Poll: The deadline for the signing of TFC's next DP

[PizzaEatingYeti]

Because almost nothing happens now at TFC in terms of player contracts, I'm throwing this out against this sickening boredom:

What do you think will be the deadline for the signing of TFC's next new DP (and why)?

There are 4 answers to choose from the poll.
I did not put a date beyond March 15, because if til that date we're still not having a new DP, the whole management can screw themselves IMO.

[PizzaEatingYeti]

I have voted for Feb 28, mainly because of the snail-speed Ali is used to work with on player movements.
Also the new MLS season can start even as late as mid-April because of this shitty pandemic, so this adds more fuel (in the wrong sense) to Ali's working speed IMO...

Of course I hope I am wrong, and will happen latest in early February.

[OgtheDim]

In theory, 7.5 million people in Ontario will be getting vaccinated by the end of June.

We get our new DP then. Look for the people out of contract now.

[MikeForbes]

I agree with OG. I think we will be getting our new DP in June/July. We will know who it is by the end of the winter though.

[ensco]

In theory, 7.5 million people in Ontario will be getting vaccinated by the end of June.

We get our new DP then. Look for the people out of contract now.

Og I know you follow this closely, isn’t this kind of optimistic? If we don't get the J&J vaccine in March, and you only use the mRNA vaccines I think it's more like September/October to get to that kind of number.

[Red CB Toronto]

I am not really sure at this point with all the uncertainties hanging over the start of the 2021 season. With the uncertainties of the CBA and the current Covid situation a May or later start to the MLS season would not surprising me at this point. Can see many owners wanting to wait and see, especially if they can not have any fans in the stands in any real numbers. There are lots of moving parts here to figure out before things can proceed.

[ensco]

I would plan to play July to Christmas and have the Canadian teams on the road the first two months. I think that could work.

[NK Toronto]

Add me to the list that the next DP doesn't arrive until the summer, due both to Covid and the availability of more players during the summer transfer window.

[Kamp Berg]

Summer, and low value like Piatti. Honestly I wouldn’t be surprised if it’s Piatti back and no new DP this year.

[portu]

Given Armas just came in I’d be okay with the summer once he’s got a better idea of the roster.

Having a third DP before March isn’t going to make or break our playoff chances and if it does then we’ve got bigger problems.

[Oldtimer]

No option for "no DP," which is where my expectations are.

If I was them, I wouldn't sign any high priced DP until crowds can be back at BMO.

[OgtheDim]

Og I know you follow this closely, isn’t this kind of optimistic? If we don't get the J&J vaccine in March, and you only use the mRNA vaccines I think it's more like September/October to get to that kind of number.

Federal numbers & dates given to the province - that's why I said in theory. Canada has agreements & bought a HECK of lot of vaccines. Feds have been very nimble in all this - province less so which is why I said in theory.

We shall see but nothing I've seen yet indicates these numbers are not on track.

Point is this is a big carrot to people looking to play in North America - come to a region which has its shit together.


********

Of course, perception is possible to change in the next few months if the US feds get their shit together.

[Oldtimer]

Federal numbers & dates given to the province - that's why I said in theory. Canada has agreements & bought a HECK of lot of vaccines. Feds have been very nimble in all this - province less so which is why I said in theory.



Not really, don't listen to the politicians. It's not about the number of vaccines it's about delivery, and most of the vaccines were ordered late and have quite late delivery (the original plan was to go all in on a vaccine partnership with China, which their government scuttled due to Meng/Huawei, that's why we didn't order until August). We're no way near worst in the world, but we're not at the front of the line either. We won't have herd immunity until at least September, and maybe not until 2022. If I was a player I'd be looking at Israel, which will be fully vaccinated by March. Nicer weather than Canada too.

[Auzzy]

This poll is missing the obvious choice: "In two weeks."

[Yohan]

Smart thing for TFC FO would do is to see how Armas does with current squad till summer, and then add a DP that'd address the position that needs most help, or is going to put TFC over the top for deep playoff run.

Barring trades, only signing I see right now for TFC is a 3rd CB before the season starts.

[PizzaEatingYeti]

This poll is missing the obvious choice: "In two weeks."

Comedy gold!

:rofl:

[Auzzy]

Comedy gold!

:rofl:

"Two weeks" is both funny and not funny. Folks on here are speculating summer or later for a DP arrival. Just a reminder, during the recent pressers for the Armas hiring (Jan. 14), Michael Leach @MLeach680News reported the following:


Curtis says that #TFCLive has been in some advanced talks on DP signing.

Take from that what you will.

[Kamp Berg]

"Two weeks" is both funny and not funny. Folks on here are speculating summer or later for a DP arrival. Just a reminder, during the recent pressers for the Armas hiring (Jan. 14), Michael Leach @MLeach680News reported the following:



Take from that what you will.

Hard to take anything from that except that it may or may not mean anything.

[Bushmancan]

To be honest, if we could sign Piatti as a TAM and a CB TAM, I would hold off as well. Realistically, where is Piatti going to go (maybe another MLS team) but wouldn't he need to go through allocation if he didn't sign with us.. He got injured again so no big league will take a chance. Achara, Altitore and Akinola healthy is almost like two new players and give the young guys coming up some time.

Shield isn't the priority, CCL and League should be this year.

I want the DP, just not sure who or what the need really is.

[Mikmacdo]

In two weeks. I think it will be a young winger.

[PizzaEatingYeti]

In two weeks. I think it will be a young winger.

You maybe right, but after those "Ali-style two weeks" have passed, our young winger gonna be a middle-aged winger.

g:D

[Ultra & Proud]

I personally don't care when we sign a DP. That's the least of our worries. I want to see some under max budget signings especially at CB and to add to the depth. Another forward with some actual pace would be nice too.

[Joe Kool]

I would like to see Piatti back as a non-DP if they can swing it. If Altidore can actually play more this year that would mean they can take more time with the other DP slot if needed. I would rather keep my expectations for Altidore low though and then be pleasantly surprised if he can contribute this year versus expecting him to play the amount of games that a DP should and then be disappointed again. I would like, like many others on here, for them to definitely concentrate on the CB spot more immediately.

[ag futbol]

We need a proven goal scorer that complements Altidore or someone that can play alone in his absence.

Too many inexperienced options in our ranks right now. I would intentionally thin those out. There is no way we are going to find time for all those players.

Focus on the best upside(I would argue that’s Rutty, long term) and loan out or sell some of the others.

[Joe Kool]

We need a proven goal scorer that complements Altidore or someone that can play alone in his absence.

Too many inexperienced options in our ranks right now. I would intentionally thin those out. There is no way we are going to find time for all those players.

Focus on the best upside(I would argue that’s Rutty, long term) and loan out or sell some of the others.

Are you trying to say Mullins doesn't strike fear into teams coming off the bench? :)

[MikeForbes]

We need a proven goal scorer that complements Altidore or someone that can play alone in his absence.

Too many inexperienced options in our ranks right now. I would intentionally thin those out. There is no way we are going to find time for all those players.

Focus on the best upside(I would argue that’s Rutty, long term) and loan out or sell some of the others.

Nelson is the guy I would focus on loaning out in this transfer window. He has the ability but is still very raw. He needs to play more minutes.

[Initial B]

No option for "no DP," which is where my expectations are.

If I was them, I wouldn't sign any high priced DP until crowds can be back at BMO.
That's my feeling, too. Unless the poll actually meant Jan 31, 2022?

[ag futbol]

Nelson is the guy I would focus on loaning out in this transfer window. He has the ability but is still very raw. He needs to play more minutes.
Completely agree. He needs to learn how to play inside the structure of the team, especially one where he’s (likely) not going to be the best player on the pitch.

Raw talent is there but needs some serious refining.


Are you trying to say Mullins doesn't strike fear into teams coming off the bench? :)
Not as much fear as absolute terror. He’s okay and there’s always room for that sort of vet on the roster but I fear we’ll be kicked out of the league if he plays too often. MLS will have a class action on their hands from former defenders with Mullins-related PTSD

[MikeForbes]

Greatest players in MLS history

1. Patrick Mullinho
2. Who cares?

[James17930]

Greatest players in MLS history

1. Patrick Mullinho
2. Who cares?

Patrick Mullins is the new Rance Mulliniks.

Change my mind.

[Slick]

It took Bill and Ali a whole month to hire a coach who they had in their pocket all along. I'll be really surprised if they sign a DP before March 15. My prediction is during the summer window.

[MightyDM]

2022

[OgtheDim]

It took Bill and Ali a whole month to hire a coach who they had in their pocket all along. I'll be really surprised if they sign a DP before March 15. My prediction is during the summer window.


Armas was in deep discussions with DCU including an offer. I doubt he was the first choice here.

[James17930]

Armas was in deep discussions with DCU including an offer. I doubt he was the first choice here.

Right.

This Ali bashing is getting a bit ridiculous. I'm not thrilled about Armas either, but we all saw that they were going after Blanc and then Viera. Armas, the third choice, is clearly, unfortunately, the best they could do. There are many reasons why it could've been difficult to hire someone this year (i.e. all the travel uncertainty), so I guess Armas is the best we could do.

But we don't know if Armas was 'in Ali's pocket' or not. And they did try to get someone bigger. So let's cut him some slack.

[Yohan]

Frank Lampard is available lol

[James17930]

Frank Lampard is available lol

So is Rafa Benitez now.

Gee, if only we'd waited even longer! lol

[Areathrasher]

Rafa wants a job in England tho so doubt he would have even considered a job over this side of the pond

[NK Toronto]

Right.

This Ali bashing is getting a bit ridiculous. I'm not thrilled about Armas either, but we all saw that they were going after Blanc and then Viera. Armas, the third choice, is clearly, unfortunately, the best they could do. There are many reasons why it could've been difficult to hire someone this year (i.e. all the travel uncertainty), so I guess Armas is the best we could do.

But we don't know if Armas was 'in Ali's pocket' or not. And they did try to get someone bigger. So let's cut him some slack.

I don't get the outright animosity towards Curtis either. If you are a high calibre coach or player what is the attraction of MLS? North America is a soccer back water with the sport well behind football, basketball, baseball and hockey in terms of popularity. The travel is grueling. You play a significant amount of games on plastic fields. In many markets the team is irrelevant. And you play a schedule that is opposite most of the rest of the world that makes playing for your national team almost impossible.

The only reason to come to MLS is if a club there is willing to pay you significantly more than you can get anywhere else. This is the only reason Giovenco came here. In terms of global football TFC is a minnow, and ownership have demonstrated that the days of the Giovenco type signings are over. Supporters are going to have to adjust their expectations.

[OgtheDim]

The only reason to come to MLS is if a club there is willing to pay you significantly more than you can get anywhere else. This is the only reason Giovenco came here. In terms of global football TFC is a minnow, and ownership have demonstrated that the days of the Giovenco type signings are over. Supporters are going to have to adjust their expectations.

Going to just put this here

Poz was an equally big signing only shadowed by Giovinco because of the Italy / Juve connections & he didn't do so hot in the EPL which colours North American sensibilities.

Poz is in his prime and one of the best passers this league has ever seen & one of the best PK takers ever in the whole of the game's history(an underrated skill). We undervalue his signing because of Covid & he has brought only 1 trophy (East champs, which to my mind is a big trophy/achievement) in 2 seasons - which mirrors Seba's first 2 years achievements btw.

When he leaves, if they don't make as big a get, then we'll know things have changed. But Poz is on Seba's level of quality.

[portu]

Going to just put this here

Poz was an equally big signing only shadowed by Giovinco because of the Italy / Juve connections & he didn't do so hot in the EPL which colours North American sensibilities.

Poz is in his prime and one of the best passers this league has ever seen & one of the best PK takers ever in the whole of the game's history(an underrated skill). We undervalue his signing because of Covid & he has brought only 1 trophy (East champs, which to my mind is a big trophy/achievement) in 2 seasons - which mirrors Seba's first 2 years achievements btw.

When he leaves, if they don't make as big a get, then we'll know things have changed. But Poz is on Seba's level of quality.
Giovinco was younger, an actual Italian international being courted by the likes of Monaco and Spurs. He dominated this league even when he didn’t put up numbers. He made it look like a joke sometimes. Any argument that doesn’t have either him or Robbie Keane as the best player in MLS history is sentimental/wishful. Poz is amazing but shouldn’t be compared to Seba until he’s destroyed this league. His best season still isn’t better than Victor Vazquez’s.

[Bushmancan]

Giovinco was younger, an actual Italian international being courted by the likes of Monaco and Spurs. He dominated this league even when he didn’t put up numbers. He made it look like a joke sometimes. Any argument that doesn’t have either him or Robbie Keane as the best player in MLS history is sentimental/wishful. Poz is amazing but shouldn’t be compared to Seba until he’s destroyed this league. His best season still isn’t better than Victor Vazquez’s.

I would agree on your first point, not sure I agree on the Vasquez one, he was the perfect piece for a very good team at the right time. Not sure he could have carried us like Poz has, imagine Poz in the 2017 team....lights out. My only issue with Poz, and it is so small but i would just once like to see him screw chipping it and put laces through a ball.

[ag futbol]

Going to just put this here

Poz was an equally big signing only shadowed by Giovinco because of the Italy / Juve connections & he didn't do so hot in the EPL which colours North American sensibilities.

Poz is in his prime and one of the best passers this league has ever seen & one of the best PK takers ever in the whole of the game's history(an underrated skill). We undervalue his signing because of Covid & he has brought only 1 trophy (East champs, which to my mind is a big trophy/achievement) in 2 seasons - which mirrors Seba's first 2 years achievements btw.

When he leaves, if they don't make as big a get, then we'll know things have changed. But Poz is on Seba's level of quality.
Well, I mean, I agree with you in some respects but you have to admit some element of “big signing” is hype and familiarity.

I think Poz is very special but not quite Giovonco at his best special. That was an outrageous run of form. You just threw him the ball out wide and he made it work. Either he runs around the whole team or you foul him and he converts a ridiculous number of free kicks.

Poz is great, no doubt, but I don’t think he reaches that height. We should just consider ourselves lucky to have two players of this quality to wear our shirt.

[portu]

Well, I mean, I agree with you in some respects but you have to admit some element of “big signing” is hype and familiarity.

I think Poz is very special but not quite Giovonco at his best special. That was an outrageous run of form. You just threw him the ball out wide and he made it work. Either he runs around the whole team or you foul him and he converts a ridiculous number of free kicks.

Poz is great, no doubt, but I don’t think he reaches that height. We should just consider ourselves lucky to have two players of this quality to wear our shirt.
Seba (instead of Jozy) and Poz on the same team in 2019 probably wins us MLS Cup. Can you imagine those two together?

[OgtheDim]

Ok, fair enough - just think people who think we don't spend money anymore gloss over Poz like that $10 million doesn't exist.

[Bushmancan]

Seba (instead of Jozy) and Poz on the same team in 2019 probably wins us MLS Cup. Can you imagine those two together?

Don't agree, i think you are thinking of the Jozy of last year.. He played on a damaged ankle and scores that insane goal (all guys) and mo one else finishes that magical goal in the MLS Cup. Its ok to be critical of jozy lately but in 2016 & 17. He was the beast and made so much room for Victor and Gio. It was a team all the way around


Edit - Misread you quote... Probably in 2019 but still stand by 2017

[ag futbol]

Ok, fair enough - just think people who think we don't spend money anymore gloss over Poz like that $10 million doesn't exist.
For sure! That was not a cheap signing.

[NK Toronto]

Ok, fair enough - just think people who think we don't spend money anymore gloss over Poz like that $10 million doesn't exist.

If Poz demanded a Seba type salary does TFC still sign him? I would guess not, but that is just my opinion.

[NK Toronto]

To add to my previous point Poz is now entering his third year with TFC and we haven't had a significant signing since he came. Last year the club went on the cheap with Piatti and this was before Covid. We also haven't seen big money TAM signings for over $1MM per season like the club paid for Aketxe. Gallardo has been a bust but my understanding is that his contract is cheap for a TAM. I am willing to cut Curtis some slack as it is hard to attract players to TFC unless you are willing to open up the cheque book. We are not a glamorous city like NY or L.A., nor can we offer a warm climate like the Florida or California clubs. I hope I am wrong but until I see evidence to the contrary I am of the view that Curtis is operating under a significantly reduced budget compared to what Bez had to work with.

[jabbronies]

Seba (instead of Jozy) and Poz on the same team in 2019 probably wins us MLS Cup. Can you imagine those two together?

If Jozy actually played in the 2019 final from start to finish - we win the MLS Cup

Pozuelo is a league MVP. The guy is good.
Seba is a league MVP. The guy is good.

Neither win an MLS Cup without a player like Jozy.

[Blizzard]

Completely agree. He needs to learn how to play inside the structure of the team, especially one where he’s (likely) not going to be the best player on the pitch.

Raw talent is there but needs some serious refining.


Not as much fear as absolute terror. He’s okay and there’s always room for that sort of vet on the roster but I fear we’ll be kicked out of the league if he plays too often. MLS will have a class action on their hands from former defenders with Mullins-related PTSD

That would be PMSD.

[Blizzard]

Seba (instead of Jozy) and Poz on the same team in 2019 probably wins us MLS Cup. Can you imagine those two together?

Ya, I have. It would be incredible.

[Blizzard]

Giovinco was younger, an actual Italian international being courted by the likes of Monaco and Spurs. He dominated this league even when he didn’t put up numbers. He made it look like a joke sometimes. Any argument that doesn’t have either him or Robbie Keane as the best player in MLS history is sentimental/wishful. Poz is amazing but shouldn’t be compared to Seba until he’s destroyed this league. His best season still isn’t better than Victor Vazquez’s.

Vazquez was more special than some realize. So smart. Perfect touch. Special!

[OgtheDim]

To add to my previous point Poz is now entering his third year with TFC and we haven't had a significant signing since he came....

Poz was 2 years ago.

Piatti wasn't the first choice last year.

We don't know what the transfer fees have been this year.

Lets see what they go with.

Also, the new 3rd DP rule coming down is a dumb move by Vancouver types who don't want us to spend. That, unfortuantely, has to be taken into account.

[Blizzard]

Poz was 2 years ago.

Piatti wasn't the first choice last year.

We don't know what the transfer fees have been this year.

Lets see what they go with.

Also, the new 3rd DP rule coming down is a dumb move by Vancouver types who don't want us to spend. That, unfortunately, has to be taken into account.

Ya, trying to bring the rich teams down to the level of those who refuse to spend. That should be their problem, not ours.