What people expect: another Italian $$$$ DP $$$$
What we should really expect: an MLS defender with a similar CV to O'Neil.
Realistically, I think MLSE won't compete with those sorts of Transfer Fees; at least not yet!
On Berardi's positioning/use, only if the intention for Fede is not to play a more centralized role up front or as part but just below the front line; Domenico on the right should work then.
P.S.
Remember King T was in on one of the failed pursuits, as a partner, of Chelsea.
I think he has itches to scratch visa-vie footy.
Last edited by Mr. Inbetween; 07-20-2022 at 08:05 AM.
I stopped thinking about what they won't do after they signed Insigne. If I ran MLSE I would have never allowed that.
But since they are doing it, I have no idea where they might draw the line. Maybe there is no line.
Excellent point re Larry T. He has taking multiple runs at EPL clubs. You are right, he is enamoured of the bigger game here.
"There are some people who might have better technique than me, and some may be fitter than me, but the main thing is tactics. With most players, tactics are missing. You can divide tactics into insight, trust, and daring." - Johan Cruyff
Let’s face facts in the room here, with MLS converting it’s service to a streaming provider and other leagues likely to fallow, the business case for a traditional teleco to own sports franchises is dying down quite a bit. I would venture any board worth its salt would be twisting arms to talk divestiture.
As much as there are references to Larry on here, his pockets are small compared to the telcos. He’s really just the face they allow to look like the franchise owner. Plus, he’s tying up some of his own capital, which is no skin off Bogers back.
About JJ?
The case you bring forth is more than reasonable; it is accurate.
For me JJ is a gem and I support(ed) the acquisition.
Without wanting to cause any controversy, I equate him with Osorio.
Not quite DP but close enough. And any MLS team really needs and can use those sorts of players as much as possible.
It is important to note that a lot of the supporter reports on JJ I read were positive.
But enough suggested the caveat that he is streaky; hot and cold.
On SuperMario?
It's an open book. It is what it is.
The potential of a circus, bad or good, will follow him no matter what.
Perhaps what was, will not be again. The bad sideshows have dissipated.
That is the roll of the dice on him.
I have no insight if it ever was or would be a real possibility TFC would want to or could sign him.
Just stupid but fun speculating.
I do think he is a representative sports figure. Italian, but so much more; individually and socially.
And could be in Toronto, Ontario, Canada and the USA.
MLSE, The Hand, went all in on Kawahi, and some may argue against the concerns that accompanied him.
I think Toronto would have a lot to offer Mario.
And Mario would have a lot to offer Toronto.
Aaah, who knows?
I am just someone,
in front of a screen,
in a chair,
in a basement,
with moldy air,
with some light piercing through a small window,
having trouble breathing.
Last edited by Mr. Inbetween; 07-20-2022 at 10:07 AM. Reason: Grammar
What on Earth are you talking about? He has nine goals in 18 games on a terrible team that provides no service.
Yeah, total flop.
Balotelli’s not coming. He’s a clown show. The fact that he’s been quiet for the last few years isn’t going to change that perception, and they’re sure as shit not giving a DP deal to a guy who had 13 goals last year in Turkey until a final game against a weak opponent gifted him five more.
He also scored single-digit goals in Serie B the year before that, so… no, not going to happen.
Apparently, Bernadeschi turned down Fulham for us, which is sort surprising.
I suspect he will come rather good, more Fiorentina sort of numbers than Juve. Here’s hoping, anyway.
Last edited by jloome; 07-20-2022 at 09:29 AM.
Just because Mancini called up his former project to selection camp as a reward for somewhat resurrecting his career doesn't make him anything other than what his actual numbers and history show; a bust.
Nothing based on Balotelli's past says he is any better than the Polish league minus his passport. He was never a 'star' for his football, only his clownery.
Just to twist that knife in a little further...
Another hot-take...
Maybe Mimmo and Lorenziello were just brought in to 'manage' Mario.
5 star observation here. Bravo. Been waiting to make it, wanted to do something funny, you beat me to it. I absolutely bet Bogers sells sooner than later.
My point is subdidiary to that, more that Larry T is taking advantage of the fact that Bell and Rogers have so many other things to worry about that they have “lost track” of little TFC, and Larry is exploiting the vacuum to get these big signings done.
"There are some people who might have better technique than me, and some may be fitter than me, but the main thing is tactics. With most players, tactics are missing. You can divide tactics into insight, trust, and daring." - Johan Cruyff
MLS free agents for the end of the season have been released: https://mlsplayers.org/news/2023-fre...t-list-release
On TFC's side of things, Bono and Oso are both out of contract. We have options on Mavinga and Auro. I think this means we have Bradley for another season then.
On paper this makes sense, but bloating the payroll to an insane degree with no path to profitability isn't the move of someone looking to sell - Nobody would want to buy Toronto FC right now without some other angle on how to make money. Like you, after Insigne signed I just gave up trying to understand the logic behind any of it so who knows, but on paper, yes, the Apple TV deal should be one that our owners are not in love with and one that may call into question their ability to get full value from the team but their recent actions don't smell like owners looking to sell
About Mario, fair but maybe a little harsh?
Some sources more or less do equate MLS with the Super Lig.
With the ask of setting aside his 'past', and I know it is a very big ask...
As well as, without that year end performance,
His scoring pace was still almost one goal every other game; so JJesque?
At Monza in SerieB, I think he was more of an assistance than any hindrance in their promotion to SerieA.
IIRC, he came in mid-season and also subsequently may have experienced an injury.
Accordingly, I think his appearance v goal pace there was respectable also.
In a salary/production ratio lens or value wise, without question it is JJ.
But one may argue he is more of a 'utility' player in any added value marketing sense.
I do not believe JJ comes close to the immediate cachet of Mario; moving any dial further towards even more filled seats.
Looking just at defenders that are out of contract, here's the list that could be reasonable targets for TFC:
Franco Escobar - Player profile 2022 | Transfermarkt
Daniel Steres - Player profile 2022 | Transfermarkt
Ema Twumasi - Player profile 2022 | Transfermarkt
Andreu Fontàs - Player profile 2022 | Transfermarkt
João Moutinho - Player profile 2022 | Transfermarkt
Aaron Long - Player profile 2022 | Transfermarkt
Alexander Callens - Player profile 2022 | Transfermarkt
Sebastien Ibeagha - Player profile 2022 | Transfermarkt
Ryan Hollingshead - Player profile 2022 | Transfermarkt
Franco Escobar - Player profile 2022 | Transfermarkt
Aaron Long is obviously the gold standard there, but there are some other reasonable targets to fortify defence.
"There are some people who might have better technique than me, and some may be fitter than me, but the main thing is tactics. With most players, tactics are missing. You can divide tactics into insight, trust, and daring." - Johan Cruyff