2014/15 Transfer Speculation

The other thing about that conspiracy theory is why only Shenhua, when most of the other CSL clubs are actively recruiting their foreign spots before the March start?

Guangzhou Fuli,  Shanghai SIPG, Tianjin Teda for example still have one or two spots left and they have comparable resources to Shenhua.

Despite LG's throw away comment about over the hill Premier League players going to the CSL, a large chunk of the foreign talent spots goes to South/Cent American based players.  I think it would have been genuine interest and an offer by Shenhua and possibly still on the table, but it's not as if they don't have other sources to go to.

Probably because everyone official at both clubs are keeping shtum about it?

my comment about Drogba was because he was the most famous move there, leaving Chelsea at a time of highest personal success, so not really a throw away but an example that no matter how famous you are, it might not work out if going for the money grab.

It worked out fine for him.  He got loads of RMB, Shenhua got loads of publicity.  That was all the deal was about.  No one was surprised when he bailed.

Anelka was a waste of time and money however.

And yet Dario Conca is still in the CSL after 3 seasons at Hengda and now with Shanghai SIPG, Elkeson is in his third season at Hengda.  Both on tidy packets. Both with very good goal scoring records in the CSL.

For a PL striker at the peak of his powers to go there certainly gave the league some international credibility, backed up by the performance by Guangzhou at the ACL and China's performance in this Asian Cup.

Not sure it really resulted in credibility!  Drogba didn't last as long as he was contracted, but he put in a decent shift and banged in some goals.

It did put the spotlight on the league and probably helped entice other foreign players over, although the signings are club things rather than CFA driven so it was probably a Freudian/Desmond Morris thing about the size of the transfer fee/salary rather than development of the sport per se.

But for the foreigners that can adapt to the CSL it is a lucrative stint and they do help raise the standard of domestic players over time.

Burns's TV on Trade Me yet?

Was reading on the 442 forum that Chinese media are saying that Burns turned down the contract. Obviously this has as much credibility as anything else, i.e. none.

Yes it's very hard to decipher who if anyone has said what or if anything at all.  Realistically there might be half a dozen Bundesliga clubs willing to give him some decent euros at seasons end, perhaps 500-800 with him playing as well as Leckie & Kruse.

could ifill come back on a guest contract?

Not if he can't walk the day after playing... more work to do. ;o)

As much credibility as Ernie saying:

"There is an offer on the table and it's being discussed and will be responded to as these negotiations continue," he said.

"They've really only gone for about seven or eight days and we've been quick to respond. It will hopefully be resolved within two or three days one way or the other, and I don't know which way it will go."

Ive never been able to walk the day after playing?????

I've never been able to walk the day after playing TAB and my wife spotting the losing tickets.

merrick needs to act fast and sign joel griffiths.  The perfect striker that we need.

He wouldn't fit the"No C*cks" policy

or any kind of policy,,,except the I am a total dick policy

Good grief. #YFF

That ship sailed a long time ago.

I think Jeff was being sarcastic Fale... and 'shipped'?

I suspect it was a wind up, but was hoping to stop the wave of pro-Clapham posts.

I wouldn't mind Griffiths if we lose Burns. If Welnix expect to release him to China sooner rather than later, Griffiths should be approached. Wont take up an import spot either.

We've all but abolished that policy with Manny

Griffith is about million years old. Has done three fifth of fudge all this season. Is a massive douche. and wouldn't fit our system. Pass.

Tweeted by Joel Griffiths:

@billygriff29

"Wow fair enough"

In a kind of funny way, its good to see a club back it's manager and fight against player-power.

I don't know if I'm Asperger's or what, but I can never tell when people say silly things if they're serious or not.

Whenever The Press mentions him they often refer to him as an "ex-All White". 

I like that sense of acknowledgement.

So out of this Jets exodus is there anyone we would want? 

Griffiths could be an ok pickup only if Burns leaves (which isn't looking likely), and even then probably only as backup. Celeski we probably don't need, midfield's pretty sorted. 

Carney could be alright but not necessary.

I would say Jaliens would be the person we should most go for as we need a decent CB back-up, but as he's an import that's a no-go. 

Which leaves only Madaschi - has looked average this season, but once again, as an Australian, might be about as good a CB back-up we can get for now (at least until the end of the season).

Griffiths is a cock who is past it.  How could you want a player with his history at your club?

Celeski has no legs (shame as I was always a fan).

Carney has stunk up the joint this season as well.

If you are in the top 4 you are unlikely to find a key player in a team 2nd from bottom who's last game was an impressively spineless 7-0 loss.

This, on both accounts.

1) Apart from an occasional brain-fart by Manny, we actually have no players you could reliably call a cock.

2) Seems people forget that we are in top four on merit, and that the Jets are in bottom two on merit.