areathrasher]

Just curious, why?

Out of the country for months in the off season and on the road a lot. Seems to me it would be a smarter use of money to rent than paying a mortgage/condo fees/property taxes etc. You're not really getting value for money.

Just a thought. dont want to derail.

[portu]

Altidore is a clinical finisher, Gilberto is not. Not that I dont see his qualities, but I would prefer Jozy.
oh yeah altidore's the best finisher of the modern era

[portu]

http://www.torontosun.com/2015/01/07/toronto-fc-in-for-jozy-altidore

Vanney confirms interest in Perquis and Altidore. I wonder if this is a diversion or a negotiation tactic for another player. As much as perquis seems like a good addition, it doesn't add it up for me that he can be signed at less than DP-level considering his current salary of 700,000+ Euros and having another year on his contract left (thus, needing a transfer fee).
Perquis took a massive wage drop to stay with Betis over the summer the number you're quoting is from before the contract. Perquis would probably come for something like $400k, which would most likely not qualify him as a DP in the new CBA. The guy is desperate to simply get on the pitch.

[ag futbol]

Altidore is a clinical finisher, Gilberto is not. Not that I dont see his qualities, but I would prefer Jozy.
Yeah, I think that's really the bottom line here. Hard to foresee a scenario where we keep both.

Positive: we use a DP slot while freeing up an international spot.
Negative: we get screwed every time there's an international date.

[flamehawk]

Perquis took a massive wage drop to stay with Betis over the summer the number you're quoting is from before the contract. Perquis would probably come for something like $400k, which would most likely not qualify him as a DP in the new CBA. The guy is desperate to simply get on the pitch.

But would Real Betis allow a mutual termination of his contract?

[portu]

But would Real Betis allow a mutual termination of his contract?
I think that's the only stumbling block.

[DoubleUp]

Only premier league wanks would be sh*tting on Gilberto, who! unlike Defoe can create, and score. Defoe is a one dimensional premier league scorer something we dont need. We need another striker that can create and score, a player comfortable playing between the lines to partner with Gilberto.

[pdubs]

Portland has three DP's as well right? So 2/3 have full DP slots going after Jozy. This is making me think the league has maybe told the GM's 4 DP's will be a reality.

[boozilla]

Altidore would be running as a Shetland show pony.
We have strikers.
An attacking No.10, please.

[portu]

How would they even use altidore in marketing he's scored 3 goals in 53 games for sunderland in all competitions

[TorontoGooner]

I don't buy the Gilberto stuff. His car and condo were probably leased given that he was gonna spend the off season in Brazil.

This. 100%. He never bought a house, or a car. He was loaned a Kia that he and other players can use, plus is given a driver on matchdays. Plus he lives in a condo that is provided by MLSE, as many of the players do.

I'll hold my horses on the Gilberto exit rumours just yet.

[JuliquE]

I'd take Jozy. Pair him with Defoe and ship out Gilberto.


Agreed. Gilberto just can't cut it at this level.


On the other hand, Defoe jokes aside. He would play well with Findley up front.


Ship off Gilberto and sign an attacking mid.


And of ya, GET US A GOD DAMN CB.

Where is this Gilberto hate coming from all of a sudden? Can't cut it at this level? Give me a break.


If Defoe goes I wouldn't mind adding Altidore but not at the expense of Gilberto, thats for sure.
The last quote is well in tune with my views. Gilberto has done nothing but put his head down and work hard; starting the season with a hip-flexor injury, and thus little pre-season to speak of (which would have been important in helping him gel/acclimate to his new side, in a new country/culture), it was always going to be an up-hill battle for him. You have only to look at Dempsy for an example of a player with high expectations needing time to get used to things, before coming good—and he's MLS-bred. Factor in his fight to keep confidence high, through all the red-headed step-child treatment, in favour of an, at times, disinterested/petulant Defoe, and he's taken it all in stride to still post up respectable numbers, for a new-comer.

I remember back to his handling of the tussle between him and Defoe: he actually didn't show any sort of attitude—in all the ensuing commotion, immediately after the ref. blew-up for the foul on Defoe, he was quietly just first to the ball, trying to do what forwards do: be confident, hoping to break his duck (as our "B-rated" DP, he won't take every free-kick.. but, you have to expect he will step up, from time to time, given his price-tag). Defoe realizes a short time afterwards, and attempts to yank the ball from him. Gilberto insists, again, trying to remain confident, that he's got this one (would be devastating to his confidence, at this point, to retreat), leaving Defoe raging on, belligerently. Gilberto turns the other cheek, seeming not to take it personally, and proceeds to strike one of, if not, THE best free-kick(s) by a player in a TFC shirt. True to his personality, he seeks out Defoe and, despite not being the aggressor, looks to make amends, making sure it's clear to all that he really wants the partnership to work, with a lovely display of camaraderie in the celebrations (from both players, to be fair).

How on Earth is there SO much vitriol for a player like this (maybe not so much on display here, as in past posts)? I mean, he's never wavered in his commitment, taking every opportunity to express his desire to help the club on to success (unlike his counterpart, it must be said).

Defoe is as good as gone. Let's not be the guy some chick has to signal her friend to rescue her from, in the club—take the hint and move on.



If Gilberto goes, it's not a surprise. He's not a no. 10 and may not be the type of no. 9 Vanney is looking for. If both Defoe and Gilberto are gone by January and we bring in the SA no. 10 and Jozy, it's a more traditional look to building a squad (creative no. 10, big and strong no. 9).
This confuses me, as Gilberto looked to have adapted to the physicality of the league quite well; always very strong and tenacious, if maybe not quite a "bruiser." Everything that Vanney has spoken about, as far as style of play is concerned (wanting possession, favouring movement/creativity, etc.), would lead me to believe, far more than Jozy, that Gilberto is a perfect fit.



Gilberto still has a lot to prove. 7 goals isn't the greatest start. Can find college players doing that for much less.
This is an interesting one, because I actually agree, wholeheartedly.. however, on it's own, and given the surfacing of posts ripping the player, I feel like the undertones in the post are worth addressing.

There have been many factors that we can point to, in future, as being why he might have had such a relatively slow start with TFC, for instance, if he were to come good this year and for the remainder of his time with us.. but, that's the problem: there's really no way of knowing whether or not a player like him pans out, without sticking with the lad. We've been burned before, taking chances on players that probably didn't show as much, and abandoned others that have gone on to do well enough for themselves. For me, his movement and quality to find a pass and even create for himself, at times, leads me to believe he could be special.

Gilberto, for me, is the least of our worries, when looking at our squad. I sincerely think moving him would be a huge mistake and send the wrong message to the players and supporters, alike, about the culture at the club.



Yes, that's right. It's the weakness of counter attacking football. And without defoe, that tactic worked.
Not sure I follow how the absence of a pure poacher is why the oppositions' tactic to sit back worked against us. Defoe would, if anything and to his credit, give them more reason to sit back, out of respect for his offensive threat. I think there might have been a bit more to it, then.



Probably the most spot on assessment of this roster I've seen although..
"Probably.." ".. the most spot on.." Not to focus on semantics, but it either is or isn't "spot on." Further to this, you go on to break down a number of wild claims he's made, and rightly so.. only that it, again, goes against your initial framing.

Right.. I'm not buying that things are nearly as doom and gloom as the two of you would make it seem. LA just WON THE CUP with Gargan at RB, but bloom isn't good enough for TFC (a player REGULARLY mentioned by league-pundits, as value for your buck in playing fantasy-footy). Says everything, right there.

We agree on CB's and wingers.. only I would say that we need one stud CB and one perhaps not QUITE at that standard, yet (the level of a Henry/Hagglund—maybe a bit better), to be groomed as a replacement for Caldwell, as he competes to be first off the bench; I think that Jackson and Oduro are proven commodities in this league, on good/winning sides, frustrating as they may be, at times.. although, they are probably a bit too similar for both to be starting with great affect, as opposed to competing against each other for a start, with maybe an upgrade coming to us in the off-season.

Bradley is not a DM nor an AM, and, as such, requires we play with solid quality at both those positions, in order for him to shine, making the most of his vision/passing; Oso, I agree, can be first off the bench for our (new) bona fide AM, but he can also play a similar role to Bradley, if he needs a break, as well as one of the two wide players, in the attacking-three.. so, he'll get his time, and will, I think, benefit from not being too heavily relied upon, like last year, injuries notwithstanding.



@24thminute: @McGuire_Mike Wouldn't be there call. There were rumblings last fall that he was preparing to go. He sold his house/car, etc.
I read the last sentence as a continuation of the one preceding it; it might have been that he sold his house/car around the time of the rumblings, as opposed to that being a new development to come out, now. Hoping to all Christ Gilberto stays on.



Altidore is a clinical finisher, Gilberto is not. Not that I dont see his qualities, but I would prefer Jozy.
lool I—ih.. I jus—ih.. I can't. xD




This is the one time it's literally true. It's not even up for debate, it's just a fact..
Osorio might not be world-class, but he's someone the league pundits like to point to as being a key player for us. I'll admit that they are often out of their depth, as far as assessing anything to do with TFC.. but, for them to be running various highlights of Oso's contributions, with relative regularity, and offering up plaudits for his play, you have to feel there's something there, my own view of the player aside.

As for the comment about Morrow: the guy quoted you, saying that anyone emphatically stating we have only THREE SET positions, listing Morrow at RB as one of them, when he is, in fact, a LB, should not be telling anyone to have their IQ checked.

[shwade]

Fuck me in my goat ass. This will be really good in attracting high level (or even low and mid level) DPS - sign one every year to a multi year contract but ship them off after a year or less.
Hope Gilberto stays...he's a workhorse and the team needs character.

[MightyDM]

Very interesting that Defoe is training with Tottenham. This is as close to putting him in the shop window as TFC can get, and if he looks healthy and fit while doing it, TFC will get real offers. In addition to the usual suspects, apparently Sunderland needs a stricker....

[Fort York Redcoat]

A good way to engage in dialogue with people on the board is to say that if anyone doesn't agree with you they should have their IQs checked.


This is the one time it's literally true. It's not even up for debate, it's just a fact. Some players are smart and can read the game, others can't. If you watch the leafs you can see that Morgan Rielly makes smart effective decisions as a 19 year old but yet a guy like Jake Gardiner (amazing skater) can't read plays or make smart decisions with the puck. Osorio is a VERY hard worker. He doesn't read plays very well, he's not a great footballer and he doesn't really do anything well. If there's one compliment I can give him it's that he doesn't really suck terribly at anything, he's just not very good at anything. I would argue he does not have significant potential other then a squad rotation player (which hey isn't a bad career) You need those type of players. Point is, he is NOT a high IQ player. If he's one of your best players you are in serious trouble. The only valid point you made is that I shouldn't engage in conversation in that manner, which is true (I admittley jumped the gun) Yet does anyone actually believe Osorio is a high IQ player?

And to the guy that disagree's with me that Morrow should be in our lineup, he was our 4th best player last season in my evaluation and I watched every TFC game. Though that's not saying very much.

Wow. First an insult, now a Leafs comparison. You're losing ground fast, Defoe.

If it wasn't up for debate no one would have disagreed with you.

Also "sucks" is not a great adjective. It's literally the only adjective that sucks for me. My opinion. Not fact.

[ensco]

Jozy Altidore to TFC? Multiple UK rags saying it this morning.

[MightyDM]

Jozy Altidore to TFC? Multiple UK rags saying it this morning.

Ensco, earlier in the thread there is a post quoting Vanney as saying they are after him. Perhaps Defoe to Sunderland in exchange? They could use a striker who actually scores....

[GuelphStorm2007]

I have never been a Altidore fan, I just find him slow, clumsy, and over rated. I Would rather them spend the money on a AM or a decent CB. btw what ever happened to that Argentine player they supposedly gave an offer to a month or two ago . I forget his name...

[Ajax TFC]

Altidore would be great if we sold both Defoe and Gilberto. Honestly, I would love to keep Gilberto, but I'd take Altidore over him.

As for Gilberto's goal scoring form, it's worth noting that (IIRC) it went away when Defoe came back. Gilberto and Defoe just don't link up well, and he certainly wouldn't be the first player who couldn't link up with Defoe.

[Defoe]

Wow. First an insult, now a Leafs comparison. You're losing ground fast, Defoe.

If it wasn't up for debate no one would have disagreed with you.

Also "sucks" is not a great adjective. It's literally the only adjective that sucks for me. My opinion. Not fact.

If you think that was an insult you need some thicker skin. Poor choice of words. OPINION.

If you think Osorio is a good player in this league thus far, then I just, I just... i don't even know. I can't help you. He's a below average player in MLS.

[Canary10]

Only premier league wanks would be sh*tting on Gilberto, who! unlike Defoe can create, and score. Defoe is a one dimensional premier league scorer something we dont need. We need another striker that can create and score, a player comfortable playing between the lines to partner with Gilberto.

He had seven goals. The "can score" still needs some work. He's Chad Barrett-ish as a finisher, which isn't necessarily bad but let's be realistic about his finishing. I'd prefer him over Altidore though.

[Areathrasher]

If you think Osorio is a good player in this league thus far, then I just, I just... i don't even know. I can't help you. He's a below average player in MLS.

http://replygif.net/i/166.gif

[Canary10]

This is the one time it's literally true. It's not even up for debate, it's just a fact. Some players are smart and can read the game, others can't. If you watch the leafs you can see that Morgan Rielly makes smart effective decisions as a 19 year old but yet a guy like Jake Gardiner (amazing skater) can't read plays or make smart decisions with the puck. Osorio is a VERY hard worker. He doesn't read plays very well, he's not a great footballer and he doesn't really do anything well. If there's one compliment I can give him it's that he doesn't really suck terribly at anything, he's just not very good at anything. I would argue he does not have significant potential other then a squad rotation player (which hey isn't a bad career) You need those type of players. Point is, he is NOT a high IQ player. If he's one of your best players you are in serious trouble. The only valid point you made is that I shouldn't engage in conversation in that manner, which is true (I admittley jumped the gun) Yet does anyone actually believe Osorio is a high IQ player?

And to the guy that disagree's with me that Morrow should be in our lineup, he was our 4th best player last season in my evaluation and I watched every TFC game. Though that's not saying very much.

Ohh, i see. Thanks for using the hockey analogy. NOW I understand what you were talking about.

[ManUtd4ever]

Altidore was a great player in this league prior to his transfer. I would take him in a heartbeat as a replacement for Defoe if that situation presented itself.

[Red4ever]

. Osorio is a VERY hard worker. He doesn't read plays very well, he's not a great footballer

Yet does anyone actually believe Osorio is a high IQ player?


I do. I watched him 6-7 times with the CSL before he came to TFC and all he did was read plays. He played a perfect long ball into space at least twice a game. Maybe he didn't adjust as well, maybe he is more comfortable being the man in the middle and of course the CSL is an inferior league.

But smart is smart is smart. and he is.

[ensco]

Ensco, earlier in the thread there is a post quoting Vanney as saying they are after him. Perhaps Defoe to Sunderland in exchange? They could use a striker who actually scores....

See that now.

I think Vanney may be blowing smoke. Altidore would have other MLS options, I don't see how TFC post-Leiweke competes for him.

[Red4ever]

http://replygif.net/i/166.gif

When I can talk about soccer and look at J-Law at the same time, life is perfect.

[Fort York Redcoat]

If you think that was an insult you need some thicker skin. Poor choice of words. OPINION.

If you think Osorio is a good player in this league thus far, then I just, I just... i don't even know. I can't help you. He's a below average player in MLS.

No. My skin is not the issue. And I didn't offer an opinion on the player if you took the time to read instead of kneejerking.

If you continue simplifying your analysis to "sucks" you're going to continue to have people critical of your opinion.

Are you considering value for dollar in your analysis or just broad stroking million dollar players to those earning the starting wage?

[Detroit_TFC]

My opinion on the utility of bringing in Altidore depends on whether or not Gilberto stays, mainly regarding the DP slot.

[Red4ever]

I remember back to his handling of the tussle between him and Defoe: he actually didn't show any sort of attitude—in all the ensuing commotion, immediately after the ref. blew-up for the foul on Defoe, he was quietly just first to the ball, trying to do what forwards do: be confident, hoping to break his duck (as our "B-rated" DP, he won't take every free-kick.. but, you have to expect he will step up, from time to time, given his price-tag). Defoe realizes a short time afterwards, and attempts to yank the ball from him. Gilberto insists, again, trying to remain confident, that he's got this one (would be devastating to his confidence, at this point, to retreat), leaving Defoe raging on, belligerently. Gilberto turns the other cheek, seeming not to take it personally, and proceeds to strike one of, if not, THE best free-kick(s) by a player in a TFC shirt. True to his personality, he seeks out Defoe and, despite not being the aggressor, looks to make amends, making sure it's clear to all that he really wants the partnership to work, with a lovely display of camaraderie in the celebrations (from both players, to be fair)

It's funny this because I have always looked at this in a completely different way. I still do to be fair. I don't wanna go 3 or 4 more rounds on this incident, but I just didn't see the way some others did.
I've talked to people on both sides. It will be funny long after they're both gone how people will remember the incident, what lead up to it and how it affected the team and the season on the whole.

[Areathrasher]

It's funny this because I have always looked at this in a completely different way. I still do to be fair. I don't wanna go 3 or 4 more rounds on this incident, but I just didn't see the way some others did.
I've talked to people on both sides. It will be funny long after they're both gone how people will remember the incident, what lead up to it and how it affected the team and the season on the whole.

Elaborate please...

[Red4ever]

Elaborate please...

I mean we've long heard there was some tension between the two. Was that the starting point? Was that when it came to a head? Did they hate each other after? How did the coaches handle it? Did Nelson / Bez take different sides? Did the team take different sides?

I can't really elaborate without being a fly on the wall. I'm just curious if it was a non issue after the sloppy secret handshake celebration or if their relationship was a contributing factor to an unhealthy locker room.

[GuelphStorm2007]

Altidore would be running as a Shetland show pony.
We have strikers.
An attacking No.10, please.

I agree big time

[kuku]

Report: Emmanuel Adebayor heading to Major League Soccer (http://prosoccertalk.nbcsports.com/2015/01/08/report-emmanuel-adebayor-heading-to-major-league-soccer/) to TFC?


http://prosoccertalk.nbcsports.com/2015/01/08/report-emmanuel-adebayor-heading-to-major-league-soccer/

[Detroit_TFC]

Ugh.

If Defoe found reasons to lose interest, how would it take for Ade? 10 minutes? 15?

[GuelphStorm2007]

Report: Emmanuel Adebayor heading to Major League Soccer (http://prosoccertalk.nbcsports.com/2015/01/08/report-emmanuel-adebayor-heading-to-major-league-soccer/) to TFC?


http://prosoccertalk.nbcsports.com/2015/01/08/report-emmanuel-adebayor-heading-to-major-league-soccer/
Thanks for the link.
But again we need more of a AM than striker. Plus Adebayor is a bit of a Headcase, But I have been wrong before..

[GuelphStorm2007]

Ugh.

If Defoe found reasons to lose interest, how would it take for Ade? 10 minutes? 15?

Maybe 20 minutes?

[BuSaPuNk]

Report: Emmanuel Adebayor heading to Major League Soccer (http://prosoccertalk.nbcsports.com/2015/01/08/report-emmanuel-adebayor-heading-to-major-league-soccer/) to TFC?


http://prosoccertalk.nbcsports.com/2015/01/08/report-emmanuel-adebayor-heading-to-major-league-soccer/

No thanks, no need for another headache.

If were moving Defoe on and hopefully it gets done soon, the longer this drags the more i believe it won't get done. If it does Jozy wouldnt be a bad pickup.

Would much rather go after a #10 but if its a straight replacement for Defoe im good with that. Probably get more out of Jozy.

[Areathrasher]

Adebayor?

Nope, no, nope, no no no no no

[Canary10]

I pity the team that ends up with him, although I think he has the size, etc to be a kick ass player in MLS. His attitude has always led him astray unfortunately.

[Ultra & Proud]

Why does a new AM need to be a DP? Everyone on here consistently speaks of South America having great, affordable players so why couldn't we get one for $300K or so from there?

But yes we need an AM no doubt but with Defoe gone I think we need a forward upgrade. Gilberto is still unproven, Moore is depth on a good team, and Dike is both unproven and more of an injury threat than almost any mid 30's player any team could sign. Don't kid yourselves, our forward depth is very, very thin. And I see Findlay, Jackson, & Oduro as wide men even though they could play up top. None of them are consistent goal scorers.

[ag futbol]

Good grief how about an AM rumor or two? What is the point off all these strikers.

[arsenal]

Report: Emmanuel Adebayor heading to Major League Soccer (http://prosoccertalk.nbcsports.com/2015/01/08/report-emmanuel-adebayor-heading-to-major-league-soccer/) to TFC?


http://prosoccertalk.nbcsports.com/2015/01/08/report-emmanuel-adebayor-heading-to-major-league-soccer/

Defoe is training @ Tottenham .... perhaps some sort of swap????

[TFC/Everton]

Well, at least this is giving us something to talk about!

[Detroit_TFC]

Apparently John Carver is helping current free agent Shola Ameobi regain match fitness and possibly move to MLS.

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-2902047/Shola-Ameobi-follow-Steven-Gerrard-Major-League-Soccer-ruling-return-Newcastle-United.html

I'd take Ameobi over Adebayor any day.

[Areathrasher]

We are truly in silly season now :lol:

[BuSaPuNk]

Good grief how about an AM rumor or two? What is the point off all these strikers.

Classic overcompensation for years without a proper DP striker hahahaha

[ensco]

This is all very nice, but I am waiting for Messi to follow TFC's instagram account.

[brad]

Good grief how about an AM rumor or two? What is the point off all these strikers.

I think we can assume Defoe won't be here. If the management still feels that they need 2 DP strikers, then it makes sense. If the rumors Gilberto is also going, then looking for a DP striker makes even more sense.

[brad]

This is all very nice, but I am waiting for Messi to follow TFC's instagram account.

Nonesense. He is going to sign to NYCFC for mega-bucks and get loaned to City for 50 quid a week.

[RealG-TFC]

Why does a new AM need to be a DP? Everyone on here consistently speaks of South America having great, affordable players so why couldn't we get one for $300K or so from there?

But yes we need an AM no doubt but with Defoe gone I think we need a forward upgrade. Gilberto is still unproven, Moore is depth on a good team, and Dike is both unproven and more of an injury threat than almost any mid 30's player any team could sign. Don't kid yourselves, our forward depth is very, very thin. And I see Findlay, Jackson, & Oduro as wide men even though they could play up top. None of them are consistent goal scorers.

Agreed. It would be nice to be reportedly linked to one though, don't know what to make of all these rumours for strikers.

[MightyDM]

See that now.

I think Vanney may be blowing smoke. Altidore would have other MLS options, I don't see how TFC post-Leiweke competes for him.

I agree. I actually thought there was more to it before he said that.

[Red4ever]

Apparently John Carver is helping current free agent Shola Ameobi regain match fitness and possibly move to MLS.

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-2902047/Shola-Ameobi-follow-Steven-Gerrard-Major-League-Soccer-ruling-return-Newcastle-United.html

I'd take Ameobi over Adebayor any day.

Me too. I wanted him a couple years ago.

And not pour gas on the fire, but his cousin lives and works in Toronto.

[Areathrasher]

Me too. I wanted him a couple years ago.

And not pour gas on the fire, but his cousin lives and works in Toronto.

And his brother plays in Edmonton

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tomi_Ameobi