Summer Mercato 2011

[hitmannq8]

Now that the Winter Mercato has closed, its time to move on to the Summer Mercato. In the last year we have signed no fewer than 11 players. This revolution is expected to continue in the summer as we have about 8 contracts expiring: Nesta, Pirlo, Ambrosini, Seedorf, Jankulovski, Inzaghi, Prince, Amelia, Van Bommel, and now Legrotagglie.

In January, we sold Ronaldinho for 3m and saved 8m of wages and we got Vila, Cassano, Van Bommel, Emanuelson, and Legrotagglie all for about a total of 10m (wages included).


The next month we will see which players will get their contracts renewed. It will also give us an idea of how much we are going to spend next summer. To be fairly honest, despite all this crazy revolution we've had, Milan has not spent a great deal from their pockets since the summer. It's about time Berlusconi gives us a decent enough transfer kitty for the magician Galliani to work with.

Next summer will definitely be about one certain player the entire rossoneri fans will be wishing for...... Summer of 2011 will be about
GANSO.

Rumors have flown around that we have signed already Constant, Astori, Marchetti and Lucas Marcelinho (very interesting prospoect) for next season.

Forza Milan and let the revolution begin.

[Russo-Neri]

Not to be a wet blanket, but I think people are becoming a little too enthusiastic about the summer mercato. Milan have developed a habit of not spending much money and we already have 24 million earmarked for Ibra's permanent move (which will be offset by Borriello's sale @ 10 million). That's 14 million right there which will be a huge chunk of what Galliani will be given to spend. That's why I'm not holding my breath for a player like Ganso. He'll cost more than what I imagine we'll have to spend.

But I agree, the next month will be quite telling on what Milan's strategy will be. Who will be given new contracts, who won't? Janku has already said he's gone. Hopefully the sentiment of Berlu on the part of our senatori won't mean he'll do something stupid like sign everyone back because they are "champions" and deserve to end their careers in milan.

[GeoTav]

Not to be a wet blanket, but I think people are becoming a little too enthusiastic about the summer mercato. Milan have developed a habit of not spending much money and we already have 24 million earmarked for Ibra's permanent move (which will be offset by Borriello's sale @ 10 million). 1

Well, I think the last two mercatos showed that Galliani and co are working on building a new team slowly but efficiently ... It's why we/I think, with the help of Allegri who sees what misses in the team, that they will buy some missing parts to our team.

A real attacking midfielder is what we need nowadays, because Boateng isn't a real one (but thanks to his work rate, he did well), neither is Robinho (same, the work rate helps him). We need that kind of player who is able to be between the lines and is able to be available for his partners, a link between the midfield and the attack ... Oh, and without forgetting to mention that with a guy like Ganso coming (or another AM), Boateng can play as a central midfielder again. So buying one AM would give us two more solutions instead of one.

Then of course, our management needs to fix our problems in defence (each season, one or two guys get an injury at the worst moment, and among them, there is often Nesta, it's almost become usual, unfortunately ...) and improve it by buying a great RB or a great LB. Given the last performances of both Abate and Antonini, I'd say "let's go for a LB and let's give another year of development to Abate" ... and it could suit to the rumours: Criscito, Coentrao and other potential targets are LBs, not RBs.

[kastriot]

OK than let this thread be the official SUMMER MERCATO thread....if its a bad one it on you Hitman.

[Sputnik]

let me say i support this thread :510:

[GeoTav]

OK than let this thread be the official SUMMER MERCATO thread....if its a bad one it on you Hitman.

:D
I just saw Hitmann created the winter mercato thread too, maybe he gives us luck ?!

Anyway, I saw we're linked again with Cissokho from Lyon (the man who once had weird teeth) ... I'm not sure we need a guy like him. Last year, he needed some months to start to perform well in Lyon, and this season, he's been average, and lately, he has been very bad !! I'm serious, very bad ...

So let's let this guy in France and let's concentrate on real targets, please Galliani, don't start the next mercato with a mistake !!

[kastriot]

:D
I just saw Hitmann created the winter mercato thread too, maybe he gives us luck ?!

Anyway, I saw we're linked again with Cissokho from Lyon (the man who once had weird teeth) ... I'm not sure we need a guy like him. Last year, he needed some months to start to perform well in Lyon, and this season, he's been average, and lately, he has been very bad !! I'm serious, very bad ...

So let's let this guy in France and let's concentrate on real targets, please Galliani, don't start the next mercato with a mistake !!

I can`t help but feel we miss out on the Japanese left back...he was widely impressive bot in Seria A and especially in Asian Cup...and was really cheap.

[Jay Crisp]

I can`t help but feel we miss out on the Japanese left back...he was widely impressive bot in Seria A and especially in Asian Cup...and was really cheap.

But he wasn't handsome enough , we are AC Milan afterall :dielaugh:...I hear you Kastriot but sh1t happens...Maybe Vila will be a Maicon of LB.

[Aficio]

Next year we'll have a younger & stronger squad.

Allegri doesn't depend too much on the senators and his style requests movement.

I'm looking forward to Summer Mercato but enjoying watching the team now.

[Siregar]

I can`t help but feel we miss out on the Japanese left back...he was widely impressive bot in Seria A and especially in Asian Cup...and was really cheap.

How do you know he is really cheap? Inter only loan him right? Any info about how much cost the loan and if there is option to buy the player for Inter (and for how much money)?

Thanks before.

[kastriot]

How do you know he is really cheap? Inter only loan him right? Any info about how much cost the loan and if there is option to buy the player for Inter (and for how much money)?

Thanks before.

Well apparently the option to buy him was set at 4 mil. Cessena bought him for 1.2 mil

[Siregar]

Well apparently the option to buy him was set at 4 mil. Cessena bought him for 1.2 mil

Hmm. It is strange. They got Santon as replacement and we coudn't offer such replacement for them (we could only offer Janku since Antonini should be for backup if we get a better player) but we could offer a bit higher (without a loan from us) than what Inter gave.

So, there should be reasons behind our move for Didac and not the japanese left fullback. I hope the reasons describes better abilities from Didac then what the japanese left back.

Well, we can only compare their qualities earliest after the season ends.

[Xudong]

good thread. Hitmannq8 is on fire recently. :)

[abbeyleemaniac]

Nesta's contract should renewed but with lower amount. Boateng is imporant and different element for our squad, his contract should be renewed. i think Amelia will leave if we sign Marchetti as reserve GK. (Honestly i'd rather to have Sirugu or Handanovic yet Marchetti looks decent option so i wont complain)

Jankulovski will return to homeland, Legro and Van Bommel shouldnt be renewed if you aske me. Seedorf, Pirlo, Ambrosini, lets look ahead, renew who deserves it but with lower wages, also small term contracts...


Regarding reinforcements, indeed Lucas is an interesting proscpect, then Constant looked to me a fairly good player, would be good addition to our squad. Marchetti is decent as vice GK. However Astori is not enough for CB spot, i'd rather to go for Mexes, who is free agent next season. its likely transfer for us considering we need a solid Cb and his free agent, as you know Galliani's freebies love.

Then, Lets focus on world class signings, Ganso, Left wing back(Coentraro), Jucieli. we have room for signing 2-3 world class players, Ganso, Coentraro and Jucilei...

[kastriot]

Galliani will not miss on Mexes,i`m 100% sure. His just playing it right not to upset Roma( he and Rosella Sensi are good friends). I don`t think when it comes to Milan(champion) or Roma (not even secured 4th place) mexes will chose Roma.

If we get Mexes for free, with additional 60 mil (which is reasonable) we can get 2-3 great player to add to our existing ones to be great again. However i`m not sure how will Galliani consider the 24 mil invested in Ibra which should be payed this season.???!!!!

[Maltese Charlie]

Hmm. It is strange. They got Santon as replacement and we coudn't offer such replacement for them (we could only offer Janku since Antonini should be for backup if we get a better player) but we could offer a bit higher (without a loan from us) than what Inter gave.

I think Janku is the only player we could NOT offer.:ilol:

As I heard him saying that he is leaving at the end of this season to play in his country.

[Aficio]

If we get Mexes for free, with additional 60 mil (which is reasonable) we can get 2-3 great player to add to our existing ones to be great again. However i`m not sure how will Galliani consider the 24 mil invested in Ibra which should be payed this season.???!!!!


We only need to pay 8M for Ibra's transfer next season (24M in 3 years) and we'll receive 10M from Borriello.

Roma could be sold this season, so things are getting more complicate.

[LebRN]

However Astori is not enough for CB spot, i'd rather to go for Mexes, who is free agent next season. its likely transfer for us considering we need a solid Cb and his free agent, as you know Galliani's freebies love.


We all know Galliani has had a thing for Mexes for years now...could it be hair related? :5nana:

[hitmannq8]

Just to remind a few users:

Ibra is currently a Barca player on loan to Milan, we will buy him next season with start paying 3 installments of 8m starting next summer. We will not pay the full in the summer. We will also need to pay for Amelia (2m) and for Boateng (undisclosed) an amount to own his full rights. I think we also need to take Strasser and Beretta's full rights.

Robinho: "Ganso will not go to Inter as he is a Milanista. I hope to play again with him again."

[GeoTav]

Just to remind a few users:

Ibra is currently a Barca player on loan to Milan, we will buy him next season with start paying 3 installments of 8m starting next summer. We will not pay the full in the summer. We will also need to pay for Amelia (2m) and for Boateng (undisclosed) an amount to own his full rights. I think we also need to take Strasser and Beretta's full rights.

Robinho: "Ganso will not go to Inter as he is a Milanista. I hope to play again with him again."

About Amelia and Boateng, I'm 100% sure that they're normal loans ... I mean by that, if we don't want to keep them, we won't keep them and pay anything. For Ibra, it's different, after his loan, we must buy the player.

So what I mean is that Boateng will surely stay in Milan, but for Amelia, I have huge doubts he will stay in Milan ...

About Strasser and Beretta, it would be pointless to pay again the 50% we gave this season ... let's let these guys develop for one more year, and then we'll see if they are worth investing on them. Strasser showed some promising things, but he is 21 and isn't a regular in our first team (+ his injury didn't help: it was THE moment to take a place, like Merkel, in our team with all our players injured in midfield, I'm sorry to say such a thing but I think Strasser missed the train !!). Beretta is among the promising "old school" Italian strikers, he is young, I would send him on loan in a Serie B (or low table Serie A) team ...

I think it's more important for the strikers to get experience in Serie B/A, more than for the midfielders, because they must learn to play against old, experienced and sometimes vicious :D defenders, whereas a midfielder, if he's smart, will adapt more easily with the adults IMO ...

[hitmannq8]

if we wait longer, their prices will increase...

[Elmago99]

These are exciting times to be a Milanista. We have spent on Ibra & Robinho, and I understand we don't pay for Ibra until Summer 2011. However, the way we've started this revolution confuses me. Galliani has done a great job not spending a lot and getting some quality players, but for 1-2 WC players, we'll need to splash some cash. Will he? We don't know... So far, Galliani has only done deals that were in his favor. What about a deal for Ganso, Jucilei, Coentrao, or a must needed CB where we can't get a discount? Will we not buy??? That's the question none of us know yet....

In terms of renewals, I don't think anyone is safe.

Has to go!
Jankulovski, Legrottaglie, Amelia, Seedorf, Bonera (sell)

May stay, May go
Pirlo, Ambrosini, Inzaghi, Ambrosini, Van Bommel

Will Stay
Boateng, Roma, Nesta

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The Wild Card is Didac Vila. We've never really seen him play, and we don't know if he can be World Class or not. Therefore, I think Milan Management will wait to see if we need a LB.

My instinct tells me we plan on making following moves:

* Ganso, ACM
* Lucas Marcellinho (ONLY IF GANSO FAILS)
* Coentrao if Vila fails
* Astori
* Marchetti
* Lazzari if Ambro/Seedorf/Pirlo leave
* Juclei if Ambro/Seedorf/Pirlo/Van Bommel leave
* Mexes

I wouldn't release Van Bommel until I see how he performs this season. As far as Vila, he's a very important piece to our puzzle and I'm curious to see how he does. If he fails, I'm sure all of us will really want Coentrao.

Mexes will come to Milan, I truly think this will happen. However, will he be a Nesta Backup? or a Nesta Replacement? We all probably hope for the former.

[Elmago99]

I want to win Scudetto this year because as a Club, we've underachieved domestically, and some have even said Milan "Doesn't Care" about Serie A.
This is the priority for this year, and I want to beat INTER!

However, I want to re-pay Ibrahimovic for coming to Milan by winning Champions League, a trophy he wants BADLY:frustrat:
I'm sure Galliani told him to join Milan who has success in Champions League and that he'd win it with us.....

This is the squad with the chance to win the treble: :p283::p283::p283:

STRIKERS:
Ibrahimovic
Pato
Robinho
Cassano (Italian)
Inzaghi (Italian)

MIDFIELDERS:
Ganso
Lucas Marcellinho
Pirlo (Italian)
Gattuso (Italian)
Ambrosini/Van Bommel (Italian)
Flamini
Boateng
Urby
Merkel
Strasser
Jucilei

DEFENDERS:
Nesta (Italian)
T. Silva
Mexes
Astori (Italian)
Yepes
Sokratis
Vila/Coentrao
Abate (Italian)
Zambrotta (Italian)
Antonini (Italian)

GOALKEEPERS:
Abbiati (Italian)
Marchetti/Sirigu (Italian)
Roma (Italian)
-----------------------------------------------------------

Squad Size:
28-32 Players (We now have 31 Players)
12 Italians

[Aficio]

Nice work, Elmago99 ^^

Robinho said: Ganso is Rossoneri and wants to play with him :D

Why not, an attack of Binho, Pato & Ganso is very good for both Milan & Brazil.

[Gabriel489]

Seedorf, Bonera, Van Bommel, Legro, Oddo, Zambro, Amelia, and Janku should be gone.

Pirlo is on the bubble, I say let him go if there is an offer of 15mil or more.

Mexes is a sure bet now, just hope they sign Santacroce too. Since Inter got Nagatomo, lets see if Santon is available from Cessena.
Ganso, Hernanes and Jucelei will be enough for the midfield.

[ACMILAN1983]

Didn't Robinho also keep saying Kaka wanted to play at Man City during his time there?

[patos older bro]

Didn't Robinho also keep saying Kaka wanted to play at Man City during his time there?

no i think robinho rang him up and tryed to convince him to come to city but kaka dint want to

[Gabriel489]

Robinho said, it would be great if Kaka can join him at City.

[Aficio]

A nice teammate in NT becomes a teammate in his club, that's what Robinho wants :D

[abbeyleemaniac]

Kozak continues to impress me...he would be great addition as vice ibra...

[dejo]

Seedorf, Bonera, Van Bommel, Legro, Oddo, Zambro, Amelia, and Janku should be gone.

Pirlo is on the bubble, I say let him go if there is an offer of 15mil or more.

Mexes is a sure bet now, just hope they sign Santacroce too. Since Inter got Nagatomo, lets see if Santon is available from Cessena.
Ganso, Hernanes and Jucelei will be enough for the midfield.

why don't we buy the whole brazilian national team :D....Ganso should be enough,Poli is also good for the midfield,Mexes as a CB and maybe Alex...

[Ace]

Kozak continues to impress me...he would be great addition as vice ibra...

Didn't he just injure 2 of our subs?

he didn't do much besides that tbh... :D

[MilanMikey]

thats all he did injure 2 of our players.. hes useless piece of ****, dirty player i wish he touched ibra

[Nalx]

Kozak continues to impress me...he would be great addition as vice ibra...

Vice is his only quality shown tonight.

[Gabriel489]

why don't we buy the whole brazilian national team :D....Ganso should be enough,Poli is also good for the midfield,Mexes as a CB and maybe Alex...

Considering they are the most talented team out there, why not. Ideally, I would have add Luiz and Marcelo too.

[GeoTav]

Kozak continues to impress me...he would be great addition as vice ibra...

This guy needs some time off the pitches of football ... A ring would be more appropriate.

[Gabriel489]

Galli should really complain about Kozak to the Union, as Serie A already has a bad rep about intention to injure, guys like Kozak, coach like Reja and team like Lazio needs to be taught a lesson about injuring opposing players. If stuff like this continues, there will not be any top class players playing their trade in Serie A, as they know their career might end in any league games their play due to guys like Kozak and Matrix.

[ACMILAN1983]

no i think robinho rang him up and tryed to convince him to come to city but kaka dint want to

Robinho said, it would be great if Kaka can join him at City.

Fair enough.

Kozak continues to impress me...he would be great addition as vice ibra...

The guy was complete scum last night. He was poor leading the line and couldn't have been more dirtier. He elbowed Bonera and his foul on Legro was no doubt intentional.

He also elbowed many times when challenging for the ball, and Yepes was lucky he wasn't cut open as well.

He should have been sent off, and I seriously hope he gets suspended for his acts.

[Siregar]

I read that there are discussions about adding the non-EU spot from 1 to 2 players (like before)? Lucas (Marcelinho) and Jucilei? :D

I am definitely against rules of non-EU spot players. It's really unfair. If Italy want to protect their players, it shouldn't be non-EU or EU but non-Italian and Italian one.

[kakacmilan best]

Barcelona Monitor Brazil Under-20 Stars Neymar And Lucas - Report
Barcelona sent their chief scout to the South American U-20 Championships, where he has been wowed by Brazil's Neymar and Lucas...
By Daniel Edwards

The stellar performances of Brazil duo Neymar and Lucas in the South American Under-20 Championships have attracted attention from across the Atlantic, with Barcelona reportedly keeping close tabs on the pair's exploits in Peru.

Mundo Deportivo report that the Spanish giants have sent head of the scouting department Albert Valentin to observe the Brazilian side, who remain unbeaten in the tournament and head the final stage after one game. While Argentine stars Sergio Araujo, Rogelio Funes Mori and Juan Iturbe have impressed the official, it is apparently Santos prodigy Neymar and Sao Paulo's Lucas, both 18, who have caught Valentin's eye over the rest.

Neymar was identified in the report as the 'tournament star', and is the runaway top scorer so far with seven goals in five games. The newspaper however did make reference to the forward's "divisive character" and described him as "proud and arrogant". Lucas meanwhile was dubbed a "midfielder with great technical ability", although it was also made clear that despite the close attention there was no immediate suggestion of an approach from the Liga champions.

NOT GOOD FOR US

[Siregar]

Barcelona Monitor Brazil Under-20 Stars Neymar And Lucas - Report
Barcelona sent their chief scout to the South American U-20 Championships, where he has been wowed by Brazil's Neymar and Lucas...
By Daniel Edwards

The stellar performances of Brazil duo Neymar and Lucas in the South American Under-20 Championships have attracted attention from across the Atlantic, with Barcelona reportedly keeping close tabs on the pair's exploits in Peru.

Mundo Deportivo report that the Spanish giants have sent head of the scouting department Albert Valentin to observe the Brazilian side, who remain unbeaten in the tournament and head the final stage after one game. While Argentine stars Sergio Araujo, Rogelio Funes Mori and Juan Iturbe have impressed the official, it is apparently Santos prodigy Neymar and Sao Paulo's Lucas, both 18, who have caught Valentin's eye over the rest.

Neymar was identified in the report as the 'tournament star', and is the runaway top scorer so far with seven goals in five games. The newspaper however did make reference to the forward's "divisive character" and described him as "proud and arrogant". Lucas meanwhile was dubbed a "midfielder with great technical ability", although it was also made clear that despite the close attention there was no immediate suggestion of an approach from the Liga champions.

NOT GOOD FOR US

As long as Ganso and Jucilei come, that would be fantastic. :3band:

[Jay Crisp]

Seing as D.Luiz is gone , Im proposing that we should sign Brock Lesnar for CB position...lol

I have no faith in this site but please be true http://www.southamericanfootball.co.uk/files/articles.php?article_id=1112

[hitmannq8]

Several reports in Brazil are claiming Ganso will surely be a Milan player in June. Milan already has an agreement for Ganso's 10% and DiS's 45%, whats remaining is Santos' 45%.

Tuttomercato (not the most reliable) are reporting that the person who decreased Non-EU spots to one is not there any more, and due to most clubs complaining about the rule last year, it is highly likely that they will return to TWO non-eu spots per club per transfer market. This move could see us bid for Jucilei and Honda, but I sure hope that we can sign Lucas Marcelinho, but since he's too young we can let Genoa sign him and then we keep him there for a year and bring him to Milan in a year.

Meanwhile: Palermo 2-0 Juventus and Chievo 1-0 Napoli - half way through the first half, (you guys should see Chievo's world class goal).

[Reza]

This might impact some of the stream watching we do
---
The federal government has seized the Web addresses of ten websites that allegedly live stream sporting and pay-per-view events online, shutting them down just days before one of the biggest televised sporting events of the year: the Super Bowl....The websites, which include channelsurfing.net and Spain-based rojadirecta.org...

http://www.politico.com/news/stories/0211/48692.html

[Ace]

This might impact some of the stream watching we do
---
The federal government has seized the Web addresses of ten websites that allegedly live stream sporting and pay-per-view events online, shutting them down just days before one of the biggest televised sporting events of the year: the Super Bowl....The websites, which include channelsurfing.net and Spain-based rojadirecta.org...

http://www.politico.com/news/stories/0211/48692.html

for now, Myp2p.eu is untouchable :D

[Nalx]

Tuttomercato (not the most reliable) are reporting that the person who decreased Non-EU spots to one is not there any more, and due to most clubs complaining about the rule last year, it is highly likely that they will return to TWO non-eu spots per club per transfer market. This move could see us bid for Jucilei and Honda, but I sure hope that we can sign Lucas Marcelinho, but since he's too young we can let Genoa sign him and then we keep him there for a year and bring him to Milan in a year.

Meanwhile: Palermo 2-0 Juventus and Chievo 1-0 Napoli - half way through the first half, (you guys should see Chievo's world class goal).

It'll be great if we return to the old two EU spot rule. Anyway, I'm watching Palermo-Juve which more entertaining than the Blackburn-Tottenham game. Two of our former youth graduates Darmian and Matri play tonight. The former does nothing special so far while the latter had already wasted two clear chances.

[Jay Crisp]

Those streaming sites will re-setup as easily as they are shut down.

Chievo 2 Napoli 0...rocking on.

[MilanMikey]

matris doing pretty bad,

GANSOOOOOOOOOOO

[Jay Crisp]

Matri was awful...my lizard would of scored his chances

[MilanMikey]

anything would have scored to those chances even bonera, not to mention he was taken off the ball after every dribbling attempt.. iff its the pressure that made him play like this then how would he do at milan nevermind juve

[hitmannq8]

Imagine he was bought for 18m..... stupid Juventus, really stupid club run by clowns. Marotta & Del Neri were NEVER Juventus standard.

[GeoTav]

Sad to read more and more general judgements on players after one game on this forum ...
Saying the guy did a bad game is normal if you think so, but judging the overall quality of a player and his potential in the future after one bad game (same can be said when a guy does an amazing performance) is just something people should avoid.

Just my thought though ...

[Aficio]

Juventus will play in their own stadium next year, be careful. Their income should be the greatest, behind Milan the trebe winner :D

[Christian]

Have to agree with Geo. Matri's only on loan at Juve, and tbh, he has performed well on occassions earlier.

That being said, apparently the clause to buy him is 15m Euro's in the summer, and apparently Juve payed quite a bit to get him on loan. I refuse to believe that Juve are gonna pay 15 M euro for a player like Matri, cause he's just not that good. That's the kinda money you pay for someone who's gonna be in the first 11 and Matri's just not good enough, and probably never will be good enough, to do that for a club like Juve (Or at least the club they wanna be).

[slifersd]

Seing as D.Luiz is gone , Im proposing that we should sign Brock Lesnar for CB position...lolI have no faith in this site but please be true http://www.southamericanfootball.co.uk/files/articles.php?article_id=1112


Let's see that punk Kozak, or whatever his name is, try to throw his elbows at our CBs then. Brock would choke his butt out right there and then in a minute.

[Gabriel489]

I don't anyone would even try to play rough against Milan if Brock is our CB.

[Elmago99]

Randomly turned on the television to see Olympique Lyon vs. Benfica.. which happened a few months ago...

Fabio Coentrao looked fantastic defensively, and showed good skill on the ball. Also, very good sending long balls a la Pirlo.

D. Luiz was at fault for one of the goals as he gave the ball away then was not in position.

For Lyon, Michel Bastos looked very dangerous, and I didn't see Cissokho do much. Gourcuff also was so-so....

Obviously just a random game, and you have to judge many performances together, but Coentrao is really a quality player, I'd love him at Milan.

[Xudong]

I just hope that the two non-EU policy can be confirmed, then we can start dreaming again. :D

[ZvonimirBoban]

The Gander and The Duck... Summer 2011, Milan, wait for it.

[Nalx]

Sad to read more and more general judgements on players after one game on this forum ...
Saying the guy did a bad game is normal if you think so, but judging the overall quality of a player and his potential in the future after one bad game (same can be said when a guy does an amazing performance) is just something people should avoid.

Just my thought though ...

I know you're talking in general and I respect that. But last night wasn't my first game watching him, far from that. IMHO he's a mediocre striker whose personal record is 13 goals a season (he's likely to break that since he already scored 11 this season), an Italian version of Darren Bent. And although we mustn't judge him from his first game with a new club, I think he has already shown worrying signs of another player who cracks under pressure. He's not a kid anymore, he's freaking 26 now. So much for his "potential in the future" that we only considered him when our 4th striker was injured.


But the worst part is his price : € 18 millions including 2,5 millions for a six month loan. While another option like Pazzini who is an int'l player and has a better record costs € 19 millions. That's what happened when you were buying just for the sake of it. Having said that, if he fails that's Juve's "loss" though so it's a good thing :respect:

[ACMILAN1983]

The Gander and The Duck... Summer 2011, Milan, wait for it.

If only Van Basten was still playing. Then we'd have the gander, duck and swan as our attack :D

[abbeyleemaniac]

i know Matri since his time with our Primavera. (even from his time at there, he was second to talented and left footed striker partner Michele Piccolo) Then he matured and progressed well. He still not a world class player, or i think he wont be a world class player in the future as well...

However Matri is dangerous striker, he is very strong, he has good finishing and movement...he can do something on ball, though he is a bit weak on the ball. He is a fighter typee of striker...After all, Matri is good as 3rd or 4th striker choice but yet its crazy to spend 15 m euros for him.

[Aficio]

Well, who is our 4th striker now? Pato :D

So Juve is truely ridiculous :D

[abbeyleemaniac]

Regarding Kozak, he impressed me until his anti-football game vs us. he is strong, fast and skilled though his big size. He track back, he is agressive...his pressing is impressive. this is why he impressed me...However i cant accept his anti-football game, elbows...

[MilanMikey]

im happy to have our non eu spots this summer, is ganso have a eu passport? and these days its always much better to buy south american players as they are cheap and worthy gambles because most of them turn out to be an average team player or the star taking head lines and clubs in brazil/argentina are easier to negotiate seeing as those clubs dont go along the same budget and spending as european clubs do. even the smaller clubs in europe spend and any player of the same class that you would buy in lets say england would cost alot more then a player you'd spot out in brazil.

[Elmago99]

Well, who is our 4th striker now? Pato :D

So Juve is truely ridiculous :D

We lost to Juventus this year.. When we destroy them, then we can talk, until then I think we should be quiet...;)

[GeoTav]

im happy to have our non eu spots this summer, is ganso have a eu passport? and these days its always much better to buy south american players as they are cheap and worthy gambles because most of them turn out to be an average team player or the star taking head lines and clubs in brazil/argentina are easier to negotiate seeing as those clubs dont go along the same budget and spending as european clubs do. even the smaller clubs in europe spend and any player of the same class that you would buy in lets say england would cost alot more then a player you'd spot out in brazil.

You're definitely wrong: while in Argentine, clubs tend to sell or give their players (Argentine has become the first "exporting country" of players), in Brazil, they tend to become stronger financially and understood how the European clubs deadly want some of their players, it's why they are now able to get big money for them even when they played only one single season in their first team ...

Actually, I even think we launched this trend with Pato: the kid had only played a few games, not even an entire season in first team, and we bought him 24M if I remember well. Why would Santos sell Neymar or Ganso for less when these guys are already proven stars in their country for example ?

[Christian]

You're definitely wrong: while in Argentine, clubs tend to sell or give their players (Argentine has become the first "exporting country" of players), in Brazil, they tend to become stronger financially and understood how the European clubs deadly want some of their players, it's why they are now able to get big money for them even when they played only one single season in their first team ...

Actually, I even think we launched this trend with Pato: the kid had only played a few games, not even an entire season in first team, and we bought him 24M if I remember well. Why would Santos sell Neymar or Ganso for less when these guys are already proven stars in their country for example ?

Some clubs in Argentina aren't bad at getting alot of money for their players. Aguero went for 25'ish M euro's, Gago of all people want for 20M euro's and Higauin went for 15'ish M euro's if I'm not mistaken.

[abbeyleemaniac]

Benfica got Ramires just for 8 m euros. Milan got Pato for 22 m euros. cuz Real, Chealse and inter was asking for him too and he was too young and dubbed as next Ronaldo. The market values for that calibre was high. if i remember correctly, Braida was about to bring both Modric and Lavezzi to us,(didnt happen because of Non Eu) yet Milan went for Pato. Real were offering very high sums to clubs, 27 m euros Sneijder, 30 m euros for Pepe, 20 m euros for Gago. if i remember correctly, Milan was also after Higuain and however didnt sign him, His price tag was around 9 m euros. They also got Marcelo cheap.

Lazio got Hernanes just for 10 m euros. Juve can sign Matri for 15 m euros for instance. You can get a quality player cheaper, you can get a normal player more expensive than his real price.

its depents on a lot of factor, the country's mercato prices, the player's hypee, The amounts of clubs interested in, Age, The english's market values are very high compared to italians... Even Non eu status effects many things..

[Elmago99]

its depents on a lot of factor, the country's mercato prices, the player's hypee, The amounts of clubs interested in, Age, The english's market values are very high compared to italians... Even Non eu status effects many things..

Italians like to keep their money, :D

[Aficio]

We lost to Juventus this year.. When we destroy them, then we can talk, until then I think we should be quiet...;)


I think 13 points are better than a win :D However, that lost was unacceptable for me, so I agree with your reason.

[Jay Crisp]

Italians like to keep their money, :D

The English like to blow their's..

[Bosniaco]

Neymar !!! Get him baldy !!!

[Bosniaco]

I also like Okaka a lot. He is a Roma player but on load to Bari, he is a Balotelli like.

[Arildonardo]

Well, who is our 4th striker now? Pato :D

So Juve is truely ridiculous :D

I think having Pato as 4th striker is ridiculous. He should be 1st.

[Aficio]

I think having Pato as 4th striker is ridiculous. He should be 1st.


He should be, but for now, that's the truth. Ibra, Cass & Binho possess the wit he doesn't.

[hitmannq8]

We all are waiting for Pato to take that step and we all need him to be the first striker, but why give it to him if he plays like he's not interested like last game? We all know he should be the first striker, but that little spoiled brat is not putting no effort in, and is psychologically weak and can't seem to handle the pressure (unlike before). Either the kid wants to play or he doesn't understand football, both of those reasons are unacceptable.

That being said, we all support Pato if he puts in the effort and doesn't play well - that would be totally fine by anyone - but he's not doing anything for us to fight for his case. No effort, no brain, no passion, no dribble, no cross - the kid is seriously getting worse I don't even understand how's that possible when he's only 21. It is obvious that it is all because his mental approach to the game, and so far he has only produced one great first half vs Samp in the Coppa Italia, and we haven't seen anything close to that in a long time (even vs Udinese where he scored two goals I did not think his performance was good).

And no I am not a Pato-hater as some people call me, I just am pissed off why one of my favorite players keeps letting me down every time I watch a game just to see him play. I fell in love with the kid after his debut and have been liking him more and more in his first season....but after that - it's like the player is regressing.

Hopefully, the kid will get back on track and by starting him game after game IS NOT THE RIGHT WAY. He has to fight his way back, and thankfully, at the moment we have a great player like Cassano to take his place and not someone like Huntelaar.

Forza Pato, but more importantly Forza Milan

[payne]

I think having Pato as 4th striker is ridiculous. He should be 1st.

your crazy bro, im very happy with ibra, anyone would be stupid to say ibra isnt first......i mean pato is good, but he is no Zlatan. i think for pato to succeed he needs to play beside ibra and not on the wing.

im not a coach or anything but i would play them in 4-3-2+robinho.......giving robinho the right to freeroam


for me it would be something like
(formation as players available now)

abate --yepes---silva----(the new spanish dude)
----MVB----------------urby]Robinho(where he plays as striker, but can go.....
-----------merkel-----------]Robinho.....into the midfield to help with ball......
-------Pato--------Ibra------]Robinho......rotation, its a very heavy workload, but i think he can do it)

and cassano comes on for merkel an between the 45-63 minute

[LebRN]

I also like Okaka a lot. He is a Roma player but on load to Bari, he is a Balotelli like.

i'm sure if you waited until after the Inter match yesterday, u wouldn't be saying that

[ACMILAN1983]

We all are waiting for Pato to take that step and we all need him to be the first striker, but why give it to him if he plays like he's not interested like last game? We all know he should be the first striker, but that little spoiled brat is not putting no effort in, and is psychologically weak and can't seem to handle the pressure (unlike before). Either the kid wants to play or he doesn't understand football, both of those reasons are unacceptable.

That being said, we all support Pato if he puts in the effort and doesn't play well - that would be totally fine by anyone - but he's not doing anything for us to fight for his case. No effort, no brain, no passion, no dribble, no cross - the kid is seriously getting worse I don't even understand how's that possible when he's only 21. It is obvious that it is all because his mental approach to the game, and so far he has only produced one great first half vs Samp in the Coppa Italia, and we haven't seen anything close to that in a long time (even vs Udinese where he scored two goals I did not think his performance was good).

And no I am not a Pato-hater as some people call me, I just am pissed off why one of my favorite players keeps letting me down every time I watch a game just to see him play. I fell in love with the kid after his debut and have been liking him more and more in his first season....but after that - it's like the player is regressing.

Hopefully, the kid will get back on track and by starting him game after game IS NOT THE RIGHT WAY. He has to fight his way back, and thankfully, at the moment we have a great player like Cassano to take his place and not someone like Huntelaar.

Forza Pato, but more importantly Forza Milan

You are being way to harsh on Pato. Seriously, to say he's not putting in the effort is going over the top, as he was tracking back much more frequently against Lazio and constantly looked to make himself available for the midfield.

His problem is clearly psychological, but it looks more to be about him being nervous on the pitch rather than not caring. Against Lazio every pass he made was to look for Ibra, and on the ball he never looked as assured as before.

I think what will help him a fair amount is actually getting Pirlo back. Pirlo is a natural leader with his playing style and he adds creativity. This will reduce the pressure on our attack to create, but I think Pirlo's approach to the game will benefit Pato because he'll have support from deeper areas and our game won't be reduced to "look for Ibra and wait for something to happen".

[abbeyleemaniac]

Our midfield doesnt support attacking trio enough in the last games, we miss Pirlo yet we miss Prince Boateng as well. He was a good connection between Robinho, ibra and midfield. we lost it since then.

Flamini is good player, he moves to box, dynamic, he is trying to do something offensively yet his finishing is poor. vs Lazio his header miss, his 1 on 1 with GK miss. then he is not this kind of player. Emanuelson is good player, yet his finishing and last touches are not great either. Robinho as trequartista, sometimes he moves on the right is not the solution, as we should give him more freedoom. Overall, i think we lost the balance, the link between attack and midfield, was Boateng. Merkel could be that player. Our squad could be more solid and balanced Merkel as trequartista as he showed he has quality to do this.

Regarding Pato, Pato has to learn that he has to fight for his spot, otherwise he will lose it. yet Pato and ibra has to get on better on the pitch, lets just give time to them...

[GeoTav]

You are being way to harsh on Pato. Seriously, to say he's not putting in the effort is going over the top, as he was tracking back much more frequently against Lazio and constantly looked to make himself available for the midfield.

His problem is clearly psychological, but it looks more to be about him being nervous on the pitch rather than not caring. Against Lazio every pass he made was to look for Ibra, and on the ball he never looked as assured as before.

I think what will help him a fair amount is actually getting Pirlo back. Pirlo is a natural leader with his playing style and he adds creativity. This will reduce the pressure on our attack to create, but I think Pirlo's approach to the game will benefit Pato because he'll have support from deeper areas and our game won't be reduced to "look for Ibra and wait for something to happen".

I think we need the come back of players like Pirlo and Nesta who are leaders, but soft leaders, they will support the partner instead of criticizing him ... Ibra is very important for us, our most important player, but I don't want him to become our natural leader. So even Ambrosini is welcome, he has to come back as fast as possible too !!

With the "oldies" back and rotating, Ibra will have to shut up a little and focus on his play and only that ...

It's the way I see that. Our last team was completely new, the player who spent the most time in Milan was Abb who is not a leader, Oddo who is not a leader in Milan (and Ibra was upset because of his crosses), and then Antonini, Thiago and Flamini, none of them is a charismatic leader.

Some people might wonder why Robinho isn't really touched by the critics of Ibra on the pitch ... I think it's because Robinho has more experience, he played in dirty clubs (Real, Man City), and he probably doesn't care, focussing on his own game.

[Filipéz 182]

IMO Ibra should cool down a bit sometimes, Milan is a team and its not only him, though he has been very important for us.

[SkyEdge]

The english's market values are very high compared to italians... Even Non eu status effects many things..

Precisely.. it tells u alot when garbage like Andy Carrol and a Crocked Torres cost 35M and 50M respectively..

[LebRN]

Cannot agree more with Dev, Geo, & Filipez

on some other notes:

how pathetic is Rafa??? he surely was the perfect coach for Inter, shame he's gone
http://www.goal.com/en/news/9/england/2011/02/04/2337239/rafael-benitez-claims-fernando-torres-was-worth-70m-insists

and this is the Chivu punch for those who missed it:
http://www.goal.com/en/news/3194/video/2011/02/03/2336745/video-inter-full-back-cristian-chivu-slugs-baris-marco-rossi

[LebRN]

oh and Chivu got a 4-match ban for that

[fLame]

4 games ban seems soft despite the apology.

This really deserved a ban for 10 games or even till the end of the season.

[ACMILAN1983]

I think we need the come back of players like Pirlo and Nesta who are leaders, but soft leaders, they will support the partner instead of criticizing him ... Ibra is very important for us, our most important player, but I don't want him to become our natural leader. So even Ambrosini is welcome, he has to come back as fast as possible too !!

With the "oldies" back and rotating, Ibra will have to shut up a little and focus on his play and only that ...

It's the way I see that. Our last team was completely new, the player who spent the most time in Milan was Abb who is not a leader, Oddo who is not a leader in Milan (and Ibra was upset because of his crosses), and then Antonini, Thiago and Flamini, none of them is a charismatic leader.

Some people might wonder why Robinho isn't really touched by the critics of Ibra on the pitch ... I think it's because Robinho has more experience, he played in dirty clubs (Real, Man City), and he probably doesn't care, focussing on his own game.

Exactly part of my thoughts. Ibra does respect the dressing room hierarchy, and he's an important leader (you can't always have soft leadership), but as others have said (including myself), we need him to use his head more as to when it's best to shout at teammates.

[MilanMikey]

too be honest without ibra this season we wouldnt get very far. as much as our veterans deserve the captains armband like ambro gattuso or seedorf i have to say the real leader this season has been ibra.. everytime he steps up his game the whole team does, hes scored so many CRUCIAL goals i cant even count them up and assists. robinho, although not so recognizable as a crucial part of the team is also, his positioning, movement on and off the ball really plays a huge role in our overall play, boatengs energy was a big part to lets not forget he never stops running nor trying his hardest. pato has the talent to surpass everyone at milan right now, even the ibra himself but its hard. he needs time, hes 21 guys. he has 4 years before i expect anything really special from him.. he still shouldnt be sold though under any circumstances and no matter what we should definitely buy ganso too.

[Elmago99]

oh and Chivu got a 4-match ban for that

How badly would you love to see this Face Off:

Gattuso, Boateng, Sokratis, Ibra & Van Bommel

Vs.

Matrix, Chivu, Lucio, Pandev & Stankovic
:rocky::5inter:

[LebRN]

How badly would you love to see this Face Off:

Gattuso, Boateng, Sokratis, Ibra & Van Bommel

Vs.

Matrix, Chivu, Lucio, Pandev & Stankovic
:rocky::5inter:

Ibra can take on Matrix easy (already did in the 1st game)
Gattuso will destroy Stankovic
Chivu is not match for Van Bommel
neither is Pandev for Sokratis (although not sure if Papa should be considered in this bunch)
so they can all help Boateng on Lucio when they are done with theirs as that could be tricky :firedev:

back to football and some good comments on Pato, from Cassano describing him as player with enormous quality who will become a great champion, while Allegri also tries to ease the pressure by saying that he is playing Pato as a 1st striker (if anybody had any doubts) and that this is different for him from last year when he was more of a right forward and that with all his injuries he did not get enough time to adapt back to the "new" role especially with a new teammate (Ibra). So he expects Pato to be like a huge Jan transfer for us (like Pirlo & all the other injured players). Good stuff in support of the Duck.

[Brasileiro]

I think we need the come back of players like Pirlo and Nesta who are leaders, but soft leaders, they will support the partner instead of criticizing him ... Ibra is very important for us, our most important player, but I don't want him to become our natural leader. So even Ambrosini is welcome, he has to come back as fast as possible too !!

With the "oldies" back and rotating, Ibra will have to shut up a little and focus on his play and only that ...

It's the way I see that. Our last team was completely new, the player who spent the most time in Milan was Abb who is not a leader, Oddo who is not a leader in Milan (and Ibra was upset because of his crosses), and then Antonini, Thiago and Flamini, none of them is a charismatic leader.

Some people might wonder why Robinho isn't really touched by the critics of Ibra on the pitch ... I think it's because Robinho has more experience, he played in dirty clubs (Real, Man City), and he probably doesn't care, focussing on his own game.


IMO Ibra should cool down a bit sometimes, Milan is a team and its not only him, though he has been very important for us.
Couldn´t agree more, guys.

I was about to post this subject here but was afraid to sound biased since I was against Ibra purchase. Not because of his talent(undeniable), but because of his abrasive personality.

All this said, I have no doubt that we would not be at the top without Ibra. But he need to stop with this antics and stop to throw up his arms at any play that the ball didn´t arrive at his feet. It´s annoying and disrespectful...


back to football and some good comments on Pato, from Cassano describing him as player with enormous quality who will become a great champion, while Allegri also tries to ease the pressure by saying that he is playing Pato as a 1st striker (if anybody had any doubts) and that this is different for him from last year when he was more of a right forward and that with all his injuries he did not get enough time to adapt back to the "new" role especially with a new teammate (Ibra). So he expects Pato to be like a huge Jan transfer for us (like Pirlo & all the other injured players). Good stuff in support of the Duck.
Great to hear about it, LebRN.

But Pato played all his life(but Leo´s tenure and some of Carlo´s time) as CF and is playing like that at Mano Menezes team. Indeed, I hope Allegri whatch Pato in Brazil NT. He´s playing at the last line, almost in off side and at that position he is being lethal.

Btw, props to Allegri to keep Pato as starter after his last bad game. It helps to rebuild his confidence.

[GeoTav]

Btw, props to Allegri to keep Pato as starter after his last bad game. It helps to rebuild his confidence.

It helps and it was a good choice as Pato scored again (with an assist of Ibra) ... So for that, credit to Allegri !! Anyway, there is no competition right now between the three strikers and Cassano I think because despite an amazing debut with us, probably thanks to enthusiasm of joining us, Cassano seems to start to feel the weight of the 2 months without playing he spent before the holidays !! He needs time I think, and as a consequence, that gives time to Pato !! :)

[kakacmilan best]

Dont forget that the attack for the CL game will be Pato Binho Ibra beacuse Cassano cant play so we need them to play toghter!

[Elmago99]

To speak quite bluntly, I think Ganso is a done deal. If and when that happens, He will be our ACM/Trequartista. We will play with 3 dynamic midfielders, possibly one of those being more of a CDM. We'll probably play a classic diamond formation. Then, Allegri will play Ibrahimovic & Pato up front. This will have Robinho coming off the bench as the first striker to come in. Cassano can be a vice-Ganso or 4th striker. He also may want to leave.

This is how I see it playing out. Then, we'll need a Left Back. This must be the priority of the summer, as without us realizing it, the LB position has truly hurt us more than we think. I don't want to make assumptions about Didac Vila, but if he's not starting and Bonera is, something is very very wrong here.

We'll release Seedorf and Jankulovski for sure, and I'd honestly only keep 2 out of 3 (Ambro, Rino, MvB)....then I'd even think about selling Flamini, who's all work and no product. He seems better fit for the EPL. With that money, which could be €15 knowing these current prices in England, we could go and buy Jucilei. Then we can have Ganso, Merkel, Strasser, Pirlo, Jucilei, Emmanuelson, Boateng, and 2 of (Ambro/Rino/MvB). That's good enough for me.

[Brasileiro]

It helps and it was a good choice as Pato scored again (with an assist of Ibra) ... So for that, credit to Allegri !! Anyway, there is no competition right now between the three strikers and Cassano I think because despite an amazing debut with us, probably thanks to enthusiasm of joining us, Cassano seems to start to feel the weight of the 2 months without playing he spent before the holidays !! He needs time I think, and as a consequence, that gives time to Pato !! :)
C´mon, Geo!! We better find something to disagree!!!:guw:

I can not post often anymore, but as reader, I was surprise by the hype about Cassano´s performances here. I like him as a sub, but not on the starting 11. Imo, until we get a real #10, its Pato-Ibra up front with Robinho behind.

I just hope Nesta, Ambro or Pirlo clear things between Pato and Ibra. In my head they complement each other so well... Ibra loves to go left and right and hold the ball to create something and Pato is deadly(and love) playing like the young Ronaldo(R9) at the line of the opositon defense. They can be lethal, just needs to clear things...

[Christian]

Hey Brasileiro. Alot of rumours lately about Ganso going to Milan in the summer, apparently Galliani talked to all three parties who have the rights when he was in Brazil earlier. What are people saying in Brazil? Do you think there's something to this?

[Brasileiro]

Hey Brasileiro. Alot of rumours lately about Ganso going to Milan in the summer, apparently Galliani talked to all three parties who have the rights when he was in Brazil earlier. What are people saying in Brazil? Do you think there's something to this?
Christian, at first I was more worried because Ganso said in an interview that Inter was more interested in him than Santos. Plus, after Leonardo was appointed, they also got a guy that has all the doors open in Brazil. To have a Brazilian(well liked) coach also is a HUGE advantage.

But now we have our weapon, too. Robinho interview a few days ago about the way Milan(Mgt, teammates, fans) welcome him was great for us regarding Ganso. They were teammates at Santos(will be in Brazil NT) and are good friends. I have no doubt Robinho will tell him about the hell it was Real Madrid and the way they pick him as scapegoat for every defeat of that club. Will tell how important it is to be respected as a player/person in another country and how he found peace at Milan. In Spain, if you´re a Brazilian player and is playing poorly, press and fans automatically call you a party-lover. For them, every Brazilian player underperforming is a Bohemian, an unprofessional. There, they(Raul´s crew, press and fans) created this false image of Robinho(party-lover) that I always fought against here, calling it unfair and a lie... and I´m still waiting for the reports of Robinho out at every night club of Milan. Or him being a cancer in dressing room. All stupid rumors created by papers like As, Marca, Sport and Mundo Deportivo, that in these internet times are spread like a plague(and a true) around the world, and that unfortunately, nobody will be blamed for the crime of defame a person.

BIG RANT aside(sorry guys), what I hear here is that(until today) it is a 2 teams race(Milan and Inter), but with a third Club starting to be interested, too(Chelsea). I wanted to have the same confidence of Elmago, but I still didn´t watch a single video of Ganso saying he´s a Milan fan. Not saying he isn´t, but I will believe when I see it. Imo it´s a pretty open race right now, with a little advantage for us: Inter has Sneijder at the #10 role. With Ganso work rate and style, he can play alongside Sneijder, but will be hard for Leo to sell what Allegri can... a open space at #10.

P.S. Galliani talking with Ganso "3 owners" was a news that came from Italy after his quotes. Here it was only Galliani/Ronaldinho saga. But I hope it´s true...

[hitmannq8]

Iturbe scored the winning goal against 10 man Brazil and knocked them out of the U20 World Cup. He's been in good form all tournament

That kid's special. Not a new Messi, but pretty damn good. Not better than Neymar, but worth keeping an eye on.

[Jay Crisp]

nothing to do with the mercato but I think Silva makes interesting points here http://www.football-italia.net/feb08b.html

[ACMILAN1983]

we're linked to Yann M'Vila of Rennes, a young midfielder being compared to Viera. News is on milannews and goal.com

[Gabriel489]

How come Milan is not being link with Santacroce or Jucelei?

Personally, I think Galli made huge mistakes but signing MVB, Legro, Dilac and Emmuenlson in Winter, as they are all average players who just added depth instead of quality to the Milan squad.

[hitmannq8]

Dani Alves has STILL not renewed his contract with Barcelona and it expires in 4 months.


Brazilian fullback (and Spanish passport I guess?), 28 years old, plays in one of the best teams we've seen, and free....

Galliani is already planning I bet. Both Alves and Bosingwa will be free next summer and both provide an incredible upgrade over Abate (even though he's been improving). Alves can take us to another level. 2 days ago I read a report saying we've already agreed terms with Bosingwa for the summer.

[Nalx]

Dani Alves has STILL not renewed his contract with Barcelona and it expires in 4 months.


Brazilian fullback (and Spanish passport I guess?), 28 years old, plays in one of the best teams we've seen, and free....

Galliani is already planning I bet. Both Alves and Bosingwa will be free next summer and both provide an incredible upgrade over Abate (even though he's been improving). Alves can take us to another level. 2 days ago I read a report saying we've already agreed terms with Bosingwa for the summer.

Erm, mate, Alves' contract expires in June 2012. Even if he sees it out, there's no way we can match the salary offered by clubs like City. He earns about € 3,5 million now and he wants to be on par with the likes of Messi and Xavi, which is around € 7,5 millions per annum. There'll be no transfer cost alright but on the other side of the coin, he's likely to ask for a big salary AND quite a long contract seeing that's probably his last chance of getting a lucrative deal. So, let's assume we match the salary he asked and the contract runs for 3 years. That's (7,5 salary + 7,5 tax) x 3 = € 45 million! Berlu wouldn't even pay a third of it for Cissokho. He's way better than Aly of course, but fact is, Berlu never wants to pay huge amount of money for a defender.


I'm not really sure about Bosingwa though. He only got his place on the starting line up since Alex got injured and Ivanovic took his place at CB. And all that time he shares it with Ferreira. I don't think he'll add much compare to Abate nowadays. But I'm afraid that next year Abate might turn out to be Antonini of this year, so since he comes free, I'll welcome him.

[Filipéz 182]

Dutch and Belgian media linked us to Jan Vertonghen (24yo central defender playing for Ajax) in recent days. I also saw an intervieuw with him saying that nobody would reject Milan. he is an interesting option IMO;

[Elmago99]

Seems as though we'll go for Bosingwa, not Alves. Alves will stay with Barca IMO.

Still not sure what we'll do for CB, I'm not sure Milan knows yet what they want to do.

Lastly, regarding this issue of Taxes, please explain this to me. Milan pay a player €5 Million per year, and they must then pay €5 Million in taxes to the government?? That doesn't even make any sense, and I don't know why anyone in Italy would ever tolerate that... Every worker you hire you have to pay that salary in taxes to the government? For what? Who could afford to run a business in Italy then?

I'm very confused as I've heard people say this on the boards many times, but it makes zero sense. So let's just say Milan pays €40 Million per year to their players, they must also spend that same amount in taxes. That doesn't sound like an incentive for businesses to hire workers, it actually sounds completely retarted. Hope someone can explain this...thanks

EDIT: If it is in fact true, then I now understand why Berlusconi and Italian teams in general have been reluctant to spend money the past few years.. however, Berlusconi is the President so maybe he can change this ridiculous law...

[Gabriel489]

The tax rate is close to 50% in Italy, and due to the nature of footballers, clubs tend to pay for the players taxes where employees in other businesses tends to pay their own taxes.

It is the same in England too, but that did not stop them from spending. Same goes in Spain, but Spain got a 3 or 4 yrs rule where if you only needs to pay 30% in the first 3 or 4 yrs you first work in Spain.

[hitmannq8]

It's ~50% in Italy, England and even Spain now. It is how it is..... That's why we've been waiting for this summer for so long, we will have so much money off the annual wages...

My only advice that I could give the management is I hope that they start thinking if they didnt already of making a new stadium. We will see a total different Juventus in two years and they will be able to spend like crazy because of the crazy income they will make compared to now. I really wish we could create a new stadium, it can be very important for the new UEFA laws.

[MilanMikey]

It's ~50% in Italy, England and even Spain now. It is how it is..... That's why we've been waiting for this summer for so long, we will have so much money off the annual wages...

My only advice that I could give the management is I hope that they start thinking if they didnt already of making a new stadium. We will see a total different Juventus in two years and they will be able to spend like crazy because of the crazy income they will make compared to now. I really wish we could create a new stadium, it can be very important for the new UEFA laws.

why is juventus going to be making crazy money?

[hitmannq8]

Because they'll be the first Italian stadium to own their stadium and will get all of the income at the gates. Italian clubs usually rent their stadiums from the city councils and share the incomes at the games. With this move, Juve will probably double their income and thus have double the transfer budget the rest of the Italian teams. Milan used to be always the first team that "starts a new trend" whether it is in football tactics or whether it's in management. I'm afraid Juventus have done better than us in this aspect and this could potentially see Juventus escalate and return to dominate Italy in 2-3 years. (given they get rid of the joke of a management and coach they have)

[GeoTav]

Lastly, regarding this issue of Taxes, please explain this to me. Milan pay a player €5 Million per year, and they must then pay €5 Million in taxes to the government?? That doesn't even make any sense, and I don't know why anyone in Italy would ever tolerate that... Every worker you hire you have to pay that salary in taxes to the government? For what? Who could afford to run a business in Italy then?

I'm very confused as I've heard people say this on the boards many times, but it makes zero sense. So let's just say Milan pays €40 Million per year to their players, they must also spend that same amount in taxes. That doesn't sound like an incentive for businesses to hire workers, it actually sounds completely retarted. Hope someone can explain this...thanks

It is like that in most of the European countries (at least in the western European countries, don't know the situation for each country) ... The only difference is the % of tax.

In France for example, if you have a 2000€ salary, you are actually given 1540€, so you have a 460€ tax to pay (it's automatically done, the people receive the 1540€, so it's a 23% tax). I don't think it's 50% for all people in Italy, it's probably a special regime for football or more generally sport players and I think it must work the same way in France too, I'm not sure.

This money taken during all your working life is used for the retirement system, social security, etc ... So that's not that stupid ... ;)

[GeoTav]

Because they'll be the first Italian stadium to own their stadium and will get all of the income at the gates. Italian clubs usually rent their stadiums from the city councils and share the incomes at the games. With this move, Juve will probably double their income and thus have double the transfer budget the rest of the Italian teams. Milan used to be always the first team that "starts a new trend" whether it is in football tactics or whether it's in management. I'm afraid Juventus have done better than us in this aspect and this could potentially see Juventus escalate and return to dominate Italy in 2-3 years. (given they get rid of the joke of a management and coach they have)

Even with their new stadium, they'll need more time ...
About the fact they did better than us, maybe it's true, but Milan is a special case for the stadium question, and it's probably more difficult to leave San Siro (and letting Inter use it ?!) ...

[Elmago99]

Erm, mate, Alves' contract expires in June 2012. Even if he sees it out, there's no way we can match the salary offered by clubs like City. He earns about € 3,5 million now and he wants to be on par with the likes of Messi and Xavi, which is around € 7,5 millions per annum. There'll be no transfer cost alright but on the other side of the coin, he's likely to ask for a big salary AND quite a long contract seeing that's probably his last chance of getting a lucrative deal. So, let's assume we match the salary he asked and the contract runs for 3 years. That's (7,5 salary + 7,5 tax) x 3 = € 45 million!

Ok so now that everyone has clarified about the tax code, sorry Nalx, this post is wrong. The tax is 50% not 100%. If a player has a salary of €7.5 Million, then the tax would be €3.75 Million. That's bad, but not nearly AS bad.

Anyways, regarding the stadium, I too hope Milan can build their own stadium. 60-70,000 seats capacity, modern technology, and we will pack the stadium! I've heard that Moratti may have wanted to buy his own stadium. It's a very expensive project, and took Juventus years to get done...

[Nalx]

Ok so now that everyone has clarified about the tax code, sorry Nalx, this post is wrong. The tax is 50% not 100%. If a player has a salary of €7.5 Million, then the tax would be €3.75 Million. That's bad, but not nearly AS bad.



I remember reading similar statements by Galliani in the past buddy, but my assumption was based on these words from Berlu:“For a salary of €100m in Spain, they spend €130m or €140m. For us, a salary of €100m, we spend €200m.”

www.footballitaliano.co.uk/p6_66_358_club-focus-milan-maldinis-not-so-fairytale-farewell-to-the-san-siro-ultras.html