Just saw this on the MLS official site and was wondering who the possible teams are for this.... anyone seriously think it could be the Revs?
The only thing that smacks of Kraft in that story is the mid-season signing. The Revs regularly bring guys in in the middle of the season to minimize the salary hit the first year.
There are zero players in the world that fit KSG's criteria for a DP, are affordable under any circumstance for the Revs, and under 30.
Why not? We already have a very young and raw team, we could use another experienced veteran to help the team. Remember, our arguable best foreign player ever was Zenga, he was way over 30. Granted he was a keeper, but still he was old and was amongst the best players in the league. Point being, age really does not matter if the player still has talent and seems to have the right attitude to come over here, I would be very happy to have an older player join us. There are probably 500+ over 30 players in the world that would be the best player on our team. It's just not likely we will see a quality DP in his 20's anytime soon.
It's hard for me to believe the Revolution would be the unnamed club in question, but I wouldn't mind it at all if they were, as long as Pires is serious about coming to play and isn't looking for a working vacation.
I agree. The one exception for me would be if the player is known worldwide and his name alone would be an immediate media buzz to put butts in the seats. He must still have gas in the tank and contribute on a weekly basis. An unlikely find knowing the Revs FO. Pires is not this guy.
Barry, you're getting way too negative! Yes ... and yes. There's no way this information would actually be this far out in the public eyes if it was the Revs. So ... it most likely isn't.
You're right that it wouldn't come out from the Revs, but this is his agent talking, so there's nothing to stop him from trying to gin up some interest in his client. As for mid-season signings, it isn't just the Revs proclivity (which isn't very significant anyway, IMO) that would drive it, but the post-WC time scenario - when a number of European players, with broad name recognition, will be closing the books on their international careers, and thus be open to a new "thing" like MLS, especially if it includes a multi-year contract. That's one of the reasons for the extra DP decision - so MLS can take advantage of these opportunities that are expected to open up.
I think it was Garber that said there may be several big signings after the WC. be interesting to see if the Revs are involed in anything
If this is part of Kraft's master plan to attract Portuguese and Brazilians to Foxborough he should understand that Pires, while the owner of a Portuguese-looking last name, is actually a Frenchman. Anyway, the knock on Pires is his legs -- he is a 45 minute player at best right now and I am not interested in adding a 'super-sub' type player.
I want any DP we sign to be under 30 but if we are forced to accept someone older I will be willig to see Robbie Keane in a Rev uniform.
If I'm correct, and all incoming players will have to wait till the August window ... then you're both right. Keane will be 30 before he would be able to step on the field here.