Photo by ISI Photos
Good evening folks. There was a bunch of soccer news that I didn’t get around to posting or discussing earlier today so here’s a roundup of soccer stories that made the rounds:
German club inquired about Altidore
The Washington Post’s Steve Goff reported earlier today that a German club inquired about Jozy Altidore and that MLS is looking for $10 million for the 18-year-old striker. In other Altidore news, you may recall when I reported back in February that Reading came close to prying Altidore away from the Red Bulls. Goff reported on Tuesday that Reading’s offer for Jozy Altidore during the winter transfer period was $8 million, which MLS turned down. The story I heard was a bit different, with Altidore ready to make the move only to have Reading prove unable to come up with the necessary funds after failing to sell off one of its players.
So what’s next? The $10 million price tag may sound steep but given the dollar’s sinking value, it isn’t as prohibitive a figure as some would expect. The real question is whether Red Bull will stand in the way of a summer transfer move. According to sources, the club was ready to let Altidore leave last winter (begrudgingly), but a summer departure wouldn’t leave the Red Bulls much time to find a replacement.
Twellman ‘Doubtful’ for San Jose match
New England forward Taylor Twellman has been listed as doubtful for the Revs upcoming match against San Jose after suffering a sprained ankle in New England’s 2-1 win against Chivas USA. That match was Twellman’s first since recovering from knee surgery. The doubtful status is good news for Revs fans who feared Twellman might be sidelined for another extended stretch.
Larsson gets Sweden call for Euros
From the ‘Blast from the Past’ department comes word that Sweden has called up Henrik Larsson for the European Championships. Larsson has enjoyed a good season with Swedish club Helsingborg (the same squad that knocked Michael Bradley’s Heerenveen out of the UEFA Cup) and is ready to enjoy one last ride with the Swedes. Get ready to see some vintage jerseys in the stands at Euro.
Messi cleared for Olympics, says ‘no thanks’ to Chelsea
Argentine star Lionel Messi has been cleared by Barcelona to represent Argentina at this summer’s Olympic Games. That sound you heard is defenders in Argentina’s group vomiting. But seriously, Messi’s inclusion proves what has long been suspected, that Argentina will be sending as strong a team as possible to China to bring back the Gold. I’ve also heard that Brazil will be loading up with some top-shelf stars (Robinho and possibly Kaka to name two).
In other Messi news, the Barca prodigy said he wouldn’t leave Barcelona for Chelsea after reports linked the Blues with interest. Can’t you just picture Roman Abramovich sitting in his mansion with a mountain of cash in front of him, trying to figure out which untouchable player he can pry away from one of the world’s top teams. Let’s see, Messi said no. Chelsea’s interest in Ronaldinho appears to have cooled. Who’s next? Kaka? Fabregas? Robinho? I think it’s safe to say that Chelsea will be shattering some transfer fee records this summer.
Sven to Mexico?
If you are wondering why this rumor isn’t higher up on the list, it’s because I really don’t buy it. What rumor? The rumor turned report that Manchester City manager and former England boss Sven Goran Eriksson is set to become Mexico’s new coach.
I’ll wait while you stop scratching your head and/or stop laughing.
There’s no question that Eriksson is a good manager but this one seems like an odd fit. I mean I know that he brought Nery Castillo to Man City and all but I just don’t know if he fits with ‘El Tri’.
Please feel free to share your thoughts and opinions about these stories. Also, if there are any other interesting (and legitimate) soccer stories not covered, please feel free to post them here.