That "theory" is patently and demonstrably untrue. Cuypers' fee was his basically market value at the time. Shaqiri's fee three years ago less than his market value at the time. Kacper's fee was less than his market value at the time. F. Navarro's fee was less than his market value at the time. Czichos' fee was far less than his market value. Gutman's fee was half of his market value at the time. "Mighty" Tom Barlow's fee was half of his market value at the time. Mueller was free. Acosta was free. Duran's fee was more than his market rate (at age 17), and we turned a tremendous profit. Salquist was 15% more than his market value at the time. We paid too much for Torres, but ANY amount was too much, as it turned out for us. https://www.transfermarkt.com/chicago-fire-fc/transfers/verein/432/saison_id/2021
I think we've reached the point where reasonable people can simply disagree and I have no doubt that you know soccer a million times better than me but to my eyes, if you swap Shaq with the guys I consider top tier guys then those teams get worse and the Fire get better again, I like Shaq and I like watching him play -- I just can't shake the nagging feeling that his limitations are part of the team's limitations given the roster construction process in MLS I think we both wish there was better talent around him to find out
PS- do not agree with some of your values ( Shaqiri sold for same amount six months earlier and did nothing to impress, and others) but whatever!
I presume the 'your values' comment refers to my post. Of course, they were not 'my values.' I gave you the link to transfermarkt, the only even remotely reliable source for transfer fees. As for Shaqiri, your comment is not relevant and, in fact, works against your 'theory'...but whatever. We did not "overpay" by 1.5-2 times for Shaqiri, we paid precisely what the previous team paid. Of course, the only person who really made money on Shaqiri's Liverpool to Lyon to the Fire hopscotch was his agent. If you can provide information to support your 'theory,' have at it. I would be happy to be shown that Heitz is as incompetent in his transfer fees as he is in selecting the actual talent. The evidence I have seen and have provide disproves the 'theory.'
It is not my theory but it has been listed on multiple occasions by Heitz defenders to “ explain” the gap between new player performance and player acquisition cost. I am happy to discard it as valid excuse although it may have validity in some instances. I am well aware of Transfermarkt and use them extensively because they have a mountain of data easily available. IMO, they are >95% accurate in reporting facts, but their estimates of market value and similar unknowns are less accurate. I have seen numerous instances when a player sold for one-half the value estimate and vice versa. Does Heitz pay more than normal or is he just a bad judge of talent? Or is it both?
If those are the only two possible answers, I have already answered but eliminating the first answer.
Teran is 'a talent'...considering CFFC have Teran signed through 2026, with an option for 2027...there is plenty of time/leverage to ensure a good return on investment. Found the French report... To anticipate and avoid major disappointments come summer, the Lens recruitment unit has set its priority to replace Danso, namely Carlos Teran. According to our information, the Colombian U23 international who plays for the Chicago Fire fits perfectly with the needs of the club coached by Frank Haise. Solid in duels, good with the head, this beautiful baby of 1 meter 88 and 85 kg has all the prototype of the modern central defender. Holder in MLS since 2022, Carlos Teran wants to join Europe and has a good chance of arriving in Artois this summer, especially as discussions are currently underway between the different parties. The promising Colombian might not arrive alone this summer since another young and promising defender is also close to signing up with Lens. Sidi Bane, a 20-year-old Senegalese central defender, who plays for BATE Borisov in Belarus, caught the eye of the RC Lens recruitment unit and is also close to signing up for Lens as we do. indicated a source close to the artesian club. The interesting thing about the report is CFFC sold Franki to Lens...so the channel exist
Yeah, but all three of those goals were against 10-man Valencia who had to play with its backup GK after a red at the end of the first half.
https://www.mlssoccer.com/news/is-your-mls-team-meeting-expectations-assessing-the-2024-season-to-date CHICAGO FIRE: Preseason expectations: Fight for a Wild Card spot Season so far: Despite splashing the cash to sign Hugo Cuypers from Belgium, the Fire can’t find him in dangerous areas. They also don’t have top-end talent in any line of the field. The problems in Chicago are predictable and plentiful, but hope isn’t lost with nine teams sneaking into the playoffs out East. Verdict: Meeting expectations while dreaming of summer reinforcements ------------------- Dream... Shaqiri (Winger) & Gimenez (CM) are traded for 2 new (impact!) DPs for their positions! And with Salquist injury in question, we keep Teran for 14months...