Hello and welcome back to the award-winning SoccerNation Report. Without any more formalities, we shall begin.
KAKA TO MADRID- The deal is now done. Real Madrid have begun the new "galactico" era by signing Brazilian playmaker Kaka for a world record transfer fee of 59 million pounds. It beats what Real Madrid payed for Zidane. Kaka has stated that he left AC Milan in order to help their "financial crisis" out and that he is glad to leave out of the front door. Well, with all that money I think Milan would be able to pay off some debts. But they won't because they're going to need a new playmaker (Ronaldinho isn't going to cut it anymore). Milan are also in trouble of losing Alexandre Pato, the much sought after Brazilian striker, to former manager Carlo Ancelotti and Chelsea. Could a player swap or something be on the cards here? Regardless of all this, Real Madrid have made a very good move to snap up one of the best playmakers in the world. And Milan have made one of the biggest mistakes possible. Sell off the fat, not the muscle.
Ronaldo to be next?- Real Madrid president Florentino Perez continues to insist upon his interest to sign Manchester United winger Cristiano Ronaldo. Even with Kaka, he has insisted that Ronaldo will be his, which is completely absurd of more than 10 ways. I'll only give you 2 examples. 1. You've just dropped 60 mil and you want to spend more? 2. Ronaldo doesn't want to be on your team right now. As much as I'd love to see him get the heck out of the Premier League, Manchester United are the best-built team right now and the best place for him. If he does change his mind, what is Real Madrid going to look like next year? I really don't think those two would do well together, but you never know. We will just have to wait and see this rumor about 8 more times before the end of the summer, then we will know.
Something other than Madrid- John Barnes, former Liverpool and England player, will move from Jamaica to Tranmere Rovers in order to coach for the side. He will be reunited with former Liverpool teammate Jason McAteer. Barnes continues to try and make am impact. Maybe he should have tried for the MK Dons job. They are a very good League 1 team.
Match of the Day- Not many matches today, but if you can find this I'd watch it. Iraq v. Poland will be on today for a select few. Watch it if you can because it will be a decent test for Iraq ahead of the FIFA Confederations Cup.
Classic Match of the Day
That was the Confederations Cup 1999 Final. I hoped you liked. It's been Keeper and I'm out.
Brooklyn Decker
Cintia Dicker
Best Players 6-5 and Under
Gotham Girls Roller Derby
Comments (9) Add A Comment
Good move for Real Madrid in signing Kaka, especially so early into the transfer season. As much as I would miss Cristiano Ronaldo, I am actually hoping that Real comes up with a huge offer for him so that we can spend the money on Valencia from Wigan and Benzema from Lyon.
J. HOVA: BROOKLYN
Brooklyn, NY
Total Comments (18072)
No way Milan sells Pato. I think they're more hurt that Gourcuff got away. I believe their whole plan this offseason was to unload Kaka and bring Gourcuff back, then play Gourcuff and Ronaldinho behind Pato.
When Gourcuff stuck with Bourdeaux instead, Milan's plan backfired but they still had to sell Kaka for financial reasons.
They still go into next year expecting a healthy Gattuso, Pirlo, and Seedorf to anchor their midfield and with a lot of talent up top in Pato, Borriello (assuming he returns healthy) and Inzaghi. I would argue that losing Gattuso for the entire year to injury is probably the biggest reason why Milan did not win the title.
But that backline - my god. How does a team with that much funds have such a poor defense and goalkeeper?
j11forbes: Go Jo-Jo…
Denver , CO
Total Comments (1387)
My thoughts as a Madrid fan. I welcome Kaka with open arms. Word is out that David Villa is set to arrive. Another great signing.
Concerns. I do not want Cristiano in Real. And also, I don't like the idea of signing these players when there's no coach at Real Madrid!
Big Chaco
Los Angeles , CA
Total Comments (1571)
Oops. I forgot Pellegrini is the coach. I hope that guy has a say in the player signings.
Big Chaco
Los Angeles , CA
Total Comments (1571)
When Perez decides to "step down" after Madrid wins nothing with a porous defense Madrid is going to be in some major finical trouble.
Seriously, does Perez even care about D? Most of their backline is either too old, too young/inexperienced, or not durable enough...Other than Ramos and Pepe what other quality players do they have on D (not including Casillas)?
Manchester…
Atlanta, GA
Total Comments (1149)
I think Real Madrid moved early on Kaka because they want to see if they can draw other players to play with him on the team. Think what happened when the Celtics went out and got Ray Allen a couple of summers ago. Kevin Garnett finally gave in to playing in Boston, and then all sorts of talented veteran players decided to follow them to the Celtics on cheap contracts in an attempt to win a ring.
thehemogoblin
The University Of, OR
Total Comments (29343)
I don't know that I agree that Kaka is worth the money being paid by RM. But I must admit that if Ronaldo joins him there, it's going to be extremely hard to miss watching their games.
fgavidia
Nutley , NJ
Total Comments (360)
T&T visits Mexico tomorrow. And a big game to solidify third-place between El Salvador and Honduras.
Big Chaco
Los Angeles , CA
Total Comments (1571)
I don't think any coach in his right mind would complain about being handed Kaka and/or David Villa. Two amazing players and, from all reports, great people off the field, too.
I'm still digesting my thoughts about the Kaka transfer. I'll write something on it soon-ish (right after I finish my reaction to the weekend's WC Qualifiers, haha).
naxself
Fort Worth , TX
Total Comments (913)
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