Prince Tagoe And Chasing The Third DP

by Dave Clark on Jul 15, 2011 11:03 AM PDT in Sounders: MLS Regular Season

With the Seattle Sounders being connected to several global talents who are signing deals with other teams around the world, that list of 8 seems likely to be shrinking. Prince Tagoe, and probably others, is still being sought by teams not named the Sounders, and possibly still Adrian Hanauer.

German Bundesliga side TSG Hoffenheim have rejected a 500,000 euro bid from an unnamed Turkish side for Ghana striker Prince Tagoe.

Team manager Ernst Tanner says the amount does not meet the expectation of the club.

With the previous rejected bid of 1Million Euro from Partizan Belgrade it would seem like that initial report of 200K US$ per week contract is absurd. Transfers just tend not to work that way. The fee is almost always larger than the contract. When the transfer fee is between $1 million and $2 million his contact would likely be in the Alvaro Fernandez range, or about $200,000 for the remainder of the season.

But with previous associated names like Djibril Cisse now being attached to clubs (his transfer to Lazio is done) for the next European season, the list of names likely starts to shrink. As Jeremiah said earlier this week, it isn't time to panic. Whoever Hanauer was involved with that signed somewhere else is as much about the player thinking they weren't a fit as Seattle thinking the same.

All week Hanauer has been clear that they are looking to shift the club, both adding and subtracting in order to get better. The number of people moving is likely to be small as the club is clearly clicking and performing at its best potential. But that third DP has to be the proper fit not just contractually but within the vision that Seattle has to compete and win in every competition it enters. That may take time to find, and is certainly better than an improper rush to sign due to timing.

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I suspect we would have seen an Int'l DP by now

As I noted in the other thread, in an article today regarding the Timbers’ potential trades:
"The transfer window will remain open until Aug. 14 but the complicated process of signing a foreign player – traveling, scouting, transfer fees, contract negotiations – can be a long and arduous operation. ‘It’s not a two-week process,’ Wilkinson [GM Portland] said. ‘For a player to be signed in July, generally they’ve been scouted well before that. You’ve done all your homework. You’ve worked out the fees, the contract and everything else to bring them in.’ So, any Timbers roster additions and subtractions will most likely come through trades within MLS. "
http://www.oregonlive.com/timbers/index.ssf/2011/07/portland_timbers_looking_for_roster_help_to_improve_performance.html
I wonder if our recent success is leading us to sit back and wait for a deal on our terms. Although, per the article, Cooper here would be interesting too.

by Brougham Hooligan on Jul 15, 2011 11:35 AM PDT reply actions

I disagree

The teams signing DPs before the window are ones with real holes in the line-up that need fixing immediately. Toronto and Vancouver fit that mold. NYRBs are a good team, but their GK situation was so bad I think they panicked a bit. Our current run of form means we can be a bit patient and try to land the big fish that might be negotiating with a couple big clubs. If that falls through I’m sure they have some non-DPs names they’re looking at.

I’ve said a lot that our big need is a target forward. The kind of difference maker DP target forward we really need is a hard fish to land. They are just not that many great ones floating around. I’d much rather they wait and try to get the right guy than just sign someone who doesn’t fill a need (like a Neill) or won’t be a good fit for the team.

by Dizzo on Jul 15, 2011 11:43 AM PDT up reply actions

Given that the puzzle is constantly moving...

It may be that, as OBW is coming back, and we are going to be in 3 competitions soon—where likelihood of injuries will increase, the FO may look more to bolster the ranks first and then a larger DP second if it happens at all. I am starting to think that its more all-or-nothing now regarding a DP as a middle-ground DP that is more risky does not add much to the current team. Otherwise, splitting the available cap (or whatever cap is created if we move pieces) with two promising prospects seems the better route.

by Brougham Hooligan on Jul 15, 2011 11:58 AM PDT up reply actions

I don't think the two are mutually exclusive

despite many referring to it as such (rushing to fill a need versus waiting to find the “right” guy).

Disappointed at the possibility that negotiations for primary target might have fallen through, but surprised if there wasn’t a “plan B/plan C” player in place. Regardless, we’re playing well now so can’t get too riled up over this I suppose.

Whatever happens, I definitely DO NOT want Kenny Cooper. Why some mention his name as a possible target acquisition, I do not understand.

by ABTsportsline on Jul 15, 2011 12:39 PM PDT up reply actions

There is no indications that the negotiations for the primary target fell through

Mainly because there is no indication who the primary target was.

I am not a Supporter | I am not a Fan | I am a Sounder
Sounder At Heart

by Dave Clark on Jul 15, 2011 12:48 PM PDT up reply actions

Admittedly, it's a hypothesis

by ABTsportsline on Jul 15, 2011 12:52 PM PDT up reply actions

I don't pretend to know what this means

but Hanauer did say in his interview with Don Ruiz:

“Q: Do you expect anything to be announced on Friday?
AH: I wouldn’t want to speculate. We’re actively working on some alternatives.”

I’m guessing he means a deal fell through.

by mikebelle on Jul 15, 2011 12:59 PM PDT up reply actions

Or maybe

He was talking about alternatives to something else?

by mikebelle on Jul 15, 2011 1:01 PM PDT up reply actions

What you cite here

(among other things) is part of where I formed this theory, FWIW. Not going to make a bigger deal out of it though; pure speculation.

by ABTsportsline on Jul 15, 2011 1:03 PM PDT up reply actions

Kenny Cooper seems to be a"Baby Giraffe" that falls over really easily,

people already don’t see to like paying Jaqua $200K. Isn’t Cooper paid more than that?

by Sobchak on Jul 15, 2011 1:47 PM PDT up reply actions

Salaries

POR Cooper Kenny F $ 250,000.00 $ 267,500.00
SEA Jaqua Nate F $ 200,000.00 $ 211,000.00
Not too much difference though. And we have a good track record so far for turning forwards around, like OBW.

by Brougham Hooligan on Jul 15, 2011 1:57 PM PDT up reply actions

Track record?

Out of curiosity, what other forwards have we turned around? A little early to call that on the OBW acquisition too, don’t you think?

by ABTsportsline on Jul 15, 2011 2:32 PM PDT up reply actions

True, but at 3 years MLS, we don't have much of any record

Except a winning one. Our sample size of one, OBW, was definitely more improved here than at TFC before freak injury. Although conversely, we are sending Jaqua in the opposite direction.
Years Team Apps (Gls)
2003–2006 Chicago Fire 92 (21)
2007 Los Angeles Galaxy 10 (2)
2007 Houston Dynamo 15 (6)
2008 SC Rheindorf Altach 13 (5)
2008 Houston Dynamo 14 (4)
2009– Seattle Sounders FC 55 (9)

by Brougham Hooligan on Jul 15, 2011 2:44 PM PDT up reply actions

Let's be clear about the Sounders Front Office

They start looking at players for transfer about 18 months out.

I am not a Supporter | I am not a Fan | I am a Sounder
Sounder At Heart

by Dave Clark on Jul 15, 2011 11:56 AM PDT up reply actions

uh no

Whatever negotiations need to happen started long ago. Plenty of time to sign someone.

Editor/writer at Sounder at Heart, MLS editor SB Nation. Follow me on Twitter. You'll Never Yacht Alone.

by Jeremiah Oshan on Jul 15, 2011 11:59 AM PDT up reply actions

As much as I'd love a big splash DP

I’d rather the Sounders from office take their time in finding a player who fits our scheme and our philosophy. With OBW coming back and our team humming on all cylinders, our situation isn’t as dire as we previously thought.

by Jackington on Jul 15, 2011 11:41 AM PDT reply actions

Agree with this

Sure, Tagoe would be nice but our team will improve simply by having OBW back. He has shown quality this season and with his and Jaqua’s salary, I don’t think it would be super smart to bring in another highly paid TF especially with our recent run of form. Perhaps a younger player with a lower salary that can improve our depth for the upcoming grind would be a better option.

by Rodey on Jul 15, 2011 11:47 AM PDT via mobile up reply actions

Kenny Cooper - DO NOT WANT

by Derrick Moyer on Jul 15, 2011 11:58 AM PDT reply actions 7 recs

While I think

It would be funny to acquire KC have him turn himself around, and then trot him out in front of Portland next season, I agree he’s not what we’re looking for.

by mikebelle on Jul 15, 2011 12:02 PM PDT up reply actions

Lies, damned lies, and Twitter

SoccerByIves Ives Galarcep
Latest rumor making rounds is Kenny Cooper 2 Seattle 4 Nate Jaqua in swap of tall strikers. MLS: Where arch-rivals make trades ALL THE TIME

by Brougham Hooligan on Jul 15, 2011 1:13 PM PDT up reply actions

Actually, it would be an interesting trade

Aside from US Open cup play, where is the loss really. Jaqua is Oregonian.
SoccerByIves Ives Galarcep
@TheMikeDonovan Not “Making up rumors”. That’s one I heard from a good source and passed along. Don’t buy it either, but didn’t make it up.

by Brougham Hooligan on Jul 15, 2011 1:22 PM PDT up reply actions

Several reasons why I'm not a fan...

Cooper actually makes more than Jaqua, and is known to go down pretty easy (not a diver, but he falls over an awful lot). Cooper has also struggled to re-adapt to MLS, and is having a tough time earning playing time recently on a team that sits near the bottom of the league table.

Jaqua hasn’t been playing particularly well in league play, but he’s great in Open Cup competitions and he has a chemistry with his teammates. The only upside to Cooper is his overseas experience (if it is an upside – he only scored 2 goals the last two years), and he’s younger than Jaqua (age 26 vs. 29). I’ve also been quite fond of how physical Jaqua plays; Cooper doesn’t quite bring physical play to the table.

Too little reward on this trade, IMO. Both are somewhat out of form, but at least Jaqua is scoring in Open Cup matches. Cooper just isn’t scoring. If Cooper’s salary was half of Jaqua’s, I’d be singing a different tune. Would need more cap relief for this trade, IMO.

by ABTsportsline on Jul 15, 2011 1:39 PM PDT up reply actions

To Cooper's credit

He has a much better scoring rate in the MLS, looking at entire bodies of work. Can’t overlook that.

by ABTsportsline on Jul 15, 2011 1:41 PM PDT up reply actions

A proven MLS scorer in slump is worth something v unknown

That is always the bugaboo when you look at importing talent, the ubiquitous refrain of: How is X going to adapt to the physical play of MLS? Fail Ljungberg, Nkufo, countless others.

by Brougham Hooligan on Jul 15, 2011 1:46 PM PDT up reply actions

I'd rather have a N'kufo

even for six months than Kenny Cooper.

by mikebelle on Jul 15, 2011 1:53 PM PDT up reply actions 1 recs

I think he got better service

when he was in the league before.

by lysander on Jul 15, 2011 2:53 PM PDT up reply actions

I disagree

I was at the USOC game on Wednesday, and as well as the rest of the team played and the general good feelings all around about the result, there was quite a bit of heckling of Jaqua for all of his easy misses by the Sounders supporters – a much more casual sampling than the supporters normally at the matches at Xbox Pitch, I might add.

I honestly think the game could have easily been 5-1 or 6-1 with a competent striker (Fucito?) in Jaqua’s place. It was a demonstration of all the reasons why he’s simply not good enough to play in MLS. I also think he’s more of a dalmation than a baby giraffe, fwiw. I’m no fan of Kenny Cooper, but I’d swap in a heartbeat.

by EAS on Jul 15, 2011 2:18 PM PDT up reply actions

I think every player on our team has had those kind of misses

Can’t single out just one guy if everyone’s doing it. ;) Fucito is probably not the best example for burying chances, either – I think his misses might have something to do with his relegation to reserve team, no?

I am starting to warm up to this Cooper rumor though. Assuming form for both players eventually returns, Cooper would theoretically be the better TF anyway… and he’s younger.

by ABTsportsline on Jul 15, 2011 2:38 PM PDT up reply actions

I understand the sentiment

But the misses from Jaqua on Wednesday were frequent and egregious on balls right across the face of the goal. You simply can’t miss shots like those consistently at this level, and he had 3-4 sure goals where he either misplaced the shot or missed the ball altogether.

by EAS on Jul 15, 2011 2:48 PM PDT up reply actions 1 recs

A Ghanan playing with a Uruguayan?

Does anyone else question the wisdom of this speculation?
I know they’re professional, and some times club affiliation trumps national rivalries (we already have an Argentine playing with a Uruguayan), and I’m sure somewhere out there a Ghanan (Ghanian? Ghanaian?) plays with a Uruguayan, but…. am I the only one who remembers that WC quarter final?

by Lose-Lose on Jul 15, 2011 12:12 PM PDT reply actions

There's no way that could possibly matter

by Aaron Campeau on Jul 15, 2011 12:23 PM PDT up reply actions

So we better never sign a Ghanan, a German, a Mexican

or about a dozen other nations because they’ve beaten the USA

I am not a Supporter | I am not a Fan | I am a Sounder
Sounder At Heart

by Dave Clark on Jul 15, 2011 12:23 PM PDT up reply actions

Umm.... no.

With all due respect, my point may be invalid for many reasons, but this isn’t one of them.
I’m sure you’ll agree: most people in the US (raw numbers) would struggle to name a single country that has beaten the USNMT in the World Cup. The passion just isn’t here.

Uruguay, on the other hand, “robbed” an entire CONTINENT of its dreams (not just Ghana).

I’m probably wrong and it’s probably not issue, but I am curious to know what people (actual Ghanaians) feel about Uruguayans now.

by Lose-Lose on Jul 16, 2011 6:22 PM PDT up reply actions

Not an issue

And if it were an issue it’d be the other way around. Club rivalries on a national team probably create more conflict like Real Madrid and FC Barcelona players for Spain, or just having a ton of ego-jerks like Holland. Despite that players are professionals and will play to win and will do what they need to do to do so.

-Ben R.

by reesebw on Jul 15, 2011 12:27 PM PDT up reply actions

Forget Argentinian and Uruguayan playing together here,

Sigi made Flaco room with Rosales on the road. And that experiment has certainly paid off!

by Sobchak on Jul 15, 2011 1:51 PM PDT up reply actions

Yeah but I've heard their pillow fights are brutal.

You will hear us on Brougham, you will hear us on Occidental, you will hear us on King. We are all around you, there is no escape.

by 108Ultra on Jul 15, 2011 7:07 PM PDT up reply actions 2 recs

Try UCSB and UCLA

Am I the only one who watched the College Cup?

When I asked Servando if Tetteh had forgiven him yet, he said no- and that it was awkward because they were roommates. Surely he was joking- but I think it helps illustrate that in general pro’s are quite capable of getting past these types of rivalries.

"But who would listen to Little Old Me anyway?"
-by -Dave Clark
and -thehemogoblin

by Little old me on Jul 15, 2011 3:05 PM PDT up reply actions

Doesn't have to be a DP

but we definitely need TF depth (and a RB for that matter). If a big-name DP is out of the question, a nice consolation prize would be a younger, possibly lesser-known TF prospect from overseas that has more upside but is cheaper – below DP cost (think Montero acquisition in 2009).

Wouldn’t be the worst thing in the world, and our scouting department is pretty damn good.

by ABTsportsline on Jul 15, 2011 12:50 PM PDT reply actions