The silly season is simultaneously exciting, interesting, entertaining, and, of course, frustrating. For all the hype and intrigue, there's plenty of falsehoods, posturing, and waiting. There's always a domino effect, with the big moves of the window ultimately playing in a big roll in how the rest of the market shakes out. This year's no different, but the whole spectacle is hitting closer and closer to home with the increased American presence that each passing year brings. Add in the new Premier League roster rules, and the intrigue is ratcheted up even further.
Of all the Yanks being linked to clubs across the old continent, Jozy Altidore's situation is one of the more interesting (and it doesn't appear to be ending any time soon). Between Ajax, Fenerbache, Bursaspor and Besiktas, there's no shortage of quality clubs reportedly interested in bringing the former Red Bull in via loan or transfer. But which situation is the best? Which coach would help Jozy develop the most? Which team provides the best supporting cast? The questions go on and on with so many horses reportedly in the race.
But wait, there's more!
Through an AP report, here's this new gem:
Yorks said he had had discussions with two Premier League clubs he wouldn't identify. Fulham also has held discussions about Altidore, pending a decision on hiring a manager to replace Roy Hodgson, who left the Cottagers to become Liverpool's manager.
Jozy at Craven Cottage or some other English ground? Hmm....perhaps Fulhamerica won't die off after all.
But wait, there's even more!
Out of Spain, the following exchange involving Villareal's manager, Juan Carlos Garrido:
--¿Al final contará con Altidore para la próxima temporada?
--Depende del club y del mercado. Es un futbolista al que le veo cosas importantes. Si al final se queda, tendrá minutos. Es joven y posee grandes cualidades, pero primarán los temas económicos.
Now, for you non hispanohablantes out there, I'll do my best to translate. It's been awhile since my days in first period AP Spanish, but the gist of that little back-and-forth goes a little something like this:
Interviewer: What's going to happen with Altidore next season?
Garrido: Depends on the club and the market. He's a player that I see important things in. If, in the end, he stays, he will get minutes. He's young and possesses great qualities, but economic issues are the first priority.
Hmm again...the plot thickens...
Okay, so my interest is for the most part feigned. The above is just some more posturing from nearly every angle (parent club, suitors, and agent), contributing to the chaos of the summer window. As much as I'd like some big news to break with regards to Jozy or any other US players in the coming days, I'm expecting that we'll have to wait for some of the bigger fish on the market to be reeled in before the smaller pieces fall into place. Until then, it's just an agonizing tease that will surely have a few more rumors and quotes like the ones above before all is said and done.
In the meantime, all people like me can do is just sit back and wonder about which rumors are legitimate and, once that's taken care of, speculate on which situation would be the best. Too bad that too requires some of the dominoes to fall into place first.
The wait continues...
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