Memphis

It would be incredible if we did all of this posturing about FFP only to then go and spend 100m on Kvaratskhelia.

https://www.espn.com/soccer/story/_/id/37996709/usl-set-vote-promotion-relegation-august-source The USL - the second-tier league in the US behind MLS - is set to vote next month on adding promotion and relegation. Right now there's a 24-team Championship, a 12-team League One, and a disparate League Two that's sort of like a National League, still regional and with a lot of relatively small teams. Apparently there's enough support that observers think it could be implemented in 2024. I do broadcast work for the USL team in Memphis and I'd love to see the league adopt it. All of us in soccer in the US have been trying to get promotion/relegation incorporated into our leagues, it would be such a gamechanger for the sport. It's a tough sell in the franchise model that MLS uses but if it works in USL, there might be a chance. Keep an eye out.

Why is this Barnes thing even being discussed at this stage? Surely we have registered interest - whatever the fuck that even means - with a number of clubs and a number of players. And since that seems to be it, what the fuck are people banging on about? This is nothing.

"Thank you for calling the Leicester City transfer hotline. Your call may be recorded for quality purposes. To register interest in a player, please press one." "Your interest has been recorded. Thank you for calling."

I'm less concerned about the (extremely shit) questions and more concerned about Tonali's answers, which were really promising. He seems thoughtful, intelligent, and EXTREMELY competitive with very high expectations. That's the kind of signing and attitude that unlocks more from the rest of your team. Totally different than any new signing video I can remember. Not at all overawed, not at all blown away by SJP, just ready to work and expecting to win. I'm thrilled after watching. He is going to be special for us.

this looks erotic

Everything that's happened so far is to be expected. We moved in ninja-like stealth to sign Tonali for nice money. We are no doubt moving stealthily towards other signings. Of the ones mentioned publicly, Maddison never seemed to be a goer, we inquired but never looked like really committing to him once it became clear he would be in the 40m range + big wages. Szoboszlai - we seemed to have a lot of interest but we were never going to be able to pay the full release clause due to FFP, I imagine we thought we could drive it down a bit. Once RB knew they were going to sell Gvardiol for big money and had multiple clubs interested, we were always going to fall back. None of this is a surprise based on our previous activity and our limitations this summer. The Livramento thing will probably carry on for a while but I'd bet we end up signing him. I would not be surprised if we all of a sudden signed a high-profile RW (Diaby or Chiesa. maybe) next week. The management of the club has been spot on for the last 18 months, signings have been nearly perfect, I thought we'd be in trouble after not doing more business in January, and I was wrong. They were right. As a result, I feel very content to sit back and let them operate, with complete faith they'll sort it out. Weird feeling, I must admit.

Here's the complete movie. Very mysterious. Just posted an hour or so ago. Username is the same as the film title. It's obviously very well produced, though, whoever did it.

Yeah, but what actually broke? That we were talking to Southampton? We've been talking to them for weeks. There's been no offer and apparently we're still quite far apart on valuation so I don't really think that qualifies. I don't see any new business happening. We have several things that *could* happen, and quickly. But we do have the look of a team waiting for something else to happen.

I hate to say this, but did we actually "pause and reflect" as Luke Edwards suggested a few days ago? I'm no Luke fan but it's kind of starting to look like a pause and reflection.

Yeah, I think some people go overboard with the criticisms of the player if he doesn't sign. No need for that. I was always sort of meh on Maddison. Wouldn't have been upset at all had we signed him, he's certainly very good. But I have no doubts we will be able to get very effective, perhaps better options as time goes on. I think the Tonali signing dragging on as it has is making people a little frayed at the edges.

Don't think that's going to matter, especially if Leipzig sells Gvardiol to Man City for 100m Euros or so. They'll have no issue with holding out even beyond the July 15 date and as he's 22, I'm guessing Dominik isn't going to kick up a huge fuss yet about staying. We're going to have to pony up to get him.

I'd love for us to quit flirting with Big Dom Szob and just ask him out already.

He's nailed on to make an incredible debut against Barcelona in the Champions League

He did, Maximo Perrone. I'm sure their experience with Julian Alvarez heading straight into the squad helped too.

Surely he'd love a bit of ABBA We signed a legend from Milan that night He took a flight Wor Sandro He's had to come from Italy Now Toon-ali Wor Sandro

Photoshopping Chiesa into our shirt is basically the program's tutorial

The fact that signing either Hernandez or Chiesa is actually plausible is incredible. Even two weeks ago I would have thought either or them - or Tonali - would be unrealistically ambitious. But apparently not...

France is fast as fuck up front, they look fantastic going forward. Wouldn't have minded if any of them ended up here.

Made a big error but then 3 minutes later earned a foul that led to his absolutely flawless free kick, headed in for the equaliser. He is something else. Italian commentators were going on about the transfer to Newcastle right before he kicked it as well...

His set pieces have all been absolutely excellent so far. France 1-0 up on an outrageous first-time flicked goal from Kalimuendo. Nothing Tonali or anyone else could have done.

Remember - last August, we overpaid for Alexander Isak, according to many, many experts. Except, uh, turns out we didn't, actually. I'm not too concerned with what people are writing or saying about Tonali now.

I can imagine you're furious and shocked, I would be too. I appreciate your posts and hope you'll continue posting regardless.

Can't wait to watch the movie of this guy's career. His story should inspire everyone.