The Zidane thread - merged with rumors.

Discussion in 'New York Red Bulls' started by metro1026, Feb 6, 2007.

  1. kahlva

    kahlva New Member

    Feb 2, 2007
    While all of this is still a rumor, this one does seem to have a tiny bit of steam to it.

    If Zidane is actually considering coming to the MLS, and we find out later that the RedBulls DIDN'T do a full-court press for him, man-oh-man would I be pissed at the RedBulls Front Office, Bruce Areana, etc. Here's a guy who would cement the team and really help fill the stadium.

    With that said, him coming to the league for any team would be amazing.
     
  2. MLSinHD

    MLSinHD Member

    Apr 1, 2004
    Boston
    Club:
    New England Revolution
    Nat'l Team:
    United States
    This new from MLS Underground...

    "The Zinedine Zidane to Major League Soccer madness continues to develop.

    A MLSU source (let's just call it a friend of a friend) has said that the New York Red Bulls are considering making an offer to Zizou.

    If Red Bull does decide to go after the French star, the source said that the club is willing to make a "big offer" for him and if it came down to a bidding war, would outbid all interested parties.

    No update yet on the Chicago Fire's interest in Zidane.

    Stay tuned...

    http://www.mlsunderground.blogspot.com/
     
  3. Congorilla

    Congorilla New Member

    Feb 18, 1999
    SHOCKING. A Scummer who thinks the D.C. beat scribe is the nation's best. The Jim Jones Jungle Juicers huddled around the pitchers mound also imagine that Nowak should be the Nats real top boy and cap 8 Scummy players because if you can put 11 behind the ball and grind out a meaningless point in an exhibition against Madrid, surely world conquest will follow. Don't worry, we won't wake you up, pal. It might be too much to bear that yer team is a land grab afterthought... Brooklyn Nets Lite.
     
  4. viper

    viper New Member

    Jun 7, 2000
    Paramus, NJ
    Club:
    New York Red Bulls
    Nat'l Team:
    United States
    From Goff:

    Doesn't mention why it is very unlikely to happen. Here's the link:

    http://blog.washingtonpost.com/soccerinsider/
     
  5. Prazan

    Prazan New Member

    Aug 28, 2006
    Prague
    At the risk of incurring the wrath of the great Congorilla, :) I should point out that Goff has an important update today:

    Zidane is apparently available - for a minimum of $15 million

    "New York has also been mentioned again as a possible suitor and, while there is interest from upper management (Red Bull), it is very unlikely to happen."

    http://blog.washingtonpost.com/soccerinsider/2007/02/zidane_update.html#comments

    As the old joke goes, now we are just haggling over the price. Assuming that Goff's source is correct, I cannot imagine RBNY not getting Zidane. And it has nothing to do with soccer revenue.

    A sports start or Zidane's status would probably cost $5-10 million per year just for a global endorsement deal. From what I have heard, Tiger Woods charges $10 million per company (Buick, Amex, Accenture, etc.). Now consider how perfect a fit Zidane is for Red Bull the company as an endorser. Considering the head butt that made him even more famous than he had been, the commercials for a company with "Bull" in the name virtually write themselves.

    Then add in the value of the impact of the signing. If we sign Zidane, every TV station and newspaper in the world will be giving massive coverage to the story. Which means everyone around the world will be talking about Red Bull and how exciting it is. And the key to Red Bull marketing is to associate the brand with ideas like "exciting". That is why they spend $100 million per year on sports. The initial buzz alone could be worth a couple of million.

    Add it all up, and when you consider the value to the company, he would basically be playing for us for free even if we paid him $15 million. Then add in the massive crowds that would come to Giants stadium this year (some of which would hopefully return next year to Red Bull Park, even if Zidane retires again), and this seems like a no brainer.

    • Sign Zidane
    • Cut Schopp
    • Sign Delgado on loan for Schopp's salary and SI spot
    • Trade Conway/draft picks to get allocations to apply against the cap, as needed.
     
  6. FuzzyForeigner

    Oct 29, 2003
    WA
    Club:
    Seattle
    Nat'l Team:
    United States
    no offense guys, but the way you have been signing players over the last year just does not make sense to me. I mean Zidane? when you already have schopp and reyna?

    so now you say let schopp go

    i just get the feel that RBNY has not long plan or program in place. Its just like buying whatever is available out there as fast as you can.
     
  7. Congorilla

    Congorilla New Member

    Feb 18, 1999
    I've been an avowed Zidanite since RB bought the team. If Goff's intel is a light in the crackhouse window.... Fine, Fine, Fine. Perennial bemusement at the Die-Cast Tool-Ade drankin down I-95 way just begs letting some air out of their silly balloon from time to time.
     
  8. NYC_COSMOS

    NYC_COSMOS BigSoccer Supporter

    Jan 13, 2007
    Queens, NY
    Club:
    CA Vélez Sársfield
    Nat'l Team:
    Argentina


    I was against Zidane coming to play for the MetroBulls or any other MLS team for that matter. But after reading the above post, I's starting to change my mind. Forget that, I did change my mind, let's bring Zidane to the MetroBulls. Let's throw him into the pot and see what comes out! At the very least MLS will have a more intriguing season and the NYC - LA derby will return.
     
  9. adiddy

    adiddy New Member

    Jan 8, 2007
    State College, PA
    Does anyone else often feel like Congorilla is speaking another language? A language that makes use of all the same words as English, but in which they all have completely different meanings.
     
  10. NYC_COSMOS

    NYC_COSMOS BigSoccer Supporter

    Jan 13, 2007
    Queens, NY
    Club:
    CA Vélez Sársfield
    Nat'l Team:
    Argentina

    He's from Penn State University! He's obviously speaking at a level far greater than our comprehension!

    Go Nittany Lions!!!!
     
  11. soccerwow

    soccerwow Member

    Jul 29, 2005
    NEPA
    I thought it was the excessive amounts of Red Bull he's been drinking! (Not that there's anything wrong w/that.)
     
  12. j1mbr0wn

    j1mbr0wn Member

    Jun 3, 2005
    Newark, NJ
    Club:
    New York Red Bulls
    Nat'l Team:
    United States
    Fuzzy, aren't you jumping the gun a bit? Nobody has signed Zidane.
     
  13. kahlva

    kahlva New Member

    Feb 2, 2007
    Seems pointless to discuss this until there's actually firm proof that we've signed/are talking to Zidane but... YES. You suddenly have to chance to have one of the best players in the world on the field (and he proved in the WC he could still play)...and you're not going to make room for him? Of course you make room for him.

    Anyway, this is all lovely stardust we're looking at...
     
  14. SoccerScout

    SoccerScout Member

    Jan 3, 2001
    New Jersey, USA
    Club:
    Internacional Porto Alegre
  15. Onionsack

    Onionsack BigSoccer Yellow Card

    Jul 21, 2003
    New York City
    Club:
    FC Girondins de Bordeaux
    Nat'l Team:
    United States
    Cant say i blame him...i mean think of all the ass he can score in "Tailand".
     
  16. Oatmeal

    Oatmeal Member

    Dec 2, 2006
  17. MLSinHD

    MLSinHD Member

    Apr 1, 2004
    Boston
    Club:
    New England Revolution
    Nat'l Team:
    United States
    SoccerScout, any new info from your source? This has been absolutely crazy. Either Zidane wants to play soccer or he doesn't. If he does someone should sign him, but if he doesn't fair enough. With all these rumors swirling around you would think this deal will get made.
     
  18. Asprilla9

    Asprilla9 Member

    Dec 15, 2000
    Beaverton, OR
    Club:
    Liverpool FC
    Nat'l Team:
    United States
    MY 2 CENTS



    i think he does. i'm thinking now .. perhaps the hold up is his family. Zidane has 4 relatively young kids. i wonder if they are the ones holding this up. because Zidane is a strong, man of action -- i highly doubt he is waffling in this decision like some 8 yr old ordering at Baskin Robbins. i'll bet you the hold up is his wife + kids ... i'll bet they don't want to come to America. or if they're staying, i'll bet they don't want their dad to.
     
  19. sublicon

    sublicon Member

    RBNY, Fulham FC
    United States
    May 28, 2006
    Brooklyn, NY
    Club:
    New York Red Bulls
    Nat'l Team:
    United States
    Dude, I think he was kidding. The sarcasm was overwhelming. :cool:
     
  20. Prazan

    Prazan New Member

    Aug 28, 2006
    Prague
    Two new pieces of info today:

    Mateschitz tells Michael Lewis it would be better to wait until RB Park opens to get the big star

    "In an E-mail interview, Mateschitz broached several subjects, including taking a patient approach to build a team and saying that it would be better to wait until the team gets into Red Bull Park in Harrison, N.J., next year before adding a foreign player of major stature"

    http://www.nydailynews.com/sports/story/499096p-420767c.html

    But Ives now says that he has sources that say that Red Bull is definitely interested:

    "After initial reports linking the playmaker to talks with Chicago, sources have now confirmed that the Red Bulls are once again interested in landing the World Cup winner and head butt master. According to The Washington Post, Zidane will not entertain offers below $15 million a season but team sources don't expect money to prevent the Red Bulls from securing Zidane's services."

    http://www.northjersey.com/page.php...lRUV5eTcwODA4MzcmeXJpcnk3ZjcxN2Y3dnFlZUVFeXk5

    I assume that this means that Ives has his own sources at the club who have confirmed this and isn't treating "MLS Underground" as his source. :)
     
  21. NYC_COSMOS

    NYC_COSMOS BigSoccer Supporter

    Jan 13, 2007
    Queens, NY
    Club:
    CA Vélez Sársfield
    Nat'l Team:
    Argentina
    Not for nothing but the secrecy is bothersome! I mean seriously either say you are in talks or just say NO WE AREN'T TALKING. Granted that this whole mystery might give the MLS season a boost but unless something productive comes from these rumors then it's going to turn out a total waste. Too many people's hopes are up and if they are let down they might end up being pushed away from MLS for a good part of the season.

    I don't know just speculation.
     
  22. Metrohooligan101

    Metrohooligan101 New Member

    Apr 23, 2003
    Orlando Fl
  23. golazo68

    golazo68 Member+

    Dortmund
    United States
    May 21, 2004
    Brazil

    From the beginning, I've said Red Bull should:

    (1) Get a star NOW. That should be Zidane. Get your avg attendence in the high 20's, low 30's at Giants Stadium for this year.

    Then

    (2) Get a 2nd star for NEXT YEAR. (Ronaldo, or sign Rivaldo in August). That will blow the roof off. Then you will sell out every freakin' game for the first couple years at Red Bull Park, and really ignite something. The scarity thing will kick in big time, and RB games will become an 'event' again- much like old Cosmos days (with less stars)

    After that (first couple years at RB Park), you can scale back expense some- maybe just have the one DP, and let Zidane's (2 year?) deal expire. But that will be some serious momentum (sold-out stadium + wins first couple years.).

    In fact, by year 3 in Red Bull Park (4 seasons from now)- Altidore and Johnny X may be the stars, and you may not need a 2nd DP.

    My entire idea revolves around Claudio being declassified as a DP after this season. I'm sure it possible, if his salary burden can be shifted to an endorsement deal.
     
  24. NYC_COSMOS

    NYC_COSMOS BigSoccer Supporter

    Jan 13, 2007
    Queens, NY
    Club:
    CA Vélez Sársfield
    Nat'l Team:
    Argentina

    You forgot ONE MAJOR thing! You need to hire a few guys to organize the fans! You can hire some of the guys from LA DOCE in Buenos Aires as consultants. They will come down, show you how to move the crowd, hang the flags properly, compose songs for you and send them to you via email on mp3 (you can in turn redistribute via email, flash cards, bluetooth at the stadium), how to muscle the players for free tix and cash for travelling from NYC to DC and lastly combat tactics against rent a cops and security personnel.
    All this is available for a modest fee. I'm sure that if some how we can hedge the initial deposit/fee for the consult against money accrued from hustling the players/management this whole affair will be completely free.

    Who's in it with me?

    Vamo Vamo MetroBulls!!!
     
  25. zeusbrowne

    zeusbrowne New Member

    Dec 12, 2006
    West Orange, NJ
    Some have commented that it RBNY are waffling and don't seem like they have any real plan.

    My take based on Mateschitz's comments is that they have a plan and that it was to hold on to the 2nd DP until next year to open the new stadium with a splash.

    However, Zidane is a sort of "found money" opportunity that has come along and is too good to pass up without an honest effort and they'll sign him if they realistically can.

    It actually seems to me that they have good forward thinking leadership with a strong plan but they're nimble enough to try to jump on a good opportunity when it happens along.
     

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