I still don't get it. I agree with a number of the comments here ... but maybe with some adjustments Why will they buy him because he's cheap when they can afford expensive and younger How can he be a leader if he's a stopgap, not the captain and has never played with the really big boys before You think Zlatan will be impressed he's there? Surely Jose's in the frame because of shared nationality and I haven't noticed him filling his teams with Portuguese players If you said Pepe I'd believe it If he goes then I'll respond on 606 in my pants ... and yes I mean pants not shorts
I automatically thought of Wigan. They sacrificed their long-term future, though, and were plucky outsiders. We are in the category whereby we should really be confident of making at least the QFs every year, and a few semis. I'd like to see us make more of a priority of it one season.
VVD or his agent isn't making noises, and that's I guess why teams stay away. I'm certain those noises will come next summer, but who knows? The one thing we have on our side is he is well on the track to being a club talisman, with a clear pathway in front of him as Fonte gets older. That's worth something to a player, and CBs and GKs are the positions smaller clubs seem to have better chances of keeping.
My guesses: 1) They can afford expensive and younger, but they don't like what's currently available on the market right now. So they will save their money, play Fonte for a year and see what opens up January or next season. 2) They don't need him to be a captain or team leader. Just a solid citizen. Play along nicely with the team that's already there, set a good example by working hard and not creating any waves, and maybe mentor one of their younger players a bit. 3) Zlatan-- I think we all know the answer!
VVD is on their radar for sure. VVD just signed, so he is happy to stay here at least one year. Which makes sense, because another good year will increase his value massively and open up more options for him. They'll be back for VVD next year. Or if not VVD someone just like him.. Fonte is a one year stopgap.
I am sure there is plenty of good CB's out there somewhere (or even younger) in the 24 to 27 years age bracket that both Arsenal and United are aware of. Because a side has money and is a big club it would be rare for them to just look for a short term solution to their respective problems. Surely they will not be in the habit of throwing around £11 to £15 mil on stop gap players along with wages to go with it? That would not be an investment which is usually the strategy of every club. I could be wrong but I think in Fonte's case a lot of these rumours have come about because of his association with his agent who happens to be United managers agent too. With some of you I almost get the impression you are almost wishing Fonte away!! As for the supposed Arsenal interest, once again although I could be wrong, it is more likely someone stirring the pot and making 2 and 2 come to 5.
1) Fonte is interested in a move or we would have heard from him by now. 2) Man United (or someone) is interested....ignore this 'no bids' malarkey. The club always says this...they just mean not set in stone. 3) I don't blame the club. They don't want to lose Jose and have offered him more money. If he wants to go, there isn't enough money that will keep him. 4) They could insist he honours his contract...have done this before, but will they do this for Jose if money high enough and there is time to replace him. 5) My main cause of concern is the club thinking we are strong enough in a Europa League season.
Manchester United will offer Argentina defender Marcos Rojo, 26, to Southampton as part of a deal to sign Saints captain Jose Fonte. Arsenal also want the 32-year-old Portugal centre-back. (Daily Mirror) Someone here said he was interested in joining the biggest club in the world. I don't see Real Madrid being linked with Fonte yet.
However you still have said you will be angry with the club and not Fonte. I don't understand this as the club don't want him to leave. Fonte is the one wanting to leave, so this is where my angst will lie. Forget the contradiction part then, I am just commenting that I find it strange that you say you have the negative feeling (be that anger/blame or whatever) toward the club and not Fonte. To me that doesn't seem fair. If the club came out and were actively trying to sell Fonte the I'd understand. It's like blaming the victim of an accident and standing by the agitator of the accident. I accept that the Board now have a decision to make. They can refuse the bid, however that then comes with potential repercussions and gambles on Fonte's reaction and effect on the team. The Board haven't created this situation, Fonte has. I'm not asking this aggressively, I just find it a very odd way of looking at things. *assuming that he does actually want to leave and it's not all bollocks*
If/When Fonte goes, such a move will be good for him if he is to become a manager one day, as it will add to his learning experience of different management styles, training methods, knowledge of organisation, clubs and so on.
If they swapped a player that we considered Southampton material, we might be tempted as our main problem is getting a replacement in time. However, would Rojo want this swap? This smacks of creative journalism...someone says that might be an idea and the next minute it is definitely happening. If true, Man United must have the leakiest transfer department in the world.
Some of you guys must be really tough on your ex girlfriends. When its over its a final kiss and then its goodbye and move on. Adeus Jose e agradecimentos para as memórias.
Love that to be true, because I do believe Jose would settle down and do his best. Part of me would be sorry that he couldn't get his dream move like other less deserving people, but the other 99% would be going
