US Soccer Player In Demand · 2 days ago
According to Sky Sports, American soccer starlet Michael Bradley favors a move to Germany rather than try his hand at the BPL. Everton boss David Moyes is said to be a big admirer of Bradley, currently a midfielder with Herenveen.
Bradley’s agent confirmed that a move to Germany would be the most likely destination for his client. This seems odd to me considering the lack of impact that Landon Donovan had in the Bundesliga. However, it may be better for his long-term development as a soccer player rather than keeping the bench warm in Merseyside.
— GeordieInExile
Keegan Searches for Worldclass Playmaker · 32 days ago
Newcastle’s recent resurgence (unbeaten in four, winning three on the bounce) has led to some on Tyneside calling for owner Mike Ashley to splash the cash in the summer. A self made billionaire, Ashley is sure to want some big names playing at St. James’ next season to take the club to the next level.
While Manchester City and Chelsea have been linked with Ronaldinho, Newcastle have begun to investigate bringing Barcelona counterpart Deco to Newcastle. The 30 year old playmaker is seen as the ideal fit on Tyneside as Keegan seeks to shape the Newcastle squad into his own. Should Newcastle fail with a move for Deco, Sporting Lisbon star Moutinho would be next on Keegan’s shopping list.
— GeordieInExile
Ronaldinho On His Way to Serie A? · 34 days ago
It is looking more and more likely that Ronaldinho could be leaving Barcelona this summer. Long term admirers Chelsea are joined by Manchester City in wanting to bring him to the Barclays Premier League. However, it is now looking likely that Serie A giants AC Milan could be his next destination. In a recent interview with President AC Milan he expressed a keen interest in the man with magic in his feet:
I hope so, I think so. We will try to take him.
Ronaldinho’s departure from Barcelona could spark an all out bidding war amongst the giants of European soccer. With Ronaldinho’s brother acting as his agent, it seems more than likely that the richest club will end up with his signature. Whether the richest club will turn out to be the right club, will remain to be seen.
— GeordieInExile
English FA to Investigate Bribery Claims · 35 days ago
News coming out of England today is that the English Football Association will investigate allegations that a former Premier League soccer player took a £50,000 bribe to throw a game.
The player got himself sent off and persuaded three team-mates to get booked in a game “in Britain” in the last two years, says The Independent.
In exchange, a bookmaker allegedly agreed to write off a £50,000 debt the player had racked up.
Now I know everyone has problems, but Barclays Premier League soccer players are probably the highest paid in the world. They never have to worry about where their next pay check will come from. They never have to worry about feeding their children or paying the mortgage. Are they that bored with their lives that they have to go out and gamble?
It is every young boys dream in England to play soccer. When you consider the odds against a youngster turning professional, you would think the ones that do would appreciate it a lot more.
— GeordieInExile
North-American Soccer - Mapping Out the Future · 37 days ago
Adam Spangler at This is American Soccer wrote a great post which has a very cool map (made by Bill Turianski) of the location of American soccer teams. The map includes the MLS and USL.
It’s great to see all the teams at one glance, but leaves no one wondering why the MLS is struggling to create rivalries – those teams are just too far apart!
— GeordieInExile