This sounds about as certain as a columnist could ever be. It could be just rumor, but since Motzkin represents most of these guys, I think he's probably been getting this info from him. http://www.soccer365.com/_365_Features/page_121_85845.shtml "But while all this talk is about players who one day might play in the Premier League, I’ll give you a name of one who soon will: Kerry Zavagnin. Just wait until the January transfer window opens."
Kerry is not that young (30), in unattached as far as I know (not married, has no family in the area) and at the prime of his career. If he can go to Europe, he should. I know he was working on obtaining an Irish passport (not hard. His grandmother was native born, so he's automatically eligible for citizenship and immediatly elligible for a passport). I'm sure he'd be a great fit at a lower EPL team or a mid to high 1st division team. I think KZ is likely the most underrated player in MLS. BUT... If he leaves, that changes the whole dynamic of the team. This could be the biggest change in the team since Preki went to Miami. He's become the heart of the team since MoJo retired, and who will step into that role when/if KZ leaves? Gutierrez has a couple good years in him, and he's a solid player, but Kerry was always our "go-to" guy in the middle.
Chris Coleman was talking about bringing in 3 or 4 players today after the Fulham game. And the center mids were absolutely ********ing awful. ....Just spec'n
When I saw this thread, I had the exact same thought. Esp. because Fulham's problem is that they don't a "lone striker" type since Saha left, and their current midfielders are too poor defensively to go 4-4-2. They either need to buy a lone striker type (ha!) or bring in a strong ballwinner. Don't know if KZ is quite up to it, but it might be worth a flyer to Fulham.
This article is full of bunk and full of holes. It can't pass the logic test. First points are fine about Donovan because he states conjecture, and personal observations on where he thinks he'll end up. It falls apart from here. He states others are training but then implies Johnson and Dempsey will make the move to Feyenoord and Man U. First of all doesn't he realize since day one of the league that after season training stints have occured for more than 40 younger MLS players and no transfers have resulted. You don't need a work permit to play in Netherlands. Ramon Nunez is at Celtic-Damani Ralph is at Feyenoord does that mean they will soon make that jump. He ignores whose in contract, and transfer fees. Pat Noonan on trial at Chelsea? Oh please. Pat Noonan hasn't gotten a sniff from Bruce Arena and England is a place where work permit and 75% of full internationals apply. He IS NOT on trial at Chelsea. Just training with them. So when he states Kerry Zavagnin at age 30 will be in the EPL I have to be very skeptical. It may happen but the whole tone of the article is a man who doesn't have context on training, trials, skills, and transfer fees and logic.
I just can't get over the fact that Zavagnin went from being absolutely brutal in NY, to Mejido's bitch in the A-league, then to star with the Wizards.... and now the EPL? Absolutely amazing turnaround. It must be from personal encounters with many of our players (and I know I'm not alone here), but I'd be extatic to see some of them leave for Europe if it would further their careers. Sure it'll suck for the team, but we'll get by.
You need more information in your post. Johnson will have a tough time to get a WP if Man. U. buy him, but remebered how Liverpool argued in Raros case. PSV will have no such problem. The stick point is transfer fee. Dempsey isn't ready to contribute for Feyenoord's first 11 yet, that is why Feyenoord didn't buy him this time with his price tag. If you remembered that Feyenoord hestitated to buy two US players--Tim Howard and Carlos Bocanegra, maybe they are not that smart on evaluation US players. Noonan may able to get an Irish passport. In fact last year, Irish FA contacted Noonan (based on his name) about his intention to play for Ireland National Team. In case of ability to play in EPL for Kerry, here is a reference. When Mulrooney led EQ to MLS Cup in 2003, he was inquired by a loan deal to play in one of Spanish La Liga team. MLS killed the deal. In my view, Kerry is #1 US defensive midfielder right now. So he definately can play for 2/3 of EPL clubs.
even if we lose kz next year, that's one of the few positions we have a really strong backup at - jewsbury. he was an absolute animal in games where he played d-mid. but yes we would miss kz big time.
regardless of whether or not he produced with the Metros (who does consistently, anyway?) best of luck to the guy....Weirder things have happened before....
So is Fulham going to be the default home for MLS players moving to the EPL? That is if he goes there. They have CB and Mcbride anyone else?? Fulham may have to open Fulham equipment stores in the states.
On the Quakes board there is a rumor that Richard Mulrooney has asked to be traded. Does anyone else think that he would be the perfect replacement for Zavagnin, should he leave, given the similar style of play of these two?
I think that request was in order to be closer to his family. He was raised in Memphis. If his family still lives there, I'm guessing he'd be headed to Columbus.
Anyone else think that Kerry Zavagnin coming over to the Mystics/Cauldronites after MLS Cup was a bit symbolic?
noooooooooooooooooooooooooooo! *plugs ears* I'm not listening to this...he has to come back. He just has to. How dare he look out for his own interests? He's supposed to be our puppet. DANCE PUPPET DANCE!
I've brought this up before as it confuses me so. The Irish wanted Pat Noonan, but not Ronnie O'brien? What the heck?
Ronnie O'Brien is already an Irish international. I don't know if he's cap-tied by he did play in the friendly against the U.S. in Dublin in April, 2002.
That's news to me. I'm pretty sure he's said he's never played for the senior team. He's not even 'in' the program. He was pretty pissed they dropped him from the youth team for missing a camp or something to take a shot at joining Juventus.
ROB said at some point this season that he would love to play for the US if Arena wanted him to, so I guess he isn't cap-tied. Somebody on the Dallas boards might be able to help you. As for Zavagnin, there are always one or two moves to Europe during the offseason that make you go WTF? I'm not knocking Kerry, its just that he isn't one of the first players who comes to mind when you think of players who will make a jump to the EPL.