Looks like he's been playing right wing but is left footed. I assume the idea is that he'd feature opposite Barrios. More of an attacking player with less to offer defensively. Haven't been impressed with Badji, so hope Gyasi proves to be an upgrade at that position. He started 21 times last season for CSKA Sofia, which finished one point behind Nedyalkov's Ludogorets Razgrad atop the Bulgarian league. Also a handful of appearances for Ghana the last couple years, including some World Cup qualifiers.
I for one am glad it's a loan with an option to buy. If he fails at least they're not stuck with him like Cobra or Coleman. But I'm hoping either Mosquera or Aranguiz step up or one leaves and they bring in yet another attacker.
I've edited the title to make this a more general transfer window thread with the latest news: https://www.mlssoccer.com/post/2019...s-transfer-carlos-gruezo-augsburg-4-5-million The two key quotes: Now it's time for FCD to put some money into a striker, especially since they got $200k in Garberbucks from AUFC for Hyndman. I like Jesus, but he's not QUITE there yet. Finishing is the #1 thing keeping this team from treating the Western Conference like Godzilla treated Tokyo.
Seattle and Portland have had no problem finding an in-form, South American striker recently. Need to find someone similar. No more garden snakes or Colemans.
How much better do you thing Gruezo is than the kids? I always thought he was good but not Chara good. If he had a great shot to add then it would be different. Still he was a really good player for us and helped win the US Open Cup which we are able to win once every 20 years or so.
hmm. I think he's 50% better than either Servana or Cerrillo - at this time. Upside? Potential? probably not - but I don't see European clubs willing to pay $4.5M for either one of them. I don't think this move makes Dallas better on the field. Do I recognize it's a good financial move and one the player wanted? Sure. And while I too find it romantic to see all that local talent running around in the center of the pitch - I don't believe its good enough to win MLS Cup. but big picture - yet another July window where the team sells off one of its better players. And while I get that is pothole in the business model - why go to the ice cream stand when it's sold out of its best flavors?
I too wasn't getting super excited about the Hunts making all that cash on Gruezo. I mean what is there to get excited about when they won't spend it and when they spend a little, we get next to nothing.
They are spending some of that money. Just not in ways posters here would prefer. Some of that money is being spent on NTSC. Some of that money is being spent on paying off the stadium renovations. Some of it is being spent on this new loanee, not that he's exciting I know. Some of it is going to be spent on signing new HGs, who are getting bigger and better deals than they used to. Some of it is being spent on bringing in new kids to shore up the DA teams. Recruiting and scouting for the DA, plus NTSC isn't cheap or free. There are a ton of kids in the DA right now that should be signed to contracts but aren't for a variety of reasons and FCD has to make better offers are they're going to start losing them for free. Yes I'd really like them to sign an honest to god scorer but I think they're going to have to dump at least one of Coleman, Badji, Ondrasek, Mosquera, or Aranguiz to fit some new attacker in. There are plenty of replacements at CM for Gruezo, not so much for all the failed attacking talent plus the two kids and Barrios.
I think isolated he was 50% better and for another team including one in Germany I agree. Oddly for this team I think the three homegrowns play well together in a system they grew up in. I did think Acosta play very well the other day when he came in and was making a bunch of cross field switches that opened up the attack. However, I've also seen games from him where he's pretty anonymous and his passing was just average. two games ago FCD passes at 90%. Surely the three kid mids were a big part of that. I agree that the wingers and forwards are the biggest concern. I'd say the kid forwards would be ok with one really great winger and Barrios. I'm doubting the new guy will be that but will give him a chance. Was really hoping for the Huntsmen to back up their talk with 35/36 year old Robben or Ribbery for 1.5 years and see what happens with just one player who at least used to be world class. Didn't really believe but they did make me hope.
Obviously just a rumor, but hey, things are quiet around here . Interest from AC Milan in Paxton? https://sempremilan.com/espn-milan-interested-in-fc-dallas-midfielder
The miracles never cease. I agree with Dustbin. Jesus is an exciting player, but not the striker who will score15 goals or more a season. That being noted, I have no idea why there is all this noise about needing a new striker. FCD has the Cobra. and he is working out great!
While I am not surprised in the least Zdenek Ondrasek turned out to be a total and utter flop of a signing, there is an element to his game that mystifies me. I think that giant dude is sacred to win an arial battle. Next time, if he ever is, out there - watch whenever there's a ball waiting to be played with the head. If ZO has any pressure on him, 9.5 times out of ten, he will lose the battle and of that 9.5 times - 6 of them he won't even try to win it. It's really, really weird. Oh, and that new guy, Edwin? He might make Preki's right foot look useful.
I'd rather they put all their foreign player money into three great DP's and play HG's, draft picks and trades for the rest of the roster. Pretty tired of the mediocre foreign player signings in the last few years. Most are no better or worse than the young HG's and they won't get better while the HG's will. Surround them with three stars and not journeyman foreigners.