Friends of Fulham

http://prosoccertalk.nbcsports.com/2014/07/15/report-matt-besler-considering-fulham-sunderland-among-10-european-options/ (http://prosoccertalk.nbcsports.com/2014/07/15/report-matt-besler-considering-fulham-sunderland-among-10-european-options/)

According to MLSsoccer.com's Greg Seltzer, USMNT central defender Matt Besler is a very, very wanted man and could make his decision on his next club by Monday, if not sooner.

Seltzer reports that Besler has an offer on the table from recently-relegated Fulham, and is also being looked at by Sunderland, although the Premier League club has not extended an official offer.

In total, there are 10 clubs that Seltzer says are at "various levels of monitoring/interest/offer talks" with Besler, although he would only reveal a certain number of interested parties.

http://www.noshortcorners.com/2014/07/bes-buy.html (http://www.noshortcorners.com/2014/07/bes-buy.html)

QuoteYou have all been so patient and I appreciate it. To thank you, here is a decently comprehensive but also slightly "blurred out" photograph of the Matt Besler scene at this moment.

In all, there are 10 European clubs at various levels of monitoring/interest/offer talks for the Sporting KC defender. Only one of those clubs currently hanging around is in the Bundesliga, and probably will not pony up what the MLS champs are asking (which as I said recently, would break their club record sale of somewhere in the $5-6 million range for Eddie Johnson).

So then let us focus on England. A clear majority of the nine teams at some distance in the Besler frame are in the Prem. I can confirm that one of those admirers is Sunderland, and that they have not made an offer yet. I can also now confirm that Fulham is one of the Championship suitors, and that they have made at least one offer to now. Those are the only names I will spill at this time, but I am confident you can knock those possibilities around pretty good to pass the time. I can also re-assure you that constant rumor mill link QPR are not in this scene. I know their name keeps popping up here and there, but the last time they were browsing Besler was about a year ago.

As for the time to pass, you will not be waiting long. One way or the other, Besler is aiming to make his decision by Monday. And as I am told, that is a hard deadline this time.

Greg Seltzer
Posted by Greg Seltzer at 9:13 PM

I'd love to take him on.

He is the preppiest-looking footballer this country has ever produced, but he's got a good head on his shoulders.

Looks like a bit of a Chad Hogan.

Hope he signs

(http://dailydomer.nd.edu/assets/107699/original/matt_besler.jpeg)

Hopefully the American connection and the fact that he has previously met the charming Mr Khan previously might help pull him our way.  Would be an excellent addition.

Well, I certainly wouldn't complain if he was signed. He's a very good central defender.

However, since we do know that Fulham have made an offer, it does beg the question - why do we need another LCB? Besler is almost exclusively a left sided player. Is one of Amorebieta or Burn leaving?

Isn't depth important as well? We have these guys but what happens if they get injured? It's good to have some cover in every position.

Quote from: ToodlesMcToot on July 16, 2014, 01:11:33 PM
Well, I certainly wouldn't complain if he was signed. He's a very good central defender.

However, since we do know that Fulham have made an offer, it does beg the question - why do we need another LCB? Besler is almost exclusively a left sided player. Is one of Amorebieta or Burn leaving?

This is a good point
Can someone with your knowledge of the squad tell me of our current centre backs who is considered as left and who as right

Burn - Left ?
Amorebieta - Left ?
Hutchinson ?
Donnelly ?
Burgess ?
Grimmer ?

Quote from: Riverside on July 16, 2014, 01:17:19 PM

Quote from: ToodlesMcToot on July 16, 2014, 01:11:33 PM
Well, I certainly wouldn't complain if he was signed. He's a very good central defender.

However, since we do know that Fulham have made an offer, it does beg the question - why do we need another LCB? Besler is almost exclusively a left sided player. Is one of Amorebieta or Burn leaving?

This is a good point
Can someone with your knowledge of the squad tell me of our current centre backs who is considered as left and who as right

Burn - Left ?
Amorebieta - Left ?
Hutchinson ?
Donnelly ?
Burgess ?
Grimmer ?

Burn - LCB
Amore - LCB (LB)
Hutch - RCB
Grimmer - RB (RCB) [used to be predominantly a CB for our youth, but was moved out to RB on loan last year - did well]
Donnelly - Right-footed, but seen him at LCB [versatile CB]
Burgess - Barely seen him, but he's played RCB when I have. Was played LCB aside Hutch against Rangers, RCB aside Hutch against Motherwell.

Maybe were planning for 5 at the back? Crazier things have happened :p

I wonder if Dempsey's agent, Lyle Yorks, is representing him.

please

no

Quote from: HatterDon on July 16, 2014, 02:45:35 PM
please

no

Oh, stop. It will be good to have another Yank on the squad, now that we have none.  086.gif

I'm sure Berserker and Kcat won't mind after seeing that photo :)

Plus, the team is made up of international players with plenty of home grown. McBride, Keller and Carlos were both widely accepted here, it was only Dempsey and EJ that got slated.

Quote from: HatterDon on July 16, 2014, 02:45:35 PM
please

no

I don't think you have much to worry about.

Since I feel like you probably have watched him play, how do you think he'd fair here? Or in the PL for that matter?

Quote from: ToodlesMcToot on July 16, 2014, 02:57:33 PM

Quote from: HatterDon on July 16, 2014, 02:45:35 PM
please

no

I don't think you have much to worry about.

Since I feel like you probably have watched him play, how do you think he'd fair here? Or in the PL for that matter?

Besler is one of the few Americans that  I wouldn't mind seeing Fulham sign for now and future promotion. He reads the game very well and passes well out of the back. He would be best suited to play the Aaron Hughes type role with a person to handle the aerial clearances along side him. He could probably step into a Premier League team and be an effective defender today. He was hands down the best US defender at the WC in  my opinion.

This is a good point
Can someone with your knowledge of the squad tell me of our current centre backs who is considered as left and who as right

Burn - Left ?
Amorebieta - Left ?
Hutchinson ?
Donnelly ?
Burgess ?
Grimmer ?


[/quote]



Arthurworrey. He must be rated as he's signed a contract extension and was (I think) in Scotland

Quote from: RidgeRider on July 16, 2014, 02:56:22 PM

Quote from: HatterDon on July 16, 2014, 02:45:35 PM
please

no

Oh, stop. It will be good to have another Yank on the squad, now that we have none.  086.gif

I'm sure Berserker and Kcat won't mind after seeing that photo :)

Plus, the team is made up of international players with plenty of home grown. McBride, Keller and Carlos were both widely accepted here, it was only Dempsey and EJ that got slated.

Hyndman ?

Quote from: rogerpinvirginia on July 16, 2014, 05:13:06 PM
Arthurworrey. He must be rated as he's signed a contract extension and was (I think) in Scotland

I doubt we'll see much of Arturworrey. He did ok on loan in L1, but would still be low on the list of CBs we'd choose to use. Plus, I don't think he actually went to Scotland (played for the U21 agains Walton Casuals) and it was only a 1 year extension (to 2015), so I doubt Felix sees him as a real option.

Quote from: rogerpinvirginia on July 16, 2014, 05:17:26 PM

Quote from: RidgeRider on July 16, 2014, 02:56:22 PM

Quote from: HatterDon on July 16, 2014, 02:45:35 PM
please

no

Oh, stop. It will be good to have another Yank on the squad, now that we have none.  086.gif





I'm sure Berserker and Kcat won't mind after seeing that photo :)

Plus, the team is made up of international players with plenty of home grown. McBride, Keller and Carlos were both widely accepted here, it was only Dempsey and EJ that got slated.

Hyndman ?

Dempsey problem was only at the end, until then I thought he was a good player. Still unspoken about his departure after he said the truth will out.

Quote from: rogerpinvirginia on July 16, 2014, 05:13:06 PM


This is a good point
Can someone with your knowledge of the squad tell me of our current centre backs who is considered as left and who as right

Burn - Left ?
Amorebieta - Left ?
Hutchinson ?
Donnelly ?
Burgess ?
Grimmer ?

Arthurworrey. He must be rated as he's signed a contract extension and was (I think) in Scotland
[/quote]


Amorbieta and Burn are left sided as is arthurworry and burgess. Donnelly and grimmer both play right back and centre back obviously on the right side. Donnelly started off as a right back and was converted to the middle, so was grimmer but im not sure what he started off as or what is considered his best position. Hutchinson I haven't got a clue

Quote from: Craven Mad on July 16, 2014, 05:22:35 PM

Quote from: rogerpinvirginia on July 16, 2014, 05:13:06 PM
Arthurworrey. He must be rated as he's signed a contract extension and was (I think) in Scotland

I doubt we'll see much of Arturworrey. He did ok on loan in L1, but would still be low on the list of CBs we'd choose to use. Plus, I don't think he actually went to Scotland (played for the U21 agains Walton Casuals) and it was only a 1 year extension (to 2015), so I doubt Felix sees him as a real option.

The fact burgess who is 18 started against rangers and motherwell and got a goal whilst arthurworry was left at home to play for the u21's is a sign of how arthurworry is regarded. Plus burn and amorbieta, I doubt he will ever get a first team game here.

Sky Sports now reporting it.
American World Cup defender Matt Besler says both Sunderland and Fulham have made moves for him.

The 27-year-old Sporting Kansas City centre-half impressed at this summer's finals in Brazil, starting four games for the USA.

Reports have claimed that up to ten clubs from England and Germany have expressed an interest in landing the MLS stopper, but Besler has now revealed that it is Sunderland and Fulham leading the chase.

"I know that Fulham has offered to Kansas City and I know that Sunderland put in an offer or are putting in an offer," he told American radio station Sports Radio 810 today.

"We're trying to get something done as soon as possible.

"It's a situation which needs to get resolved.

"I want to be staying in Kanasa City if I'm going to stay.

"But if they're going to sell me, then I want to know as soon as possible.

"It's not just my decision. It's the club's decision if they want to sell or not. But I would definitely have an input on a team."

Besler's current deal is due to expire in 2015.

Out of Sunderland and us, with Altidore and Premier League football on offer, you have to assume he'd rather go there.

Sporting KC CEO gets everybody riled up by saying he has 2 player-related announcements today, then says that neither of them involve Besler or Zusi.

2 player announcements today #gameday #multitasking

— Robb Heineman (@RobbHeineman) July 16, 2014

let me put your mind at ease....there's nothing regarding besler and zusi happening today.

— Robb Heineman (@RobbHeineman) July 16, 2014

Quote from: Craven Mad on July 16, 2014, 05:22:35 PM

Quote from: rogerpinvirginia on July 16, 2014, 05:13:06 PM
Arthurworrey. He must be rated as he's signed a contract extension and was (I think) in Scotland

I doubt we'll see much of Arturworrey. He did ok on loan in L1, but would still be low on the list of CBs we'd choose to use. Plus, I don't think he actually went to Scotland (played for the U21 agains Walton Casuals) and it was only a 1 year extension (to 2015), so I doubt Felix sees him as a real option.

I sad about this but you are probably right, Felix has a dearth of C/Bs even without Arthurworrey he still has Grimmer, Passeley, Burgess & Donnelly to back up Hutchison & Burn if we sold Amoribieta. Not sure why we keep getting lined with more CB's or firwards we need CM's

He was seriously impressive throughout the WC with the exception of being turned by Lukaku at the start of extra time against Belgium.

By the time Lukaku came on, Besler was knackered, which of course happens when you are chasing rather than possessing the ball.  He really did improve his profile during the Cup.  Just ask the Portugal squad.

Quote from: callumc513 on July 16, 2014, 07:07:24 PM
He was seriously impressive throughout the WC with the exception of being turned by Lukaku at the start of extra time against Belgium.

To be fair, I don't think Besler got turned so much as ran into a brick wall of a man and fell down. Result was the same however.

Quote from: God The Mechanic on July 16, 2014, 01:35:02 PM
Maybe were planning for 5 at the back? Crazier things have happened :p

This is entirely possible Magath has signed two attacking full backs, he could be looking 5-3-2

Quote from: ToodlesMcToot on July 16, 2014, 02:57:33 PM

Quote from: HatterDon on July 16, 2014, 02:45:35 PM
please

no

I don't think you have much to worry about.

Since I feel like you probably have watched him play, how do you think he'd fair here? Or in the PL for that matter?

He's a quality player. It'd take him a good half-season in the Prem to get the knowledge he needs, but if he gets signed by a Prem club before September 1, he could be a starter in 12 months time.

I for one would be glad to see the man in white. 

He seems to position well, is strong and has a little pace. He seems to have an eye for the game but isn't the biggest of CB's. He is also a scrapper so Felix would like him.

Very impressed with him in the world cup but as djemba djemba so bad they named him twice and kleberson will testify that can be a dangerous gauge.
Not seen enough of him but disappointed that we're looking at another centre back unless amor is going

Hutchinson,burn,amor and any one of Burgess Donally or Grimmer would be enough for me. If we're only going for 2 maybe 3 more I'd want a cm and a left winger  049:gif

I'd be very pleased with this if true, think he would be a solid investment and seems to have  agood attitude.  At present I'm bit worried about the defence...

 :plus one:

Quote from: BarryP on July 16, 2014, 04:15:23 PM

Quote from: ToodlesMcToot on July 16, 2014, 02:57:33 PM

Quote from: HatterDon on July 16, 2014, 02:45:35 PM
please

no

I don't think you have much to worry about.

Since I feel like you probably have watched him play, how do you think he'd fair here? Or in the PL for that matter?

Besler is one of the few Americans that  I wouldn't mind seeing Fulham sign for now and future promotion. He reads the game very well and passes well out of the back. He would be best suited to play the Aaron Hughes type role with a person to handle the aerial clearances along side him. He could probably step into a Premier League team and be an effective defender today. He was hands down the best US defender at the WC in  my opinion.

:plus one:
Aaron Hughes is who I always think of when watching him. Does his job quietly, but effectively. Works best with an aerial partner, but is positionally very strong and disciplined.

That being said, can't see him ending up on a Championship side. Think he likely has better offers.

Hutchinson will be first choice, probably alongside Amore.... Burn is not rated by FM, and would be really surprised if he was anything more than a squad player.

Donnelly and Arthurworrey should go out on loan for 6 months.... Blackpool are short of players.

I am really surprised Arthurworrey is so low down on the list, he did a very good job in a terrible side last season in league one. Would like to see him on loan at a top club in that league like Preston / MK dons.

In response to the OP, i too was really impressed with him during the WC ( as I was with many of the US players ) and it would be another decent addition to our team.

Quote from: rogerpinvirginia on July 16, 2014, 05:17:26 PM

Quote from: RidgeRider on July 16, 2014, 02:56:22 PM

Quote from: HatterDon on July 16, 2014, 02:45:35 PM
please

no

Oh, stop. It will be good to have another Yank on the squad, now that we have none.  086.gif

I'm sure Berserker and Kcat won't mind after seeing that photo :)

Plus, the team is made up of international players with plenty of home grown. McBride, Keller and Carlos were both widely accepted here, it was only Dempsey and EJ that got slated.

Hyndman ?

Very good point. Forgot about the lad.

Quote from: Deanothefulhamfan on July 17, 2014, 02:38:54 AM
Burn is not rated by FM

Based on what?

Quote from: jmh on July 17, 2014, 03:51:43 PM

Quote from: Deanothefulhamfan on July 17, 2014, 02:38:54 AM
Burn is not rated by FM

Based on what?

His distribution

JMH how often was Burn called upon last season under FM, add to that how often has he featured in this season's pre season friendlys.... I am a huge fan of Burn, and would love him to start alongside Hutchinson, but I would be amazed if he was a starter next season.

Quote from: Deanothefulhamfan on July 17, 2014, 05:08:32 PM
JMH how often was Burn called upon last season under FM, add to that how often has he featured in this season's pre season friendlys.... I am a huge fan of Burn, and would love him to start alongside Hutchinson, but I would be amazed if he was a starter next season.

He didn't play a ton this past spring under Magath, but then it's often a cliche that you need experienced players who will keep their heads in a relegation battle, so maybe he just gave in to that, or maybe he thought Burn wasn't far enough along in his development for the situation we were in.  (Similarly, people sometimes said Jol didn't rate Kasami because he sent him out on loan, but that was really just to get first team experience and we saw, from how much Kasami played last fall, that Jol had rated him all along.)  He's played 45 minutes in the first two friendlies and just a few minutes against Motherwell; Hutchinson and Voser played a lot but mainly everyone played between 90 and 135 minutes, Burn among those players.  Maybe he's playing less because Magath doesn't rate him, or maybe he's playing less because (like with Parker, and Amorebieta, and Kaca, and the top two keepers) Magath is more familiar with him than he is with the newer players and wants to see what the newer players can do; I just don't think we've seen enough to know that Magath doesn't rate him. 

On the other hand, I think Magath doesn't rate Trotta, who hasn't been involved at all despite his development with Brentford the last two years suggesting that the Championship is probably the right level for him at this point.

Trotta has had an injury

Quote from: MJG on July 17, 2014, 06:38:16 PM
Trotta has had an injury

Didn't realize that, thanks for the info.

Having watched the US team, I would say that Besler would be a good acquisition for a Championship side, less so for the Prem.  I like him and think he is an intelligent player.  He did a solid job at the World Cup and I think he would be consistent.

Fulham really needs that because the back line was very erratic last year.

Quote from: jags24 on July 17, 2014, 06:51:27 PM
Having watched the US team, I would say that Besler would be a good acquisition for a Championship side, less so for the Prem.  I like him and think he is an intelligent player.  He did a solid job at the World Cup and I think he would be consistent.

Fulham really needs that because the back line was very erratic last year.

I will say this... Tim Ream was named Bolton's player of the season this past year... Besler beat out Ream for a WC spot...Besler is left footed like Ream, he is decent with the ball at his feet, can play out of the back instead of hoofing and is a little stronger in the air and a little faster... Besler's main strength is his positioning. He rarely gets caught out and would be a superb player for us if we did not already have a bunch of left footed CBs... I think he would be a good squad player in the Prem and starter for the bottom few clubs.

You could probably play Besler at RCB and get away with it.  It's not ideal, but you could match him with a stopper like Burn and it would be a good combo in other ways.  Amorebieta really got exposed last year as too slow for CB in the prem.  The Championship is also fast-paced.

I think Besler is a safe bet and would be a good pickup, but the larger question is, who is going to play CM for us?!?

they very well could play 5 at the back...plus they have already sgined Hutchinson, Voser, Hoogland and Stafylidis..I think he will go Prem if he moves anywhere..just a hunch

I think for Besler it will be what is the best fit and for the MLS, what is the best deal.

If we think the MLS is equivalent to a mid table Championship side (though I've heard people state on here they thought the MLS was equivalent to League one, I don't agree but....), then if he views Fulham as a top Championship side with a real chance of being promoted then we would be a good fit because there is less risk and more like a chance to play, rather than sit and wait for opportunities. If he views he is ready for the Prem, then we wouldn't be a good move. I think Fulham is a safer move for him. He could sit at Sunderland.

Quote from: mccscratch on July 17, 2014, 07:06:43 PM

Quote from: jags24 on July 17, 2014, 06:51:27 PM
Having watched the US team, I would say that Besler would be a good acquisition for a Championship side, less so for the Prem.  I like him and think he is an intelligent player.  He did a solid job at the World Cup and I think he would be consistent.

Fulham really needs that because the back line was very erratic last year.

I will say this... Tim Ream was named Bolton's player of the season this past year... Besler beat out Ream for a WC spot...Besler is left footed like Ream, he is decent with the ball at his feet, can play out of the back instead of hoofing and is a little stronger in the air and a little faster... Besler's main strength is his positioning. He rarely gets caught out and would be a superb player for us if we did not already have a bunch of left footed CBs... I think he would be a good squad player in the Prem and starter for the bottom few clubs.

JK's choice means nothing when comparing the two players. Ream didn't get a look because JK said that players needed to play in their country's top flight -- unless they played in Germany, in which case you could play in the 4th tier and still get picked for Brazil. Ream was never on his radar any more than Spector was.

I am so excited that the US has come far enough in international football to have our own sketchily-sourced transfer articles!

"Matt Besler prefers to stay with Sporting Kansas City, source says"
http://www.kansascity.com/sports/mls/sporting-kc/article756509.html (http://www.kansascity.com/sports/mls/sporting-kc/article756509.html)

Quote from: btings on July 18, 2014, 05:12:31 AM
I am so excited that the US has come far enough in international football to have our own sketchily-sourced transfer articles!

"Matt Besler prefers to stay with Sporting Kansas City, source says"
http://www.kansascity.com/sports/mls/sporting-kc/article756509.html (http://www.kansascity.com/sports/mls/sporting-kc/article756509.html)

Saw the same thing from NBCSports on twitter. They may be guessing but it sounds like Mr HatterDon will be sticking around a while longer.

Don, I'd start getting used to the idea of an American in and around the first team. You just know Khan will want to foster the US connection.

Quote from: ToodlesMcToot on July 18, 2014, 01:17:41 PM

Quote from: btings on July 18, 2014, 05:12:31 AM
I am so excited that the US has come far enough in international football to have our own sketchily-sourced transfer articles!

"Matt Besler prefers to stay with Sporting Kansas City, source says"
http://www.kansascity.com/sports/mls/sporting-kc/article756509.html (http://www.kansascity.com/sports/mls/sporting-kc/article756509.html)

Saw the same thing from NBCSports on twitter. They may be guessing but it sounds like Mr HatterDon will be sticking around a while longer.

Don, I'd start getting used to the idea of an American in and around the first team. You just know Khan will want to foster the US connection.

until that time, good sir; until that time

If all Besler is making is $200k a year he would be an idiot not to move. The third keeper makes more than that in merry old England.

I'm a fan of Besler and wouldn't hate him coming to SW16, but we need help centrally. Hopefully we can put this all behind us and focus on something besides CB's and Striking options and the real task of finding some depth in the middle of the park. 

Quote from: harrison.crow on July 18, 2014, 05:26:40 PM
I'm a fan of Besler and wouldn't hate him coming to SW16, but we need help centrally. Hopefully we can put this all behind us and focus on something besides CB's and Striking options and the real task of finding some depth in the middle of the park. 

Harrison Crow! Awesome to see you posting here.

Offering Besler 10K a week would quadruple his salary. He/MLS/KC are just waiting for a better offer.

Quote from: Denver Fulham on July 18, 2014, 07:36:32 PM
Offering Besler 10K a week would quadruple his salary. He/MLS/KC are just waiting for a better offer.

$10K * 52 weeks = $520K / $200K = 2.6 times before renogotiations or am I missing something?

Would prefer an c.m myself as we are well covered c.h wise.

Quote from: BarryP on July 18, 2014, 09:00:03 PM

Quote from: Denver Fulham on July 18, 2014, 07:36:32 PM
Offering Besler 10K a week would quadruple his salary. He/MLS/KC are just waiting for a better offer.

$10K * 52 weeks = $520K / $200K = 2.6 times before renogotiations or am I missing something?

£10k/week is closer to $800k/yr.

So, for our British friends, all of this was a contract renegotiation ploy. Besler knows he's not ready for Europe yet, but knows that this is the time to get a fat raise. So, he got his agent to drop the names of European clubs with American owners or American players in an effort to get the league to pony up the Big Time Soldi. It's worked.

Besler? A very good player who you'll see in Europe before the next World Cup

Quote from: btings on July 18, 2014, 09:25:11 PM

Quote from: BarryP on July 18, 2014, 09:00:03 PM

Quote from: Denver Fulham on July 18, 2014, 07:36:32 PM
Offering Besler 10K a week would quadruple his salary. He/MLS/KC are just waiting for a better offer.

$10K * 52 weeks = $520K / $200K = 2.6 times before renogotiations or am I missing something?

£10k/week is closer to $800k/yr.

You would think the accountant would remember to add the exchange rate. fp.gif  064.gif At least its Friday!

This is officially dead.  Sporting KC have announced that Besler and Graham Zusi have both signed new contracts to make them Designated Players (= their salaries are not capped, so this is a big raise for Besler).

Quote from: btings on July 19, 2014, 10:15:33 PM
This is officially dead.  Sporting KC have announced that Besler and Graham Zusi have both signed new contracts to make them Designated Players (= their salaries are not capped, so this is a big raise for Besler).

Just saw the announcement on the tube (with Besler live) during halftime of the Spuds vs. Flounders match.

Skullduggary and cunning don't you just love it!!

Quote from: btings on July 18, 2014, 05:44:20 PM

Quote from: harrison.crow on July 18, 2014, 05:26:40 PM
I'm a fan of Besler and wouldn't hate him coming to SW16, but we need help centrally. Hopefully we can put this all behind us and focus on something besides CB's and Striking options and the real task of finding some depth in the middle of the park. 

Harrison Crow! Awesome to see you posting here.

Thanks... I think. :)

Quote from: HatterDon on July 19, 2014, 12:55:54 AM
So, for our British friends, all of this was a contract renegotiation ploy. Besler knows he's not ready for Europe yet, but knows that this is the time to get a fat raise.

He's 27.  If he's not ready for Europe now, he never will be.

Quote from: jmh on July 21, 2014, 04:57:07 PM

Quote from: HatterDon on July 19, 2014, 12:55:54 AM
So, for our British friends, all of this was a contract renegotiation ploy. Besler knows he's not ready for Europe yet, but knows that this is the time to get a fat raise.

He's 27.  If he's not ready for Europe now, he never will be.

I disagree, he's completely ready for Europe... if he wanted it. I legitimately think he would rather stay with Sporting Kansas City and there is nothing wrong with it. There is a lot behind the US mentality of staying with one club for their career. It doesn't happen much and when there is a chance for a player like Besler it would mean a lot.

Also, Americans are notorious for beating aging curves (or arcs) when it comes to skill potential and the inevitable decline. That said they do have shorter career primes. A reason, though just a theory, is simply the result of our youth systems and the lack development at younger ages. A 27 in the US is just hitting his prime and it could last into their early 30's. (31, 32... maybe 33).