Transfer Rumours Winter 2025 Transfer Thread

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originallambrettaman said:
The local rag seem shocked he's gone, but he's one of a few surprises...

SANDY, Utah (ABC4) — In the span of one year, Real Salt Lake’s high-powered offense has been dismantled, leaving some fans questioning the team’s direction and competitive outlook.

The departures of key players, Andres Gomez, Anderson Julio, and Matt “Tree” Crooks, mark a dramatic shift in the club’s roster but fans were shocked this morning to see MLS Insider Tom Bogert report that team captain and leading goal scorer Chicho Arrango had been traded to an inter-conference rival- which has not been officially confirmed by RSL as of publishing.

Matt “Tree” Crooks: A leader on and off the field returns to England

Signed from Middlesbrough in February 2024, Matt “Tree” Crooks brought a unique blend of midfield creativity and community impact. Crooks recorded 3 goals and 5 assists during the season and was lauded for his charitable works in Utah and abroad. However, last Friday RSL transferred Crooks back to his native England, where he joined Hull City in the Championship, leaving the team without his steadying presence in midfield.
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"Affectionately nicknamed “Tree” while he was a scholar in the Huddersfield Town Academy due to his 6 '2 frame and large bushy hair at the time, the nickname has stuck and followed him wherever he's gone."

In case anyone else was bemused by them calling him tree.
 
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HCAFCHangout said:
Selles is so remarkably close to stumbling on the 352 formation that would probably work here it’s quite admirable
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A major downside of a back three/five out of possession is it limits how you press. He likes the 4-2-2-2 because it provides lots of bodies in the centre of the pitch to regain possession quickly and apply pressure and also provides lots of options for quick counter-attacks. He’s talked about why he scrapped it at Reading in favour of a 4-3-3 as League One is more direct and teams don’t tend to attempt to play between the lines as much.
 
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Kalman II said:
A major downside of a back three/five out of possession is it limits how you press. He likes the 4-2-2-2 because it provides lots of bodies in the centre of the pitch to regain possession quickly and apply pressure and also provides lots of options for quick counter-attacks. He’s talked about why he scrapped it at Reading in favour of a 4-3-3 as League One is more direct and teams don’t tend to attempt to play between the lines as much.
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Im kind of surprised he hasn’t gone to it here. A lot of champ teams play out now. Can only think of a couple that are more direct
 
Kalman II said:
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The left image is how we line up on paper and the right image is the shape we usually have when pressing and when in possession.
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Thanks I’ll print that out !! Who’s the opposition they’ll have to change shirts !
sorry couldn’t resist - but thanks anyway .
My problem is usually when to play wing backs , 3 at the back etc and why - my mate from Sheff Utd said Bassett sent them out and told him go and be a full back that’s your job !!! LOL team talk pah!
 
springtiger said:
Thanks I’ll print that out !! Who’s the opposition they’ll have to change shirts !
sorry couldn’t resist - but thanks anyway .
My problem is usually when to play wing backs , 3 at the back etc and why - my mate from Sheff Utd said Bassett sent them out and told him go and be a full back that’s your job !!! LOL team talk pah!
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I've always found your observations on games and players more insightful than most people's. Maybe your lesser interest in formations contributes to that. I think people get really bogged down with it sometimes and fail to see much else.
 
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HCAFCHangout said:
Im kind of surprised he hasn’t gone to it here. A lot of champ teams play out now. Can only think of a couple that are more direct
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Me too, given how poor our wide options are. Seems ideal for our squad too. Could play two of Alzate and Slater/Puerta in the deeper midfield positions and Ömür and Palmer/Mehlem (before injuries and being loaned out) in the attacking midfield positions. Crooks could also play in one of the attacking midfield roles.
 
bradymk2 said:
pedro has very good endurance
he just doesnt have that extra yard of pace anymore

he made a tackle in the 119th min yesterday near our own box, its no sweat for him

i genuinely think he could play as a deep lying midfielder at times for us
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Is there evidence that he does not have the pace anymore.
 
GLP said:
Surprising how many clips I’ve watched on post match highlights to see Pedro is the man defending in our area. A few have captured him in full sprint to get back and help out. I like his ethos, energy and commitment to the cause.
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Yep
He even did it in the 119th minute
Very impressive

I wish we had access to the clubs running stats
 
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