Think Eden Hazard Will Come To Spurs? You Just Made These Four Leaps Of Logic
by Kevin McCauley on Feb 13, 2012 8:39 PM GMT
in Tottenham Hotspur Rumours
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So, there's a report that Tottenham Hotspur are going to sign Eden Hazard. The two parties have agreed to personal terms, and the clubs just need to agree on a fee. This report is absurd, and yet the entire internet has lost it. Everyone's talking about this. Why? Why hasn't this been dismissed? I don't get it.
If you think that this report is legitimate and that Hazard has agreed to personal terms with Spurs, you just made these four leaps of logic.
1. Tottenham just won the lottery -or- You've been lied to for years
We've been wheeler dealers for a while now. Tottenham have bought some solid players over the last few years, sure, but nothing outrageous. Scott Parker, Brad Friedel and Rafael Van der Vaart were all great bargain buys. Sandro cost a decent amount at £10 million, but he wasn't outrageous. Eden Hazard, if he moves, is going to cost at least £20 million. His wage demands will be very high; he will want more than the raises we'll probably offer Luka Modric and Gareth Bale.
Unless our budget and strategy have changed DRAMATICALLY in the last month, this doesn't make sense. Qualifying for Champions League would not cause this big of a shift in our financial policy, especially while we're trying to build a new stadium without incurring a large volume of debt.
2. Eden Hazard has a good reason to pick Spurs first -or- Big teams don't want him anymore
Tottenham are probably an attractive team for some good players. They'll be playing in Champions League next year, they have Bale and Modric, and their team isn't so loaded that you won't have a chance to break into the side. Except for central midfield, every position on the team could use improving, either in the starting lineup or from a depth perspective. Because it's a good team, but not too good of a team, someone like Hazard would like to move here. They can play for a good side, but get a starting place.
This is also the case at Chelsea and Arsenal. One of those two teams will probably play in Champions League next year, and both have a larger wage budget. Real Madrid and Barcelona can both pay Hazard bigger wages. City can pay him monstrous wages. Milan and Juventus can also promise him a starting place, Champions League football, and bigger wages than Spurs.
Provided Hazard is still coveted by teams this big, it seems pretty odd that he'd pick Spurs above all of them. He might value playing time over money or vice versa, but for him to pick Spurs over all of these teams would be really, really weird. If he isn't coveted by the big teams anymore, that's even more weird.
3. We're tapping him up illegally -or- Lille is a poorly run club
So we pulled tens of millions of pounds out of our asses and Eden Hazard has a giant cockerel-shaped boner for our team. That's triffic. How, then, are we talking to him right now? How have we agreed personal terms in February with a player that is not out contract?
Either we're negotiating with an under contract player without Lille's knowledge, which is against all kinds of rules, or Lille is dumb enough to have quiet, backdoor discussions with us about the transfer of (supposedly) one of the most coveted young players on earth. Both of these things seem more unlikely than the above two points...or at least I'd like to think so.
4. Eden Hazard is stupid -or- Eden Hazard's agent is stupid
If Eden Hazard wants to move to Spurs in a backdoor manner for less money than he would get on the open market for a team that probably cannot compete for a Champions League title and will be, at best, third favorite to win the Premier League, he is probably a moron. I don't think I'm a bad fan for saying this. Tottenham is a worse move for an ambitious world class talent than United, City, the winner of the Chelsea/Arsenal race, Juventus, Milan, Real Madrid, Barcelona and Bayern Munich.
If Hazard simply doesn't care and is just along for the ride, and all of 1-3 are happening, he has the dumbest agent on the planet. If all of these things were going on, his agent would be smart to blow the lid off the thing so that Tottenham get in trouble or Lille are forced to field bids from other parties.
Sorry if this reads as ranty, but twitter really annoyed the living shit out of me today.
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...lol
SB Nation's World Soccer Editor, manager of Cartilage Free Captain, contributor to Acme Packing Company.
by Kevin McCauley on Feb 14, 2012 2:23 AM GMT up reply actions
You're the maddest man I know.
Author and Contributor at Cartilage Free Captain
by Nick Petrilli on Feb 14, 2012 11:31 AM GMT up reply actions
I would love to read your elaborated thoughts
Author at FourFiveTwo
Follow @BenTheLorber
by Lennon's Eyebrow on Feb 14, 2012 1:46 PM GMT up reply actions
Fanpost!
SB Nation's World Soccer Editor, manager of Cartilage Free Captain, contributor to Acme Packing Company.
by Kevin McCauley on Feb 14, 2012 2:17 PM GMT up reply actions
To be fair
It’s not like Harry has never been accused of tapping up before.
Author and Contributor at Cartilage Free Captain
It's not being dismissed
Because fans like to dream and imagine what our side would look like with Hazard in it. No other reason.
Pretty much everything I’ve read has been qualified with “this probably won’t happen” type comments.
"and if I kill one supporter, sorry"
-Benoit Assou-Ekotto
Mike and Tulson
I am not talking about you guys. I am talking about the internet at large.
SB Nation's World Soccer Editor, manager of Cartilage Free Captain, contributor to Acme Packing Company.
I know man. It’s just nice to see somebody else get spun up by the internet doing internet things. Lord knows it happens to me enough.
NotThoseSpurs.wordpress.com
by Mike_L_Goodman on Feb 13, 2012 8:51 PM GMT up reply actions
I try to stay away from
The internet at large, so maybe I’ve only seen sensible opinions.
"and if I kill one supporter, sorry"
-Benoit Assou-Ekotto
I'll answer your first question.
Why? Why hasn’t this been dismissed? I don’t get it.
Because, Kevin, people want to dream and believe, even for a moment, that we are capable of doing this. Regardless of all your carefully crafted arguments as to why this logically makes no sense, when you’re passionate about a team you support, you want to hope that they can achieve greatness. Even if it’s unrealistic. Especially if it’s unrealistic.
Nobody really thinks this is going to happen. But god, just wonder, what if? Just let yourself believe just for a second that we’re going to do this. How fucking awesome would that be? Can you imagine Spurs in all their lilywhite glory storming down the pitch, the ball flying between Modric, Bale, Van der Vaart, and Hazard as we carve opposition defenses apart in scintillating fashion, exploding the net with brilliant goal after brilliant goal?
That’s why people aren’t just dismissing this. Because we want it so badly to be true. And we don’t give a shit that it’s probably not. Because. What if?
Author at FourFiveTwo
Follow @BenTheLorber
by Lennon's Eyebrow on Feb 13, 2012 8:52 PM GMT reply actions
"Nobody really thinks this is going to happen."
No, the people on this site don’t really think this is going to happen.
SB Nation's World Soccer Editor, manager of Cartilage Free Captain, contributor to Acme Packing Company.
by Kevin McCauley on Feb 13, 2012 8:53 PM GMT up reply actions
Come on, give people some credit.
The twitterverse, despite all their nonsense, do not legitimately believe that we have 100% locked this transfer in. They just desperately want it to be true, so they’ve convinced themselves that it’s possible.
Author at FourFiveTwo
Follow @BenTheLorber
by Lennon's Eyebrow on Feb 13, 2012 8:55 PM GMT up reply actions
Didn't we bid almost 20 mil on Remy?
To be clear, this is still a silly rumor, and we certainly don’t have a habit of spending big, but I have no reason to think we’re not willing to spend on the right talent. The wages (and reasons 2-4) seem like a bigger issue to me than the transfer funds.
Or really, just 3-4. If he’s set on England, I can see him not being too enthused about City (a damn tough squad to break into) or the winner of the Arsenal/Chelsea race to 4th, especially if it’s Arsenal who take it. I’d say that Chelsea would be our biggest competition for him (if we’re even really active in our pursuit of Hazard at all), because they can pay him a lot and could use some help on the wing. If Chelsea miss out on the CL, things are different, and who knows, maybe there’s just something about playing for Chelsea that doesn’t appeal to him or maybe something about Spurs that really does. It wouldn’t be the craziest thing ever.
I’d love for this to happen, and while I am very skeptical of it actually going down, it’s not completely absurd just yet. At least not until we hear Hazard’s wage demands.
heart of a champion, will of the warrior.
If Chelsea want Hazard
They will pay him more and he will go there. Pretty much end of story.
NotThoseSpurs.wordpress.com
by Mike_L_Goodman on Feb 13, 2012 9:02 PM GMT up reply actions
Yep
Or Arsenal, if they finish above Chelsea. Or Madrid. Or Barca. Or Milan. Or Juventus. All these teams will offer him WAY more than we can pay him.
SB Nation's World Soccer Editor, manager of Cartilage Free Captain, contributor to Acme Packing Company.
by Kevin McCauley on Feb 13, 2012 9:05 PM GMT up reply actions
Devil's Advocate
He’s seen Lukaku rotting on the bench at Chelsea too, so there’s that.
Also, he wouldn’t agree with Arse or Chels of those as they’re level on points and only one can qualify for CL. Spurs are all but in already. (this assumes some type of decision was made in January)
Juventus and Milan might be better fits, if he wanted to play in Italy, but he’s repeatedly said he wants the Premier League.
Admittedly, I’ve never watched a full 90 of Hazard, but maybe Spurs is just right. Style of play, London, PL.
"and if I kill one supporter, sorry"
-Benoit Assou-Ekotto
Reading through that,
Man U looks the best fit.
"and if I kill one supporter, sorry"
-Benoit Assou-Ekotto
All those points are valid
and none of them top the fact that wages pretty much always dictate where a player wants to go.
NotThoseSpurs.wordpress.com
by Mike_L_Goodman on Feb 13, 2012 9:10 PM GMT up reply actions
Right, I agree
Devil’s Advocate: He’s only 21. Maybe this is the best move for him to make a bigger money move in the future. More money in the long run.
"and if I kill one supporter, sorry"
-Benoit Assou-Ekotto
Won't post the WAGES graphic
But I so could here.
Moderator and Poet Laureate at Cartilage Free Captain
General Secretary of the CFC Commentariat Committee
Tottenham Hotspur & Indiana Hoosiers
Follow @dustingm
It is entirely possible that we seem sexier than our rivals right now.
Maybe I’m flattering Spurs, but I can totally see some young kid deciding he wants to buck the trend of going to the “big clubs” and go to the attractive attacking (relative) newcomer to the top.
Of course, wageswageswages, but considering how pundits and managers and players these days wax poetic about our style, I can see the desire.
Can Arsenal offer WAY more than we can? Will they, when basically their whole team plays on the wing, including Ox? If he wants to come to England, Spurs are in the running. Any “nuh-uh, no chance whatsoever” talk is premature right now. Ditto for the “WOOO, HAZARD TO SPURS!” talk. We just don’t know, but again, at least we’re in the running.
heart of a champion, will of the warrior.
A year ago, I’d be 100% with you, but now, Chelsea seems to be such a toxic environment that at least one or two transfer targets won’t be interested in going there. Especially if they can’t promise CL football. Sometimes, that matters. Most of the time it doesn’t. We’ll see where Hazard ends up, but right now, I’m just happy to be in the conversation.
heart of a champion, will of the warrior.
If nothing else comes out of this
a reporter asked Hazard to his face if he’d be going to Tottenham and his response was “Maybe” instead of howling fits of laughter. That’s something at least.
O's, Ravens, and Spurs
Author at FourFiveTwo
Yes
This is by far the best take away
NotThoseSpurs.wordpress.com
by Mike_L_Goodman on Feb 13, 2012 9:11 PM GMT up reply actions
We would have been able to talk to him January though
and I believe there were rumors saying he would be making a move to PL in the summer and that team had been determined. I am by no means saying any of this is true, but when we talked about samba and hoilett we were told to think bigger. Well right now, against all logic, i choose to dream big.
by NYCisTwinsTerritory on Feb 13, 2012 8:57 PM GMT reply actions
Then we would have agreed to terms then, right?
The report would have come out then, not now. Just strange that they would come out now if that’s the case
"I wear tinted visor not to trick other players, but so hot girls in stands don't see me looking at them" - Alex Ovechkin
RUMOR HAS IT...
oooooooooooooooooooooooooooohhhhhhhhhhh
In O'Ventbrel We Trust
ALL GLORY TO THFC
VICK-VICK-VICKADELPHIA
I believe in MAGIC
Sold my Soul to the Devils
More stuff from Belgian TV
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=coI_U4NFfZ0
Couple things translated by @phillippeauclair:
‘I haven’t signed anything yet, This will happen soon’.
‘there are great players [there], a great manager’.
"and if I kill one supporter, sorry"
-Benoit Assou-Ekotto
Wasn't it just last summer that Mata was like...
“Spurs? LOL, but seriously…”
I’ll take being treated seriously as a first step. Let’s all just hope he’s got a boner for Tottenham.
O's, Ravens, and Spurs
Author at FourFiveTwo
Yeah
This makes me think he’s pimping himself to other clubs
"and if I kill one supporter, sorry"
-Benoit Assou-Ekotto
If the worst thing that comes of this is Lille milking a couple extra million out of one of our rivals
I could live with that.
O's, Ravens, and Spurs
Author at FourFiveTwo
not just Lille but Hazard himself milking it
pay me more to justify signing up for your objectively worse team
Auclair on Talksport
http://www.talksport.co.uk/radio/kickoff/blog/2012-02-13/auclair-there-appears-be-some-kind-agreement-between-hazard-and-spurs#.TzmE2OFpHLU.twitter
"and if I kill one supporter, sorry"
-Benoit Assou-Ekotto
so basically we are the most credible leverage available
when/if we finish third, Chelsea and Arsenal (but let’s face it really just Chelsea) will be forced to pony up even dumber wages because he will be all why shouldn’t I go to Tottenham, they are more promising, finished above you, blah blah blah and then Roman will write the check and he will smile and hold up the blue shirt
It's a rumor for sure
But it’s better than anything we’ve really heard in the past. I’d rather the club be linked with legitimate stars than stop-gaps.
My thoughts are like Brian Cushing on the field: Everywhere.
It’s a moot point until 3 minutes before the deadline on August 31st. Am I the only person who realizes that?
That doesn't make it not fun to discuss before then.
And as others have pointed out, this potentially has significance entirely apart from whether or not he actually joins Spurs.
Prescript: I have my cranky pants on today.
I’m in the weeds at work this week, I’ve already been yelled at once today for something I didn’t do, and the last thing I should be doing right now is writing a comment at a fan site for an English soccer team when I have SHIT TO GET DONE. So I’m cranky and irritable, and not myself.
But Kevin? I need to take issue a little here. It seems disingenuous of you to first post a transfer rumor about Eden Hazard coming to Spurs, and then not an hour later accuse us (“us” being TEH INTAR WEBZ) of being suckered. I know you say that you’re not referring to Us-The-Commentariat but rather Us-The-Internet but I have to say I rankled at seeing a “leaps of logic” smack-down after having fun speculating on what is assuredly a bullshit rumor (though it comes from a “reputable source”).
I’ve been around the rumor mill long enough never to take anything at face value, but many of us haven’t, and this one seemed like it just might maybe have a grain of truth to it, sorta. To post that first, let us have fun responding about the what-if, and then post a follow-up point-by-point smack-down about how people who believe it are delusional just rubs me wrong. If you’re going to break down why a rumor is probably bullshit, do it in the initial post instead of dismissing those of us who might be taken in by it.
Moderator and Poet Laureate at Cartilage Free Captain
General Secretary of the CFC Commentariat Committee
Tottenham Hotspur & Indiana Hoosiers
Follow @dustingm
I can't stand it when Dad and Uncle fight
by AWolfAtTheDoor on Feb 13, 2012 10:24 PM GMT via Android app up reply actions
Hide the vodka
In O'Ventbrel We Trust
ALL GLORY TO THFC
VICK-VICK-VICKADELPHIA
I believe in MAGIC
Sold my Soul to the Devils
And the good china
In O'Ventbrel We Trust
ALL GLORY TO THFC
VICK-VICK-VICKADELPHIA
I believe in MAGIC
Sold my Soul to the Devils
Naa, Menno's right
I got too worked up
SB Nation's World Soccer Editor, manager of Cartilage Free Captain, contributor to Acme Packing Company.
by Kevin McCauley on Feb 13, 2012 11:09 PM GMT up reply actions
You can't admit defeat!
…blood in the water now man. :cP
I don't even know what to put in here knowing Steve can just change it anytime he wants (the jerk) :cP also something about trolling CFC and WAGNH
by Sabrina Dessipe on Feb 13, 2012 11:17 PM GMT up reply actions
Daddy yells
and Mommy drinks.
Author and Contributor at Cartilage Free Captain
by Nick Petrilli on Feb 14, 2012 1:08 AM GMT up reply actions
When I read about this rumor earlier today on twitter I didn't believe it
then Auclair made it sound somewhat legit… I didn’t know what to think besides"why would Hazard want to go to Spurs?" Then I felt better :c)
I don't even know what to put in here knowing Steve can just change it anytime he wants (the jerk) :cP also something about trolling CFC and WAGNH
by Sabrina Dessipe on Feb 13, 2012 10:24 PM GMT reply actions
Yeah but Spurs....:cP
I don't even know what to put in here knowing Steve can just change it anytime he wants (the jerk) :cP also something about trolling CFC and WAGNH
by Sabrina Dessipe on Feb 14, 2012 12:22 AM GMT up reply actions
... will be playing in the Champions League next year.
Having probably finished in a place that won’t obligate them to go through qualifying.
by Edward_Francis on Feb 14, 2012 12:46 AM GMT up reply actions
Yeah but....
SPURS! lol
I don't even know what to put in here knowing Steve can just change it anytime he wants (the jerk) :cP also something about trolling CFC and WAGNH
by Sabrina Dessipe on Feb 14, 2012 12:48 AM GMT up reply actions
Trying the whole “if I keep saying it, maybe it will get funny” tactic?
(playful tone nobody freak out)
Not trying to make anyone laugh........it's Spurs tho!
I don't even know what to put in here knowing Steve can just change it anytime he wants (the jerk) :cP also something about trolling CFC and WAGNH
by Sabrina Dessipe on Feb 14, 2012 12:56 AM GMT up reply actions
For A season!
I don't even know what to put in here knowing Steve can just change it anytime he wants (the jerk) :cP also something about trolling CFC and WAGNH
by Sabrina Dessipe on Feb 14, 2012 1:07 AM GMT up reply actions
And that's not even for sure yet :cP
I don't even know what to put in here knowing Steve can just change it anytime he wants (the jerk) :cP also something about trolling CFC and WAGNH
by Sabrina Dessipe on Feb 14, 2012 1:07 AM GMT up reply actions
Me too! :cD
I don't even know what to put in here knowing Steve can just change it anytime he wants (the jerk) :cP also something about trolling CFC and WAGNH
by Sabrina Dessipe on Feb 14, 2012 1:36 AM GMT up reply actions
I'm imposing a limit on the amount of emoticons
No more than 5 per fanpost. 10 for game threads. And seeing as I have no real authority, feel free to do whatever the hell you please. But for some reason whenever I seem them its the equivalent of nails on a chalkboard
In O'Ventbrel We Trust
ALL GLORY TO THFC
VICK-VICK-VICKADELPHIA
I believe in MAGIC
Sold my Soul to the Devils
Like my "aww's" lol
I stopped awwing I probably won’t be able to limit the emoticons though :cP
I don't even know what to put in here knowing Steve can just change it anytime he wants (the jerk) :cP also something about trolling CFC and WAGNH
by Sabrina Dessipe on Feb 14, 2012 12:13 PM GMT up reply actions
fair enough
In O'Ventbrel We Trust
ALL GLORY TO THFC
VICK-VICK-VICKADELPHIA
I believe in MAGIC
Sold my Soul to the Devils
I got more than 1000 comments here now! :cD
Thought I’d point it out.
Troll so hard ;c)
I don't even know what to put in here knowing Steve can just change it anytime he wants (the jerk) :cP also something about trolling CFC and WAGNH
by Sabrina Dessipe on Feb 14, 2012 5:12 PM GMT up reply actions
Me too.
I really hope it doesn’t come across as malicious or mean spirited though. I just enjoy a bit of sparring now and again and it’s all meant in jest.
by Edward_Francis on Feb 14, 2012 2:15 AM GMT up reply actions
They'd be surprised I know anything about football at all...
I don't even know what to put in here knowing Steve can just change it anytime he wants (the jerk) :cP also something about trolling CFC and WAGNH
by Sabrina Dessipe on Feb 14, 2012 12:09 PM GMT up reply actions
I was so confused by it at first
like "WHY DID THE REF STOP THEM!?’ and “WHY IS THAT NOT A GOAL!?!” found out the refs don’t really get it either…
I don't even know what to put in here knowing Steve can just change it anytime he wants (the jerk) :cP also something about trolling CFC and WAGNH
by Sabrina Dessipe on Feb 14, 2012 5:10 PM GMT up reply actions
We're cool...
Jest away :c)
I don't even know what to put in here knowing Steve can just change it anytime he wants (the jerk) :cP also something about trolling CFC and WAGNH
by Sabrina Dessipe on Feb 14, 2012 12:12 PM GMT up reply actions
Have you seen this?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=cyMP1eeIjm8#!
He name-checks us multiple times ,and the translation is apparently that he wants to come and hopes it’s sorted out soon. The interviewers all congratulate him on the choice of club, and heap enormous praise on Harry (brings youngsters through, great man-manager, etc, etc.)
Plus he name-checks Niko. And THAT’s conclusive. He’s coming.
He couldn’t resist that sexy face.
by DubaiSpur on Feb 13, 2012 10:26 PM GMT reply actions 2 recs
Rec
Great post. My french is rusty but I’m pretty sure he says he doesn’t want to go to Spain because only two teams contend for the title and that he needs to play every week at his age.
by brett rainbow on Feb 13, 2012 11:50 PM GMT up reply actions
Financial Fair Play rules?
At some point Chelsea will have to curb their spending right? I know this wont affect Arsenal, but could it be a reason Chelsea wouldn’t be able to go after him?
by NYCisTwinsTerritory on Feb 13, 2012 10:41 PM GMT reply actions
Word on the street is if they don't make CL they'll be in some trouble to make ends meet
I don't even know what to put in here knowing Steve can just change it anytime he wants (the jerk) :cP also something about trolling CFC and WAGNH
by Sabrina Dessipe on Feb 13, 2012 10:43 PM GMT up reply actions
does FFP count wages or just transfer fees?
A la Fabregas, I think the player’s desire to move will deflate the fee a bit, but if FFP doesn’t account for wages it’ll just allow Chelsea to inflate those even more to guarantee his signature.
But has Chelsea shown the same level of concrete interest Arsenal has? This line of reasoning applies to Man City as well I would think.
FFP is only relating to operating finances
Thus it relates to operating revenues (game day fees, shirt sales, day-to-day revenues etc) vs. operating expenses (player wages, management costs, stadium operations, etc). One-time inflows (i.e. soft loans from owners) and outflows (transfer fees) do not count. Thus its ok to splurge 50m on Torres, but not ok to pay him 175k/week (no idea what he’s being paid).
In essence, you need to be self-sufficient in your operations, while capital expenditures are still a funhouse.
In O'Ventbrel We Trust
ALL GLORY TO THFC
VICK-VICK-VICKADELPHIA
I believe in MAGIC
Sold my Soul to the Devils
wait a sec so it's the exact opposite of what I thought?
wages count but NOT transfer fees? I thought FFP was conceived specifically to combat outrageous transfer fees??
unless I'm interpreting it wrongly
To be honest though, its the wages that are causing troubles. Take Adebayor as case in point- he has no place in Man City due to their galactico assortment of strikers, but they can’t unload him because of his wages.
In my opinion, it makes sense to allow teams to still make the occasional game-changing transfer by letting them compete with transfer fees, but by restricting wages with operational financial regulation, it makes teams more accountable year in year out.
In O'Ventbrel We Trust
ALL GLORY TO THFC
VICK-VICK-VICKADELPHIA
I believe in MAGIC
Sold my Soul to the Devils
Also, without the prospect of giant wages elsewhere players will be less likely to hand in transfer requests. At lest in theory,
NotThoseSpurs.wordpress.com
by Mike_L_Goodman on Feb 13, 2012 11:11 PM GMT up reply actions
if the criteria is "one time in and out flows"
then I am not optimistic about impact of FFP — players will just start getting ridiculous signing bonuses which prorate out to exorbitant wages
I may be wrong
But I believe transfer fees do count against FFP as they have to amortized over the life of the contract. I will ask around, though, for clarification.
by ChadUESSpurs on Feb 13, 2012 11:21 PM GMT up reply actions
this sounds more practical
between one time fees and weekly wages if you cap one but not the other, all the money will just flow into the uncapped one.
investments in infrastructure
Do not. Theoretically, Chelsea could build a brand new stadium and it wouldn’t count 1 cent against FFP but if they spend 100 million on Messi, it most definitely would. Also, FFP may be what saves AVB’s job as Chelsea have some work to do to get in compliance.
by ChadUESSpurs on Feb 13, 2012 11:43 PM GMT up reply actions
I don't take every rumor seriously
But this one comes from a reputable source and a friend of mine who has been involved in Euro soccer for a long, long time vouched for France Football as reliable. What tempers my enthusiasm is he’s convinced it means Bale or Modric is leaving or that there’s some confusion about how close discussions with Lille or Hazard really are. This could be a case of a reliable reporter getting something wrong, which is pretty common.
Goddamnit,
He discusses the possibility in the video I linked above! and even drops some huge hints that he will be coming to the Lane! It’s not just a rumor anymore!
RUMOR HAS IT
ooohhhhhhhhhhhhhh
In O'Ventbrel We Trust
ALL GLORY TO THFC
VICK-VICK-VICKADELPHIA
I believe in MAGIC
Sold my Soul to the Devils
No team is a great fit for Hazard at the moment
Spurs – low wages
Arsenal – don’t spend big on tranfer fees
Chelsea – may not have champions league, can’t offer wages like they used to because of UEFA FFP Rules, also a somewhat toxic environment
Barca, Real, ManU, City – can’t guarantee playing time
If he’s concerned about starting every week (which he is, according the interview DubaiSpur posted above), only Spurs, Chelski, Arsenal, and Lolverpool can offer guaranteed playing time. Only two of these four will qualify for the champions league. If Arsenal make it, they could probably pay more in wages but won’t stump up for a high fee (just not the wenger way). Chelsea have historically been willing to spend big on fee and wages, but the deals they signed with Mata, Cahill, and Romeu indicate that they are much more hesitant to break the bank because of upcoming FFP rules.
Spurs wages should be comparable to Chelsea’s and the football much sexier. Assuming we maintain our position in 3rd place, we’ll also be guaranteed a champions league spot instead of having to play a qualifier. I’m not saying it’s likely, just more likely than Kevin says.
I think Hazard can get into this ManU side
I don't even know what to put in here knowing Steve can just change it anytime he wants (the jerk) :cP also something about trolling CFC and WAGNH
by Sabrina Dessipe on Feb 14, 2012 12:22 AM GMT up reply actions
You might be right
But they already have three excellent wingers in Nani, Valencia, and Young. Seems like buying a fourth would cause serious selection headaches.
by brett rainbow on Feb 14, 2012 12:28 AM GMT up reply actions
I'm sure Fergie wouldn't mind
I don't even know what to put in here knowing Steve can just change it anytime he wants (the jerk) :cP also something about trolling CFC and WAGNH
by Sabrina Dessipe on Feb 14, 2012 12:29 AM GMT up reply actions
I'm sure the players being left out would mind.
by AWolfAtTheDoor on Feb 14, 2012 12:42 AM GMT via Android app up reply actions
Fergie can handle that
I don't even know what to put in here knowing Steve can just change it anytime he wants (the jerk) :cP also something about trolling CFC and WAGNH
by Sabrina Dessipe on Feb 14, 2012 12:47 AM GMT up reply actions
Yeah but can Valencia handle being the fourth choice winger?
by AWolfAtTheDoor on Feb 14, 2012 2:22 AM GMT up reply actions
My point is that Fergie has dealt with that type of thing before
keeping players happy and all that. Word on the street is he’s a pretty good man manager. If bringing in a great player like Hazard makes another feel left out Fergie doesn’t have a problem selling them on..
I don't even know what to put in here knowing Steve can just change it anytime he wants (the jerk) :cP also something about trolling CFC and WAGNH
by Sabrina Dessipe on Feb 14, 2012 12:16 PM GMT up reply actions
The swiss ramble link you posted
his posts are so damn long — where is the nub where it says Hazard wouldn’t get big wages at Chelsea? All I saw was this:
Of course, these players will need to be replaced, but the point is that the new arrivals will largely be on lower salaries. There will be exceptions made for any top, such as Eden Hazard or Luka Modric, but on the whole the downward trend is clear
That is basically what I'm referring to.
I don’t think we can match Chelsea’s offer, but it won’t be as far off as it has been in the past.
by brett rainbow on Feb 14, 2012 12:40 AM GMT up reply actions
Sorry Kevin, but I'm not entirely sure this was necessary
I will do a disclaimer here and say that there is absolutely no chance that Eden Hazard will join Spurs.
That said, reputable reporters have been saying it’s a possibility, and Hazard himself has hinted at it today. A player of his quality, with a level of substantiation behind it considerably above what we usually see in the “big name player to Spurs” stories- if there was ever a time to let the commentariat have some fun it was with this.
by Edward_Francis on Feb 13, 2012 11:53 PM GMT reply actions
See above reply to Dustin
SB Nation's World Soccer Editor, manager of Cartilage Free Captain, contributor to Acme Packing Company.
by Kevin McCauley on Feb 14, 2012 12:23 AM GMT up reply actions
what confuses me...
…is that supposedly Tottenham and Hazard agreed to terms, but the transfer fee is still being negotiated. Doesn’t it usually happen the other way around? I’m much more used to reading “Team A and Team B have agreed to a transfer fee for Player X. Now Player X just has to agree to terms with Team B”.
Tevez and Milan
a recent example of the inverse
I mean
a recent example of terms agreed/transfer fee not agreed. Or am I off on that one?
I think you’re right, but that’s also a pretty strange situation. City were desperate to offload Tevez. I doubt Lille feel the same way about Hazard.
heart of a champion, will of the warrior.
Also Fabregas to Barca
Personal terms were not the hold up on that deal.
But was he allowed to negotiate them first? I would imagine Arsenal wouldn’t have let him talk to anyone while trying to keep him. I guess I don’t know, but I feel like the club letting a player discuss personal terms is a pretty clear “Pack your bags, we don’t need you” signal.
heart of a champion, will of the warrior.
If that had actually happened it would fall under the category of "illegal tapping up"
I don't even know what to put in here knowing Steve can just change it anytime he wants (the jerk) :cP also something about trolling CFC and WAGNH
by Sabrina Dessipe on Feb 14, 2012 12:17 PM GMT up reply actions
To be fair, the whole saga probably DID fall under the category of “illegal tapping up.”
heart of a champion, will of the warrior.
I know :c(
I wrote a thing on it. Got some Barca fans very upset at me.
I don't even know what to put in here knowing Steve can just change it anytime he wants (the jerk) :cP also something about trolling CFC and WAGNH
by Sabrina Dessipe on Feb 14, 2012 1:48 PM GMT up reply actions
The rumor I heard was €40 mil transfer fee demand
That’s got to put an end to that, right?
But Hazard and Spurs have come to a personal agreement on wages? Seems off to me. It’s a stupid time to announce an impending move, too, right after the window closes. My guess is this will be long forgotten by summer.
No one is paying 40 million for him
That’s just his release clause.
by ChadUESSpurs on Feb 14, 2012 12:25 AM GMT up reply actions
And (again, according to the rumor in France Football) they are demanding it
And why wouldn’t they? It’s friggin’ February, what possible interest do they have in negotiating now?
They can demand all they want
But they won’t get it. The don’t have to negotiate at all but they may want to cut a deal early so they can budget their summer signings and get to work right when the window opens. Hazard is clearly leaving this summer whether it’s to Spurs or not. The guy is on television chatting it up about where he wants to go. The die seems cast.
by ChadUESSpurs on Feb 14, 2012 1:09 AM GMT up reply actions
It's also illegal...
to come to terms like this outside of the window right?
I don't even know what to put in here knowing Steve can just change it anytime he wants (the jerk) :cP also something about trolling CFC and WAGNH
by Sabrina Dessipe on Feb 14, 2012 12:27 AM GMT up reply actions
False
Bayern Munich and Basel just did a deal for Shaqiri
SB Nation's World Soccer Editor, manager of Cartilage Free Captain, contributor to Acme Packing Company.
by Kevin McCauley on Feb 14, 2012 12:35 AM GMT up reply actions
Is this precontract stuff a German league thing?
Reus to Dortmund comes to mind as well.
I stand corrected :c)
I don't even know what to put in here knowing Steve can just change it anytime he wants (the jerk) :cP also something about trolling CFC and WAGNH
by Sabrina Dessipe on Feb 14, 2012 12:49 AM GMT up reply actions
Sandro was signed in March...
Just means they don’t join up with the team til August 1.
"and if I kill one supporter, sorry"
-Benoit Assou-Ekotto
No, they join before that
Sandro didn’t join until then because of Copa Libertadores.
Author and Contributor at Cartilage Free Captain
by Nick Petrilli on Feb 14, 2012 1:13 AM GMT up reply actions
Maybe we should be thinking about cut-price Zambians instead
They made the fancy big-club Ivoirians look bad yesterday.
Anyone read what people are saying over at WAGNH about this>
It seems to follow along the lines of “Spurs have no chance of signing Hazard despite being far more likely to qualify for CL, I’m sure he’d much rather come to Chelsea based on absoluely nothing other than reputation and ignoring the implosion our club is suffering, oh and him saying he would be interested in signing for Spurs now counts as a denial for some reason”.
Chelsea can also offer him double the wages that we can
SB Nation's World Soccer Editor, manager of Cartilage Free Captain, contributor to Acme Packing Company.
by Kevin McCauley on Feb 14, 2012 2:25 AM GMT up reply actions
Double?
I mean i know we might have a ceiling around 75k, but are they really paying people 150k plus? I thought it was only City that was blowing out the wage structure in the Prem
In O'Ventbrel We Trust
ALL GLORY TO THFC
VICK-VICK-VICKADELPHIA
I believe in MAGIC
Sold my Soul to the Devils
assuming we bump Bale and Modric up to 100k/week like has been rumored
to keep them happy. could we not afford to give hazard the same wages? and if yes to that question, can chelsea still afford to offer him 200k/week with FFP
by AWolfAtTheDoor on Feb 14, 2012 2:26 AM GMT up reply actions
Thought FPP might have screwed them on that if they can't get CL football?
by Edward_Francis on Feb 14, 2012 2:27 AM GMT up reply actions
YOU DOWN WITH FPP?
In O'Ventbrel We Trust
ALL GLORY TO THFC
VICK-VICK-VICKADELPHIA
I believe in MAGIC
Sold my Soul to the Devils
YEAH YOU KNOW ME
Also, read this: http://www.weaintgotnohistory.com/2012/2/9/2787509/chelsea-financial-fair-play-analysis
Also, Terry and Lampard make150k+ a week. They won’t pay Hazard double what we offer, slight exaggeration, but they’ll offer him over 100k.
SB Nation's World Soccer Editor, manager of Cartilage Free Captain, contributor to Acme Packing Company.
by Kevin McCauley on Feb 14, 2012 2:42 AM GMT up reply actions
Is 100K our new wage ceiling?
Seems to be the number, roughly, getting thrown around re: Ade, Luka, and Gareth’s contracts
O's, Ravens, and Spurs
Author at FourFiveTwo
Yeah, FPP (I move to permanently switch to that) is likely going to be a joke in my mind. If it accomplishes anything it will keep teams from going into debt (sorry Everton and like 90% of Spanish teams) to buy players. And while it might curb wages some at big clubs the chelsea’s of the world are still going to be able and willing to pay more than us.
NotThoseSpurs.wordpress.com
by Mike_L_Goodman on Feb 14, 2012 3:06 AM GMT up reply actions
I don't think it is completely unreasonable for a player to turn down 120k for 100k if the situation is right.
Of course I need to qualify that. I don’t expect anymore than a small minority of players to do that. I don’t expect Hazard to do that. But for guaranteed first team football in an attacking aide that looks to be moving up in the world I could see some players doing that. It could help some players improve their game and audition for guaranteed first team football at Real Madrid or Barca on 175k week 3 years later maybe.
Let me say one more time. I don’t expect Hazard or any other player to actually do this, but I don’t think the idea is unreasonable. And I’m sure every single decent agent would fight this type of move.
by AWolfAtTheDoor on Feb 14, 2012 3:17 AM GMT via Android app up reply actions
Young players who think that the club offering slightly worse wages would be better for their development might make a call like that. This isn’t Hazard’s last pay day, and if he thinks that one club might not good for his development as a player and thus, his next pay day, he might take a slightly smaller wage. “Might” and “slightly” are key words here, though. It’s certainly not a sure thing, and I too doubt that Hazard is thinking that way.
heart of a champion, will of the warrior.
That's the key here
but I think the chaos surrounding the club may be the thing to dissuade potential signings. If a manager doesn’t win the league or the CL they get fired, they have a clubhouse full of aging players that seems to be charitably described as toxic, and a transfer policy that seems to be lifted from a FIFA career mode. That’s a lot of reasons to sign for someone else.
Obviously huge wages are enough to overcome all that, but the key is how much FPP is going to restrict Chelsea with their huge wage bills. Chelsea CAN offer twice what we can, but if they want to play in Europe, they may not be able to.
O's, Ravens, and Spurs
Author at FourFiveTwo
State of the Spurs
This is an incredibly positive story for Spurs, even if signing Hazard is very unlikely. Why wouldn’t he want to play for a team in CL next year, who value attacking wing play and have a midfield including Bale and Modric? As always, wages will likely be the deciding factor, like they are 99% of people, and make this a long shot.
The fact that he singles out Tottenham as where he would like to play, when he could have said Chelsea, Arsenal, or Man U is just super great.
(all claps)
In O'Ventbrel We Trust
ALL GLORY TO THFC
VICK-VICK-VICKADELPHIA
I believe in MAGIC
Sold my Soul to the Devils
The thing if I'm sure he has mentioned those other clubs
Hazard is a notorious flirt
I don't even know what to put in here knowing Steve can just change it anytime he wants (the jerk) :cP also something about trolling CFC and WAGNH
by Sabrina Dessipe on Feb 14, 2012 12:20 PM GMT up reply actions
Is it really tapping up?
It was my impression, taken from an ITK that really distinguished himself back in January, that it was Hazard himself that approached Spurs in January, not the other way around. While clubs are obligated to contact a player’s club first regarding potential transfers, does that rule really prohibit players themselves from being proactive and initiating contact themselves?
Yes it does...
See the Ashey Cole-gate
I don't even know what to put in here knowing Steve can just change it anytime he wants (the jerk) :cP also something about trolling CFC and WAGNH
by Sabrina Dessipe on Feb 14, 2012 10:31 PM GMT up reply actions
*Ashley
ugh
I don't even know what to put in here knowing Steve can just change it anytime he wants (the jerk) :cP also something about trolling CFC and WAGNH
by Sabrina Dessipe on Feb 14, 2012 10:31 PM GMT up reply actions
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