The Rumour Commode XXXVI - Mission Accomplished Edition

[Rossonero81]

Since when do we know anything until the moment the player arrives at the airport?

I understand what you are saying, but there is very little smoke for there to be a fire. I'm not saying we won't get him, but I think they might be after another profile.

 

[rossonero1]

Romano: Several operations put on hold by Milan due to 'really important' takeover - the latest

AC Milan have agreements in place with a number of players but the ownership situation must first be resolved before they are officially pushed through, it is claimed.

sempremilan.com

Romano claims renewals/signings are on hold till ownership is resolved. He is usually very reliable.

Romano also mentions Investcorp. Nothing about RedBird.

 

[brk]

I understand what you are saying, but there is very little smoke for there to be a fire. I'm not saying we won't get him, but I think they might be after another profile.

My guess (hope) is that they agreed to wait for Ibra to make a decision. If Ibra stays, Belotti finds somewhere else, maybe Napoli or Atalanta. If Ibra leaves, we sign Belotti.

 

[Rossonero81]

Origi has only played 6 matches in the Premier League this season. Can we really expect him to be our starting striker? There are many things I like about him, but it's also a huge bet to rely on him. I really think we will acquire another striker.

 

[Samaldinho]

We need a quality striker as well if Zlatan hangs up his boots. One could argue that Origi, if he arrives, and Giroud will suffice for the next season, but one could also argue that Origi will be a handy man and that we need another striker.

I agree that we need a top quality RW, but I don't know if we need to break the bank to get one. I'm sure there are many options to choose from. Quality strikers are expensive though.

I agree with you. When people talk about our CL teams, they tend to forget the impact that players like Tomasson had on our squad. I'm not saying Origi is as accomplished as JDT, because he isn't, but he was crucial in Liverpool winning the CL.

When we won in 2007 R9 was huge, because he was able to play in Serie A, giving Pippo rest domestically. R9 was a big part of our 2007 run, even if he didn't play a single minute. Again, R9 is obviously a legendary player, but having different players, different looks to give opposing teams, people you can rely upon, having a deep squad is important. Origi adds to our depth, so why not?

We obviously look to take advantage of situations, and strikers (especially now that they are so rare) are expensive. I don't think we need to pay a ton of money for a RW, as a profile like Faivre shows, he's just unprofessional, but I'm sure we can grab someone of his quality and price in the summer. Gabriel Jesus, to me, could come for 25-30m, and would provide solutions to multiple spots, but Ludovic Blas at 15-20m is another sharp choice.

 

[brk]

Origi has only played 6 matches in the Premier League this season. Can we really expect him to be our starting striker? There are many things I like about him, but it's also a huge bet to rely on him. I really think we will acquire another striker.

The perfect moneyball move. Look at what matters. If we play Origi, will he do a good job?

 

[Master Smurf]

I'm not sure Belotti is an option for our management. I mean if they were after him, wouldn't we know by now? I'm also very reluctant to keep Alexis, because he has shown that he isn't even a RW to begin with. I don't think we'll get Mahrez, but even if we would it would be a big drop from him to Saele. Both in style and in competence.

I think Belotti can sign anytime - he really has no market
I fully disagree with Giroud and Belotti being the 'answers' for next year but it is what it is. I really wish we did a 1+1 deal with Giroud but maybe he wouldnt have agreed to sign if he didnt get both years guaranteed.

I will hope for the best for Belotti and Origi if they arrive - Giroud, its hard to see him being the level required anymore.

I sometimes feel like cup runs are many times down to small things going your way, shots going in instead of wide, tackles made instead of missed, and yes, I think mental preparation is huge, but I don't see how our team is some fundamentally different animal to an average Villareal side.

Our EL run would have been longer but Kessie had a goal ruled out for nothing and we had to start Samu as our striker against Man Utd in the second leg.

Injuries have hampered this team, constantly. That is the big knock on Pioli. Even if we got Nkunku, Darwin, and Hakimi, if they are still getting hurt, then your team is going to struggle. Our EL, CL, and Serie A campaigns have been impacted, heavily, by injuries the last two years, that is more of a factor than any mentality argument for attempting to explain how Villareal got to the semis.

Thats where we differ - many times you look into each little incident and use that to explain it away whereas I look as the result and whether teams overcome these incidents or not.
It doesnt matter if Villareal is 'average' or not, they have the experience of how to meet the situations and achieve the progression.

I'm not saying we arent talented and cant progress - I'm saying we have to do it (no matter what circumstances come about) and once we do so, successive years becoming easier.
This is not a knock against anyone but the same way you say DaPlan is about slowly progressing each year, I see this similar. I wouldnt expect us to get to the semis next season but if we did I would be overjoyed.

 

[MilanMB]

I will spontaneously ejaculate if we sign Nkunku.

Think about Origi and you'll be able to last longer

 

[Samaldinho]

So you think in all his years no coach has ever asked him to go play LB????
Also his brother wasnt in the club when his father was SD

I think you are reaching because he made two good tackles when the kid has shown next to nothing in Primavera and Senior level other than side to side passing, a nice headed goal and a decent shot in a friendly.

I don't know, I haven't watched him that closely in primavera. Have you? You watch our primavera games? Because from all accounts he was quite strong in primavera, but I didn't watch the primavera that closely when he was there.

I have been saying I wanted him tried as a LB while watching him play in pre-season and in his senior appearances, because of his defensive awareness that I saw him display in games. Full-backs are expected to help out in the attack, and to me, he looks like a player who could actually use the extra space that is afforded to full-backs by virtue of their starting position.

I would imagine he would want to resist playing in the position because of his father, I mean, since we're exchanging conjecture and guesses.

 

[Samaldinho]

I think Belotti can sign anytime - he really has no market
I fully disagree with Giroud and Belotti being the 'answers' for next year but it is what it is. I really wish we did a 1+1 deal with Giroud but maybe he wouldnt have agreed to sign if he didnt get both years guaranteed.

I will hope for the best for Belotti and Origi if they arrive - Giroud, its hard to see him being the level required anymore.

Thats where we differ - many times you look into each little incident and use that to explain it away whereas I look as the result and whether teams overcome these incidents or not.
It doesnt matter if Villareal is 'average' or not, they have the experience of how to meet the situations and achieve the progression.

I'm not saying we arent talented and cant progress - I'm saying we have to do it (no matter what circumstances come about) and once we do so, successive years becoming easier.
This is not a knock against anyone but the same way you say DaPlan is about slowly progressing each year, I see this similar. I wouldnt expect us to get to the semis next season but if we did I would be overjoyed.

Giroud wouldn't be able to benefit from the Italian tax incentive if he only stayed for a year--you have to live in Italy for two years, so, he's going to be here next year.

If we grab a RW who can be as threatening as Leao, then, I feel like our striker position becomes less important, and having someone who can facilitate at the position and be tactically aware would be more important, just like Firmino does at Liverpool. The lack of strikers, world-wide, is forcing a change in how teams play.

I don't agree with your characterization of my position, and again, I did not say that we are destined to go to the semis. I just don't think it's impossible. I don't think Villareal has some special ability that makes them different to us. Cup competitions can create randomness, which is why a Milan team that got better from 02/03 crashed out in 03/04.

 

[Rossonero81]

I agree with you. When people talk about our CL teams, they tend to forget the impact that players like Tomasson had on our squad. I'm not saying Origi is as accomplished as JDT, because he isn't, but he was crucial in Liverpool winning the CL.

When we won in 2007 R9 was huge, because he was able to play in Serie A, giving Pippo rest domestically. R9 was a big part of our 2007 run, even if he didn't play a single minute. Again, R9 is obviously a legendary player, but having different players, different looks to give opposing teams, people you can rely upon, having a deep squad is important. Origi adds to our depth, so why not?

We obviously look to take advantage of situations, and strikers (especially now that they are so rare) are expensive. I don't think we need to pay a ton of money for a RW, as a profile like Faivre shows, he's just unprofessional, but I'm sure we can grab someone of his quality and price in the summer. Gabriel Jesus, to me, could come for 25-30m, and would provide solutions to multiple spots, but Ludovic Blas at 15-20m is another sharp choice.

Agree with everything you're saying. Players like Tomasson are instrumental in a side that wants to compete on all fronts. Since Origi hasn't played much in the current season, I expect him to become a handyman that will be given the chance to prove himself.

We can sign good RW's that nobody on this forum has even thought of. There are many interesting profiles in the 15/20 million region. A good striker is indeed expensive and we'll need to spend money on one. Preferably this summer, but definitely next summer.

It all depends on what that management wants. Maybe we'll get Dybala to free up funds to buy a great striker.

 

[brk]

Maignan 4th in top 5 leagues in PSxG+/-

 

[Master Smurf]

I don't know, I haven't watched him that closely in primavera. Have you? You watch our primavera games? Because from all accounts he was quite strong in primavera, but I didn't watch the primavera that closely when he was there.

I have been saying I wanted him tried as a LB while watching him play in pre-season and in his senior appearances, because of his defensive awareness that I saw him display in games. Full-backs are expected to help out in the attack, and to me, he looks like a player who could actually use the extra space that is afforded to full-backs by virtue of their starting position.

I would imagine he would want to resist playing in the position because of his father, I mean, since we're exchanging conjecture and guesses.

Correct - I'm sure he doesnt want to and I'm sure some coach asked him and he most likely declined.
I have watched a handful of Primavera matches the last few seasons - he doesnt look like anything special there but to be fair most of the players dont look good there and that may be more on the coaching than the player.

Its just really strange when you say you want to see him as an LB like if its a realistic solution. Pioli put on the much maligned Ballo Toure at LW before Daniel - he played Leao, Kessie and Krunic at AM before Daniel - when recently asked about Daniel he said he was tired. Lets just forget about him or at least treat it like fight club.

 

[Hitchens]

Ah, the Master Smurf nepotism crusade. You tell em bro. Daniel Maldini is holding us back.

 

[Rossonero81]

The perfect moneyball move. Look at what matters. If we play Origi, will he do a good job?

I'm not saying I disagree with signing Origi. He's an interesting player and a low risk one while we're at it. I just wonder if we can see him as a certainty at this moment. We'll sign at least two more players for the attacking department.

 

[MilanMB]

There must always be a Maldini in Milan. I'm here wondering when Daniel gonna make some babies, or else he'll need to have a really long career like his father.

 

[ajeya]

Origi has only played 6 matches in the Premier League this season. Can we really expect him to be our starting striker? There are many things I like about him, but it's also a huge bet to rely on him. I really think we will acquire another striker.

Apparently origi had a clause wherein his contract would automatically get extended based on number of appearances in PL, hence this might have been deliberate on Klopp/Management’s part

All my Liverpool friends say he is the most clutch player they have had in awhile and that is good for us as well. Giroud, rebic and origi off the bench would be an amazing set of supersubs

 

[Samaldinho]

Origi has only played 6 matches in the Premier League this season. Can we really expect him to be our starting striker? There are many things I like about him, but it's also a huge bet to rely on him. I really think we will acquire another striker.

Apparently Origi has some clause in his contract that after a certain amount of appearances his contract gets extended, that was reported the other day. Otherwise, I would question why Klopp wouldn't use him when he needed a goal against Spurs.

I look at Origi as depth. If he makes good on the promise he showed when he was younger, before he had a serious injury, and explodes here, then I'll be more than happy. I just will hate hearing stupid EPL fans saying that EPL backups can benefit from the weaker Serie A.

 

[rossonero1]

There must always be a Maldini in Milan. I'm here wondering when Daniel gonna make some babies, or else he'll need to have a really long career like his father.

He has another son as well, Christian, who plays in Serie C.

 

[Master Smurf]

Ah, the Master Smurf nepotism crusade. You tell em bro. Daniel Maldini is holding us back.

Its not a crusade - stating facts is a crusade now
People want multiple players to gtfo but say Daniel is useless and its a problem

 

[Rossonero81]

Apparently origi had a clause wherein his contract would automatically get extended based on number of appearances in PL, hence this might have been deliberate on Klopp/Management’s part

All my Liverpool friends say he is the most clutch player they have had in awhile and that is good for us as well. Giroud, rebic and origi off the bench would be an amazing set of supersubs

I'm sure that clause was a reason in not giving him too much playing time, but that doesn't mean that it's a good thing. It means we'll be able to sign him on a free (good thing), but it also means we'll get a player that lacks rhythm (not so good). I think he could do very well here, but I doubt whether he'll be ready to lead our attack next season.

 

[MilanMB]

He has another son as well, Christian, who plays in Serie C.

I can take both, no problems.

 

[Rossonero81]

Apparently Origi has some clause in his contract that after a certain amount of appearances his contract gets extended, that was reported the other day. Otherwise, I would question why Klopp wouldn't use him when he needed a goal against Spurs.

I look at Origi as depth. If he makes good on the promise he showed when he was younger, before he had a serious injury, and explodes here, then I'll be more than happy. I just will hate hearing stupid EPL fans saying that EPL backups can benefit from the weaker Serie A.

Like I said to @ajeya: it just makes me doubt his match rhythm and his ability to lead our attack. That's why I think we need a starting level striker, because we simply can't rely on Giroud. I think we both agree that he will be a depth signing. He could become a starter later on, but that's no guarantee. We need guarantees to play on three fronts next season.

 

[MilanMB]

Its not a crusade - stating facts is a crusade now
People want multiple players to gtfo but say Daniel is useless and its a problem

What are the facts you are s stating?

 

[Neruda]

honestly feel like inter is gonna **** juve

 

[brk]

. I just will hate hearing stupid EPL fans saying that EPL backups can benefit from the weaker Serie A.

Who cares? Look at Kulusevski. Sometimes players just prefer different leagues.

 

[Rossonero81]

I think Belotti can sign anytime - he really has no market
I fully disagree with Giroud and Belotti being the 'answers' for next year but it is what it is. I really wish we did a 1+1 deal with Giroud but maybe he wouldnt have agreed to sign if he didnt get both years guaranteed.

I will hope for the best for Belotti and Origi if they arrive - Giroud, its hard to see him being the level required anymore.

Thats where we differ - many times you look into each little incident and use that to explain it away whereas I look as the result and whether teams overcome these incidents or not.
It doesnt matter if Villareal is 'average' or not, they have the experience of how to meet the situations and achieve the progression.

I'm not saying we arent talented and cant progress - I'm saying we have to do it (no matter what circumstances come about) and once we do so, successive years becoming easier.
This is not a knock against anyone but the same way you say DaPlan is about slowly progressing each year, I see this similar. I wouldnt expect us to get to the semis next season but if we did I would be overjoyed.

I think we have a good chance to sign him regardless of our intend. I do think he has a market though. He would be a good player for many teams like Atalanta, Fiorentina, Lazio and even as a replacement for Dzeko. Many sub top clubs might be interested in selling their current striker and acquiring another experienced one for free.

 

[brk]

honestly feel like inter is gonna **** juve

Honestly don't care who wins. I'm here for the injuries, the extra time and the mental collapse.

 

[Samaldinho]

Correct - I'm sure he doesnt want to and I'm sure some coach asked him and he most likely declined.
I have watched a handful of Primavera matches the last few seasons - he doesnt look like anything special there but to be fair most of the players dont look good there and that may be more on the coaching than the player.

Its just really strange when you say you want to see him as an LB like if its a realistic solution. Pioli put on the much maligned Ballo Toure at LW before Daniel - he played Leao, Kessie and Krunic at AM before Daniel - when recently asked about Daniel he said he was tired. Lets just forget about him or at least treat it like fight club.

He needs to go out on loan, and Empoli or Sassuolo would be my preferred destinations. I don't think comments about his quality are there to please his father.

Pioli used Meite as a CAM last year, he sometimes is oddly conservative in certain situations, so I dunno. He started Daniel in games when he didn't have to.

I don't see why taking a winger and trying them at a full-back position is so unrealistic to you. It's literally the story of so many of them, like Abate, Zambrotta, Jordi Alba, Ashley Young, Evra, and that's just off the top of my head. It's just something I'd like to try.

 

[brk]

I think we have a good chance to sign him regardless of our intend. I do think he has a market though. He would be a good player for many teams like Atalanta, Fiorentina, Lazio and even as a replacement for Dzeko. Many sub top clubs might be interested in selling their current striker and acquiring another experienced one for free.

Agreed. Duvan can leave Atalanta, Osimhen leaving Napoli, etc. Belotti is a perfect replacement for either of them. I honestly think that we have a sort of gentlemans agreement with him to wait until after the season, until after Ibra decides what he wants to do, and then we make our decision.

I also agree with you Origi, it's really unusual how little he's played in the past 6 years, and it's a concern. But that's also the reason why we're getting him relatively cheaply and why no big clubs are competing for his signature. Our data analysts think he fits what we need, and we just have to trust them again. They're usually right.