just curious... i think this would be a very tough decision buut could be a somewhat realistic one in the near future. julian de guzman is getting regular play with deportivo la coruna in spain but they may be relegated to the 2nd division if things keep going the way they are currently... so, he's 26 and although i don't have any numbers - i am assuming he's making some good money... if the opportunity came to make him an offer to lure him to toronto but he wanted say 2-3 million, would you do it? young guy, plays well, knows the canadians already and was pretty sick with the ball when he played an attacking role with canada. would you use the dp slot on him? i'm kinda on the fence but that is somewhat partial to the fact i don't know how much money he makes... i would love to see him here and now would be a great time if any.
I don't think it would be good for de guzman to come back and play here. He's not going to develop the skills here that he would playing in Spain. So, while it would be good for TFC, it wouldn't be good for him or the Canadian MNT
I would do it in a heartbeat. I don't think he would consider coming to the MLS for another 6-7 years atleast, though.
As has been said, I don't see him coming here for another 5 years at least. At which time I think he will come to TFC as a DP. However, in the context of the question you asked, I don't think spending that kind of money on him just because he is a Canadian International is really worth it.
Agreed. Would I love to have him here? Sure, let's offer him 50 million dollars (isn't it easy to spend someone else's money?). Unfortunately, him coming back would not be good for his development, and we need him for Canada.
Agreed. You're all hyping this up because he's Canadian, lets say there was somebody else available who wasn't Canadian, for the same skill level and maybe even less money, you'd all "meh" at the prospect and start listing other players. Face it, this is a football club in the MLS, not team Canada. It's perfectly normal to have a star on your team that's not domestic. Look at the Prem for example. I personally don't think he's worth it. I think the DP could fetch us a far better player. Remember, we have the atmosphere, the diversity of our community and rich ownership, all working for us.
I agree, to be honest the fact that we are "forced" to have so many Canadians on the team already means that a DP should really be picked from a larger pool of players. Plus a DP should be either a fantastic attacking mid to rule the game or a clinical finisher to put away any chance that falls to them. Guzman looks good on the ball from what i have seen but don't think he would light up the MLS. I would go for the cheaper South American option if i had a choice
In a heartbeat, without even thinking about it. Having JdG2 anchoring our midfield for the next 12-15 years would be a dream. Unfortunately, we are unlikely to see him here for at least 8 to 10 years.
In European soccer a 26 year old can definately solidify themselves on the field, but his 'development' is over. He probably won't get any better, especially playing on Deportivo - when they descend he won't get picked up by another Primera team. You'd have to offer him too much money to come, and he isn't worth it.
Has he been capped for Holland's men's team yet? If not he can still play for the CMNT if he chooses to.
He turned down Canada. In all video games that i've played (I usually try to grab him) he's listed as nationality "Netherlands". I know they are video games but no where does it say Canada. I'm not sure if he's played a game for holland yet, but I do know he has no interest at all in Canada.
Did a quick check and he hasen't made a decision yet. http://www.cbc.ca/sports/soccer/story/2008/01/18/soccer-deguzman-netherlands.html Although, it doesn't look good (has it ever?). I seriously don't see him choosing Canada, but there is hope since he was eligible to play with Holland's Mens team at age 18, he's now 20 (almost 21). Oh well, I guess we'll find out... eventually.
I thought Gerry Dobson had said that they were going to reveal his decision on Soccer Central this Saturday.
Canadians I know how it feels to loss a country man that choose to play for another country. Weve been trying to locate foreign based Filipino players and try to lure them to play for the AZKALS (our national team), Coz at the moment we are not really doing well with the current roster. The De Guzman brothers was actually one of are targets last years, They are filipinos by blood. but after knowing they were capped by Canada and holland I believe, we gave up and search another place. For the brothers root is probably not so important, its their career. We dont want half hearted players playing for Canada or Philippines anyways, right?
If Johnathan's heart isn't in it for Canada, than leave him. He doesn't deserve a starting spot if he's struggling with the decision.
man if you're getting someone as a DP... why not go for someone big... like Shevchenko... he's not doing well in chelsea, wants out,and is a known goal getter
Even approaching Shev. with less than beckham's deal would make us a laughing stock, even Judas wouldn't sign for us, but then again I was shocked when I heard Angel signed for an MLS team.
I think JDG would face a higher, more consistent level of opposition in Spain compared to MLS, even in Liga BBVA (division 2).
$$ talks... + he's in his mid 30s... another player that would be god would be Larsson.. He's playing for Helsinsborg if I'm not mistaken, still banging them in...
Larsson is very happy where he is too, I don't think, even if they were to drive a truckload of money up to his house would he sign with TFC.