So whereas Scandinavia used to be a potential stepping stone to bigger clubs in Europe, its now a way of avoiding stepping down to USL.
Well, one piece of the deal is done. Will Wes agree to this move? he should. That could be a good spot for him. ❗Agreement between Nico González and Juventus has already been reached. 🇦🇷🔥[@SkySport] #Juventus pic.twitter.com/kXRqExZi2K— Forza Juventus (@ForzaJuveEN) August 8, 2024
My guess is that it breaks down because they won't pay Wes' salary.... and Wes will be further defamed by the media. I hope I am wrong. I have no problem w/ a player demanding the money they think they are worth but if the market won't pay it then you have to find a new market. We know MLS Teams will over-pay. Cincy might be a good club for him. He would likely kill it w/ Acosta.
About now would be a good time to get shoulder surgery to -- hopefully -- keep that thing from popping out again. Those surgeries can take quite a bit of time to recover from.
🔵 Infos #KRCGenk : 🇺🇸 Marc McKenzie close to #Bundesliga as there are advanced talks between player side and #VfBStuttgart. Stuttgart expects a new central back before end of the window and targeted McKenzie who’s keen for a move in Germany. Genkies waiting for 5M€ in order to… pic.twitter.com/AMMBJ2FBO9— Sacha Tavolieri (@sachatavolieri) August 9, 2024
McKenzie to Stuttgart would be fantastic. I cannot think of a better case scenario for him. Fiorentina are gonna be fun as hell to watch this year, whether Weston signs or not. I really hope he does. I want him to be a part of that because I think they are building something potent there
I think it is a big jump. The money will be good. I would never second guess a player for taking the $$ or €€. But McKenzie is likely to struggle for PT at Stuttgart.
McKenzie has done all he can do in Belgium and is 25. Starter for 3 years, won a championship and a domestic cup. If he ever wants to move up and play at a high level, now is the time. I don't know if he will make it or not, but if he doesn't take a chance now, when would he? I hope it happens and he is successful. If he can get some minutes this year and earn a bigger role the next, he'll be in good shape for 2026.
I agree it is an opportunity he shouldn't pass up. But my expectation is he's going to be a backup. If he is able to hold down a starting position it would be a hugely positive development for the national team. Starting for Stuttgart is a much different proposition than starting for Sheffield Wednesday, a team that was destined from the start to be relegated.
I think he could win a starting gig if he stopped w/the brain farts, simple as that to me, he's always seemed sound beyond the occasional mental gaffe which just seems to happen w/far more regularity than other quality players. I like the move: ---- or get off the pot. If all he ever is, is a pretty good player in Belgium still prone to stupid mistakes, it doesn't matter anyway, take a big swing, and make it, or not. He remains a guy that would be top 5-6 in the pool for me simply because Ream, JAB and Long have aged out in back to back years (Long really several years ago but Berhalter didn't get it), and McKenzie is as good or better than nearly all the rest beyond the stupid mistakes.
McKenzie up until recently has been off my USMNT radar until now. Im rooting hard for him because we NEED him. He's still developing and young as a center back so I take solace in that. This isnt a CCV finished product.....apex of his career situation. I know McKenzie can find another level in him. And it seems all of our center backs up to Richards have brain farts these days so, hes right even with the pack in that regard.
Defensive intensity in the Bundesliga is of a whole different magnitude from what he is used to. He is also going to be going up against much more gifted attacking players. It will be a huge adjustment.
Long might be out but age isn’t his issue. He’s still one of the fastest guys in MLS. People who don’t like him pretended that his legs went as an excuse but it’s not true.
We sure do need him. Or need some other CB to take a big step forward. Zimmerman had a very impressive Olympics. That was the best thing that came out of the Olympics.
I thought the reputation of the BL is that they’re not overly concerned about defense but more looking for entertainment and attacking.
No. Players who move from leagues like the Eredivisie or the Jupiler League have commented on the defensive intensity.
I don't think he'd start either. That they're a UCL club is a double-edged sword. It would be more beneficial if he wasn't a CB. Though Stuttgart's newfound stature could be fleeting. Mark should do the most powerful stimulant that's legal. I like my CB's playing on the edge of too alert. He's more the sleepy type.
Sometimes I see something in him, sometimes I don't. I'm hoping that he's one of those CBs who finds something in his late 20s or 30s.
Yup, I would make an arguement about Busio really pushing hard for the 4th 8 spot at the expense of LDLT. I want a set piece taker on this roster. Right now, Id take Busio over LDLT
The good thing is McKenzie is coming from a league people in Germany will be very familiar with. And he's been there for long enough to make some pretty good judgements about him as a player. Teams miss on player evaluations all the time, but they are evaluating a player in a familiar league over a good period of time. If they want him, they likely have a good idea what they're getting. It may take him some time to adjust, but it's a good sign if they have taken a look and like what they see. I'm hopeful he gets into a solid role over the next couple years even if he does not walk in and start initially.
5 M euro is the kind of transfer fee that suggests a significant rotational player. Not a regular starter but not practice fodder either. Of course it is a results-oriented business. Once the transfer fee is paid what matters is performance.