Star of Istiklol in the Tajikistan "Higher League," (great name, "Yeah, it's a 'higher' league, but not 'highest' league. That would be presumptuous!") after playing in the Persian Gulf Pro League and Uzbekistan "Super League."
Read that Bezerra posted his good-bye from Fire today. Anybody know current status of Dowd and Wootton? Any further news on status of Omsberg and Casas?
Here's a wild idea. Any chance Paul Pogba would consider MLS and the Fire?!?! Doping suspension reduced - able to play again in March. Contract terminated with Juvevtus by mutual agreement- ends Nov. 30. Age 32. I'm sure he will explore various options in Europe first - at worst some Ligue One team would almost certainly take him - but who knows? We can dream . . .
OH F*CK NO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I was going to post about this, as I knew somebody would bring it up. That would be the single worst decision the Fire could make now and the worst decision that the Fire had made since AEG sold to Andrew Hauptman. Oh, it would be a disaster. Huge talent, but a much, much, much, much, much bigger problem. Yes, let's sign one of the biggest "head cases" in professional football history and completely bank our future on a 32 year doper. He hasn't played since August, 2023 and will only be able to play next year as his doping suspension was reduced from FOUR years to 18 months. He was just coming off of knee surgery (which kept him out of the World Cup) when he was hit with the doping suspension. He has managed to play 8 whole matches since 2022. He has scored a total of five league goals since 2018 and 1 since 2021. Oh, and by the way, he is also one of my least favorite players of all time. His talent is undeniable, but there would be no upside for the Fire to take on the liability of signing an aging, incredibly damaged and likely, very, very bitter Paul Pogba.
I read he is in Miami ‘working out and practicing, with the expectation he will sign with an MLS club’ No club mentioned.
Except nobody proposing THAT. On second thought, signing Pogba would make pretty much everybody here long for Shaqiri's return.
Just saw another article speculating that Lennard Maloney is looking to leave Heidenheim. His current contract expires 6-30-25. Club has offered him a new contract (twice) but he has not yet signed. He is a dual German- American born in Germany. He played on German youth national teams through U19 level, then switched to US. Currently is “almost “ on USMNT team. He is a 6’2 195 lbs. 25 year old known as a rugged physical player who avoids cards. He is a defensive specialist with good aerial ability He is considered a good passer (especially cross field) with moderate speed and moderate dribbling skills. He plays DM currently and has played considerable CB and a little RB. Some people maintain CB is where he should play. His club wants to sign him but would require a $3,000,000 to $4,000,00 transfer if unable to reach agreement on a new contract. Multiple sources say his current annual salary is only $150,000. Unable to find any comments regarding his preference for future play but his unwillingness to sign a contract might mean he is looking for a change. His switch to US Nats team might mean he is open to a move to MLS. Not sure if he would be available at start of season. He might be a replacement for Teran if he is sold at mid-season for a grossly high price. He is a versatile defender who may (or may not) be a good fit for Fire.
I'm all in on Maloney. It's likely no one will pay him what MLS can and certainly not Heidenheim. It may not even require any TAM and while Heidenheim may have wanted $3-4 million before, probably any kind of pre-contract activity with Maloney would drive that fee down to 6 figures to get him here in February. 3G brought him in to the USMNT so there's a relationship there. We'll see if there's any kind of MLS "discovery" bullshit to deal with
Wondering if GGG will think outside the box and try to get Tokinantenaina Randriatsiferana to stabilize the midfield.
I hope you are correct about the willingness of European/EPL teams to pay an attractive salary. His first choice may be to go there ( German mother, Air Force father) I overlooked the GGG USMNT invite. That could be significant. Two more info. tidbits- Yellow card rate is only one every ten matches. He ranks in top 10% in Bundesliga for distance covered- very active on defense.
Ok . Maybe Available now scenarios- 1) a $3.6 million transfer fee plus 3 yr. contract at $500k/ = $1.7m charge=Max TAM 2) a $0.6 million transfer fee plus 3yr. contract at $500k/ = $0.7m budget charge=OK Available 6-30 scenarios- 3) a $1.2 million sign.bonus plus 3yr. contract at $500k/ = $0.9m charge=Min TAM 4) no signing bonus plus 3 yr. contract at $800k/ = $0.8m charge= Min TAM What scenario did you use?? Are any of above scenarios possible?
Excellent, we could use a speedy winger and a full international, to boot! At 28, he is the right age. Madagascar's second finest export! Next to lemurs, of course. Maybe third, as Madagascar has fine vanilla, as well. I really appreciate you picking out the most obscure players imaginable, so we can go on treasure hunts to figure out who you are discussing.