Happy New Year Chelsea fans! The transfer window is now open!
by Stephen Schmidt on Jan 1, 2012 12:00 AM GMT
in Chelsea FC: Transfer Rumours & News
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Midnight has come in London, so we can officially put 2011 in the books for Chelsea FC and move on to 2012. With the way that 2011 has ended I don't think anyone will be particularly upset by that. We're 19 games into the season now and currently just outside of the top 4. Our core guys from the last 6-7 years have really been showing their age this season, I don't think there is any doubt a pretty massive overhaul is going to occur before the start of next season. The priority now needs to be assuring that we finish in the top 4 this season, and with our recent struggles it wouldn't surprise me to see us make a massive move in the coming weeks.
We've already more or less finished our first order of business, adding Gary Cahill to the mix in the center of the defense. Personal terms are yet to be finalized, but it would really shock me if the deal wasn't done and dusted before the next fixture rolls around. We know we're looking at depth on the wings as well and have at least some interest in Milos Krasic. The usual suspects from Porto will all be mentioned and we clearly have needs at both right back and for a lethal passer in the midfield. We also have ACoN coming up and several players who could likely be on their way out.
We probably have more needs to fill than we will be able to address in January, but waiting until summer to fill them all may well cost us a spot in the Champions League. So what would you like to see Chelsea do this window? How exactly would you prioritize our holes? We know Tottenham and Arsenal will likely have very little to spend, do you think we can overtake them with a few depth moves or do we need to swing for the fences? Have at it, and let's hope 2012 goes better than 2011.
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I want us to put this god awful year behind us and start anew. No more unnecessary point
drops, no more horrendous individual mistakes. Let’s play like we did last January, and the January before that.
Oh, and let’s get some good reinforcements, and let out some of the deadwood. It’s gonna be a crazy month in that regard! Who will we get next?
"No more unnecessary point drops, no more horrendous individual mistakes"
I think you’re a bit late with the wishlist for Santa…
Modric or Moutinho
I want Modric or Mountinho. Don’t care how much it costs.
And let’s get a gosh-darn left back who still has legs.
by FootieFromAfar on Jan 1, 2012 12:15 AM GMT via mobile reply actions
Where is the new playerz?!
AVB fail. It’s now 15 minutes past the opening of the window, and Chelsea have done nothing.
We are in CRISIS! Don’t they get it? I quit being a fan.
We do not need fans like the type of player Anelka is, a mercenary... Keep calm and Support Chelsea!
Chelsea Supporter for Life!
by Darwin Orozco on Jan 1, 2012 12:46 AM GMT up reply actions
Sarcasm fail.
Author and Official Fernando Torres Apologist for We Ain't Got No History!
by Kevin Kostka on Jan 1, 2012 12:48 AM GMT up reply actions 1 recs
Plastic supporters fail, plastic players fail,
As Graham or you once told me here, what else should we do? support Arsenal? naaaaah!, there is just no other option but to keep it cool,. I don’t think this is AVB’s fault, the players play and we support.
Chelsea Supporter for Life!
by Darwin Orozco on Jan 1, 2012 12:51 AM GMT up reply actions
Yeah, I meant that you didn't get the sarcasm.
I agree with you, but in this case you missed the joke.
Author and Official Fernando Torres Apologist for We Ain't Got No History!
Ok so I ¨double read¨ and well I missed the joke
I take too seriously my role as fan, it was not a moment for jokes when I saw the comment, not when we lose against this aston villa ;)
Chelsea Supporter for Life!
by Darwin Orozco on Jan 1, 2012 1:08 AM GMT up reply actions
Next time I will
use #sarcasm.
or
promise.
:-D
’appy New Years, Chelsea mates!
as a note, attempts at wit using HTML with < or / will not work.
That time I failed.
Put a "@" either side of your sarcasm, though it only works in the body.
Unlike this.
Author and Official Fernando Torres Apologist for We Ain't Got No History!
This would be a terrible idea{.}
Author and Official Fernando Torres Apologist for We Ain't Got No History!
There's tons of those on youtube
Can you tell I don’t actually accomplish much at work?
by Stephen Schmidt on Jan 2, 2012 2:05 AM GMT up reply actions
Haha What do you do?
Or what are you supposed to be doing?
by Sabrina Dessipe on Jan 2, 2012 2:07 AM GMT up reply actions
Supposedly property mangement
In reality watching Sunday night football and writing about Thibaut Courtois
by Stephen Schmidt on Jan 2, 2012 2:13 AM GMT up reply actions
For which we can't thank you enough
Your procrastination helps our procrastination!
Cool
The guy who’ll give Cech an early retirement, eh?
by Sabrina Dessipe on Jan 2, 2012 2:29 AM GMT up reply actions
Broccoli Romanesco
is my favorite example of that.. I couldn’t tell if their “green cauliflower” was that, but it didn’t look as dramatic.
It's not.
Broccoli Romanesco is much more spiky than that. Cauliflower has the same fractal pattern, except it’s less spiky.
Author and Official Fernando Torres Apologist for We Ain't Got No History!
I didn't think so
thank you for confirming. I thought in my memory that Broccoli Romanesco is so much cooler. Mmmm, chaos and fractals taste good!
I didnt have to learn as much about that there Fibonacci, but I once had a college math project where I had to judge people’s physical beauty using the golden ratio. Probably one of the weirder projects you can have in math.
Easily the coolest vegetable out there.
Parents could probably get their kids to eat that.
I had the same reaction
And then immediately forwarded it to my lovely mother who has been teaching high school math for a little over 3 decades now.
Gotta love the internets!
HNY Pal! :)
Chelsea Supporter for Life!
by Darwin Orozco on Jan 1, 2012 1:37 AM GMT up reply actions
lol, agree!
Chelsea Supporter for Life!
by Darwin Orozco on Jan 1, 2012 12:53 AM GMT up reply actions
Oh lord! hahahahaha!
that was soooooooooo cruel DPeezy, but I still liked it! ha!
Chelsea Supporter for Life!
by Darwin Orozco on Jan 1, 2012 1:15 AM GMT up reply actions
Well Cesc actually really loved Arsenal he just loved Barca more
Nasri well there are chants that pretty effectively state how Arsenal fans feel about him. AND he’s at City now where he belongs.
by Sabrina Dessipe on Jan 1, 2012 1:16 AM GMT up reply actions
So you saying that...
I can tell my wife that I love her but I love my ex girlfriend even more and expect her to feel loved? LMAO!, that’s just extra funny coming from an arsenal fan… btw this thing about loving my ex more than my wife is just as true as Fabregas loving Arsenal ;)
Chelsea Supporter for Life!
by Darwin Orozco on Jan 1, 2012 1:18 AM GMT up reply actions
I'm not sure Cesc wanting to go back to his childhood club makes him
much of a mercenary especially since he wasn’t going to go anywhere else.
by Sabrina Dessipe on Jan 1, 2012 1:21 AM GMT up reply actions
So you think none of your current players are like him? What did you think
of Adebayor before he moved? And Kolo? And Clichy?
You can't really compare Kolo's situation
with the likes of Nasri or Adebayor. It was of my opinion anyway that we needed a new left back so Clichy leaving wasn’t really a big deal and little fuss was made by anyone over that.
For every Cole Ade or Nasri there’s a Henry or RvP or even Kolo who really gave their best years to Arsenal.
by Sabrina Dessipe on Jan 1, 2012 1:24 AM GMT up reply actions
Coooorrrrect!
Whenever people think otherwise, it reminds me just how young some fans are. It’s a job. It’s no office job, for working stiffs like the most of us… but it’s simply a job to them. If it becomes more, they become susceptible to being hurt more than the fans. People learn to appreciate that when they can relate it to their own working lives. Suppose that comes with age and experience.
Tell that to this guy
I know that not every player who “kisses the badge” or wears the shirt really loves the club but you can’t say none of them do. I’m just saying all the mercenaries end up at Chelsea or City :cP
by Sabrina Dessipe on Jan 1, 2012 1:38 AM GMT up reply actions
Yep, because we haven't had a player (a current one, even, not just on loan back) be loyal to the club for 8 years (or more!)
Waittaminute…
Keep on trolling, Sabrina.
Me Troll? NEVER!
I was joking though about Chelsea being full of mercenaries. I mean look at JT he’s like Mr. Chelsea!
by Sabrina Dessipe on Jan 1, 2012 2:02 AM GMT up reply actions
He can love the club
but it’s not wise to set all your hopes in it, as a player. He was fortunate to play at a very high level throughout his time at Arsenal… it is hard to compare his situation with that of others that may not have been so fortunate during their tenures at various teams. Had he a really terrible time, and leadership that changed throughout his time there, he might have had a very different feeling about the club. That is the reality for most players.
On that note, you could say that Chelsea has some good examples of the non-mercenary types as well. Every club has their “players”… which is a nice thing to keep that bit of romanticism in the sport for the fans.
Yeah but leaving because you hate it there and are having a terrible time is different than
leaving because someone else is paying better.
by Sabrina Dessipe on Jan 1, 2012 2:08 AM GMT up reply actions
That is the misconception though that a lot of folks have about it
as 1) footballers and any type of sportsmen are actually incredibly competitive, so it often has to do with achieving some level of glory that they can feel content with when they hang up their boots and 2) getting paid what you think you are worth relative to the market isnt a bad thing. Sure, it makes it hard for clubs with less to spend, and it sort of sucks when the bigger and backed clubs come a calling, but it isn’t anything different than you or I would do. That is what I was getting at in my response to DPeezy’s comment. We shouldn’t really hold footballers to a standard above what we would do ourselves in our own respective situations, just because they have jobs we wish we could or they make tons more money than regular folks. Trust me.. you will pay dearly if you rely on loyalty in your work-life (I say this as someone who has been burned for it, and has seen others suffer the same… it blows). You can surely have it, but be aware that being loyal doesn’t mean your employer will be loyal back to you is a necessary truth.
"but be aware that being loyal doesn’t mean your employer will be loyal back to you is a necessary truth."
Amen to that. A lesson we all learn the hard way. Grumble, grumble.
Maybe I'm totally misunderstanding the meaning of "mercenary"
I don’t consider a player to be a mercenary if he leaves to win something ie Thierry to Barca but if he leaves because he wants to be paid more ie Adebayor.
Football is different because there are “fans” and it’s hard to have much real world commonsense rationality when dealing with fanatics. “No one is bigger than the club” and such so it’s expected that the player is loyal to it. That’s why a club can put a player on the market who might really want to stay and it’s ok (relatively) and a player who puts in a transfer request is often seen as disloyal or whatever, because it’s not in the clubs best interest.
Anyway I get your point about not relying on employer loyalty because it’s rare. But I’m going to be a nurse and people don’t go around firing nurses for no reason. Employers generally expect to rely on their employees they don’t hire people with the idea that they’ll just leave at any moment.
What was initially just me joking has sure turned into a big thing. sorry everyone.
by Sabrina Dessipe on Jan 1, 2012 2:35 AM GMT up reply actions
Don't apologize!
It may have been jokes, but it brings up an interesting point of conversation. One that isn’t directed at you, so much as a message I wish I could get across to many fans, here and elsewhere.
Besides… it’s the new year… cheers!
Ok but
I still hate Ashley Cole and Adebayor and Nasri. Is that ok?
by Sabrina Dessipe on Jan 1, 2012 2:47 AM GMT up reply actions
Sure!
Hate who you wanna… I know I do (have a couple of teams in mind right now… ha)
Funny thing is that Wegner thinks this guy will actually help for two months..
…I think it’s a huge mistake for both the Gunners & Red Bulls.
Follow me on twitter@PrixFixeOnline
Staff writer for Managing Madrid
I don't see how his presence will hurt Arsenal
but we will see.
by Sabrina Dessipe on Jan 1, 2012 3:44 PM GMT up reply actions
Agree
I think his presence will make limited difference, truth be told. I don’t expect him to get much more than cameo appearances in terms of actual game-time. If he’s able to increase morale at training etc, whilst keeping himself fitter than he would sat at home doing nothing then I think it makes sense for everyone involved.
I don't think he'll be starting many games or playing whole games
He’ll be there mostly so that we can rest RvP. They’re saying that he looks fit in training. I don’t think, if he really wasn’t up for it, that we’d sign him up again.
by Sabrina Dessipe on Jan 1, 2012 4:08 PM GMT up reply actions
We have money we just won't spend it all.
We had like 30+million left over from the summer I think. First things first Henry then loan a left back then maybe on deadline day a striker.
You guys are getting Cahill you might also need a striker maybe or attacking mid. Who was on their way out again? Anelka Alex Malouda?
by Sabrina Dessipe on Jan 1, 2012 12:28 AM GMT reply actions
Anelka and Alex put in transfer requests. Anelka is off to China and Alex has his suitors.
But many of the players of our old guard are linked with moves, including Malouda (linked with Anzhi, Atletico, PSG)
We'll wrap him up like that kid in Little Giants.
Helmet and foam padding
Hmmm.
I still like Russell Martin. I’ll leave the obvious expensive folks to the rest of you. Let’s recall Yossi too. Can we?
GET GOTZE AND MODRIC
pls we need gotze and modric.am on a personal campain to get them and also Higuaine if possible
In general...
……we need speed and a good first touch in just about any player we get, because this team is very, very slow.
yes
with avb trying to emulate barca style,we need fast,accurate passes and good finishing.if he succeeds coupled with the Epl fast game,we will defeat any team in the world
by johnnykuku2004 on Jan 1, 2012 1:20 AM GMT up reply actions
CHELSEA SUPPORTER FROM EAST OF THE NIGER
with solemn reflection and prayer i wish all my fellow chelsea fans happy new year and pray that 2012 will bring the joy that JOSE brought to our club in 2004.AMEN
by johnnykuku2004 on Jan 1, 2012 1:11 AM GMT reply actions 1 recs
You get a Michael Essien!
And you get a Michael Essien! Michael Essiens for everybody!!!!!
I don't think we'll actually go for any of the big names (Gotze, Modric, Hazard). We'll go for
the lesser known talents I think.
I hope we pick a direction and stick with it.
We’re the worst team ever at getting on the end of crosses* and all we do is cross
*That stat was partially made up
So we either need to get people in, or go to a formation that lets us take advantage of us whipping in cross after cross into the box.
Or
Stop crossing all the damn time and get players in who can link up and actually pass.
Or
Say fuck it and spend all our money on a defense like we used to have, and go for Jose’s prosaic 1-0 victories.
I’d really rather see us spend and get players who can break down a defense, especially without requiring Drogba/Torres to drop deep. But I would not hate a new left back either, though if CFC thinks Bertrand will come good, then I’m not too worried about the position going forward.
Ideally for me I guess I’d say Hummels and Hazard, and if we could get one of Gotze or the other 3-4 players we’ve been linked to that play a similar role I’d be beyond ecstatic. Higuain, Hulk, Modric etc as well. I’m not as sold on Neymar as say…Stephen is but…he can’t be a worse 50m than Torres was. Right??
Make a move for a central midfielder
Its clear from today that there are a number of areas which addressing. But first things first is there is a clear need for a creative central midfielder who can add flair and inventiveness to a pedestrian side. Then I think with the addition of Cahill you can ignore center back for the time being, but adding a right back who could provide more support for Sturridge on the wing would be nice (It might allow him to drift centrally a little more).
Then there is the matter of who to sell because its is time for a changing of the guard because the core is to old to continue on. Anelka is definately on his way out but I would include Drogba, Malouda, Kalou, Bosingwa, and Meireles to the list of players I would like to see depart.
Finally start calling back some players who are out on loan like Bruma, who has been exceptional for Hamburg so far this season
transfer wish list
Gary cahill is just an average defender,by next season we should have bruma & kalas in the team. Ferreira,kalou,malouda have to go. Drogba is still good for one more year. A new right back is needed & I think inkoom or debuchy will do just fine. Hazard is definitely a priority,de bruyne,jovetic,sotiris ninis will be great additions. I don’t know about u guys but I rate pva highly & would b happy if he goes on loan somewhere where he can get playing time(maybe d eredivisie) & kakuta should go to ligue 1 too.
by ayx on Jan 1, 2012 9:09 AM GMT via mobile reply actions
Bruma maybe, Kalas no he needs another year preferably in Bundesliga or PL
Ferreira should stay as a loyal servant, doesn’t bitch and moan and is OK as back up. If Kalou or Malouda quit I don’t care as long as we get proper (and young) replacements such as De Bruyne. You’re spot on : Debuchy has been the best RB in L1 for the past 2-3 years but he’s getting old now. I don’t think we’ll manage to get Hazard as the club isn’t prestigious enough. Kakuta deal to DFCO is almost complete, he met with Carteron, And PvA should not go to Eredivisie but to Bundesliga/Liga
I am surprised no one mentioned Ilicic
He is quite a good player and has a buy out clause of about 20 mil..I would prefer Gotze over him but after failing to get Gotze I would get Ilicic.
So it is true...
I never know when it is just Daily Mail type crap.
too predictable
our style of play is too predictable for my liking.We just need a creative midfielder in the mould of Sneijder to get us to the promised land (top four)
Kaka
You guys can put an offer for Kaka.
by savari27 on Jan 1, 2012 5:34 PM GMT via Android app reply actions
Oops
NM.. just re-read… thought you were saying we already did, ha!
we just need to start playing kalou more and everything will get better
with his kind of talents and his charisma he will revitalize the chelsea locker room
Where is the meatloaf?
Well shit, does that mean we'll have to play against him on Monday?
Better tape up those ankles, boys. Frimpong’s out hunting!
Wait.. did you read it?
The title isn’t all that suiting to his statements. He says it is common for past managers to want their familiar talent, and that while they won’t rule out considering offers that could be made, that the Blues haven’t put those people up for sale… so they aren’t pursuing that idea.
Dear transfer window,
You’ve been open for hours now… and you are boring me. I gather it is an observed holiday and you only just began, but I am bored in real life and looking for excitement today, and you are not providing it! Gah!
This I know... but I am impatient. I want excitement NOW.
I am also commenting to poke fun at my unrealistic wish. :)
WHY HAVEN'T WE BOUGHT ANYONE YET!?
RABBLE RABBLE
by Al Benson on Jan 1, 2012 11:32 PM GMT via mobile up reply actions
Highly unlikely, but
Isaac Cuenca’s contract with Barcelona expires in the summer and he hasn’t yet re-signed. He’s a very good right winger; not sure where I’d put him compared to Hazard, but his price tag would be much lower.
He rejected Barcelona’s first renewal offer, probbably because of wages. He’s free to negotiate with other clubs this window, and it seems Arse and Manure are interested. We can beat all of those clubs with wages, so if he wants the most money, the kid is worth following.
by Al Benson on Jan 1, 2012 11:42 PM GMT via mobile reply actions
Highly unlikely, but
Isaac Cuenca’s contract with Barcelona expires in the summer and he hasn’t yet re-signed. He’s a very good right winger; not sure where I’d put him compared to Hazard, but his price tag would be much lower.
He rejected Barcelona’s first renewal offer, probbably because of wages. He’s free to negotiate with other clubs this window, and it seems Arse and Manure are interested. We can beat all of those clubs with wages, so if he wants the most money, the kid is worth following.
by Al Benson on Jan 1, 2012 11:43 PM GMT via mobile reply actions
I think I saw him play on the left wing recently too
but I could be lying… maybe he was just switched over to the side for a moment.
Besides… aren’t we getting him as part of that swap deal for Torres ;)
I heard the reporter got confused with that swap deal...
They didn’t want to give us the 3 guys listed, they actually wanted to trade Messi, Sanchez and Pedro; the conversation then went on to discuss who would fill in for the players that were leaving and the wrong names ended up getting published.
I figured...
I mean, clearly that is the more fair trade.
Hmm...
you may have me on some wishful thinking now… if only he has some comfort on the left, he and Sturridge could switch in the flow of the game, as needed, and that could free up Juan to go to the center. I haven’t watched Cuenca much though, so I suppose I am not one to really weigh in.
Assuming Danny is any good on the left. I'd very happy with him and Cuenca switching it up
Even Mata could get involved from time to time. It is indeed wishful thinking, since I’d put him at around 90% to stay with Barcelona, but you never know. Like I said, if it comes down to wages, we can easily sign him. And we have a very “civil” transfer history with Barca. But he’s Catalan, so it’s not just about wages.
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