2015 MLS Thread

[Matty81]

I guess this could go in the EPL thread as well... Jermain Defoe has been sold to Sunderland by TFC in exchange for Jozy Altidore and a significant amount of cash - Kurt Larson from the Sun is saying $11 million dollars and Altidore but that is unconfirmed.

Some saying that Altidore has to go through the allocation process however reports are that only they and Portland can afford his wage demands and Portland is below TFC in the allocation order.

*Edit - some reports saying that he will be exempted? Unclear right now what will happen... very fuzzy. Usually they exempt top players like they did with Bradley and Dempsey.

http://www.tsn.ca/toronto-fc-complet...rland-1.181889

Interesting to see how this plays out on the MLS side. Those roster rules need to go, or at least be more transparent though that's for sure. The uncertainty is kind of a joke as is the inconsistency.

If TFC lands Altidore and 11 million, that's a big win though. Altidore is bit of a gamble but he's 7 years younger, has had a decent amount of success and 11 mil is a lot of money. Sounds like once it is final they are moving aggressively to sign Giovinco from Juve and shopping for a non-dp international CB while letting Gilberto go. Roster musical chairs continue.

[pria(kin)16]

http://www.tsn.ca/toronto-fc-introdu...nsfer-1.184099

No cash coming back and Altidore will be a Designated Player. As disappointing as that is, at least we are rid of Defoe who never wanted to be here to start with. Like you said, new season, almost entirely new roster. Here's hoping TFC snags a spot in the extended playoffs. Come on you REDS!!!!!!

[Matty81]

Two more big signings for the Canadian clubs:

Toronto signs Sebastian Giovinco from Juve. 27 year old attacker who is in and out of the Italian national team. They are paying a lot in wages but there is no transfer fee and it's weird seeing this calibre of player come to MLS while he's still in his prime.
http://www.tsn.ca/talent/toronto-fc-...entus-1.185336

Montreal signed Laurent Ciman from Standard Liege... another good signing, 29 year old who was with the Belgian team at the World Cup this summer. Nothing in the english press but the french media is saying they landed him because he wanted to be in Montreal for medical care for his daughter (better doctors apparently).
http://www.rtbf.be/sport/football/be...ine?id=8794853

[Winsor_Pilates]

Whitecaps extended Robinson and his coaching staff today. A good move for the Caps, he had a great first season as manager and glad he's sticking around for a while.

[Bill Bumface]

I'm excited about Giovinco, but worried about what it means for Gilberto.

[shermanator]

Smart signing by the Impact as their backline was absolutely terrible last year.

Re: Gilberto, there is no way he is with TFC in 2015, and quite frankly, that's a good thing. He had a great work rate but just did not net enough goals to justify his DP spot. What TFC should do is trade Gilberto to a team with enough defensive depth for a starting CB. Perhaps a Gilberto for Aurellin Collin trade might make sense?

[Matty81]

Mls is negiotiating a new cba right now and it may impact Gilberto. There are rumors that there will be a 4th dp slot. Also talk they can buy down his salary with allocation money and he will no longer be considered a dp. I think you may be right though... They need a good Cb and another good winger more.

Rumors that they have already or will sign a polish international cb from la liga floating around... Name escapes me.

[SuperMatt18]

Giovinco should be a huge win.

The kid has talent and at one point was the next star in Italy, never quite lived up to that hype but is still a top class player.

Although part of his failure to take the next step could be also placed at the feet of Juventus, who never seemed to want to feature him, even if he did impress.