2012/2013 English Premier League thread

[kdogg]

Season kicks off this weekend. ESPN predictons:
http://soccernet.espn.go.com/columns...cc=5901#quotes

[devo22]

Originally Posted by devo22

Reports suggest that Arsenal and Manchester United have agreed a 22m fee for Robin van Persie, who is set to sign a 4 year contract at Old Trafford.

http://www.setanta.com/ie/Articles/2...e/gnid-150638/

now United have apparently signed another forward before RvP ... 18-year-old Angelo Henriquez has passed a medical today and should now complete a 4m move from Universidad de Chile.

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/foo...=feeds-newsxml

So Rooney, Welbeck, Chicharito, Henriquez, Macheda, Berbatov and Bebe up front - and probably van Persie too. My guess: Berbatov is sold, Macheda and Bebe go out on loan again, Henriquez is loaned to another English club as well, leaving us with four forwards: Rooney, (RvP), Welbeck and Chicharito.

[cam_wmh]

Originally Posted by devo22

now United have apparently signed another forward before RvP ... 18-year-old Angelo Henriquez has passed a medical today and should now complete a 4m move from Universidad de Chile.

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/foo...=feeds-newsxml

So Rooney, Welbeck, Chicharito, Henriquez, Macheda, Berbatov and Bebe up front - and probably van Persie too. My guess: Berbatov is sold, Macheda and Bebe go out on loan again, Henriquez is loaned to another English club as well, leaving us with four forwards: Rooney, (RvP), Welbeck and Chicharito.

Interesting. I agree with almost all your forwards, except I think one of Macheda or Bebe will be sold or released as well.

[d_phaneuf]

Bebe is being included for comedy right?

[SuperMatt18]

Season starts this weekend??????

Holy $h!t the summer went by quickly.

[Locke]

Not sure if its been mentioned but Fabrice Muamba announced his retirement.

Muamba, 24, said he had hoped to make a comeback, but had made the decision to retire from the professional game after taking medical advice.

"As part of my on-going recovery, last week I travelled to Belgium to seek further medical advice from a leading cardiologist. But the news I received was obviously not what I had hoped it would be and it means I am now announcing my retirement from professional football."

http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/st...etires?cc=5901

[rubecube]

That's really too bad. I still remember watching that game when he went down. Very sad.

[cam_wmh]

Gotta do what's best for your health.

[Locke]

Originally Posted by rubecube

That's really too bad. I still remember watching that game when he went down. Very sad.

Yeah, I hear you. He had so much to look forward to as well, and hes only 24, potential international but you dont mess with your heart.

[d_phaneuf]

Sky says Luka to Madrid is done

[rubecube]

Originally Posted by diane_phaneuf

Sky says Luka to Madrid is done

Do they turn around and splash on Llorente?

[d_phaneuf]

I think if they can convince him it's great, if not then Damiao

If they can end up with one of those two and one of Moutinho/M'Vila I would be very happy

[rubecube]

23.5 + 3.9 in add-ons is what's being reported. That's pretty sad for Levy if true.

[d_phaneuf]

They aren't publicly traded anymore, don't have to release transfer fees

also in RM best interest to say it's low

[SuperMatt18]

I hope they don't buy Llorente, in my mind he is going to cost more then he is worth.

In my opinion there is a reason his name hasn't been linked to Madrid/Barcelona in a while.

[united]

As per club's page, RvP looks to be official now.

http://www.manutd.com/en/News-And-Fe...an-persie.aspx

Manchester United is pleased to announce it has reached agreement with Arsenal Football Club for the transfer of Robin Van Persie.

The deal is subject to a medical and the agreement of personal terms. A further announcement will be made in due course.

[rubecube]

Originally Posted by SuperMatt18

I hope they don't buy Llorente, in my mind he is going to cost more then he is worth.

In my opinion there is a reason his name hasn't been linked to Madrid/Barcelona in a while.

Probably at least partially true, but what are our other options up front right now? We need a big target.

[d_phaneuf]

knew it was coming but I am still somewhat surprised it happened

I think this has the potential to bust for United, 24m for a 29 year old with a very big injury history, but if healthy him and Rooney should work great together

it definitely hurts Arsenal though

relying on 3 players now who weren't in England last year (in a league where many players take at least a year to adapt)

[d_phaneuf]

Piers Morgan ‏@piersmorgan
No pressure @Persie_Official - but if you leave #Arsenal then I'm going to throw myself off Santa Monica pier in lead weights.

!!!!

was months ago, hold true to your word Piers

[SuperMatt18]

Originally Posted by rubecube

Probably at least partially true, but what are our other options up front right now? We need a big target.

I would take another one of Man City's cast offs on loan to fix the problem short term, Dzeko, & Adebayor will likely both be options.

Maybe see if Carroll could be had at a cut rate if Liverpool become desperate to get rid of him.