I don’t usually post speculation about transfers here but this particular signing would be massive on many levels. My feeling is that MLS exists to promote domestic talent, and Julian DeGuzman is the best attacking player from the US or Canada in Europe. DeGuzman’s revelation that he is considering a move to TFC should inspire confidence in Mo Johnston and Major League Soccer. Now let’s hope they can close the deal.
I often criticize MLS for its scheduling policies, its marketing, etc. But should TFC pull off this coup, bringing Julian DeGuzman home from Spain, we should all be thankful and proud of TFC for making the deal and MLS for allowing it to happen.
In his first few years on the job, Mo Johnston seemed more interested in signing lower league talent from England rather than building a Canadian brand. But this season that has changed and if De Guzman does in fact sign with the Reds, they have to be considered among the favorites to life the MLS Cup this November.
More later as details are revealed.
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{ 15 comments… read them below or add one }
100% agree with your post. I would LOVE repeat…LOVE to see DeGuzman wearing a Fire kit, so TFC would be over the moon should this happen.
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Not going to happen Kartik…I mean, it could happen, but De Guzman hasn’t exactly been bubbling over with enthusiasm at the move: http://www.24thminute.com/2009/07/julian-de-guzman-confirms-dp-offer-from.html
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Please, please, please let it happen !!!
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I see that they are paying him/offered him $4MM for the rest of the season. That figure if true is BS. Is he better than Landon Donovan, Dwayne Derosario, Ricardo Clark, Sharlie Joseph? If he is does he deserve to make 4 to 20+ times more than those guys? What kind of player is he? Mid Level talent that plays in mid level team in La Liga. Plays for Canada but when was the last time they made a WC? His brother plays for Holland right? Why didn’t this guy? Not good enough? Is all that worh $4MM in MLS? I don’t think so.
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JDG didn’t play for Holland because he’s Canadian. He was born and raised in Canada. Why doesn’t Landon Donovan play for Brazil? Not good enough?
He is worth what someone is willing to pay him. He will only count $200k against the cap this year and MLSE has lots of money so what’s your problem? By the way, YES he is better than Ricardo Clark, DeRo, and Joseph.
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It would be great move for TFC.
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Julian de guzman is not an attacking player…
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Why does it matter that he is not an attacking player? Watching Canada beat El Salvador tonight it is clear he was the best player on the pitch.
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i’m not saying he is a bad player. It’s just the article above stated he was an attacking player. Which he is not. Relax.
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He’s a midfielder that attacks- not a forward but I use the term attacking player to describe a player who holds the ball, and sets up the attack, which is what he does.
Anyone who saw him tonight would concede he is well worth a 200k salary cap allocation hit. Pay him the DP salary of 4 million or whatever so long as he doesn’t eat up 400k under the cap.
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DeGuzman played in the holding central midfield role for Deportivo, a “defensive” midfielder. If TFC did shell out the kind of cash that has been rumoured, I do, however, think that they would use him as more of an attacking mid. They already have Robinson and Cronin.
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For Canada, JDG plays an attacking midfield role.
He’s got amazing vision on the field. He’d be an attacking mid in MLS. In better leagues, he drops back and plays a more defensive mid role.
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True he has played pretty deep when I’ve seen Deportivo. I’m so used to him with Canada being the spark on the attack I simply labeled him an attacker. In MLS thought he’ll be an attacking mid- look at Lima last year – he played in the holding role with Roma and Brescia and became a #10 with San Jose.
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In response to Me…Deguzman is a way better player thank Derosario…
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mls just flat out needs more players with cool hair
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