Could Diego Forlan soon be wearing red in MLS? (Guardian.co.uk)
I don't do transfer gossip here on the blog, and there's a reason for that: so much of it is total BS. Generally I try to stay away from transfers altogether until a player is officially unveiled by his new club. Last night, MLS social media exploded prior to the end of the weekend's matches with a report from The Globe and Mail that Uruguayan star Diego Forlan was set to join Toronto FC and could be on the pitch for the Reds this week against Sporting KC.
Not so fast, my friends. Multiple sources, including the Toronto Star, have now confirmed that Forlan, his current club, and his agent have all denied that this was the case. Forlan himself cited his remaining contract and his desire to stay in Brazil through the 2014 World Cup. Indeed, a switch to TFC might severely hamper Forlan's usefulness to his national side.
What I personally find hilarious is the reaction to this denial by various MLS fans and outlets. "Oh, they're just denying it because they want more money. He's definitely coming, this happens all the time." It smacks of the same line that was put out about Frank Lampard, who was supposedly a done deal to come to the Galaxy. Now, I'm not saying this isn't the case, maybe he does show up, but you know what else happens all the time? Transfer gossip gets blown out of proportion by media outlets and ends up being total BS. In fact, I'd say this probably happens a lot more than players issuing false denials. Perosnally, I don't think Forlan does that much for TFC if he does show up, but we'll wait and see. Don't put all your eggs in the red basket just yet.
That being said, a couple of notable moves have gone down today in Europe. First off, Barcelona striker David Villa will moving to Atletico Madrid, where hopes are that he can replace the goals taken away by the recently departed Falcao. Villa was always likely to be deemed excess by Barca since the arrival of Neymar, and Barca's website has confirmed that the deal is worth up to 5.1 million euros.
Another Champions League caliber attacker is on the move today on the continent. German international Mario Gomez has left Bayern Munich to join Italian Serie A side Fiorentina. Bayern confirmed the departure today, saying it was the "player's wish to go to Florence." The deal is set to be worth about 16 million euros. Personally I think it's a great move for Fiorentina.
