Summer Mercato

[Milano84]

We need Brochi for midl. Simic can sell we have to many defenders

i think this is only time ive heard the words 'we need brocchi' hah. As for your post tony, i believe we've made back close to 40 mil. I'll try to dig up the articles i read that on. But on coownership aggreements and loan deals more money has come in.

[Milano84]

so is abate gonna be converted to RB? on acmilan.com he's listed as defender.... We dont use wingers but he's such a natural fit there.... perhaps if his defending improves he can be used in 3man midfield on side? Perhaps in seedorf role in 4-3-1-2 a few seasons ago.

[Jeff]

milan has spent less than it sold. in my opinion its insulting to all milan fans after such a terrible season.


I hope that fans do show a little bit of appreciation that Milan has brought in many players thus far this season. It's almost as insulting to the management that we think that the management has insulted the fans this year.

[Giancarlo]

I hope that fans do show a little bit of appreciation that Milan has brought in many players thus far this season. It's almost as insulting to the management that we think that the management has insulted the fans this year.

:pp20:

I agree. And I stand with you on that one.

[ACMILAN1983]

milan has spent less than it sold. in my opinion its insulting to all milan fans after such a terrible season. i realize money doesnt garentee results, but there are still gaping holes petilcularly on defense. "we focused on attack" ??? wtf does that mean. is it impossible for us to buy both offensive and defensive players in a single mercato?

I'm not sold on antonini as a FB, but i'll give him a shot. In my opinion though, we had serginho, a player who was 1 of best left side players of his generation, and now we got a player who cant even get an azzuri cap. Perhaps i'm wrong, and i hope to god he turns out to be great, but those are the facts. CB- i suppose we'll deal w/ next year when maldini retires. Thats fine. But a top GK is IMPERATIVE.

How did you work that out? Milan has spent in the region of 40m and gained around 25m. This isn't including the hike in wages.

We strengthened all areas, both in attack and defence. Players like Zambrotta and Antonini happen to strengthen both areas in our game, as can Flamini. Others, like Dinho, Abbiati and Borriello should help strengthen weak areas last season.

Funny how you're arguing how Antonini can't get an azzurri cap, when Serginho was hardly ever in the Brazil squad. Sergio was a great player for Milan, but he's no legend in the game, and at Milan he spent most of his years coming off the bench (much like Antonini is expected to do).

We haven't got the strongest squad yet and not all of the holes are plugged. With Simic, Paloschi and Abate likely to leave before the new season, we realistically could do with strengthening the areas (holes) they'll leave uncovered.

That said, not having CL puts much less pressure on us to perform at a high level two times a week. We have an advantage in the league there and our rebuilding project probably spans a couple of mercato (this and next at least).

[Milano84]

true about serginho but he was also behind the 2 greatest lb's in the game (maldini and roberto carlos). I ask you honestly, do you consider antonini up to the levels serginho ever was?

I think its shortsided to praise management to the leaves for recalling 3-4 loaned players. Signing a free agent and 2 players who desperately wanted to go to milan, so bad 1 was willing to take a wage decrease.

I find the way galliani does business, classless and the antithesis of what milan stands for. I think it paints a bad picture for the image of milan. A few of my friends consistantly point this out to me, and as mch as i argue against it, because i believe milan stands as a club of values and class, and not just a cash factory like chelsea, but an actual family, its a legitimate point. Until he's gone i dont think my opinion will ever change.

That being said its not why i support milan. I support milan because i love the club, not adriao galiani

[Siregar]

“I am happy the way my first Italian season went, but Milan were unable to qualify for the Champions League and that made me very angry. Now I want to help my team get back into the competition.”

Be prepared! Goal.crap will soon write their creativity. :D

[Jeff]

I think its shortsided to praise management to the leaves for recalling 3-4 loaned players. Signing a free agent and 2 players who desperately wanted to go to milan, so bad 1 was willing to take a wage decrease.

I find the way galliani does business, classless and the antithesis of what milan stands for. I think it paints a bad picture for the image of milan. A few of my friends consistantly point this out to me, and as mch as i argue against it, because i believe milan stands as a club of values and class, and not just a cash factory like chelsea, but an actual family, its a legitimate point. Until he's gone i dont think my opinion will ever change.

That being said its not why i support milan. I support milan because i love the club, not adriao galiani

Yu are right that it's shortsided to priase management when they just recall loaned players. On the other hand, Milan didn't decide to sell these players but loan these players at the beginning. That is not so short-sighted. i don't think anyone would see adifference between loaning or selling Borriello last year, right?

Compare with Arsenal's Wenger: He didn't see Flamini playing so well and didn't offer a contract until later the year, and he lost the player. Class?

If Galliani doing business is not class, then the way Real Madrid tries to is... class? Or, like Wenger, dissembling his team that has Hleb, Flamini, and Giberto (and almost Adebayor, admit it). Ya, they beat Milan, and another trophyless season. Class?

Taking a wage decrease is bad? I see that as a sign of motivation from a high-profile, world-class player (not a poor player desperate to play for Milan). How about a player who asks for 20% increase and Milan backs down and accepts it. Class?

Man City is willing to pay $30M for Ronaldinho paying him 120,000 per year. Class?

J

p.s.: I suppose your friends not Milan fans? I don't see how they will priase a team that just signs Ronaldinho. If I were a Man U fan and saw Milan signs Ronaldinho, then I probably wouldn't be praising you and say' good job buddy'. Be real. When Chelsea signed Shevchenko did any one of us says, "Good for you Chelsea" and not cursing them?

Wait, we did sell shevchenko for like over $30M. Class?

[Jeff]

Be prepared! Goal.crap will soon write their creativity. :D

When did he say it? And I don't think he means angry because Milan didn't make it. He is angry more with himself because he didn't help the team?

[Siregar]

Yes, I know Jeff. I agree with you. But we all know how news are created. :D

source : channel4.com (sorry, I forgot to tell the source)

[Milano84]

oh i could care less about nonmilan fans say about dinho. I am confident he'll hit form and amaze the world again. There argument was milan consistantly low balling and complainng about money.... issues we've discussed.

I didnt mean milan is classless for offering lower wages. i meant its comes across poorly to constantly say ur poor when you're not. Its 1 thing if milan was lazio or udinese.. but milan is not. AC milan carries as large a name on the world class as any club. Forbes most recent list has milan ranked 4th or 5th in terms of most profitable club..... and highest rank of any italian team (behind real madrid, barca, manutd.. and i cant remember other... might be liverpool/arsenal? I do know for a fact chelsea was behind milan)

as for your point on real madrid, i couldnt agree more. its 1 of my largest pet peeves about them. Sorry its late, and i re-read my post... I'm not writing as clearly as I am meaning too (still getting over last nights hangover + i just saw batman, and i cant get heath ledger as the joker out of my mind. anyway I've digressed)
My problem is adriano gallianis need to air everything in public, it makes milan look bad. Makes us look petty, poor, generally bad. That plus his shameless self promotion (read: we rule the market).

[Milano84]

i can see tomorrows headlines "pato, angry at milan" monday "pato, wants to leave milan" Tuesday "abramovich bids 40 mil for pato" weds "sky sports UK reporting pato signed w/ chelsea" Thursday "galliani: milan fans should be happ we havent sold pato yet!"

[Milano84]

http://www.goal.com/en-US/Articolo.aspx?ContenutoId=783935

Should gallas be available for 5 mil, i expect milan to jump at it. Although he's 31, and a definate oddball. He is a class defender who can play across whole like. I'd welcome william gallas, and am suprised he'd reall be availabl for onl 5 mil. 31 for a defender, easily 5 solid years before he drops off...His aggressiveness would compliment nesta too

[Vulli]

I think we need a new CB and I would like to see Mikah Ricards in AC Milan shirt, on Saturday 9 August, Milan will play a friendly away to Manchester City, so I hope Milan notice Ricards talent

[Ghost]

I think we need a new CB and I would like to see Mikah Ricards in AC Milan shirt, on Saturday 9 August, Milan will play a friendly away to Manchester City, so I hope Milan notice Ricards talent

A good player but needs improving, this season he got caught out so many times.

[Siregar]

A good player but needs improving, this season he got caught out so many times.

Especially his behaviour. If not, he will only destroy his talent.

[hwmook]

welcome to MM sujoyks...

you are victim of a confusion many have had... we didn't get Antonelli, but Antonini... he's a player who covers the same positions Serginho used to cover... left back, left midfield... even could be a left wing... Abate is more of a Seedorf kind of player, although he's listed as defender... he's a midfielder with good presence in attack... he may be loaned out before transfer season is over.

He is not confused, he is asking about Antonelli who is a milan owned player.....

[sujoyks]

Ok. So antonelli is a LB. Hmmm... loaned

We really do need a CB and GK but i really dont see our squad being particularly weak at all except for the GK where we can only cross our fingers for in every match and hope. We can afford to fix it next season though. But i want them now!!!
Oh well, maybe next season then....
Then again we have 2 non EU slots. What's the news on Hernanes. I remember reading some pretty strong Barca links and talks of him being a Pirlo replacement. Where is Brasileiro??? Surely there's that perfect striker in Brazil somewhere.

[sujoyks]

Erm.. And why exactly have we cooled down on Berbatov. I'd rate him very highly. Sure he hasn't played in a big name team but where he has he's done great. I'd love to have him on our roster. I really do think he's perfect. Good physically and technically. Just cant understand why there are no more interests in him.

[Gabriel489]

I must admit, for the past few days that I was travelling, Shanghai(China), Taipei(Taiwan), Soeul(S.Korea), Tokyo(Japan), Vancouver(Canada), Seattle(US), and back to my base HK. All the newspaper are reporting Dinho joining Milan..... and some paper even used that as headlines. Thats pretty impressive, not just for Milan but for the whole league in general. Signing a top star will help promote a healthier image for the league. Actually, I would say that having JM coach in the league is helping too. I just wish more of Dinho type signings will happen, not just for MIlan but for Inter, Juve, Roma and others. That way, Series A can market itself better and attrack more viewers world wide.

[ZvonimirBoban]

Erm.. And why exactly have we cooled down on Berbatov. I'd rate him very highly. Sure he hasn't played in a big name team but where he has he's done great. I'd love to have him on our roster. I really do think he's perfect. Good physically and technically. Just cant understand why there are no more interests in him.

Tottenham demands crazy amount of money for him. The price is overrated, it's two or three times his real value, just like Arsenal did with Adebayor. If we do have that amount of money, I'd prefer David Villa anytime.

[Iggy]

After Dinho i dont think we will use that much money on another offensive player to be honest and Berbatov will be very expensive

[ZvonimirBoban]

I must admit, for the past few days that I was travelling, Shanghai(China), Taipei(Taiwan), Soeul(S.Korea), Tokyo(Japan), Vancouver(Canada), Seattle(US), and back to my base HK. All the newspaper are reporting Dinho joining Milan..... and some paper even used that as headlines. Thats pretty impressive, not just for Milan but for the whole league in general. Signing a top star will help promote a healthier image for the league. Actually, I would say that having JM coach in the league is helping too. I just wish more of Dinho type signings will happen, not just for MIlan but for Inter, Juve, Roma and others. That way, Series A can market itself better and attrack more viewers world wide.

The rumors said, Juve are preparing 19M euros for Van Persie... How funny, I heard that their board had closed the door for any arrival or departure at this mercato...

[Tony29.]

The rumors said, Juve are preparing 19M euros for Van Persie... How funny, I heard that their board had closed the door for any arrival or departure at this mercato...
To quote them "The mercato is closed unless something extraordinary happens"

The same goes for Milan. Galliani said the mercato is closed but of course they won't miss out on some good player if there is an oportunity to get him.

It's been like this since i know of myself. Teams announce that the mercato is closed just so they sudenly re-open it by buying another player.
As for this latest Van Persie rumor, i'm pretty sure it's nothing more than a rumor.

[Gabriel489]

19M for Van Persie would be a good deal, but is he a right player for Juve?

[Warro Bantan]

Van Persie to Juve is pretty much on par with Kaka to Chelski...

Both are nice rumors, but unlikely to be actual transfers.

[Giancarlo]

My problem is adriano gallianis need to air everything in public, it makes milan look bad. Makes us look petty, poor, generally bad. That plus his shameless self promotion (read: we rule the market).

I don't think it does at all and it is his tactics that have been landing us players for less money this season. We got Ronaldinho for a fee that's generally considered a steal. We got Flamini on free transfer. This club has a bottom line.

[Giancarlo]

true about serginho but he was also behind the 2 greatest lb's in the game (maldini and roberto carlos). I ask you honestly, do you consider antonini up to the levels serginho ever was?

I think its shortsided to praise management to the leaves for recalling 3-4 loaned players. Signing a free agent and 2 players who desperately wanted to go to milan, so bad 1 was willing to take a wage decrease.

We have a bottom line as I said, and I think it was very smart to recall these talented, promising players. They are young and offer quite a bit of promise for the team. Though Abate may be loaned out another season, it helps build a future based on domestic talent. What we don't want to look like is Arsenal where we have to look in other players for young talent.


I find the way galliani does business, classless and the antithesis of what milan stands for. I think it paints a bad picture for the image of milan. A few of my friends consistantly point this out to me, and as mch as i argue against it, because i believe milan stands as a club of values and class, and not just a cash factory like chelsea, but an actual family, its a legitimate point. Until he's gone i dont think my opinion will ever change.

I think it's legitimate and I think it's clever. I think the way he does it, he gets results done. Galliani isn't classless, but just a shrewd negotiator. I do like him and I hope he stays...

[Ghost]

Van Persie to Juve is pretty much on par with Kaka to Chelski...

Both are nice rumors, but unlikely to be actual transfers.

Exactly, Imo there is more of a chance Adebayor leaving.

Van Persie is a type of player who can really change the game from the flick of his left heel, a very dangerous player when fully fit - that's the problem with him as he suffers quiet a few injuries per season. I feel when this guy is fully fit and raring to go, only a few players in the PL can match him. Also on top of that Wenger has a special bond with this guy, it will take a lot of money to prize him away. Juventus have a better chance at trying to get Merida, but they'll have to let Giovinco go :p

[Giancarlo]

Yeah the Van Persie thing is just a rumor. I kinda feel for him sometimes because he gets injury after injury... I admit I'd like to see him fully fit shaking off all these injuries...

Eidur Gudjohnsen is free to leave Barcelona... I'm not sure if that means on free transfer... according to goal.crap...

http://www.goal.com/en-US/Articolo.aspx?ContenutoId=784251

If it is on the free, I think Milan should get him...

Edit: On the other hand another attacking midfielder... probably not the one we need.

[Milano84]

arsenal is destructing.... I cant blame van persie for considering leaving. Arsene recalled carlos vela, plans to use walcott as a striker,eduardo will be back, and then theres bendtner and adebayor. Although they have soooo many great young talents (and many more coming up) players are getting tired of getting paid less and not winning. peticularly established first 11 players who want just a few signings to solidify there chance to win league. That being said, i doubt he'll leave now...
gallas though is very realistic. To be honest i dont know that we'd be able to get him for ust 5 million, as i'm sure juve and barca and possibly real madrid would jump option at a wc defender on the cheap, no matter age.

personally i like arsenal more than any epl team. 1 they play good football 2 its ike watching a world academy, see all these good up and cming players who will floorish elsewhere :-D

[Giancarlo]

arsenal is destructing.... I cant blame van persie for considering leaving. Arsene recalled carlos vela, plans to use walcott as a striker,eduardo will be back, and then theres bendtner and adebayor. Although they have soooo many great young talents (and many more coming up) players are getting tired of getting paid less and not winning. peticularly established first 11 players who want just a few signings to solidify there chance to win league. That being said, i doubt he'll leave now...
gallas though is very realistic. To be honest i dont know that we'd be able to get him for ust 5 million, as i'm sure juve and barca and possibly real madrid would jump option at a wc defender on the cheap, no matter age.

personally i like arsenal more than any epl team. 1 they play good football 2 its ike watching a world academy, see all these good up and cming players who will floorish elsewhere :-D

The way Arsenal is going I'd be surprise if we don't sign another Arsenal player lol.

I don't know what they did... but what an exodus of players. They all are simply leaving. This is why I don't think Arsenal will ever win anything. They can't hold onto talent and are forced to look for new players.

[ACMILAN1983]

true about serginho but he was also behind the 2 greatest lb's in the game (maldini and roberto carlos). I ask you honestly, do you consider antonini up to the levels serginho ever was?

I think its shortsided to praise management to the leaves for recalling 3-4 loaned players. Signing a free agent and 2 players who desperately wanted to go to milan, so bad 1 was willing to take a wage decrease.

I find the way galliani does business, classless and the antithesis of what milan stands for. I think it paints a bad picture for the image of milan. A few of my friends consistantly point this out to me, and as mch as i argue against it, because i believe milan stands as a club of values and class, and not just a cash factory like chelsea, but an actual family, its a legitimate point. Until he's gone i dont think my opinion will ever change.

That being said its not why i support milan. I support milan because i love the club, not adriao galiani

I wouldn't say Sergio was behind Maldini so much in Milan, as most of his time at Milan was at LB (due to his suspect defending). As for R.Carlos, yes he was behind him, but realistically we have to consider how often he was in the Brazil squad as his understudy, which honestly wasn't too often. I'm not saying Antonini is up to Sergio's level, but I think we've offered him a chance after some good years and it's up to him to try and take it.

I think Galliani deserves some credit. You could just as well argue that he was smart in not selling these loaned players and holding them all these years, or making Milan an enticing prospect despite failing to qualify for CL and getting players to take a wage decrease to come. I'm not saying Galliani's performed any miracles this mercato, but I think he's worked pretty hard this summer to bring in some positive changes, and has earnt some credit for it.

I don't understand why you think Galliani's the antithesis of what Milan stands for. He's done his job and gotten results, maintaining the image of Milan as a family orientated company. We may not like his comments to the media, but he often plays them during negotiations and he's gotten results with his comments this summer (I doubt we'd have gotten Dinho's price so low without some of the comments for example).

[Jeff]

I don't think catching on the semantic is going to do any good to the topic of discussion...

[Siregar]

In total : Milan are in a minus of ~13.5m eur for the bought players and ~8.6m eur for the wages (not counting the taxes. With taxes counted, Milan will have to pay ~17m eur more for wages this year).

P.S: I used wikipedia for the info about this year's transfers and their wages.

The idea of your post is great, Tony!

I do hope, R10 effects can cover that minus ~17 m for this year. :D

By the way, if we compare to the season when we had Sheva, Rui and Stam, I think in that time we paid much more than for this year. I dont have source, maybe Tony can help me to count it? :D

In that time (when we had Rui, Stam and Sheva), we still managed to sign Gila for pretty high price.

[Jeff]

Im' temporary closing this thread so that this won't go out of hand. I"ll open it in 5 minutes. Meanwhile, I'm warning all of you.

If you get to an argument, go back to private message. This becomes such a pointless argument that we are all so sick of. This is Summer Mercato, not who plays at what position.

Kerlz & Giancarlo: you two have been warned yesterday; two of you together I have deleted and edited more than 6 posts yesterday. This becomes totally unacceptable from the two of you. And I'm officially warning the two of you here now: If any one of you get into a similar argument, I will bar your access to milanmania for at least 2 weeks.

YOU ARE WARNED.

Other 'by-standers' like Ghost: If you don't want to get into this mess, don't get into it. If the fire is already on, you certainly don't want to pour oil in it.

Best,
J

[Jeff]

I'm reopening the thread now. I hope for a civil and sensible conversation.

[sheva-gila]

stopped please let us enjoy disscusing for milan

[Milano84]

changing topic....

7/20/2008 1:09 PM
Dinho Deal One Of The Most Difficult Ever - Bronzetti
Fifa agent Ernesto Bronzetti came back on the negotiations leading to Ronaldinho's transfer from Barcelona to Milan.

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Fifa agent Ernesto Bronzetti came back on the negotiations which brought Ronaldinho from Barcelona to Milan, and reveals just how close Dinho was to joining Manchester City instead of the Rossoneri.
"This was the most difficult negotiation I have ever overseen," said the transfer expert, who was present during the decisive meetings between Milan vice-president Adriano Galliani, Barcelona president Joan Laporta, and the player's agent and brother Robert De Assis.
"Barcelona had decided to sell Ronaldinho to Manchester City for 37m. euros against the 23m. offered by Milan. They wanted to sell Samuel Eto'o to the Rossoneri for that sum instead. But at the end of the day, everything turned out well."
The Brazilian ace rejected the lucrative offer from Manchester City as he strongly favored a move to the Serie A giants. In fact, he was willing to forego his cut of the transfer fee which helped Milan mount a successful 26.5m. bid.
Danilo Pochini
--------

eto'o for 23? HMMMM thats very interesting. I dunno how i feel in my opinion, on form ronaldinho is best player in world, so its hard to knock that signing... but 1 cant deny eto'o is a world class cf and possibl a better tactical fit. Eitherway when u consider we paid 10 mil for borriello, aka value him at 20 mil.... thats where it becomes interesting.



ps. http://www.football-lineups.com/footballer/487/
http://www.football-lineups.com/match/8570/
http://www.football-lineups.com/match/11914/

look at the lineups hes listed as center forward but lines up everywhere. you're both right.... Personally a attacker who is about to turn 30 and is avg doesnt really interest me

[Reza]

Thanx Jeff and everybody for trying to keep the forum fun, friendly and for on-topic discussions.
To be honest after everybody has seen Jeff's warning I will have to go through and delete more argument posts that have nothing to do with the mercato and shouldn't be on any forum anyway, we are Milan fans and can express our passion for the team but not argue and/or insult.

[GeoTav]

SPOT ON! Reading this would have saved many hours of frustration.

It seems like they didn't even see my post ... lol
They made me leaving the site whereas I didn't come for some days ... good performance from them !! lol

[GeoTav]

If someone is able to recapitulate mercatos from our strongest rivals (Inter, Juventus, Roma, Fiorentina, maybe Napoli and Lazio) to allow us to make a first statement about what team will be the most dangerous next year, it would be very cool ^^

[Bosniaco]

I got this from channel4.com

MILAN
IN: Flamini (Arsenal), Abbiati (Atletico Madrid), Zambrotta (Barcelona), Borriello (Genoa), Storari (Cagliari), Ronaldinho (Barcelona)
OUT: Gilardino (Fiorentina), Gourcuff (Bordeaux), Cafu (Expired contract), Serginho (Expired contract), Storari (Fiorentina), Grimi (Sporting Lisbon)

NAPOLI
IN: Rinaudo (Palermo), Maggio (Sampdoria), Denis (Independiente)
OUT: Sosa (Gimnasia La Plata), Rullo (Triestina), Calaio' (Siena), Garics (Atalanta), Bucchi (Ascoli)



INTER
IN: Adriano (Sao Paulo), Recoba (Torino), Giacomelli (Foligno), Mancini (Roma), Jimenez (Ternana)
OUT: Maniche (Atletico Madrid)

JUVENTUS
IN: Mellberg (Aston Villa), Giovinco (Empoli), Marchisio (Empoli), Amauri (Palermo), Ekdal (Brommapojkarna), De Ceglie (Siena), Knezevic (Livorno), Poulsen (Sevilla)
OUT: Nocerino (Palermo), Stendardo (Lazio), Volpato (Bari), Palladino (Genoa), Cuneaz (Mantova), Essabr (Vicenza), Del Prete (Siena)

LAZIO
IN: Carrizo (River Plate), Stendardo (Juventus), Foggia (Cagliari), Zarate (Lazio), Matuzalem (Real Zaragoza)
OUT: Bianchi (Manchester City), Mudingayi (Bologna), Zauri (Fiorentina)

FIORENTINA
IN: Comotto (Torino), Jovetic (Partizan), Melo (Almeria), Gilardino (Milan), Vargas (Catania), Jefferson (Parana Clube), Storari (Milan), Zauri (Lazio)
OUT: Ujfalusi (Atletico Madrid), Liverani (Palermo), Potenza (Genoa), Cacia (Piacenza), Vieri (Expired contract), Di Carmine (Queens Park Rangers), Do Prado (Released)


ROMA
IN: Riise (Liverpool), Loria (Siena), Rosi (Chievo)
OUT: Barusso (Siena), Curci (Siena), Mancini (Inter), Giuly (PSG), Antunes (Lecce)

[Russo-Neri]

I was browsing the web and turned up this little tidbit from Cristian Zapata:

"I have been having meetings to try to reach an agreement," he told Radio Caracol. But for now, I am focusing on Udinese. When the championship ends, I will talk about the interest of other teams. The only thing I can say at this moment is that my departure from Udinese is 70 per cent likely. Fiorentina and Milan are very near. I like Milan more because of what the team means and what it has but, if I have the chance to play at Fiorentina, that would also be something very good for my career."

This quote apparently took place early this year. The article that has this quote is dated June 5.

http://www.arsenalinsider.co.uk/backpage-roundup/back-page-round-up-who-is-cristian-zapata-videos-here/

I doubt we'll get him this summer, and I also doubt Udinese will sell him to anyone. It's just nice to hear a quote from the player himself describing our interest in him and his preference for us.

[Jeff]

It seems like they didn't even see my post ... lol
They made me leaving the site whereas I didn't come for some days ... good performance from them !! lol

And you are not the only one. Some of you didn't realize how these petty arguments are driving some of the other posters away, and you think we are just 'talking'.

We are serious about that, and have been way far too lenient.

Remember that the two of you (Kerlz are Giancarlo) is warned. Anything similar happening in the future will lead to a bar.

Now back to the topic...

[kawiki]

Guys, what's the latest news of these players, those (once) related to milan transfer or rumour?
- ochoa
- akinfeev
- mario gomez
- fred (lyon's striker)

By the way, has milan use the 1 non EU spot player? I think that R10 already has spanish passport so the spot is still available, right?. Would be great to use it in on ochoa/akinfeev.

[Giancarlo]

Guys, what's the latest news of these players, those (once) related to milan transfer or rumour?
- ochoa
- akinfeev
- mario gomez
- fred (lyon's striker)

By the way, has milan use the 1 non EU spot player? I think that R10 already has spanish passport so the spot is still available, right?. Would be great to use it in on ochoa/akinfeev.

We're not really tied to anyone right now, since the acquisition of Ronaldinho.

The Serie A now allows two 2 non-EU players to be acquired per season...

[Milano84]

on your post kawiki,
I think frey will come when fiorentina get knocked outta CL... i dont wanna wait till that, but oh well. Ochoa is interesting though..... very athletic keeper. I actually havent heard akineev's name to us but interesting......I think it'll be boruc and frey for GK eventualaly (2009)

[kawiki]

frey... Wasn't he the merda's goalie in the 6-0 trashing?
If we should wait for a year, Lloris seems more interesting.

We're not really tied to anyone right now, since the acquisition of Ronaldinho.

The Serie A now allows two 2 non-EU players to be acquired per season...

ah I forgot about the new rule. So, basically those 2 spots are still available right?

And I know about the galliani statement about the market is closed for milan, but one can still hope...

[Giancarlo]

ah I forgot about the new rule. So, basically those 2 spots are still available right?

And I know about the galliani statement about the market is closed for milan, but one can still hope...

Yes both are available. All players we got are EU status...

I'm not hopeful we will get anymore players.

[Jeff]

I'm not hopeful we will get anymore players.

I just remember Galliani saying the same thing before we bought Nesta :):):)

[Milano84]

frey was only 20 then...he was in amazing form this season. 28, good age for gk, basically saved fiorentinas asses.

yeah i think market is closed on big names... but should a player of interest want to leave (like gallas at arsenal) or some young noneu players interest... we may see those. i just dont expect an eto'o or gomez or some europen league name

[Milano84]

nesta and gilardino 'we arent interested'.... boom last minute jump in. so no1 knows. i think we'll sell before we buy though

[catennacio]

back to milan, are we going buy a gk or not? i dont want both dida and kalac.. they sucked last season.

[Giancarlo]

nesta and gilardino 'we arent interested'.... boom last minute jump in. so no1 knows. i think we'll sell before we buy though

If we do sell, then we could buy I think... sell Brocchi and Simic. I hear Simic is going to be sold according to Galliani...

[Milano84]

well call adriano up and ask him where to, how much and who is he considering to buy next :-D

[Giancarlo]

well call adriano up and ask him where to, how much and who is he considering to buy next :-D

Alright.. I'll be back in about a half hour lol. :)

I wish I would know. I hope we get an absolute surprise signing.

[catennacio]

where are all the posts.. we suppose to have 624 pages.. not 621 pages like now.

[Jeff]

I trashed them.

[kris]

back to milan, are we going buy a gk or not? i dont want both dida and kalac.. they sucked last season.

Kalac played really well last season. Anyway, it is more than doubtful that we will buy a new keeper.

[Giancarlo]

Kalac played really well last season. Anyway, it is more than doubtful that we will buy a new keeper.

I'm like "eh" about Kalac... he's a good keeper and a good back-up, but not wonderful... he's also getting older... either way, we got Abbiati back on loan and I like him more than Kalac, and certainly more than butter fingers...

[Ghost]

Jeff my apologies, wont happen again.

[Vulli]

Inter are after thiago silva :dazed:

[Tony75]

While we're after Panucci. WTF??

[_Ace]

let me guess... the sources are from goal.com and the likes?

[Tony75]

Nope, http://www.tuttomercatoweb.com/?action=read&id=114380

taken from il Messaggero which is a roman newspaper.

[ginoformaggino]

I've heard, 3-4 days ago instead of ... :1avs:, that Corvino was interested in Flu Thiago Silva.
I watched him and I'm sure when I say this one is really a great player, with a pace out of the common.

Anyway his price is very high, around 12-15 mil. €., not peanuts. :dconf:

about summer market in Italy,
http://www.corrieredellosport.it/Notizie/Calcio/32060/Segui+acquisti+e+cessioni+della+tua+squadra


:sagrin:

[ZvonimirBoban]

Van Persie is the 'right' player for any team, as he can play at the right flank.:tongue1::ilol:

Management said, we closed the door for any new arrivals. Realistically, as I said before, we closed the door for any expensive purchase. Maybe Adebayor and Arsenal-Wenger couldn't reconcile and they suddenly decide to offer him to us for 5M euros... Crazy if we don't take him... :ilol: Or we bought some young GKs with cheap price... Anything can happen... Simic, Brocchi, and maybe Seedorf (I don't wish, though) could fuel it further with money we'd get if they to depart.

[ARIO]

While we're after Panucci. WTF??

:) remember mate...we're not in CL. Maybe next year, when we reached our objectives (Scudetto and UEFA Cup), we'll poach Buffon and Zapata....
Panucci would be an adequate direct replacement of Simic

[ZvonimirBoban]

:) remember mate...we're not in CL. Maybe next year, when we reached our objectives (Scudetto and UEFA Cup), we'll poach Buffon and Zapata....
Panucci would be an adequate direct replacement of Simic

He's still a great defender despite his age... For this year I won't mind and may happy if he comes...

[Siregar]

Hahaha pls no more OPA comes to Milan. 35 years old? Come on!

[ZvonimirBoban]

Dinho gets number 80...

[Russo-Neri]

Regarding Panucci, I'm both happy and angry. I'm happy because it sounds like our Mercato is NOT closed. It looks like we are targeting a CB, which we desperately need assuming Simic and Digao are to leave. And as far as Panucci, I still think he's a great player who can really help any team.

But the guy is 35! Milan keeps talking about how we have debts and a bottom line and can't go frivolously spending money on players the way Madrid and Chelsea do. Yet how much sense does it make to spend money on a player that only has 2 years of viability left? Panucci won't be cheap, despite his age. How much will he potentially cost? 4 million? Well then, wouldn't it make more sense in the long term to spend 3 times that much now on a young player like Zapata who can give you potentially 15+ years of service? And because he's so young, that 12 million is actually an investment as Zapata is an appreciating asset. You could buy him now at 12 million and then sell him if you needed money at 3 times that amount in about 4 years.

Panucci is a fantastic player, in spite of his age. He was probably Italy's second most consistant player at Euro08. But enough with signing old players. We need some youth - especially on defense! All we've really done this offseason defensively is upgrade Cafu with Zambrotta (who himself is a not-so-young 31). That's good, but when you consider the rest of our defense is all over the age of 30 with the exception of Bonera, you realize that this team is going to need to make some serious changes fast. Why not get the ball rolling with Zapata?

[Russo-Neri]

Disappointing about Dinho getting 80. I was hoping he'd get the #10. i guess Seedorf wasn't too keen on giving up his jersey # as well as his starting spot.

Seedorf can be a big baby. I say that because they just replayed the Fiorentina-Milan match on FSC last night. This is the match where Seedorf sprained his ankle early in the game, was ineffective as a result and was substituted by Pato around the 68th minute. Rather than walk to the sidelines and greet Pato, who at this point only played in around 5 matches, he instead walked towards the far baseline and didn't acknowledge anyone. I get tired of his pouting and cranky attitude. Hopefully he doesn't destroy team chemistry with his antics this season.

[ZvonimirBoban]

And so... why not Santacroce? Zapata, Santacroce, better than Panucci. But Panucci is better than nothing. I won't be angry if he comes, but I truly hope any other young CBs coming, the sooner the better. We're not trying to capture Per Mertesacker?

[Warro Bantan]

Panucci is just the sort of player that Milan would go for, even if I doubt the veracity of the rumors....

He is a solid defender, can play as a WB or CD, and has years of valuable experience.

We might all flinch at his age, but if he comes on a free, or for a small fee, he could turn out to be one of the better signings of the summer.

Still doubt he will in fact arrive however.

[Russo-Neri]

about summer market in Italy,
http://www.corrieredellosport.it/Notizie/Calcio/32060/Segui+acquisti+e+cessioni+della+tua+squadra


:sagrin:

Interesting. So according to the figures they show, Milan spent 43 million Euros on arriving players and received 32.25 million Euros on departing players. So basically this team spent less than 11 million during these transfers. Obviously these figures are unconfirmed and do not indicate player raises/salaries. Also, while Flamini was a free transfer, I recall Milan paying several million to Flamini as part of the negotiations.

But still, while Milan have made great moves this summer, I can't help but think Milan should spend more. Not for the sake of spending mind you, but to upgrade GK and defense - particularly CB. Oh well, I guess we'll have to wait until next year when we qualify for the CL to finally fix our backline.

[K77SH C]

Santacroce AND Zapatta, YES please!! Maybe not both this year though.

Mertesacker, after watching him in the Euros NEVER!!

Panucci, is no better than Kaladze, Jankulovski, Bonera, Kalaadze, Oddo. No thanks. Those players are additions to our first choices Nesta, Maldini and Zambro.

All we need now are players that can improve our starting 11.

[Campari]

Finally, with poaching Panucci Milan starts to bring up some fresh blood in the defence, a talented and hungry player...

All we need now are players that can improve our starting 11.

Or do so alternatively in the future!

[Giancarlo]

Panucci is just the sort of player that Milan would go for, even if I doubt the veracity of the rumors....

He is a solid defender, can play as a WB or CD, and has years of valuable experience.

We might all flinch at his age, but if he comes on a free, or for a small fee, he could turn out to be one of the better signings of the summer.

Still doubt he will in fact arrive however.

I agree with you. Panucci is a solid defender who has many years of experiences behind him. I'd prefer someone younger but he could be a good interim measure, and he'll probably retire shortly. Panucci, while 35, may have some to offer Milan.

I understand some of the concerns people have about how many years he has left to offer. I agree... I'd prefer someone slightly younger too.

I'm very suspicious of younger defenders though (below 25 or even 30 for that matter)... defenders need a lot more experience to be great... I mean I remember Germany's defenders... that were all under the age of 29... they were LOUSY. Frankly, I'd be very upset if we go for ANY german defenders. Mertesacker is not Milan grade... forget him.

[kawiki]

^ how about Philip Lahm? He's good isn't he? At least better than simic

[Giancarlo]

^ how about Philip Lahm? He's good isn't he? At least better than simic

He's great going forward, I'll give him that... but that guy doesn't know how to defend... heck, he's basically the one that lost it for Germany by letting Torres slip like that.

Germany's defenders are unusually slow... even if they are young.

[kawiki]

^ agree about the defending part. But with him, we can change to 4-4-2 formation, add more options to carlo. More like serginho role.

So, any other players on the table or we better start new winter mercato thread? :cool:

[Giancarlo]

^ agree about the defending part. But with him, we can change to 4-4-2 formation, add more options to carlo. More like serginho role.

So, any other players on the table or we better start new winter mercato thread? :cool:

You know I think we may get another defender now... it seems like the option is open... the management understands that there needs to be some cover in case a defender gets injured...

I see us getting Panucci for the right price/free... does anyone know when his contract is up with Roma?

I'd really prefer Mexes... but that's not gonna happen lol. He's been with Roma for 4 years now... so is his contract coming to an end?

[Snapster]

I'm very suspicious of younger defenders though (below 25 or even 30 for that matter)... defenders need a lot more experience to be great... I mean I remember Germany's defenders... that were all under the age of 29... they were LOUSY. Frankly, I'd be very upset if we go for ANY german defenders. Mertesacker is not Milan grade... forget him.

If you are good enough then you are are old or young enough. I've no problem with going for players at either end of the age scale but I do have problems going for players that aren't good enough at all. Obviously if you are young you have your health and time on your side to improve, but if you are over the hill and not quality enough then forget it.

Mertesacker is a bit unfair to single out having missed most of the season due to injury and clearly lacked match practise. The others you can not excuse so much.

[Milano84]

im personally VERY bitter inter are onto thiago silva. this guy is super fast and good defender. He offers something we dont have out back. pannucci? Cmon, i like him, but how is that an upgrade or difference tyo simic, kaladze or maldini? If we get new defender we need to upgrade, or get potential player who will be an upgrade.

its better to pay 10-15 mil for a defender who can contribute for over 10 years....as opposed to pannucci for 4-5 mil for 1-2 seasons max! Thiago Silva also has more upside. Should he develop slowly, we still have paolo, kaladze... obviously bonera.

I'm just using silva as an example, same holds true for other young CBs. You guys all know, if thiago silva moves to a european club and impresses, or zapata performs well again they will be 25-30+ million players. quality young CBs are expensive and hard to come by.

My biggest fear is nesta getting hurt for an extended period.

[Giancarlo]

Mexes is more my kind of defender... I'd love to see Roma sell him to Milan... he's experienced in the Serie A, and is what 26/27?

Something hilarious from Galliani from goal.crap...

http://www.goal.com/en-US/Articolo.aspx?ContenutoId=785882

"An offer of €150m for Kakà doesn’t exist from anyone, even less so from Chelsea,” said Galliani.

"These reports are urban legends. Someone will write tomorrow that there is a €200m offer, and in September the figure will reach €300m.

------

LOL. A little humor... man before we know it someone will be offering the GDP of an entire small country for Kaka lol...

[jtelly]

This is a season to get some long-term, young replacements...especially in defense. While I respect Panucci's contributions to the club (especially against Barca in 94) and think he was a good performer at Euro 2008, I don't want another band-aid; this is the year to bleed youngsters, to let them get euro experience in a cup that let's be honest, if we don't win nobody's gonna care, and we can start to gel a great new cycle.
I'd actually rather just keep the squad as it is than add Panucci, no disrespect to him. But it'd save us money for next year if that is when we'll get a new young CD.
All in all, I am VERY excited for the season, and thankful for the job Galliani and Berlu have done-the impending sense of dread that I felt before last season has been replaced by giddy excitement!

[jtelly]

I have loved Mexes since he was on Auxerre, he totally stood out and I was pissed when he went to Roma, especially because it was a sketchy transfer. I don't think Roma would sell him and haven't heard any rumors, are there any floating around Giancarlo?

[Giancarlo]

Yeah it's just a pie in the sky rumor regarding Panucci...

I see us getting another young defender... I'd really like Mexes though... but I don't think Roma will give him up.

Edit: I haven't heard any rumors. Last time I heard was Galliani saying that he wasn't gonna move for him... but Galliani says a lot of stuff.

[GeoTav]

I think this topic is going to lose its hype now ... ^^
Why ?
Simply because I don't see us signing a "big player" unless it is a surprise, so actually there is not going to be any interesting and persistent rumors anymore ...

[Giancarlo]

Well there could be one more signing, but nothing dramatic and nothing major...

[Tony29.]

http://www.animatunes.com.br/animacoes/?a=2008/07/20/ao-quadrado :D

Click on the play sign. I found it in Gazzetta.

[K77SH C]

http://www.animatunes.com.br/animacoes/?a=2008/07/20/ao-quadrado :D

Click on the play sign. I found it in Gazzetta.

I laughed until I saw the Milan shirt:3band:

[Vulli]

Matteo Ferrari's agent revealed that an agreement could not be found with Fiorentina because of the player's salary demands

We have two offers lined up and they are two Italian clubs, because Matteo has chosen to refuse the many foreign offers he added

could he come to Milan ??

[bayern]

^ how about Philip Lahm? He's good isn't he? At least better than simic

well sort of. he has his moments.

he is highly rated abroad, whyever.

lahm said some time ago, he wants to play for a bigger club than bayern, more champions league winner attitude...bla bla. since this statement he played mostly crap last saison. :rollani:

he did better at the euros and he is still young.

I would not mind if he decides to leave.

[Giancarlo]

Matteo Ferrari's agent revealed that an agreement could not be found with Fiorentina because of the player's salary demands

We have two offers lined up and they are two Italian clubs, because Matteo has chosen to refuse the many foreign offers he added

could he come to Milan ??

It's possible. I happen to think he's a good player and could be a good player to have as a sub. However, his salary demands? Lets hope they are not too high because then I think Milan would be making a mistake.

[Milano84]

he's good but i dont think hes better than kaladze, bonera or maldini or ever will be..... if we get another CB, i want him to have potential to be good enough to start.... like bonera, he may not be better than kaladze today. but ithink 1 day he will be.

[Giancarlo]

he's good but i dont think hes better than kaladze, bonera or maldini or ever will be..... if we get another CB, i want him to have potential to be good enough to start.... like bonera, he may not be better than kaladze today. but ithink 1 day he will be.

He's a good back-up player. We need an interim measure when Simic leaves... we're not wanting him to replace Kaladze, Maldini or even Bonera. We need him in case something happens. And not having too much money...

If he's on free transfer, then I think we should get him. I think Ferrari has potential... he's 28... maybe he'll get better when he get's older.

[Milano84]

meh i think simic is better. i think simic is underrated personally... definately not a world breaker but if he's your 5th choice cb ur ok. I think its better to go after a potential wc cb. Because ultimately i dont think kaladze is consistant enough to be a cb on a top teir team. definately a great squad player to fill in and play. But if u consider paolo is 40 and on his last season.. nesta is 32 and although i expect 3-5 more wc years out of him, you never know what can happen injurywise, and with bonera i ust dont know.... will it be the bonera at end of season who showed great potential.... or will it be the bonera of year before.
I'm just saying CB like zapata, thiago silva, santacroce..... these r guys in a season or two i expect to be VERY VERY expensive.

[Giancarlo]

Simic is 32 years old now... Ferrari is 28... I think Ferrari simply needs need a new experience... he's not Bonera... personally I like Bonera as a player and I like his style as a player... he doesn't sit back... sometimes he does these questionable fouls (like one in that Juventus game that was just... no words to describe that), but he has huge potential.

[Milano84]

i just think ferrari will become another overpaid squad player. i'd rather hold out for a guy who has big potential.... or already is class.... i just dont see what ferrari brings that simic doesnt... let alone 4 guys ahead of him... unless ferari is gonna take alot smaller contract

[Giancarlo]

i just think ferrari will become another overpaid squad player. i'd rather hold out for a guy who has big potential.... or already is class.... i just dont see what ferrari brings that simic doesnt... let alone 4 guys ahead of him... unless ferari is gonna take alot smaller contract

He's younger, and frankly we do need some cover in the area of defense... there really isn't much resources left to buy someone else. I hear Ferrari may take 2 million... but I'm uncertain about that amount...

[Gabriel489]

I think unless someone great becomes available or players like SImic, Brocchi, Emerson, Favalli, Dida leave, there won't be any new signings.

[Filipéz 182]

I dont think we'll sign a quality CD this summer, maybe a free transfer player like Ferrari or a cheap option like Panucci, and this only if Simic would leave.

Bonera is a nice squad player but i dont think he'll ever be good enough to be a starter, he's already 27/28yo so he's not a youngster anymore. with a guy like this you wont win CL. we need a quality CD to replace maldini. Zapata would do it for me :) But probably we'll have to wait untill next summer

[mrki]

Two things are sure about Panucci:

1. he is top class player and could be usefull to Milan in next season
2. Whole europe would laugh to us after signing another +35 player!
-------------------------------------------------------------------

Bring him on! :)

[Milano84]

does anyone know anything about coutinho, kid inter signed... http://www.goal.com/en-US/Articolo.aspx?ContenutoId=787081

i know he wont be a factor this year cause of his age, but i'm still curious. ON that note, lets go sign lulinha.... 17... known as 'next ronaldinho'... who knows, but he was very impressive in u17 wc. Chelsea tried to sign him, and were unsuccessful, but i believe milan has a much better chance. Sign and loan away for a couple years

[Jim_UK]

when i first saw the headline about Coutinho, i thought it was some reference to Fernando Couto :delol:

[Bosniaco]

does anyone know anything about coutinho, kid inter signed... http://www.goal.com/en-US/Articolo.aspx?ContenutoId=787081

i know he wont be a factor this year cause of his age, but i'm still curious. ON that note, lets go sign lulinha.... 17... known as 'next ronaldinho'... who knows, but he was very impressive in u17 wc. Chelsea tried to sign him, and were unsuccessful, but i believe milan has a much better chance. Sign and loan away for a couple years
Real MAdrid tried to sgin him....

[Siregar]

Need help, Brasileiro. :D

Who is Cautinho and how do you rate him?

Thanks before.

[Gabriel489]

Zapata would be a dream transfer

[Vulli]

Nesta's Injury warning

the defender of Milan has a pain at his back, so it's probable that rossoneri return in the market in order to find another defender according to Corriere dello Sport

[marcovb]

I read it too
It seems that the player they are interested in is Alex Silva

I never saw him play but we were linked to this player many times before so they probably followed him long enough to make an opinion

[Vulli]

I think that Milan have some great alternatives like: M. Canin, Santacroce, Zapata, Ferarri, Thiago Silva, but according some reports Milan are likely to move for Alex Silva

Mexes would be a dream transfer

[Warro Bantan]

Hmmmm....this injury to Nesta could lead to us purchasing what most here consider one essential element of the squad, which is another CD.

Proverbial silver-lining on the cloud?

Not sure about this Alex Silva though (would prefer Zapata, and indeed Mexes would be a "dream" transfer)...anyone have any info on him? He sounds Brazilian...:dontkn:

[Vulli]

Alex Silva

Personal information

Full name Alex Sandro da Silva
Date of birth March 10, 1985 (age 23)
Place of birth Amparo, Brazil
Height 1.92 m
Playing position Central Defender
Current club Sao Paulo
Number 4

He is the younger brother of S.L. Benfica central defender Luisao

From Wikipedia

[Warro Bantan]

Thanks Vulli! :D

[Vulli]

According to Tuttomercato in Milan list for backup of Nesta are brazilains: Alex Silva, Thiago Silva and Breno

Zapata move to Milan this summer is unlikely because of his price that is around 15-20 mil euro

Alex Silva - age 23 - 1.92 m - price around 5 M

Thiago Silva - age 23 - 1.83 m - price around 10 - 12 M

Breno - age 18 - 1.87 m - he is Bayen player but according to some reports he may leave Germany

[Russo-Neri]

WEIRD! Last night before going to bed, I was thinking that Milan would be in serious trouble if Nesta were to get injured as I see him as the only true WC CB on our team. Sure enough, the big story this morning is Nesta hurting his back.

Tonight before going to bed, I'm going to think about how great it would be to win the scudetto ;)

[Russo-Neri]

I was going throught the "Kaka's Father..." thread. It's fun reading that thread - especially the posts about Pato. Brasileiro announced Pato very early on and the hype just continued about him. It's so fortunate that we were able to sign Pato. Anyway, I stumbled on a comment Brasileiro made about Thiago Silva...

"Thiago Silva is a CB. A very good and skilled CB. I don´t know if you remember, but I wrote about him(here in MM) some time ago. If i´m not wrong, when I was hyping Marcelo...
While this guy have talent, the possible purchase of Thiago, makes me to come back to an old debate. IMO, we really need a physical CB to pair with Nesta or Maldini. As they said in NFL with the offensive line, we need a MAULER in defence and Thiago isn´t this type of defender.
But, don´t get me wrong, this guy is a very good defender!! As we said in Brazil, a "classical defender"!! A CB that besides be good at destroy, is very skilled for the position...By far, the best defender playing in Brazil( followed for David of Palmeiras that I wrote in the post above), and IMO a much better defender than Bonera..."

[ZvonimirBoban]

Is Santacroce too expensive for us? Anyone know how much his cost about?

[Tony29.]

Is Santacroce too expensive for us? Anyone know how much his cost about?
I think it's pretty obvious that Napoli won't be selling their best players so now nobody's even asking for them.
It was speculated that Juve, Chelsea and Inter were after Hamsik and they were ready to offer +20m eur, but Napoli rejected the offers. Probably the same will happen if someone wants to buy Lavezzi or Santacroce.
They are building a team that will compete for the scudetto in 2 or 3 years and they don't even think about selling their super talented youngsters. I expect in this and next mercato Napoli to by a buying team and if they won't achieve good results in next 2 seasons only then they'll start selling.

[jtelly]

I think Abate was just loaned to Torino...check out acmilan.com

[Giancarlo]

Nesta's Injury warning

the defender of Milan has a pain at his back, so it's probable that rossoneri return in the market in order to find another defender according to Corriere dello Sport

Aw that's terrible. He's like the best defender in the world, and it's always a pleasure to see him play. I do hope we get another defender, but I really hope he recovers... this injury seems to have been with him for quite some time...

[Gabriel489]

I think Zapata is more likely than Santacroce as I really don't see Napoli selling him.

As Tony mentioned, I think if Napoli continues to do well next year, if I am them I would rather finish at fifth or sixth rather than forth as they are far from playing in CL and Serie A at the same time even with a few great signings next season. If they do indeed get a UEFA Cup spot, I won't be surprise if they actually go out and sign a superstar or two.

[Gabriel489]

Aw that's terrible. He's like the best defender in the world, and it's always a pleasure to see him play. I do hope we get another defender, but I really hope he recovers... this injury seems to have been with him for quite some time...

The more I think about it, I think this injury news might be a way for Galli to raise the price of Simic.

[Giancarlo]

The more I think about it, I think this injury news might be a way for Galli to raise the price of Simic.

I'm sure of it... because now I think we have our eyes on a new defender... Simic... well, he doesn't strike me as world class, he's pretty good... but in all honesty I haven't really seen much of him...

[Gabriel489]

Simic was good but he just does not play anymore.

[Giancarlo]

Yeah. As far as I see it they should sell Brocchi and Simic... and get Thiago Silva or Alex Silva and Carlos Kameni...

http://www.goal.com/en-US/Articolo.aspx?ContenutoId=787833

The Cameroonian goalkeeper is expected to report back to the club's camp in Peralada and he is looking forward to next season and the move to the new stadium.

Valencia, Tottenham and a number of unnamed clubs were reported to be interested in his services, but with no official offers made Kameni is staying with the Blanc i Blau.

"I have been resting and not listening to the rumours and speculation," he told Sport.

----

Many rumors, but no concrete offers. Espanyol as I said is in a bit of financial difficulty.. and might be tempted to sell him at a lower rate (perhaps 5-7 million).

[HO-YOUNG]

what i squad # for the other new signings?

[Vulli]

Torino have completed the signing of Milan starlet Ignazio Abate in a co-ownership deal

[Giancarlo]

Torino have completed the signing of Milan starlet Ignazio Abate in a co-ownership deal

It'll be best for his development. It would be a pity to see him just sit on the bench all the time. After all, he said he would like to take one season on loan somewhere.

[jtelly]

Why did we co-own him rather than just loan him?

[Giancarlo]

Why did we co-own him rather than just loan him?

I don't know.

[Vulli]

Pasqualin: Mutu will go to Roma between today and tomorrow will be official announcement

[Giancarlo]

Pasqualin: Mutu will go to Roma between today or tomorrow will be official

Wow.

That will be a huge blow for Fiorentina... and force Gilardino to take an even more active role.

[hany.Egypt]

this will be stupid for both Roma and Fiorentina IMO, certainly Roma needs a first striker but do they need someone like Mutu, I mean he is world class of course but I guess they need some one like Hauntelaar a player that doesn't dribble a lot and only scores while Mutu won't give them a new option he will be just like a new Vucinic with more scoring ability and less dribbling one, I don't know what are Roma and Spaliti thinking about but for me, it just doesn't look very impressive indeed, as for Fiorentina are they going to depend only on Gila&Pazzini in both Seria A and CL, this sounds wired to me any way good luck for both of them and I really wish that they know exactly what they are doing as I like the 2 teams and which to see a great Seria a season this year and wish the best for all Italian Teams in the European competitions in the coming season.

[jtelly]

Yeah, Fiorentina would be seriously a lame team in the CL if they got rid of Mutu; weird move here. Part of why england has gotten so much attention is because of their success in the CL; it would look really bad if Fiorentina were to embarass themselves and serie A by fielding a weak team in the competition.
But I'm still trying to get my head around the Abate thing. We re-bought his half from Empoli, gave him a 4 year contract, and it seemed like it would be an exciting move. Then out of the blue we don't loan him out, but rather sell half to Torino...why? So if he does well we can re-buy his other half at a much greater cost? This one is beyond me, if anyone has any insight into it, please let me know.

[Ryo]

Yeah, Fiorentina would be seriously a lame team in the CL if they got rid of Mutu; weird move here. Part of why england has gotten so much attention is because of their success in the CL; it would look really bad if Fiorentina were to embarass themselves and serie A by fielding a weak team in the competition.
But I'm still trying to get my head around the Abate thing. We re-bought his half from Empoli, gave him a 4 year contract, and it seemed like it would be an exciting move. Then out of the blue we don't loan him out, but rather sell half to Torino...why? So if he does well we can re-buy his other half at a much greater cost? This one is beyond me, if anyone has any insight into it, please let me know.

Perhaps we're trying to ease the bills in whatever way to finance some secret star defender purchase :1d31:

[Giancarlo]

I think I may have an explanation... I may make a fool of myself in the process... but maybe we did it for financial incentive. To have them take half of his contract? I also think this may be psychological... Abate will have more incentive to play really well and that might cause Milan to get him back faster...

I just have the tendency of seeing co-ownership deals go better than loan deals for the player himself...

If I don't make any sense, maybe I'll shut up now lol.

[jtelly]

I definitely considered the financial aspect of it, but how much money can it really be? Oh well, I guess we'll just see how it goes!
Flamini seems to have earned good praise from the game in Cremona today.

[Giancarlo]

I definitely considered the financial aspect of it, but how much money can it really be? Oh well, I guess we'll just see how it goes!
Flamini seems to have earned good praise from the game in Cremona today.

I think while it may cost us more to bring him back later, if he improves more greatly it'll pay off for both Milan and Torino. And boy, Rosina was angry recently that his side didn't make any major signings...

Yep, I posted an article and some photos of that friendly match in another thread. I just view Milan as just getting warmed up... testing out a very experimental side... either way, I hear several players did impress. Flamini and Usuji...

[Warro Bantan]

what i squad # for the other new signings? check acmilan.com for that info bro.:dcool:

[Russo-Neri]

General manager Adriano Galliani was at the Stadio Zini and took the opportunity to comment on news Nesta was suffering from a back problem.
“It is not a serious problem,” he told Sky Italia. “We are relaxed because the player does not need an operation. Besides, we have six central defenders in the squad, so Milan will not be buying anyone else.”


http://www.channel4.com/sport/football_italia/jul23t.html

[kastriot]

General manager Adriano Galliani was at the Stadio Zini and took the opportunity to comment on news Nesta was suffering from a back problem.
“It is not a serious problem,” he told Sky Italia. “We are relaxed because the player does not need an operation. Besides, we have six central defenders in the squad, so Milan will not be buying anyone else.”


http://www.channel4.com/sport/football_italia/jul23t.html


With utmost respect to Galliani,but I just love it when he starts to reason his decisions with numbers for instance 6 defenders,where he counts favalli,jankullovski and zambro as defenders who can replace Nesta, or when he used to say we had 6 forwards and put there seedorf and kaka, I just love it.LOL

EDIT: Ambro is a defender too LOL

[Vulli]

Even Ambrosini Could Play In Central Defence - Galliani

[Vulli]

why Galiani is so gifted to make comments like this one, that makes fool of him self and in a same time makes that whole europe laugh with our team

[Jeff]

and then MIlan won the Champion League... that's the most baffling part.

[Milano84]

go awful day, just got back from 6 hours at hospital.

And then i read nesta injury concerns hmmm, i dont know alot about alex silva. Thiago silva interests me most, but someone brought up we need a big physical type to pair w/ maldini or nesta Isnt tha kaladze/bonera? I think we need a good defender period. I think most likel w/ be 1 from south america + sale of simic.
Gallas's name keeps coming up as he's unsettled at arsenal. He's about to lose captaincy to fabregas (as a player 10 years his superior, i;d be pissed!) I predict he'll be sold in january...but surely he doesnt have much time in arsenal left. I'd love to get a young defender, but if he's sold on the cheap, hes too class not to get. Versatile (cal play every position in backline). He's physical and smart. Perhaps his biggest knock is he's kind of a headcase.... but i think his issue is arsenal is young and he wants to win. At chelsea he was 0 issue, and was loved there. He idolized team leaders like john terry too. A milan environment with legends like maldini and nesta in back he'd surel know his place.

brasiliero, if u have more insight on alex silva to go along w/ thiago silva... wat kind of upside are we truly seeing with both?

Again, i would like to see them join before season starts, but i think it wont happen till january, should nesta have fitness issues. I dont think we can win w/ bonera and kaladze as our consistant top choice CBs.....However eitherone paired w/ nesta or another class CB, we're ok

[Vulli]

I have asked Brasileiro earlier about Thiago Silva and he rate him a lot Brasileiro responde was:


Great defender, Vulli... Amazing recovery speed, pace and skills for a defender. Doesn�t receive lots of cards(for me, it�s a great thing to have a defender that isn�t suspended a lot)and also a great professional and character.
Thiago also plays seriously, and despite his skills set(high for a CB), he rarely(is this word?) risks its position going foward. He also possesss a great shot and already did great goals from outside.

The 2 IF�s about Thiago(IMO) are:
- He�s unproven outside Brazil, since, when he was at Porto, Tiago had a serious injure, and didn�t played. About his time at Dinamo I don�t have information...Btw, be unproven isn�t a big thing, at leats for me, because proven Serie A players failed badly when they had come to Milan.

As I said before, if a player is used to be "the man" in a BIG team in Brazil, I feel myself more comfortable that he will not flop, than a Serie A great performer(brazilian, italian, french, spanish, colombian...) playing for a middle or small team. The pression in Brazil�s biggest clubs are cruel and unfair, and this give players mental strenght to play in a big team like Milan.

Just to place in perspective this pression thing: the same bad strech Kak� had in his second season at Milan, he had at S�o Paulo. After win the Golden Ball in Brazil, Kak� was playing bad at S�o Paulo some months before he came to Milan, and in contrast of the support that it received in Milan, S�o Paulo fans booed him every game, calling him choker, f** and other not so beautiful adjectives...we brazilians loves football, but we are by far the most unfair fans in the world, no doubt. ... and if a player can handle that in Big club in Brazi(and is also a real professional and high character guy, no doubt he will handle the pression of to play in big of Europe.

- The second IF, and this is a personal IF, is that imo we need a bruiser and aerial game specialist(like Terry, Alex...) to be paired with Nesta. We are so poor in set pieces and aerial game, and that isn�t even funny. I have no doubt that if Rafa Benitez put Crouch early in that final in Istambul, that game would have, at least, go to overtime...but don�t get me wrong, Thiago is good in aerial game, but he just isn�t dominant.

Regarding your question, Vulli...yep, Thiago Silva is "Milan material", no doubt....and I go for him over Zapata any day. It�s just my opinion, but like in the near past with the hype arround Perea(Atletico Madrid), and after to watch Zapata playing not only in Udinese but also for Colombia, I have no doubt that Thiago is a better defende

[Milano84]

yes i read that, and it excites me.... wat about alex silva though?

[t.gianni]

why Galiani is so gifted to make comments like this one, that makes fool of him self and in a same time makes that whole europe laugh with our team

Ambrosini has played as a CD in the past. He didn't play that often but did a good job. Before making the Ambrosini comment he clearly mentioned 6 other defenders who can play as a CD.

[Gabriel489]

6 CD of Milan=Nesta, Maldini, Kaldaze, Simic, Bonera and Darrian.
Oh my gosh, he is right, Milan do have six CB.

NOt to mention Kaka's little brother.

To some extend I do agree with him about having too many CBs at the moment, but to me, guys like Simic and Darrian should not count as they will not play in any meaningful games. That leaves with four. Which is still a good size and as long as Nesta and Maldini do not get hurts at the same time, we should be fine.

[Milano84]

agreed w/ you gabriel. In my opinion maldini blocked us from signing an cbs.... any most any quality cb wouldnt wanna come, except 1 versitile enough to play fb (gallas) or a young gun.... eitherway i'd say sell simic, loan darmian before we bring anyone on....

also... on this breno topic.... didnt he sign for 18-20 mil for bayern? would they really sell him for less... if at all? is he that distressed there?

[Milano84]

ok... i know this is Tribal but.....

AC Milan seek to raise cash for Silva bid
tribalfooball.com - July 23, 2008

AC Milan are ready to make an offer for Sao Paulo defender Alex Silva.
Controcampo says Milan's co-ownership sale of Ignazio Abate to Torino and Alberto Paloschi's pending move to Reggina will be used to fund a £3 million offer for Silva.

Milan are moving for the Brazil international over injury concerns for Alessandro Nesta.
------

the insinuations over alex silva etc r definitely tribal exaggeration. But the coownership money is not. its a possible explanation of coownership of abate over loan.
which also makes me wonder, on previous points of sales profit..... we have to consider money off coownership too....

[remote2book]

http://www.goal.com/en/Articolo.aspx?ContenutoId=789221

how about this guys spurs have repordetly have dropped their price for berba but not for united it mentions barca and milan...i know we should be looking for a CD but just a intersting rumor

[ZvonimirBoban]

http://www.goal.com/en/Articolo.aspx?ContenutoId=789221

how about this guys spurs have repordetly have dropped their price for berba but not for united it mentions barca and milan...i know we should be looking for a CD but just a intersting rumor

Milan will only go for him if his price go down to 5M... :diablo: Even Sheva loan deal looks like more realistic now than Berbatov.

I haven't heard enough of Alex Silva, so I won't make a judgement but I will not be too happy to have a player I didn't know at Milan squad. Thiago Silva... well... he's not cheap, isn't he?

Anybody have heard of Dutch young central defender Ryan Donk?

Edit: http://www.goal.com/en/Articolo.aspx?ContenutoId=786553

[Koeke]

Milan will only go for him if his price go down to 5M... :diablo: Even Sheva loan deal looks like more realistic now than Berbatov.

I haven't heard enough of Alex Silva, so I won't make a judgement but I will not be too happy to have a player I didn't know at Milan squad. Thiago Silva... well... he's not cheap, isn't he?

Anybody have heard of Dutch young central defender Ryan Donk?

Edit: http://www.goal.com/en/Articolo.aspx?ContenutoId=786553

That's to much for berbatov anyway.

Ryan Donk was born 30 march 1986. Ducht defender of AZ Alkamaar.
played 49 games in the dutch Eredivisie. What about him are we intrested in him? I haven't seen him play regularly but I doubt he would come to us yet. Could we use him? considering possible Maldini en Nesta injury's? At this moment I'dd say no
we still have bonera, kakladze, simic and Darmian even is Simic get's sold we still have Digao. (I can't belive I just typed this but to be honest I never seen him play but I suspect he is only here to keep Kaka here). Now that I think about it I heard footballclubs providing jobs for parents of players but milan is now even employing brother into their team ;))
If milan belives in Darmian they should give him a chance this season.

Apparantly we sold half of abate to torino, I don't like these deals to be honest. Either you sell a player or you loan him out. If a player turns out good we have to buy a bucket full to get him back and if he turns out crap well then what's the point then he will get sold again probably to a lower rated team.

[Warro Bantan]

Channel4 is also carrying the Berb to Milan story:

http://www.channel4.com/sport/football_italia/jul24c.html

Though they r being cautious, with that last bit @ the end.

I would be extremely surprised if we bought any other players this mercato.

[Vulli]

Milan are likely to keep a close eye on Sao Paulo stopper Alex Silva who is likely to be cheaper than other potential target Thiago Silva of Fluminense.

Both players will represent Brazil at this summer’s Olympics in China and reports in Italy claim that Milan have sent out some scouts to watch the duo

My preference would be Thiago Silva

[Tony29.]

Even the reduced price is huge. Tottenham are now asking £25m (31.25m euro) which is almost equal to the money Milan payed for Ronaldinho, Zambrotta and Flamini's wages.
Hard to imagine that Milan will go for it.

[Vulli]

what about Mario Gomez, (he is younger) but what is his price and how good is he if we compare him with Berba ??

[HO-YOUNG]

Berbatov is proven talent in germany and england and CL... not because he is not brazilian...or Media Pupet...he is worth what they are asking... No injury worries... sure net finder...with excelent technique...we need a striker... who do we have a a provenn net banger? Inzahgi?...Pato?

[Gabriel489]

TO be honest, I would actually take a chance with Polashi, Borreillo, Pato and Pippo instead of signing another striker.
Ofcourse, if the striker is someone like Drogba or RVN or Toni, it will be a different story.

[Russo-Neri]

There's 0% chance another striker is coming. There is 1% chance that we will make another transaction this summer. These Berbatov rumors are absolute nonsense. And we really don't need a FW as much as a CB.

[Nalx]

I read on acmilan.com that we sold half of the ownership of Abate to Torino. I thought we just bought back the full ownership a couple of months ago. What happen? Did he fail to impress in just several training sessions that we lose our faith in him very soon?

[_Ace]

I read on acmilan.com that we sold half of the ownership of Abate to Torino. I thought we just bought back the full ownership a couple of months ago. What happen? Did he fail to impress in just several training sessions that we lose our faith in him very soon?

no actually, Carlo, Galliani and him already stated that he(Abate) wanted another season on loan/co-ownership and then he will come back...

they also said that he signed a five years contract(please confirm? :D)

[Xudong]

check acmilan.com for that info bro.:dcool:

I am also curious. Has it come out yet? I failed to see it from the official website.

[Xudong]

no actually, Carlo, Galliani and him already stated that he(Abate) wanted another season on loan/co-ownership and then he will come back...

they also said that he signed a five years contract(please confirm? :D)

I believe it is a four-year contract. What is weird here is: why go for a co-ownership deal instead of a pure loan deal? With co-ownership in a year we probably will have to pay (much) more than what we got now.

[GeoTav]

I believe it is a four-year contract. What is weird here is: why go for a co-ownership deal instead of a pure loan deal? With co-ownership in a year we probably will have to pay (much) more than what we got now.

They maybe need some money for this summer by knowing that we will have more money next summer and so will be able to pay his come back (short-term strategy) ?

Just a "maybe" ...

[Warro Bantan]

I am also curious. Has it come out yet? I failed to see it from the official website. Indeed Xudong and Ho Young...I thought it would have been there, what with R80´s number having been sorted out...:dontkn:

[Warro Bantan]

Berbatov is proven talent in germany and england and CL... not because he is not brazilian...or Media Pupet...he is worth what they are asking... No injury worries... sure net finder...with excelent technique...we need a striker... who do we have a a provenn net banger? Inzahgi?...Pato?
Well according to the official site: http://www.acmilan.com/lm_team_roster.aspx

We have all of...wait for it....7 forwards!

So obviously a striker is out of the question...:rollani:

[Milano84]

i wonder how many forwards barcas website lists lol......

[Hasan Rossonero]

Well according to the official site: http://www.acmilan.com/lm_team_roster.aspx

We have all of...wait for it....7 forwards!

So obviously a striker is out of the question...:rollani:

Did you notice that Zambrotta was listed as a midfielder? Interesting. Will Carlo play him like Trap did in 2002? Who knows.

:D

[Kaka--7thUCL]

if i were milan id snap up berbatov -however for a fee at aroound 15-18mill, so we have a left over 5 mill saved to also buy one of the silvas.

[Bosniaco]

Milans list of players on the official web site is a joke. Come on Zambrotta in midfield? Roni, Seedorf, Kaka striker? Come on this is a joke.

[Russo-Neri]

About Galliani saying that we already have 6 CBs so there is no need for another signing: I guess quantity is more important than quality at this point.

About Abate: It makes no sense that we would sell a share of him rather than loan him. This stinks of a money reason and I fear that we have really hit bottom where we have to squeeze every last cent possible to meet our bottom line.

Milan made some great moves this summer. But when you consider all the players we sold, in truth we only payed a net of 10 million euros. Not what you'd call big spending. I'm really at a loss right now over how tight fisted the team has become. This team desperately needs to trim away some fat (ie Dida, Brocchi, Simic) and sign some quality (Boruc, Zapata, a LB). But the money/will just isn't there.

Aside from us not signing a CB, I was somewhat content with our transfer market - that is until the Abate move. I don't know - this Abate thing REALLY bothers me. How cheap have we become?????

[Gabriel489]

Well, another way to look at this Abate thing could be that teams nowadays would demand a co-ownership deal instead of loan as they no longer want to be the trainning ground for big clubs. At least in a co-ownership deal, they can earn a few millions if the players improves alot, this will also work as an incentive for those clubs to play the players more.

Don't worry unless Abate does a Maggio next season, he will be back at Milan for about 2M.

As for the Borreillo deal, actually Milan only played 5M, since Genoa played like 2.5 last season. And if Borreillo can prove to be a consistent scorer for Milan those 5M payed are much better than just paying Borreillo's salary to sit on the bench and never play.

[kris]

About Abate: It makes no sense that we would sell a share of him rather than loan him. This stinks of a money reason and I fear that we have really hit bottom where we have to squeeze every last cent possible to meet our bottom line.

There is no money reason. The reason is that clubs don't trust playing loaned players since they won't win much on it. With a co-ownership they can make a investment in playing the player.

[kris]

Don't worry unless Abate does a Maggio next season, he will be back at Milan for about 2M.

As for the Borreillo deal, actually Milan only played 5M, since Genoa played like 2.5 last season. And if Borreillo can prove to be a consistent scorer for Milan those 5M payed are much better than just paying Borreillo's salary to sit on the bench and never play.

It is possible they have a set sum as for Abate. I'd prefer if he played as great as being worth a lot. ;)

In the Borriello deal we included half of Di Gennaro, worth a indisclosed sum.

[Siregar]

In the Borriello deal we included half of Di Gennaro, worth a indisclosed sum.

Do you have source?
------------------------------------------------------------------------

By the way in my opinion co-ownership is good for both clubs. They take same risk about the prospect of the player and also the same right to decide the future of the loaned player.

Not like a pure loan, co-ownership gives much more responsibility the the loaned club as they have to pay (to buy the half of the player's contract) before they take the player but they will have bonus (the player's price increases lot) if they can make the player much better than when he was taken.

For me, this is a fair system as Milan will have to pay much more compare to fees they get for the player, if the player can turn to be a much better player. So the club that take Milan's player get something for what they have done to the loaned player, not like the pure loan system. With pure loan system Milan can take the loaned player whenever they want without giving anyting the the club that have made the player better.

[kris]

Do you have source?
------------------------------------------------------------------------


It was on the official site and about every newsource when we got Borriello.

[hitmannq8]

Braida - "Berbatov? Absolutely not. Our market is closed."

[Siregar]

It was on the official site and about every newsource when we got Borriello.

In the Borriello deal we included half of Di Gennaro, worth a indisclosed sum.

I never read it in acmilan.com even in source like channel4.

[kastriot]

off topic:

Have u seen Brochis new hairstyle???

U just got to love it!! LOL

[Milano84]

off topic:

Have u seen Brochis new hairstyle???

U just got to love it!! LOL

pics PLEASE

[Milano84]

Brazil's Olympic squad:

Goalkeepers: Diego Alves (Almeria), Renan (Internacional)
Wingbacks: Ilsinho (Shakhtar Donetsk), Rafinha (Schalke 04), Marcelo (Real Madrid)
Centrebacks: Alex Silva (São Paulo), Breno (Bayern Munich), Thiago Silva (Fluminense)
Midfielders: Anderson (Manchester United), Diego (Werder Bremen), Hernanes (São Paulo), Lucas (Liverpool), Ronaldinho Gaúcho (Barcelona), Thiago Neves (Fluminense), Ramires (Cruzeiro)
Forwards: Alexandre Pato (Milan), Jô (Manchester City), Rafael Sóbis (Real Betis),

The squad includes two over 23 year-olds; Ronaldinho Gaúcho and Thiago Silva.
------

lots of players i'm interested in seeing! I also enjoy how dinho is listed as a midfielder... but not for us! FORWARD!

[remote2book]

and why does it say "Ronaldinho Guacho (barcelona)" it should be Milan not barca

[ZvonimirBoban]

Anybody get info about Valencia? They're in need of cash and reportedly ready to sell their stars... Maybe we can get something?

PS: Reyes went to Monaco for about 5M...

[kastriot]

pics PLEASE

No pics...I saw it on youtube, search for Cremonese -Milan game

[e-Milan]

this ?

ps: can I post the pic here Mods ? its only 3.3k

[Snapster]

omg, he's a white Mr T!

[mrki]

Ok, now Im at home so I can normally write about our mercato.

We did brilliantly with 3 players: Dinho, Flamini, Zambrotta. Those players are top class and are 3 players that simply MUST be in our stareting 11 adding more speed, quality, technique and power.

Flamini: I can guarantee that, if he is used well and given support, Flamini will be a hell of a player for us. He is a player that play above the level of Ambrosini and is a player that we need, the ONLE normal central midfielder we have. A player that can run, tackle, pass and shoot. Aldough I cannot say now that we can be as affective upfront as Seedorf in his central midfield days. But Flamini absolutely must take his place next to Rino and Pirlo. He will be a big help to Pirlo and Kaka-Dinho. Ambro is a different player, we lacked a player that can dribble, pass 1 on 1 and create extra man, Ambro couldnt do that at closed home games. And Flamini can paly as a LB also, and do it very well. Great signing.

Dinho - The fact that surprised me is that he signed for 3 years and there we can see that MIlan is cautious, and also that MIlan knows that Dinho needs to train and work more. I hope he can rediscover his fitness back as I dont see any reaason why not except for his us-sport life. Whicj is not an axplanation Berlusconi will accept in Milan. Dinho is 28 and is not injured, or has ever been seriousely injured. With month or two of real training we could have a player that is, objectively, more talented then C.Ronaldo, Messi, KAka' and so on... When fit Dinho and KAka' cannot be stoped if they are palyer right. No way.

Zambro - I have confidence he will do very good if not brilliantly. Zambro is twice better then Oddo, Bonera, Marek...
--------------------------------------------------------------

Abbiatti, Dida, Kalac - for me, personally, this was very irresponsible and cheap way to solve GK problem. By having 3 keepers from which noone is good enough right now. Whole defence depends on GK and when you have confident keeper that is in the match like for example Gigi, Kahm and so on...your defence plays 20% better. This could really be our problem and I think MIlan made huge mistake by not signing Boruc, a Gk that can easily be our no.1 and IMPROVE our defence as well. 10mln Milan can pay for that player, always.

Abate, Antonini, Darmiani, Boriello - I dont expect much aldough I would like to see Abate play for us and not to go on loan. Boriello is not top forward.

OUR FORWARDS - not to fool ourselves, KAka', Seedorf, Dinho are NOT forwards. Our forwardsa are Inzaghi who will spend 3-4 months injured, which is normal for a 35 year old. Borielo who never made it under Carlo, and I dont see him as a player that can help Milan. And PAto - a brilliant KID, a KID. To put all the goals on his shoulders is maybe a bit too much, well see. But he is for sure a player that will go for golden ball one day.

Juve has Iaquinta, Trez, Del Piero and Amauri. And that is a classic sewrie a forward line. Efective and can use power in smaller games simply to break down the defence ( look at the goal in Brondby - Juve friendly by Amauri... Milan cant do that).

That thing I wanted to say is that we needed a better player in Boriello's place: Amauri, Shevchenko, Baptista or someone...

One more thing - Maldini...we'll see. He is now 40. Im glad he stayed in any case, but Milan needs to be carefull about that.

Emerson, Brocchi, Favalli are palyers I dont count, they are here for fun or somthing.

[Tony29.]

Juve has Iaquinta, Trez, Del Piero and Amauri. And that is a classic sewrie a forward line. Efective and can use power in smaller games simply to break down the defence ( look at the goal in Brondby - Juve friendly by Amauri... Milan cant do that).

Well, you can't have it all. Playing 4-3-2-1, compared to 4-4-2, means that you have a player less in the box and 2 players less on the sides. In other words, with 4-3-2-1 teams send less high balls in the box from the flanks and with one forward there, the chances for him to get first to these high balls are very low.
Juve for example have the two full back and two wingers sending high balls to 2 forwards (sometimes two extremely strong in the air forwards like Trez and Amauri) and that's why they score a lot of goals this way.
Milan on the other side have a great advantage on the ground and that's why i believe that a technical forward who can complement Kaka and Ronaldinho will be of much bigger use than a Trezguet-like forward.
Milan has Pato who apart from being great technically is very good in the air.
You saw how well the 4-3-2-1 functions with technical players like Ronaldo and Pato, or how well it worked with Eto'o in front of Ronaldinho and Deco.

That's why i believe that Milan didn't even need a player like Adebayor.

What Milan hope for is Pato not getting any serious injuries. Without CL you'll need him mostly for serie A and if he won't get injured then you have absolutely no problem there.
Milan only need someone to replace Pato in case he gets injured and since you had Inzaghi all you needed to do was to add a sub striker. Your board thought that Borriello will be good enough. You obviously couldn't splash +20m euro for a player who won't start more than 10 matches so don't fool yourselves with Amauri or Adebayor. I think Borriello is exactly what Milan needed.

Next year when Milan will play CL more quality should be added in attack, but for this year everything is OK.

[ARIO]

Well, you can't have it all. Playing 4-3-2-1, compared to 4-4-2, means that you have a player less in the box and 2 players less on the sides. In other words, with 4-3-2-1 teams send less high balls in the box from the flanks and with one forward there, the chances for him to get first to these high balls are very low.
Juve for example have the two full back and two wingers sending high balls to 2 forwards (sometimes two extremely strong in the air forwards like Trez and Amauri) and that's why they score a lot of goals this way.
Milan on the other side have a great advantage on the ground and that's why i believe that a technical forward who can complement Kaka and Ronaldinho will be of much bigger use than a Trezguet-like forward.
Milan has Pato who apart from being great technically is very good in the air.
You saw how well the 4-3-2-1 functions with technical players like Ronaldo and Pato, or how well it worked with Eto'o in front of Ronaldinho and Deco.

That's why i believe that Milan didn't even need a player like Adebayor.

What Milan hope for is Pato not getting any serious injuries. Without CL you'll need him mostly for serie A and if he won't get injured then you have absolutely no problem there.
Milan only need someone to replace Pato in case he gets injured and since you had Inzaghi all you needed to do was to add a sub striker. Your board thought that Borriello will be good enough. You obviously couldn't splash +20m euro for a player who won't start more than 10 matches so don't fool yourselves with Amauri or Adebayor. I think Borriello is exactly what Milan needed.

Next year when Milan will play CL more quality should be added in attack, but for this year everything is OK.

well said tony....
but still Milan need Zapatas and Silvas....beside that, i guess all department already well covered since we're not in CL

[Jeff]

I like your point, Tony29, as usual. But I am not totally sure if your assertion that there will be a lot fewer crosses are true and whether it is valid, as a result, to not have a strong striker. Here are my reasons:

1) In a 4-3-2-1 system, the windback is supposed to go up and back (like Janku and Oddo; recall the game between Milan and Man U in San Siro). The added versatility is that the defender can choose to sit back (which, in that case, you'll be right not needing a strong striker like Ade). However, if required, the wing-back should be able to go up and delivered crosses.

Whether that actually happened with our Oddo, Serginho, Janku etc., that's another story.

2) Having a strong, tall striker also adds to the advantage of sending ball from deep (by Pirlo for example) and hold the ball up front. We see that a couple of times from Inzaghi and Gilardino, but I suppose players like Ade or Toni would do probably a much better job.

3) Corner and freekick: Besides having someone to know how to kick a freekick, you also need tall defenders and (more importantly) tall strikers to head the ball. Pato is not bad at air, but it's definitely not the strongest. Milan has been traditionally poor on freekick, and I don't think it has anything to do with the 4-3-2-1 or 4-4-2 system.

4) For option / rotation reason which I'm not going to elaborate here.

- J

[Kaka--7thUCL]

actually, abbiati made two great saves against cremonese, and was solid all game. we should look up to him as our main gk, none of our other goalkeepers can do any better job

[_Ace]

actually, abbiati made two great saves against cremonese, and was solid all game. we should look up to him as our main gk, none of our other goalkeepers can do any better job

it was vs a Serie C team.... even Robinson will look good in that match.

but I also dont want to pre-judge him, only time will tell :D

[drucurl]

I actually won't mind if Galliani does view Ambro as a CB...I know PRESHEVARI hates the best bone in his body but I have found Ambro to be a great utility player and he's quite intelligent...not as visionary as Seedorf but the pass to Gila for the 3-0 win vs Man U came off the boot of Ambro. The thing is he is a VERY ROUGH and often over enthusiastic player....that's why he picks up so many yellows. If he did this in the box all the time...given the ref's latest anti milan sentiments we'll be conceeding tons of penalites....however there is also the possibility that if he calms down a bit he could actually resemble Nesta as a defender :googly:

[mrki]

Normal news: Pippo is injured of course... And now even Borielo, and Dida has back problems ( few weeks ago he said that he is fine and is ready to play well again)

And the best news is that our no.1 gk right now is KALAC, not Abbiatti! Oh boy...

[Jeff]

Bad news...

[Siregar]

Milan should not count Inzahgi as 1 stiker as he wont be able to play many games. He is already 35 years old!

About GK number 1, I think that's a smart choice (smarter if he buys new GK :D) from Galliani because from all GKs we have, Kalac is the one who showed the quality last year, not Dida not Abbiati.

[Roche13]

I just can't see any of our GK holding up without making any major blunders during the season.
I think Milan will look for help during the winter transfer season once it opens up.And even make another transfer of need.

[Ghost]

To be honest I think above all the players that have been signed by Milan - a good keeper was required.

I dont trust Dida/Kalac one little bit, Dida made quiet a few howlers this season and not forgetting the mistake Kalac made against Fabregas' shot.

[Blacktop]

To be honest I think above all the players that have been signed by Milan - a good keeper was required.
Well, it's too late for that since Berlu already emptied the kitty on Gordinho in order to boost shirt sales.

[Ghost]

Well, it's too late for that since Berlu already emptied the kitty on Gordinho in order to boost shirt sales.

I know I know, however if I was in Ancelottis position I would put Dida above the rest.

[Stitch]

don't worry guys, our beloved management says we have dinho, kaka and seedorf, that's three more strikers.

[Bosniaco]

mrki I love your posts. Maybe just because you think the same way I do, I love them.

[Siregar]

not forgetting the mistake Kalac made against Fabregas' shot.

Well, if that how you measure GK's quality, Buffon will be stupid GK too.

[Ghost]

Well, if that how you measure GK's quality, Buffon will be stupid GK too.

Many mistakes, but that one stood out for me.

I had a clear view of the shot and even from where I was standing that should have been a save, no great power behind the shot.

[pece4ever]

Many mistakes, but that one stood out for me.

I had a clear view of the shot and even from where I was standing that should have been a save, no great power behind the shot.

Yes mate, and that are not the only mistake Kalac made last season, and thats because his reflex is lower than my sisters, a dont think that putting Kalac to be our first keeper is good choice. Abbiati and Dida are more quality than him, but hey thats how we think.

Message to Carlo: Put Dida or Abbiati on goal or buy another keeper, because with Kalac this season we will be strong like Juve and Roma. We want to be the best thats why please forget Kalac, eve Storai was better than him.

[Siregar]

Many mistakes, but that one stood out for me.

I had a clear view of the shot and even from where I was standing that should have been a save, no great power behind the shot.

Yeah, it's always like that, when the team conceded, the GK is the first one to be blame. :)

Yes mate, and that are not the only mistake Kalac made last season, and thats because his reflex is lower than my sisters, a dont think that putting Kalac to be our first keeper is good choice. Abbiati and Dida are more quality than him, but hey thats how we think.

Message to Carlo: Put Dida or Abbiati on goal or buy another keeper, because with Kalac this season we will be strong like Juve and Roma. We want to be the best thats why please forget Kalac, eve Storai was better than him.

Carlo has choosen Kalac as number 1. :D
But maybe you can send msg to Galliani to hire your sister as our new GK. :D :D :D

[pece4ever]

But maybe you can send msg to Galliani to hire your sister as our new GK. :D :D :D

HAHA, yes i send a massage to a wrong person, thanks mate, i will recomended my sister to Galliani and belive me it better option hahahahaah
:clap::clap::clap::clap::clap:

[mrki]

Hahaha!! Bravo lads!

For serious, no matter how goodyour front line is, without a GK the team is 20% weaker at the back. Its a egular thing we see game after a game. If Abbiatti can play well play him, if Dida is injured then sell him...

Kalac had some good games but heis not good enough for Milan and our defence ( that again lacks LB players ).

Boruc is a player we should have bought, and I cant understand why we havent.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Injuries: Milan has MANy injury prone players in this team: Maldini, Favalli, Jankulovski, Nesta, Inzaghi, Dida, Emerson. We can easily expect most of them to be injured for longer periods, and now even Boriello is injured. To rely on Paloschi for the start of the season is unprofessional and I hope Pippo will get better and will play for one or two games untill Pato and Dinho come back and get rested and fit. Or else we will have another lousy start of the season.

And, maybe, just maybe, Sheva is still "in", As Galliani said, him and Dinho are 180% Milan players :)

[ZvonimirBoban]

The keeper thing is a crucial one in this season, I think... It'd be better if Abbiati is our no.1 keeper instead of Kalac, with great effort from other players especially the defenders I think we could cover our weakness in goal, but it'd be MUCH better to buy another keeper. Can't we looking for an Italian young GK? From Olympics team maybe?

Any keeper now related to us besides Frey and Boruc?

[pece4ever]

Yes yes, i vote for Abbiati too, he has a great season last year and i think we should give him a chance to prove that he worth to wear nr.1 jersey.

[Siregar]

Abbiati alrady got so many chances but he never prooved he can be Milan number one. Even he couldnt get a single spot in italian national team in last european cup. He is just NOT enough good to be Milan number one.

For me Kalac is the best from among our bad GKs. He is not that great but he is the best of the worst. :D

[ZvonimirBoban]

Then we should have snapped Amelia instead of letting him go to Palermo, or trying to compete with Galatasaray for Morgan De Sanctis. But well, **** happens.

It's time to seek for a young Italian goalkeeper who will be like Zoff or Buffon in ten years.

[kastriot]

Yes yes, i vote for Abbiati too, he has a great season last year and i think we should give him a chance to prove that he worth to wear nr.1 jersey.

I wouldnt classify being being a second choice keeper in athletico as a great season?????

Abbiati had one great season in his career and that was the year before we recalled Dida for the second time, If I`m not wrong in this forum he was voted the best player of the season.

his good, but not great by any means.

[Tony29.]

Abbiati also had a brilliant season with Juve (not a full season though, because Buffon was back in March).
He had a wall in front of him and teams couldn't create much against that Juve, but whenever a ball passed through the defense he was there to save the situation.

Juve suffered only one defeat that season, 1:3 against Milan, and Abbiati refused to play for Juve on that match. Chimenti replaced him and he conceded two easily avoidable goals which would have been certainly saved by Abbiati.

[Blacktop]

his reflex is lower than my sisters
Nice. Post of the day so far. :)

HAHA, yes i send a massage to a wrong person, thanks mate, i will recomended my sister to Galliani
Heck, why not? We already have Kaka's brother, so your sis should fit in nicely.

[kastriot]

http://youtube.com/watch?v=aUbqz85gPsA

I dont know if u`ve seen this video, its Torres kicking our ass when he was just 12 years old.He was really good.

Too bad his not with us.

[Snapster]

http://youtube.com/watch?v=aUbqz85gPsA

I dont know if u`ve seen this video, its Torres kicking our ass when he was just 12 years old.He was really good.

Too bad his not with us.

It's almost as if we were destined to have bad gk's from then too....

[Milano84]

good thing we didnt sign torres....

[Blacktop]

Juve suffered only one defeat that season, 1:3 against Milan, and Abbiati refused to play for Juve on that match. Chimenti replaced him and he conceded two easily avoidable goals which would have been certainly saved by Abbiati.

Chimenti was the sacrificial lamb for that day. Abbiati was yellow and backed out of the match because he didn't want to play Milan. That bugged the hell out of me.

[mihan]

Keepers got ages, too. Now the miss again Sesc, Dida, at his prime, would have stretched a forearm out of the pole at those low balls, which blocks curling balls. None of our keepers now has this physical capability, I guess.

[k7r]

Who are the best 10 keepers in the world right now (available or unavailable) ???

Buffon, Casillas, Cech, Van der Sar & Canizares seem to be the current top 5

Who are the next best 10 after these guys....

I can name a few.....

Hugo Lloris ----Galliani Should have guarenteed No.1...Then he surely wouldve come to us...Big miss
Timo Hilderband ----Status Pls Anybody?
Igor Akinfeev ----Status Pls Anybody?
Shovkovsky (Ukraine) ----Status Pls Anybody?
Artur Boruc ----Very Expensive

[mrki]

Milan fans at the San Siro are not a mass that can be impress by signing of Ronaldinho. We are all glad for that but we know that if Pato gets injured, or Nesta for example, that our scudetto chances go way down.

Our forwards are Boriello who is injured for 60 days and will need time to recover and get back to form, and Pippo who will again be injured for long parts as simply he is 35 and his body can play like it could 5 years ago. Its the same thing every year and so it is right now.

In our backline Nesta has injury problems for last 2 years, and also now. Maldini is 40. Marek is very injury prone....Favalli is bad.

So I claim that we should really try and bring Sheva ( from professional point of wiew, not subjective - i find him to be a traitor!). Sheva is ready to be rotation player and could help us a lot. We cant expect Pato to play 45 games per season, no matter how good he is ( and he Is extremly good ).

And if we are not ready to pay for normal GK, then we can invest in one CB that is free - Ferrari. I thing those 2 players would help us a lot.

[forward]

Shovkovsky is currently the 1st choice keeper for Dinamo Kiev and the Ukraine national team, like he has been all his life... He is currently 33y.o.
He is very experienced, solid, but sometimes has dida-like flops, though rarely...
We won't sign him, of that I am certain...

p.s. Akinfeev is overrated. mostly because of Russia's success on the Euro's.

[forward]

2 mrki,
I would like Sheva to come back, but it seems we are replacing old injury prone players with old injury old players...
I would rather let Paloschi gain experience, we don't have much choice anyway if none of our strikers recover

[k7r]

CORRIERE DELLO SPORT : Borriello Shock Injury ! Milan will now turn to Shevchenko

TUTTOSPORT : Milan - Borriello is out for two months and Shevchenko is back on the radar

Source : http://www.channel4.com/sport/football_italia/paperssay.html

[forward]

those are just assumptions, based on absolutely nothing..
last time we checked, Chelki didn't want to sell and we had no more money left

[jtelly]

Well if there was one thing that could derail our good feelings, it was injuries. I'm not the biggest fan of Borriello, but with Pato out for Olympics, I was counting on him to get us off to a good start in Serie A. I'm sure Paloschi will not go to Torino now, and hopefully Carlo will let him play. With Nesta's little injury (which sadly I think will develop into a bigger problem as the season wears on) and lots of our players in the age where things could easily go wrong, we're really playing with fire.
My thoughts all along were that if we are not challenging for the scudetto at halfway point of the season, Carlo's gone. Not that I want him gone, but I think that management has said "Ok, we spent money, deliver us the goods". I will be very pissed if we start out poorly then Galliani spouts on about us getting 4th place, our objective for the season. Without CL, we should be bossing the league. It would just be a poor sign that we are content to get back into the CL and get the money without true title aspirations, that saddens me.
Probably Brocchi will take Borriello's forward spot as Carlo seems to love him for some reason...

[Gabriel489]

Look at it this way, with Nesta and Borreillo getting hurt. The MGT must now really reinforce the squad and stop living a lie about the squad is strong enough.

I for one think Adebayor will some how find his way to Milan.
As for CB, I think Simic will be gone and in come Zapata.

[ARIO]

I don't know guys.....I really envy Inter right now. They are really reinforcing the already solid squad. Quaresma getting closer, and most probably Aquilani. Inter offer a co-ownership of Adriano to Roma.

I wonder why the management haven't any thought of Hernan Crespo? Shevchenko's wage are way a heavy burden for Milan's salary structure

[jtelly]

Inter won't let Crespo go to us...and like Tony mentioned a few pages back, I just don't think Ade is the striker we need. We don't play alot of crosses into the box, so I think he'd go wanting for large portions of the game.

[Gabriel489]

Well, even though I really enjoy Tony's comment but I must disagree with his assumptions that Milan sent in less crosses. Look at all the goals scored last season and u will see that a majority of them came from crosses. Beside, Adebayor is not really a typical power striker, his movement off the ball is not bad at all.

[sujoyks]

Berbatov anyone. I really do think he's perfect for us. Technical and physical.
One CB more definitely. with or without nesta. Even if nesta were fit as a fiddle i'd like us to have another CB after getting rid of Simic of course. How's Darmian? Just asking. Wouldn't want him as a regular.

Berbatov!!! If there's no more money for a striker we should at least get a good CB. That should be 1st priority. Then either loan a striker or, and this is what i really hope for, show faith in Paloschi and let him gain the experience.

We must win the Scudetto. Nothing less.

[Nalx]

I like them both but I doubt that we're willing to buy either of them since their prices must be quite expensive. The ideal solution is trying to get Shevie on loan. Better to have a fit old injury prone one than a young promising striker on the treatment table

[GilAttack [11]]

Berbatov and Adebayor are proven players. That doesnt mean that if they come to Milan they will be terrific because there are other factors you have to take in consideration, but they are established players.

[Warro Bantan]

------------R80-----------

Seedorf------------Kaka

Flamini-------------Gattuso/Ambro

----------Pirlo------------------

-----------Defense--------------

--------------GK----------------

Do u think this will work? I dont, but didnt Roma do something like this last term?

Yes, they didnt win the scudetto, and did have Vucinic (sp?) coming into games...but they did quite well with no main striker for the majority of last season.

If they can do it, then why cant we?

I sincerely doubt that we will dip into the transfer market again this summer, but if we do, I am sure it will be for a "Crespo/$heva" type deal....ie older, experienced player on a loan, or cheap (read free) transfer/loan deal.

[Mystik]

All their players up top were quick players who always interchanged position. Seedorf is anything BUT quick...it wouldn't work for us.

[Warro Bantan]

I already indicated that I didn't think it would work....yet in defense of the aformentioned system, if Seedorf plays in the hole behind R80 and Kaka, then his lack of pace isn't that serious a problem....

And correct me if I am wrong, but Totti isn't a speed demon either...albeit he may be a step or two faster than Clarence...

[Milano84]

totti isnt a speed demon but hes a goal machine. and much more clinical in the box than r80

[Hasan Rossonero]

All their players up top were quick players who always interchanged position. Seedorf is anything BUT quick...it wouldn't work for us.

This is only partially correct. Seedorf is one of the fastest runners on our team. His fault is that he dithers when on the ball. But he can out-pace the best of them.

[ginoformaggino]

I don't know guys.....I really envy Inter right now. They are really reinforcing the already solid squad. Quaresma getting closer, and most probably Aquilani. Inter offer a co-ownership of Adriano to Roma.



Now I put fuel on the fire: :bri: Thiago Silva has the same Mourinho manager, and there are rumours that Inter has planned to take him in January. :hammer:

.... eehhm ... Alex Silva has seen the red card today, Brazil vs. Singapore. :d55:

[forward]

Paloschi is staying!!!
Hooraaay!!!

[hitmannq8]

bringing in Shevchenko would be fantastic. Zapata too and I would lick Galliani's head!

[forward]

not gonna happen

[Snapster]

This is only partially correct. Seedorf is one of the fastest runners on our team. His fault is that he dithers when on the ball. But he can out-pace the best of them.

Being one of the fastest runners on our team does not say much. When at top speed he's ok but getting there is a problem as his acceleration is not the best. His dithering as you mention can be attributed to being very good if not one of the best at holding the ball rather than EPL or La Liga style quick pass and run. Look at the games Seedorf missed, we were awful at holding the ball when under pressure, even if that pressure was due to lacking quality elsewhere like scoring goals.

I think he just does not have the energy/desire to make the off the ball runs like he used to any more to make him more useful.