By DAN KARELL
A clear favorite has emerged in AC Milan’s coaching search: former midfield legend Clarence Seedorf.
The former Dutch international and highly respected soccer player is currently still playing as a midfielder for Botafogo in Brazil, but Milan have had him in mind as a coach for some time and they’ve already offered him a contract to become the head coach through 2016. According to reports in Italy, Seedorf will hold a press conference on Tuesday in Brazil to discuss his future.
A report in Gazzetta Dello Sport states that Seedorf is expected to fly to Milan on Tuesday evening and arrive at the San Siro in time for Milan’s Coppa Italia match against Spezia. Milan assistant Mauro Tassotti is temporarily in charge of the first team.
The Suriname-born player’s career took him from Ajax in the Netherlands to Real Madrid, Inter Milan, and then AC Milan between 2002 and 2012. During his time with AC Milan, Seedorf won two Serie A titles, two UEFA Champions League titles, one Coppa Italia, and one FIFA Club World Cup title.
Here are some more stories to start your Tuesday:
SCHALKE PREPARING FOR EVENTUAL DRAXLER DEPARTURE
FC Schalke’s signing of Sidney Sam this summer and their reported interest in Tottenham midfielder Lewis Holtby is reportedly for a purpose.
One of the most sought-after players in world soccer is Schalke midfielder Julian Draxler, and the club are looking at the signings of Sam and Holtby as potential replacements for the 20-year-old in case he leaves this summer. According to a report in German newspaper Bild, Draxler has a buy-out clause in his contract this summer of €45.5 million ($62.2 million), a high price but potentially pennies if he lives up to his lofty potential.
Ever since breaking through into the first team in 2011, Draxler has been one of the brightest young prospects in the Bundesliga. Last year was his finest, scoring ten league goals in 30 appearances. This year he’s managed just five goals in all competitions but he’s been playing in more of a playmaker role.
CHELSEA SET PRICE FOR LUIZ
Barcelona’s interest in signing Brazilian centerback David Luiz is nothing new, but for the first time Chelsea have set a price that Barcelona must target.
According to a report in Spanish publication Marca, Barcelona must pay €35 million (nearly $48 million) in order to sign Luiz from Chelsea. The report states that Barcelona made a €25 million ($34.1 million) offer last summer following Luiz’s superb performances at the Confederations Cup, but that wasn’t enough to tempt Chelsea to allow him to leave.
Following an up-and-down year with Chelsea, Luiz has struggled to earn regular playing time due to a number of injuries, but when he’s been playing he has shown an improvement on the defensive end. Luiz has played 18 times for Chelsea this campaign.
QUICK KICKS
Fiorentina are nearing the completion of two loan deals to bring in Anderson from Manchester United and Alessandro Matri from AC Milan. (REPORT)
Ecuador National Team defender Jayro Campos has suffered a torn achilles tendon, ruling him out of the 2014 World Cup. (REPORT)
FIFA have agreed an extension with credit card Visa through the 2022 World Cup. (REPORT)
Cardiff City are chasing West Ham United youngster Ravel Morrison. (REPORT)
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What do you think of these reports? Think that Seedorf is the right man for the AC Milan job? See Draxler leaving this summer? Is there any chance Barcelona meet’s Chelsea’s price for Luiz?
Share your thoughts below.
Draxler’s €45.5 million release clause isn’t “potentially pennies”. It’s €45.5 million.
Giovanni Dos Santos is becoming an unstoppable force in La Liga.
http://www.101greatgoals.com/goals/spain/highly-impressive-villarreal-thrash-real-sociedad-5-1/
He is no Mike Petke
i thought Seedorf retired years ago. isn’t he like 40?
contrary to public belief football careers continue after a notable player leaves the UEFA spotlight.
He retired from the Dutch in 2008 and left ACMilan for Botafogo in 2012. His two year deal with Botafogo is up this summer but it looks like he will retire and move into coaching. Great player, career and hopefully great manager in the future.
incredibly underrated player, who seemed to get better with age.
I gather CFC is trying to make some money off Luiz’s departure but he is such a shoddy defender (attacking qualities aside) and so ill-suited to Mourinho’s scheme that I hope money doesn’t get in the way of good sense.
I do not like Luiz, has a mean streak a mile wide, but he is a very good defender and would be a great addition to Barca and I would not be surprised that Mourinho would be happy to see Barcelona strengthened in order to better compete against Real Madrid.
Does winning the FIFA Club World Cup actually count as an achievement?
Well, depends on the confederation, no?
The format is 1-off. CONMEBOL and UEFA champions league winners get a direct semifinal berth. $5M prize money for winner. Not a bad haul for two games, might cover the expenses plus a little.
“FIFA have agreed an extension”
Huh? that doesn’t make any grammatical sense.
In British English, collective nouns are plural.
I think he’s referring to the absence of a preposition, as in “agreed to” or “agreed on.” This is another Britishism, though I’m not sure it’s proper grammar even there.
Props to Seedorf, one of my all time favorites.
I always wished he would find his way to MLS. Would have been the best playmaker in the league since El Pibe and El Diablo.