Transfer Rumours 2013/14

Why would Bayern want him, though?

Because he's fucking awesome?

16 in 36 when he's been playing all over the shop to accommodate RVP is a good return. Especially as this is a "bad year"

120 in 220 games over the past 5 years is a cracking return, people underrating Rooney as soon as he wants to leave is hilarious.

He's not being underrated, he's a brilliant player, but I don't want somebody playing for us who isn't committed.

Nah some people are saying he's incredibly inconsistent and wouldn't be bothered if he went.

Rooney would be a huge loss to Man Utd.

I disagree but putting that aside for a minute, who would he replace? Where would he fit in at Bayern? He's going to be expensive and they're all ready well-stocked in his positions; they're only going to have more competition next year with the addition of Gotze (and probably Lewandowski).

Of the teams that can afford him, there aren't really any that need him.

It's not really under-rating him because he want to leave. He's been pretty under-rated all year by everyone, but there's more to it than that and a few factors.

Firstly, there's a sense that whilst he's still scoring goals he's really not playing well (and this stretches back to last season) in fact some would argue with you that baring about 3 good months as a number 10 (a position he's not really suited for), his last season where his general play was excellent was that season 3 years ago as a 9.

Secondly, you had the massive hype of his younger days. He was an explosive player, he had flair and pace and he looked like he could go on to be one of the worlds very best. I don't think it's very much of a surprise that he hasn't done that, but its the way he's changed that most people don't like. He's added more goals, but he looks more laboured, he doesn't have as much pace. Not only is it unusual for a player to lose that much pace by the time their 27, but his seeming deterioration of much of what made him special when he was younger begs similar questions.

Thirdly, this is the second time (allegedly) he's pulled this shit. United fans especially don't like players acting like they're bigger than the club, if there's anything to it we'd rather him sold than catered to. Especially when, as with the arrival of RVP and Kagawa last season he's no longer the star player he once was.

Fourthly, his inconsistency of form and fitness. He's always been a hot and cold player, but this season in particular his ability to be good in one game and absolutely fucking hopeless in the next grates on people. Since his last injury the fact he's been dog shite every time he's played upfront has cemented that memory. Neither does the fact he appear incapable at the minute from scoffing down a few big macs at half time endear him to anyone.

That's the problems really, overhyped when he was younger, really odd development path, demands that have pissed off fans and inconsistency. No one will tell you that Wayne Rooney is not a very good player on his day, he's just not one any of us are bothered about appeasing if he's going to act like a vagina.

Only if he's not replaced. If we got any one of Cristiano Ronaldo, Robert Lewandowski, Gareth Bale or Falcao, we'd actually be a quicker, stronger and more technically proficient side without him. The issue is whether or not we can get that sort of player in this window.

Yeah, if it is true that he's asked to leave AGAIN see if anyone abroad wants him, surely someone will. If we are ever going to sell him now is the time, can still get a high price for him before he's fat and slow by 30.

Falcao to Monaco looking likely.

Aren't Monaco gonna lose their financial advantage due to having to adhere to the same tax rules as other teams in the French league?

I believe it doesn't count for them.

No, the whole point is that they are changing the rules so that all teams have to be taxed the same, including Monaco's team, even though it is located in a tax haven.

Do you mean Monaco are going to be forced to pay corporation tax? Or are their players going to be forced to pay income tax?


If it's the former, the surely Monaco aren't going to be losing any advantage as they're not going to be making any profits anyway

I think Phillipe Auclair has a piece on it somewhere, I'm not sure.

I only read about the issue last year, but back then it was only described as something desired by the other clubs in Ligue 1, not an actual proposal.


The other clubs want Monaco to be legally registered in France (where their training ground is) as opposed to in Monaco like it is now, meaning they'd have to pay the same taxes as everyone else.

All it means in reality is that Dmitry Rybolovlev will have to double the wages of his players, considering his net worth is over $9 billion he's more than capable of doing that if he really wants to.

Pretty sure it's more than 9 million

EDIT: Fuck your ninja edit, Franck

Marca are claiming that we're in talks with Sevilla for Jesús Navas.

Loves a cross that chap

Considering his history of home-sickness, that doesn't sound like a very safe transfer target.

That's what I thought but apparently he's got over it. I'd be surprised if we were interested and he hadn't got over it.

Lots of rumours tonight about Pellegrini taking over at City. Balague published an article in AS saying the deal is done

Apparently Mancini going to be sacked at the weekend according to at least one source.

Seems an odd reward for (probably) winning the FA Cup.

I've heard that he and his wife want to go back to Italy. His dad's ill and, apparently, she's home-sick.

I'm not sure what to make of it, Pellegrini would be a good replacement though. Especially if he's bringing Isco with him, as AS are claiming.

Mancini to Napoli?

Edit- Ignore that. For some reason I thought Mazzari was leaving.

He might be. He's prevaricating on renewing his deal and Mancio has been linked with them.

Montella (Fiorentina's coach) wants to coach Napoli at some point. I'd very much doubt Mancini would go to Fiorentina though, and I'd assume Napoli would prefer Mancini to Montella. Guess it could work.

Mancini is almost officially gone, working out severance package. Pellegrini already lined up to replace him

Neymar to Barca seems to be official now

Where've you seen that?

Seems to have been all but sealed for a long time.