Transfer Talk, Rumours and Speculation

[n i k o]

Im not denying that this adds pressure on FFA. In saying that there's probably nothing too machiavellian in it either. It's more so that CFG can't justify the losses made. They have simply suggested that if there was more freedom for marketing club sponsors and revenue raising without so much FFA centralisation more clubs could afford better marquees. 

Edited May 20, 2016 by n i k o

[Chris p]

Ironically Victory have been able to turn a profit under the same market conditions. that must really bite CFG 

[n i k o]

12 hours ago, Murfy1 said:

The commercial model that underpins the A-League is a separate program that’s not directly linked to marquee player acquisition.

This comment makes more sense now, the FFA wants clubs to sign marquees yet the current commercial model does not work in the clubs favour to do so due to the lack of revenue clubs receive. So why should they fork out money to make a loss? The fact that the FFA has introduced a marquee fund for big name players shows how desperate they are for the aleague model to stay in their control and centralised. Instead of clubs earning money and signing a marquee, the FFA earns money and clubs must apply to them on who it's spent on. It's ridiculous. 

[malloy]

5 minutes ago, Chris p said:

Ironically Victory have been able to turn a profit under the same market conditions. that must really bite CFG 

You have missed the whole point of what CFG are saying.

The FFA are pushing clubs to get big name marquees and other clubs are expecting that CFG will bring in a big name which will in turn help their bottom line yet the FFA restrictions mean that CFG are wearing all the cost of the marquee and not proprtionally obtaining the benefits (bigger and better sponsorship etc), which makes the acquisition of a marquee more financially viable. 

Essentially CFG are accusing the FFA of trying to have their cake and eat it.

[jw1739]

6 minutes ago, Chris p said:

Ironically Victory have been able to turn a profit under the same market conditions. that must really bite CFG 

Probably so would City if it weren't for CFA Melbourne and the way that we are creating a real football club (despite the well-discussed hiccups that we put up with). We need to remember that the capital expenditure on CFA won't be repeated every year. There's be another big dollop of cash required for the extension to provide proper facilities for the ladies,  but after that the capital requirements should diminish unless we build more steel and concrete infrastructure.

[n i k o]

9 minutes ago, Chris p said:

Ironically Victory have been able to turn a profit under the same market conditions. that must really bite CFG 

Tell me which big star marquee victree have tried to bring into the league? Fact is they turn a profit by using low budget marquees in Besart and Bozanic. Would they turn a profit if they tried to bring in some mega star? Possibly. But there's a good chance they wouldn't. CFG however is interested in bringing in the megastar. If they weren't then they would continue to sign the Korens of this world. So comparing the two clubs is wrong because they have different ambitions in how they want to market themselves through their players. But clearly they need revenue to justify this.

[jw1739]

2 minutes ago, malloy said:

You have missed the whole point of what CFG are saying.

The FFA are pushing clubs to get big name marquees and other clubs are expecting that CFG will bring in a big name which will in turn help their bottom line yet the FFA restrictions mean that CFG are wearing all the cost of the marquee and not proprtionally obtaining the benefits (bigger and better sponsorship etc), which makes the acquisition of a marquee more financially viable. 

Essentially CFG are accusing the FFA of trying to have their cake and eat it.

As well as passing a rule (Lampard) that cuts off the loan route by which clubs could bring in top-line players.

[AntiScum]

4 hours ago, bt50 said:

Definitely a case of CFG calling the FFA's bluff. Tbh I think they'll panic.
CFG pushing hard for the deregulation of the league.

This is exactly the case!! The FFA are trying to play hardball and its going to backfire BIG TIME!!

The clubs want a bigger say and the FFA pretty much say do as i say. The FFA want the clubs to spend up on big name Marquees while the FFA line their pockets.

This could get nasty with owners walking away if things dont change.

Edited May 20, 2016 by AntiScum

[Embee]

1 minute ago, AntiScum said:

This is exactly the case!! The FFA are trying to play hardball and its going to backfire BIG TIME!!

The clubs want a bigger say and the FFA pretty much say do as i say. 

Not letting Kaka come must have been the final straw.

[AntiScum]

1 minute ago, Embee said:

Not letting Kaka come must have been the final straw.

Add Lampard and the names that havnt been bought out to the public.

[HeartOfCity]

4 hours ago, bt50 said:

Definitely a case of CFG calling the FFA's bluff. Tbh I think they'll panic.
CFG pushing hard for the deregulation of the league.

And hopefully a break away from FFA.

[bt50]

1 minute ago, HeartOfCity said:

And hopefully a break away from FFA.

Well independance from the FFA. A breakaway would be the death of the game in Australia.

[Dylan]

12 hours ago, n i k o said:

Finally an article that speaks the truth about our monetary conditions. 

Regarding the article everyone knows the FFA are mediocre at running the league, good to see us putting more pressure on them by not signing a big name marquee. 

I dont see a 15mil facility owned by Victory either. 10 years and  still tenants.  

[AntiScum]

7 minutes ago, Dylan said:

I dont see a 15mil facility owned by Victory either. 10 years and  still tenants.  

City dont own LaTrobe its leased/co-owned for how ever many years.

[mjake1234]

7 hours ago, bt50 said:

Well independance from the FFA. A breakaway would be the death of the game in Australia.

Like one day cricket was for the game!!

[Murfy1]

As usual note who the source is, but here's some positive hints regarding transfer activity:

 

 

Elrich in the City crosshairs

 

By The Secret Agent

May. 19, 2016

 

With news of an audacious double swoop, I can exclusively reveal that the acquisitive Melbourne City are hot on the heels of Adelaide United defender, Tarek Elrich. 

The Socceroo is keen to move to the City Group-owned club, and is believed to have expressed his desire to leave Adelaide.

It will be interesting to see if Adelaide agree to release Elrich, considering they are still seething at the loss of Bruce Kamau to the same club in the aftermath of their grand final success.

Compounded by the further losses of Craig Goodwin and Eli Babalj to Holland, the Elrich request will be a delicate matter and could ruffle some feathers in the City of Churches.

 

http://www.sportingnews.com/football/list/the-secret-agent-melbourne-citys-double-socceroo-swoop/1tn0zvmifc5hj1iasfj3y43cn5/slide/1

 

 

City swoop part two - Bratten's back

 

By The Secret Agent

May. 19, 2016

 

Part two of the City-Socceroos swoop involves former Brisbane Roar midfielder Luke Bratten, who, I have on good authority, will also be joining the Melbourne outfit next season.

Bratten signed with City Group club Manchester City in 2015 and was immediately loaned out to Bolton Wanderers, where he hasn't played a single game.

He was unable to join another team in the last transfer window because of the FIFA rule restricting the amount of registrations a player can have during any one season.

So, with the new season just around the corner, expect to see Man City loan Bratten to their Aussie sister club. 

 

http://www.sportingnews.com/football/list/the-secret-agent-melbourne-citys-double-socceroo-swoop/1tn0zvmifc5hj1iasfj3y43cn5/slide/2

[Dylan]

11 minutes ago, Murfy1 said:

As usual note who the source is, but here's some positive hints regarding transfer activity:

 

 

Elrich in the City crosshairs

 

By The Secret Agent

May. 19, 2016

 

With news of an audacious double swoop, I can exclusively reveal that the acquisitive Melbourne City are hot on the heels of Adelaide United defender, Tarek Elrich. 

The Socceroo is keen to move to the City Group-owned club, and is believed to have expressed his desire to leave Adelaide.

It will be interesting to see if Adelaide agree to release Elrich, considering they are still seething at the loss of Bruce Kamau to the same club in the aftermath of their grand final success.

Compounded by the further losses of Craig Goodwin and Eli Babalj to Holland, the Elrich request will be a delicate matter and could ruffle some feathers in the City of Churches.

 

http://www.sportingnews.com/football/list/the-secret-agent-melbourne-citys-double-socceroo-swoop/1tn0zvmifc5hj1iasfj3y43cn5/slide/1

 

 

City swoop part two - Bratten's back

 

By The Secret Agent

May. 19, 2016

 

Part two of the City-Socceroos swoop involves former Brisbane Roar midfielder Luke Bratten, who, I have on good authority, will also be joining the Melbourne outfit next season.

Bratten signed with City Group club Manchester City in 2015 and was immediately loaned out to Bolton Wanderers, where he hasn't played a single game.

He was unable to join another team in the last transfer window because of the FIFA rule restricting the amount of registrations a player can have during any one season.

So, with the new season just around the corner, expect to see Man City loan Bratten to their Aussie sister club. 

 

http://www.sportingnews.com/football/list/the-secret-agent-melbourne-citys-double-socceroo-swoop/1tn0zvmifc5hj1iasfj3y43cn5/slide/2

IF we manage to land both of these players, it will almost get rid of the effect of losing Zullo and Wilkinson

[haz]

How long will it take Brattan to gain form though? I think he would be more concerned about his looks and making sure his Yeezys arn't dirty.

[Dylan]

3 minutes ago, haz said:

How long will it take Brattan to gain form though? I think he would be more concerned about his looks and making sure his Yeezys arn't dirty.

I dont think he will be much trouble at all. Always been a fan of Brattan, he is a great mobile DM that gets stuck right in. 

[Jovan]

4 minutes ago, haz said:

How long will it take Brattan to gain form though? I think he would be more concerned about his looks and making sure his Yeezys arn't dirty.

Should take him more than 4 weeks to do calf give or take.

[jw1739]

I don't think it's much of an "exclusive" by "Secret Agent." Elrich was rumoured 2-3 weeks ago, and it was always likely that Brattan was going to be loaned out within the City stable.

[Kinnibari]

4 hours ago, haz said:

How long will it take Brattan to gain form though? I think he would be more concerned about his looks and making sure his Yeezys arn't dirty.

He has got multiple months of preseason between now and then to get sorted

[playmaker]

Nothing but good news of late. Looks like we are building a solid team, players and coaches. 16/17 looking bright. Better re-new that membership.

[heart_fan10]

Lustica signed with Wanderers. Thank god!

[Murfy1]

A few comments Matt Windley made today:

 

- "They [Melbourne City] are definitely looking at Tarek Elrich. So whether or not that gets across the line, I think the player wants it to happen, it's whether or not the club makes it happen".

- On Fornaroli, Windley thinks he will stay.

- and Windley acknowledged the rumour that the assistant coach will be JVS's successor, but made the point that nothing's really understood with regards to the assistant coach ATM.

 

 

https://audioboom.com/boos/4600045-market-watch-melbourne-victory-melbourne-city-matt-windley

Edited May 23, 2016 by Murfy1

[Tesla]

On 21/05/2016 at 1:31 PM, haz said:

How long will it take Brattan to gain form though? I think he would be more concerned about his looks and making sure his Yeezys arn't dirty.

What? have you seen his hair? I don't think the bloke gives a single fuck about his looks.

[haz]

1 hour ago, Tesla said:

What? have you seen his hair? I don't think the bloke gives a single fuck about his looks.

Have you seen his instagram?

[Chris p]

Elrich can fuck off, if we lose another youngster... 

[n i k o]

 

14 minutes ago, Chris p said:

Elrich can fuck off, if we lose another youngster... 

Beggars can't be choosers. At this rate of players in/out we'll be doing quite a bit of begging. 

[Chris p]

1 hour ago, n i k o said:

 

Beggars can't be choosers. At this rate of players in/out we'll be doing quite a bit of begging. 

Not if we backed or youngsters for 2 or 3 years 

[strider]

Marino gone. We have like 3 players left in our squad? 

[Tesla]

6 hours ago, Chris p said:

Not if we backed or youngsters for 2 or 3 years 

They'll just ask for money after we put up with an inferior player for a year or two, might as well just pay the more money now and get a ready to go player.

[NewConvert]

1 hour ago, Tesla said:

They'll just ask for money after we put up with an inferior player for a year or two, might as well just pay the more money now and get a ready to go player.

You raised an interesting point here. How much youth development should each club do? Or can we have some clubs doing a lot of the early development and then on-sell the players (that would mean transfer fees between clubs) to other A-League clubs?

[jw1739]

17 minutes ago, NewConvert said:

You raised an interesting point here. How much youth development should each club do? Or can we have some clubs doing a lot of the early development and then on-sell the players (that would mean transfer fees between clubs) to other A-League clubs?

Until transfer fees are allowed between A-League clubs and both the salary and numbers caps removed there is almost no incentive to develop young players. Because, for example with Petreski, Marino, Dekker and others before them, sooner or later the club runs up against one of cap limits and then the player leaves for free anyway.

[mus-28]

The FFA needs to implement a loan system for the A-League. Young players could be loaned out to a club where they are needed and could get valuable game time while their parent club benefits from having them under contract long term. Even if it was only a 10 game loan stint available to each club, it'd be better than the injury replacements that we've seen at some clubs.

[Jovan]

Problem is that the FFA has painted itself into a corner. The basic premis of the A LEAGUE is that its to be an even competition and sustainable so that clubs survive as well as offering players the opportunity to be fully professional. Which after 10 years it has achieved and really over achieved. 

But for it to improve it can't because of all of it's controlling levers that prevents individual clubs from developing  (improving ) and generally at the expense of others. The natural order in most leagues is that 2 or 3 clubs dominate and it's up the lesser clubs to inovate to try to bridge the gap.

It's time the FFA stepped away and gave the League back to the clubs and very soon we'll see an entirely different beast.

But unfortunately that's not going to happen. 

[NewConvert]

1 hour ago, jw1739 said:

Until transfer fees are allowed between A-League clubs and both the salary and numbers caps removed there is almost no incentive to develop young players. Because, for example with Petreski, Marino, Dekker and others before them, sooner or later the club runs up against one of cap limits and then the player leaves for free anyway.

Well sooner or later a club (caps or no caps) are going to have to decide whether a youth player is worth persevering with at that level. When CFG bought Heart, I had a look at 2008 Man City winning youth squad  and could only find six players that still had a career in football at an elite level and none were at the EPL. this also happens in other sports - back in the late 70s in the VFL Richmond had Michael Roach and sitting in the reserves was a young Mark Jackson who left for Melbourne and both players were 100+ goal kickers. Dekker and Marino had the misfortune of playing in a side that had Bruno Fornaroli. Now picture what would have happened if we didn't have Fornaroli but only a fit James Brown. I honestly believe that both Dekker and Marino would have had more game time (injuries not withstanding).

Do clubs have an incentive to develop players? Not if they want to trade with other A-League clubs. But football is a global game and Australia has been exporting players for quite a long time. The incentive remains  for clubs to develop players to sell to more cashed up leagues. Matty Ryan has been a cash cow for CCM.

Of course players can leave for free but maybe some clever lawyers can write a contract that they can only leave for free to other A-League clubs unless they are delisted otherwise a transfer fee can be demanded. Or perhaps have a soft +1 year attached to players contracts - that is the club can force another year so that a transfer fee can be extracted. This would be a matter of imagination and negotiation.

I quite like mus-28 idea of loans between clubs in the event of injury or even mid-season top ups.

[jw1739]

It doesn't make sense to me that the only way a club can gain from finding and developing a player is to receive a transfer fee from an overseas club while at the same time there are restrictions on how many overseas players we can sign - nil in the case of U-20 overseas players - and on how much we can pay our players.

[Dylan]

Quote

Adelaide United would like to make the following statement regarding the future of Tarek Elrich.

As a result of numerous rumours from sources outside of South Australia, Adelaide United would like to end all speculation around the future of the Club’s defender, Tarek Elrich. 

Elrich, who still has two years left on his current contract with the Reds, is an important player within the squad and was integral in the Club’s Westfield FFA Cup success of 2014 and also the historic Premiership and Championship double from last season. 

The Club’s General Manager of Football Operations, Ante Kovacevic, said: “The rumours surrounding Tarek’s future at Adelaide United are all false. 

“Tarek is a very important and valued member of our football club who has the utmost respect of his teammates, coaches, the Adelaide United Board, and staff. 

“We are not going to let a player of Tarek’s quality and character leave us and nor does he want to.”

Adelaide United will be making no further comment. 

[Thrillhouse]

so elrich is a done deal then?