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Tuesday, 20 July 2010 15:18

Window latest: Walter transfer saga takes new twist

Bayern back for Coentrao; Miguel Veloso “adores” Sporting

WalterThe on/off transfer of Brazil U20 forward Walter to Porto has again been thrown into doubt after one of the player’s representatives admitted that he has not yet decided where he will continue his career.
 
Elsewhere, Bayern Munich have upped their bid for Portugal and Benfica left-back Fabio Coentrao, while Sporting midfielder Miguel Veloso has explained why he preferred to stay at the Alvalade rather than move to Genoa.
 
Walter attended Porto’s presentation match again Ajax on Sunday and was expected to put pen to paper on a long-term contract with the Dragons, but the ongoing tug of war for his signature has now had another chapter written.
 
According to Teodoro Fonseca, the right-hand man of Walter’s agent Juan Figer, the player is still studying proposals from other European clubs.
 
“He hasn’t decided yet, but he’ll stay in Europe until the end of this week and only then decide where he wants to pursue his career. He arrived at Porto last Friday, but meanwhile travelled to another country, where there is an interested club. He wants to get to know the teams well before deciding on the best option”, Fonseca told Portuguese sports daily, Record.
 
“He wanted to see the atmosphere of FC Porto games for himself and wanted to see Hulk in action, as they are very good friends.” Shakhtar Donetsk are also in the running for the highly rated Brazilian.
 

Coentrao bid raised

Despite a substantially increased bid by Bayern Munich for Benfica defender Fabio Coentrao, the Lisbon club are holding firm and say they will only consider selling the player if his buyout clause of 30 million euros is paid.
 
After having an initial 15m-euro proposal turned down, the Bavarian giants came back with an offer of a 20m-euro down payment plus a possible further 5 million depending on appearances, with Dutch left-back Edson Braafheid also thrown into the deal as a makeweight.
 
But the Eagles have reiterated they will only talk if a 30m-euro bid is tabled. Bayern president, Karl-Heinz Rummenigge, responded by saying Benfica’s demands are exorbitant.
 

Veloso happy to stay… for now

Moving across Lisbon, Sporting’s Miguel Veloso has given his reasoning behind his decision to turn down a possible move to Genoa.
 
“It’s true that contacts were made with Genoa, but I refused because I adore playing for Sporting. At the moment I’m only thinking of Sporting. If, in the future, an opportunity crops up to go abroad I’ll assess it. But it would have to be a top club.”
 
by Tom Kundert
 
Comments (7)
@ Kenny
7 Wednesday, 21 July 2010 06:11
André/ Germany
I agree with all your comments, except the one about Porto. In my eyes Porto has the strongest team within the last 6 years. They are not getting weaker at all. Of course FCP (like Sporting and Benfica) have to sell their best 2-3 players each year. That's how it works.
The good, the bad and the ugly...
6 Wednesday, 21 July 2010 01:18
Kenny / Bristol, RI
The good = Fabio is only going to get better. Benfica need to hold on to him and let him grow a little more, especially in the CL games. If he performs well this season and even does well in the CL games, Benfica can easily get 30-35 million for him. Teams look at players that can perform in regular games but also look more closely at CL / Europa League games. If you do well there and get noticed, it can add value to any player. Benfica need to hold onto Coentrao because he is a awesome player who will only get better.

The bad = Walter... i think he is slowly seeing that his move to porto will be a mistake. yes they will be good this year and challenge us but they are not the porto team from 2 yrs, 3 yrs, even 4-5 yrs ago. They have gotten weak and are losing all there good players. Meireles is almost out. BAlves is close to leaving. Hulk; this will be his last yr, same with Falcao. he sees that and doesnt want to commit himself.

The ugly = Veloso should just leave, especially after the past few seasons he has been having there. Go get some European experience. i dont blame him for not gfoing to genoa since they are an alright team. he wants to be big headed and go to the likes of an AC Milan. Not happening, you're just not good enough yet.

On a side note, this new GK, Roberto or w/e you want to call him; he is looking BAD. We should have spent the 8 million on Eduardo. or give a lil more $$ to Quim, he did GREAT last season. I think the GK position will be our weakness this yr.
Paulo
5 Tuesday, 20 July 2010 21:39
Chris/DC
this is the problem with Liga Sagres. No one (benfica/porto/sporting) will ever be one of the greats again b/c the league is weak. No team is going to be able to hold on to their players b/c they all want to go play in better leagues. That's why Di Maria, Cardozo, Luiz, Ramires all went/want to leave. So, if Fabio is going to leave next year or the year after, wouldn't it makes sense to make as much $ off of the transfer as possible? With 25mil they could buy a LB that's almost as good, if not just as good. Every league in the world now is just a feeder league for the EPL, La Liga and Serie A. Benfica need to play the game.. buy cheap/young and sell high/peak value. Rui Costa seems to be playing the game perfectly
Fabio Deal...
4 Tuesday, 20 July 2010 17:04
Paulo/London
Chris, I would have to disagree with you as Fabio is a world class prospect who will only get better and so what if we can't sell him in the future for the same price. The fact is that we need quality (Portuguese if possible) players in our team if we are ever going to be one of the greats again. The reason Bayern are trying to offload Braafheid is that he is a very average player and will only ever be a squad player. However, I have to agree with you on Roberto who is appalling and seriously worries me. Benfica need to drop him now, find the receipt and take him back to Madrid for a refund! ;)
Tough Calls
3 Tuesday, 20 July 2010 16:50
E Gomes / NJ
The 27 year old defender, Braahheild, was in the Duthch National team, but only played in one game. He made an apperance in the final vs Spain at the 105th minute.
Last season he played nine games for Bayern and then was loaned out to Celtic in which he also also played another nine games.
I do agree that Coentrao's value may never be higher, and out of all of the defenders, I wouldn't mind seeing him go the most. People seem to forget that Coentrao was put at right back due to Peixoto getting injured. Peixoto was supposed to have been the starting right back, and could be again.
I know that Coentrao is Portuguese so it would be best if he were to stay, but Luiz and Luisao are more valuable.
Also, should Benfica obtain Xandao as rumored, Luiz would be able to go to right back, where he has been very effective at.

I find it funny that Veloso now says that he loves Sporting. He had made clear that he wanted to leave in the last three seasons. He actually was a great disturbance in the locker room.
Maybe he's trying to get some of the Moutinho money that was left behind.

I know that it's frustrating, but Porto is better off if Walter comes due to his own accord. If he thinks he's settling for Porto, it will do more harm than good. Patience.
also
2 Tuesday, 20 July 2010 16:29
Chris/DC
Is it too late to get a new GK? I've seen all of the pre-season games and Roberto looks like poo. I can't believe we paid €8.5 mil for him. That might be Rui Costa's first bad transfer. He's been great so far tho. Love Rui!
25 mil
1 Tuesday, 20 July 2010 15:51
Chris/DC
plus Braafheid isn't a bad deal. Isn't he on the Dutch NT? Fabio is great, but can Benfica get more for him next year than they can now? I don't see it. Fabio's value will never be higher. I think Benfica need a new striker for the CL. If Cardozo goes they have no one of his class to score goals I'm the tough games.

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