Ambro can barely hold it together for half a game these days.

I'd personally prefer Diarra, but if De Jong is the only option than it's acceptable

Why would you assume that? we're in a transitional period, I think most of the players we brought this summer will be gone in ~2 years' time.

Manchester City has told Milan that they want €9m for De Jong

I'd maybe consider it if they offered us 9m to take him.

I'd maybe consider it if they offered us 9m to take him.

I don't think so. And even if this is a transitional period - why don't we sign someone younger like Strootman? Surely his prize tag isn't that higher, is it?

this thought just came to my mind, do you think this could happen in a real managerial meeting? I mean... one team naming the price for a player and the manager from the buying team just not being able hold a laugh.

Maybe because we have more than enough inexperienced kids already? at least De Jong has a bit of experience, and moreover, we know what we're getting with him. Strootman may be a talent but there's no guarantee he'll be a hit or the next Van Bommel for us. he's only played a couple of years in the Dutch league, I don't get why everyone is so obsessed with him.

€16m for today's Kaka is too much.

Most transfers today are paid over few years.

According to CalcioMercato.com, the door to Kaká is not closed yet. Madrid have refused the loan option, in which case we're required to make a sacrifice: €16 million to be paid in four years, and a €5 million wage to the player until 2016.

Link

€16m for today's Kaka is too much.

It's pretty amazing how most people don't realise this. Madrid still haven't even fully paid for Kaka' because of this reason.

this thought just came to my mind, do you think this could happen in a real managerial meeting? I mean... one team naming the price for a player and the manager from the buying team just not being able hold a laugh.

IMO it's harder to find young prospects in positions like DM, CB, etc. I don't know, it's easier with strikers, if they show promise, there's a good chance of success, they're also more marketable. suitors are always there. but with DMs, you need time to tell whether they're the real deal or not. I think that's why we're going for an established player and NO, I disagree that De Jong is pretty bad.

It looks like City initially offered De Jong to Inter in a swap with Maicon, but the nerazzurri declined. [Sky]

Dunno. If he was that bad, City wouldn't have paid €23 million to sign him, and he wouldn't be a regular in the Dutch NT. I think he'll do fine with us.

It looks like City initially offered De Jong to Inter in a swap with Maicon, but the nerazzurri declined. [Sky]

The argument about whether those contracts should have been renewed has nothing to do with FFP. We all know that Galliani put sentimentality first when it suited him and handing those contracts was self-indulgent more then anything else.

Like I said, the players had shown a clear decline during that season and everyone could see how they were already struggling, hence the terrible domestic performance of that season (barely go the 4th spot if you need reminding). Those players only put in great performances in an astounding total of about 5 games that season, and even then, without Kaka performing to super human standards, we wouldn't have won that CL.

It's not about hindsight. but looking at what's in front of you and accepting that certain players no longer deserved the contracts they got

Maybe that's an edge we got from the swap. But even if...it stays a bad deal.

NT? Didn't you guys watch the Euros? De Jong really didn't do any good for Holland.

I think he only wants Milan. Why would he move to United, as some media suggest? If we sign Kaka as well as Krkić, I think we can call it a solid last minute save.

One thing I managed to miss - how are Krkić and De Jong with injuries so far?

didac villa is still at Milan??

Bojan has chosen shirt #22, so it's bye-bye to Kaká for definite.

Why, did you have any hopes left?

Not many, but I don't think the number will/is decisive. It may be just another "diplomatic" trick.

Nah man, it can't go that far. Kaká is gone and we should forget about him.

Can't you wait 2 more days.We'll forget about him then

Nah man, it can't go that far. Kaká is gone and we should forget about him.

So Bojan taking #22 could mean two things. Either he plans to follow Kaka's footsteps (slim chance of success), or flop like Borriello. In any case wouldn't be my choice of t-shirt for first season.

I don't think the shirt number is so decisive.