I’d settle for forethought. But surely Bruce has been thinking about upgrades since he signed his contract....
If he can upgrade two current starters in this window I'd be thrilled. Despite a possible below .500 record and missing the playoffs I would say by removing Brad, landing Bruce and his staff, letting Somi go and bringing in quality players this window the Revs will have had a successful year
Even if they don't make the playoffs, they are moving in the right direction. Just the very idea that they could go to a place like LA and beat a good team on the road was simply preposterous before the Arena era. But here I am thinking that not only could they make the playoffs, but they could even win a game or two once they are in. Definitely moving in the right direction!
From Bent Musket: Revs eyeing Gustavo Bou https://www.thebentmusket.com/revol...or-2019-revs-eyeing-gustavo-bou-tijuana-xolos Offering $10M?
He is a 1 in 3 guy with 222 games between argentina and liga MX. Also has 35 assists to go with 72 goals
Maybe he has in mind players like Higuain was at Columbus. Really good, but not quite the obvious "international class" player the others were?
Gustavo Bou has confirmed an offer from an MLS team. Also, the Revs are reportedly one of several teams interested in signing former Arsenal and Barcelona defender Thomas Vermaelen, whose contract recently expired.
Wow. Dunno if it's true, but the Revs have never in their history had a player of this value. In theory, having a player that other teams would have to key on would instantly give Penilla, Agudelo, Bunbury, etc. more space and time.
To be fair, both Dempsey and Jones were clearly players of this value....except for Jones it was in a time before he played for the Revs, and for Dempsey it was in a time after he played for the Revs.
Gustavo Bou is set to sign a 4-year contract as a Designated Player with the New England Revolution. The deal could be finalized as early as this weekend. (La MLS en Français) #NERevs https://t.co/uwnooM2xCQ— MLS Transfer Zone (@MLS_ZONE) July 4, 2019
Sources: Tijuana star Bou in talks with Revs (ESPN) Tijuana forward Gustavo Bou is in negotiations to join the New England Revolution, sources have told ESPN FC. Sources close to the situation say the discussed fee for the Argentine striker currently "is roughly half" of the $9 million being reported in Mexico. The deal, which would make Bou a designated player, would include a multiyear contract with an annual salary in the ballpark of $2 million.
I'd say Thomas Vermaelen checks off the boxes for big name, big talent. Doesn't say a whole lot for Mancienne's chances of sticking with the team.
Of all the ways to build squad depth, signing guys who are better than the starters and relegating lackluster starters to the bench is my favorite way
Thats exactly the type of guy the revs would need. Gil and Bou together would be a devastating tandem.
That’s nice if you have a big budget, but I also like to see a coach who puts players in the best position to help the team succeed and then gives them a focus for stuff to get better at. For example, look at the success Raheem Sterling has had under Guardiola. We may be seeing early glimpses of this with Bunbury and Agudelo though it’s way too early to buy our MLS Cup tix yet. It’s interesting to think about the lineup if Bou comes. I would drop Zahibo and move Agudelo into the middle next to/in front of L Caicedo. The front four could then be Bou, two out of Teal, JF Caicedo and Rennicks with Gil in the hole. It’s hard to see Diego and Scotty getting a lot of minutes. Zahibo can be useful against a stronger team who needs to be beaten up in the midfield. Otherwise, I don’t see him adding much. Vermaelen seems like more of a long shot given the other teams’ interest. If he happens, he may take Delamea’s spot. At 33 it’s hard to imagine he has the speed to not need someone like Farrell next to him. I also agree that Bye has shown enough to lock up right back for the time being.
Assuming Bou is a #9, I think I'm right there with you, except JFC and Rennicks would seem like subs for Bou/Bunbury rather than playing wide left. Left wing would seem to be an open spot/opportunity in this system. Diego and Penilla would be the obvious candidates, but both have failed to impress lately.
First time on Bigsoccer in a few days. Rumored 10 million for Bou? Rumors of Thomas Vermaelen? I am shocked, truly shocked. So this is what its like to have a FO that doen't shop at Walmart for players!
Walmart? Well la-ti-dah, big spender! Burnsie doesn’t break open the piggy bank unless he’s spent hours at his desk watching YouTube highlights of a guy, and only then does he look for an eBay bargain contract. Walmart is way outside the Mike Burns price range. I’m stoked for our sudden change of heart about spending though. About damn time.
I know, right? The transfer window opens tomorrow, and I feel like a kid on Christmas Eve. Been a long while since that happened.