I recall last summer there was speculation on Sky that Gooch would be signed by ManU. Of course that never happened but do we think that ManU will try for him during the Jan transfer window? ManU are looking for a centerback (Silverstre is crap...has been for 3 years) and it would be a good move for Gooch.
A few months ago I thought it would be a bad idea for Gooch to leave in January because he'd be putting his WC in jeopardy. I have since decided that wouldn't be the case. If ManUtd (or any other team) put down enough money to convince Standard to part with Gooch during a championship run they'll be under enormous pressure to play him when he arrives. I now think it would be a great idea for Gooch and ManUtd (or any other big club) but I'm thinking Standard won't get the offer they want come January. He'll certainly be with a big club next year though.
My thought is that if there aren't rumors and/or confirmed interest starting to float around in the press, Gooch is probably staying put, at least until the end of the season. I could see him stepping into a side, Man U for instance, and preforming well but Standard would probably be reluctant to sell based on the close championship race. Also, it would take a month or two for Gooch to adjust to the different game, as it does 90% of the incomers to the EPL. He'll garner interest after the WC but I don't see a move before them. I'm sure scouts have an eye on him, so don't think just because he hasn't move in Jan, that interest is lost.
It seems as though the transition to the Premiership for defenders is much easier than it is for middies and strikers. Ryan Nelsen and Carlos Bocanegra are good examples.
True, True. Boca's tough transition was due mostly to playing out of position. But as a whole, most do have a little trouble or apprear a little shell shocked when first arriving in the EPl and it's completely normal.
I don't know, he's been in form (apparently), likely feeling very confident... I would prefer not to put that at risk before the WC. A move this summer? Great. Now, it would worry me.
Gooch has stated he doesn't want to move now. He is playing, and it is very important to him (playing regularly). He said after 2006 it would be a different story. He is in no rush to sign with a "big" club. Wants the right situation, not the name. Very mature kid when you read his interviews. Standard have said they have no intention of selling him now. I recently asked Omikell in another thread if he had read anything in the news suggesting that this might change come Jan. He said that both parties are very happy as is. It seems something really over the top would have to happen this window. Smart move IMO. Seems like a real smart kid in his appraoch and attitude. We got a real winner here folks.
I asked Gooch about ManU over the summer, rather than denying it he reponded with a good a laugh and a "I can't comment on them right now" and a grin.
If I'm Standard I wouldn't sell him right now for anything less than a fortune anyway. Not only are they in a championship run, but his value could potentially skyrocket with a good WC.
Apparently some idiot Eurotrash journalist asked him in an interview a few weeks ago how his childhood was growing up in the ghetto....not realizing that he grew up in some whitebread suburb of DC.
You know, I doubt ManU will be in a big buying mood in January. There's a pretty good chance they'll have a new manager next year, so there's a risk they'll buy someone SAF likes but the new guy doesn't, and then they've wasted the money. PLUS they're not in Europe. PLUS there seems to be little chance they'll catch Chelsea, and little chance they won't qualify for the CL next year. Best for them to play with what they have and assess things in the summer.
A pretty good chance they'll have a new manager? Where do you get that from? Sure there's a chance he'll be out but a pretty good chance that's better than 50/50 SAF is out. I don't think anyone would take money on those odds. There is long way to go in the season and cups they are in to say he's on his way out. Finishing 1st or 2nd and winning the FA Cup would be as close to a guarantee that he would stay. Even if that doesn't happen, I don't think there's a pretty good chance he's gone. Despite all that I agree they won't be in much of a buying mood, mainly because they are starting to play very well again in the league and SAF won't mess with success much. Also I think they would want to marshall their funds and see who will be out there on a free like Ballack, and who wants to move clubs.
I pretty much assumed that missing out on Europe would kill ManU's chances of signing a player like Ballack. But, maybe I'm wrong and some of these players would like a lighter schedule, especially coming off a world cup summer.
As long as ManU finish in the top four before the world cup, they will be playing in europe after the world cup. They've only been knocked out of the remainder of this years competition. Ballack wouldn't have been able to participate with ManU this season anyway.
I'm pretty sure Gooch is still short on Nat team appearances to automatically qualify for an EPL work permit. He'd have to qualify on appeal.
Sir Alex has a good a chance of not being at ManU next year as JoePa did going into this year. SAF is also on record for saying that they will be buying players in the winter
True but I don't think they'll go for a CB, especially considering the form of Wes Brown since he's been back in that defence. I also couldn't see Standard selling Gooch right now before the WC when there's a chance his value will increase if he performs in Germany.