Real Madrid 'partnership'..

[Misfit]

I don't get that feeling at all. If Madrid make DL an offer above his current asking price, he'll be gone. Until then, they can fuck off.

Not to mention that before any of that can even happen, Bale would need to make it clear he's signing no new contracts and would be extremely interested in leaving THFC for pastures new. Until that happens, unless someone comes with money than can gaurantee about half of the stadium, I very much doubt is actively thinking of selling Bale.

Just as Modric would still be here had the player himself not wanted to leave. Or Berbatov. Etc etc.

 

[Mr Pink]

Bale looks a lot happier here to me than Berbatov or Modric ever looked.

 

[Misfit]

Bale looks a lot happier here to me than Berbatov or Modric ever looked.

Indeed he does. Which is why I'm not worried for next season in the slightest. If we finally, hold onto your knickers everyone, manage to get a real difference maker in at striker and some depth out wide this coming summer I think we'll have a real tilt at winning a couple of trophies next season and a good strong league campaign. It's vital that we do because I think Bale signs an extension if that happens.

 

[Mr Pink]

Indeed he does. Which is why I'm not worried for next season in the slightest. If we finally, hold onto your knickers everyone, manage to get a real difference maker in at striker and some depth out wide this coming summer I think we'll have a real tilt at winning a couple of trophies next season and a good strong league campaign. It's vital that we do because I think Bale signs an extension if that happens.

Yeah I'm positive as well mate. If we get CL football I think he stays at least one more season and if we don't we'll get a massive fee for him.

Personally though I think he's loving his time with us at the moment. Looks like he loves AVB, and vice versa, very popular with his team mates and he's our main man. He's a young father himself, he's only 23 so has plenty of time on his side.

People say he might not get the chance again to join the likes of Madrid but I think that's hogshite. He's always going to be coveted by the leading Clubs in Europe, now, unless he veers way off the path he is currently on - which looks very unikely.

There is going to be endless speculation about him so we might as all just get use to it but lets look at the facts:

1) We have the power given his contract situation
2) Everybody knows Levy's a fuck.

That is it cut and dry, so it doesn't matter how much is written - the above is all that's relevant, and I can't ever imagine Bale playing dirty to enable a buying Club to reduce the price.

 

[Ionman34]

I really don't know all the ins-and-outs, and until I got to the second half of the page I was feeling like a distinct minority, because my take on it is simple:
Real needed to push the Modric deal through, and it was Levy pushing for this, and that means that when it went through it was because Levy wanted it and Real had to be accommodating so it should be weighted to our advantage. I have enough faith in Levy's competence, especially when it comes to things like this to not believe that the sole constituent of the deal was that Real can cherry-pick our best players and we will get no benefits from it.

I have just read the ITK and having argued against the notion that Bale was somehow automatically destined to join Madrid in the Summer, it would be fair to say it is somewhat disappointing if true. But that doesn't affect my overall interpretation - Levy would not push for this, and be in a position to get it through on terms advantageous to us, and then just sign an agreement that says "We get Bale and whoever the feck else we want...occasionally, we'll chuck you a bone."

What I think is far more likely, is this: we sold United Carrick and then Berbatov, but we strengthened by the hefty fees we charged and it has put us in a position where we haven't had to automatically roll over for United now when they want a player, but, instead, are beginning to look like a serious long-term threat to them. We have a new stadium under development and a state-of-the-art training ground, plus, among other initiatives, these strategic club relationships, as part of our exciting youth product development (to use the lingo). I can feasibly see Levy selling a few players to Real them for absolutely everything he can, including, but not inclusive to, financial emoluments, and using it to put us into a position where we have a spanking new stadium, regular CL qualification, exciting youth product, and don't have to endlessly roll over to them, like we know longer have to roll over to United at their beck and call.

Does that mean swallowing a few bitter pills - yeah, probably. I had hoped Modric would be the last. Does it mean we are putting ourselves into some permanent subordinate feeder-club roll to them for all of eternity. I don't think that is part of Levy's plan. Leastways, I hope it isn't

I don't think you need worry about that SP as I think you're bang on the money wrt the strategy, at least from my perspective anyway.

My view is that DL has the vision of us dining at the same table as Real, Barca et al rather than feeding off the scraps. Hopefully FFP will play a part in this as it should mean that Real can't be bankrolled/bailed out by the Spanish gov't when they spend beyond their means.

Levy is a long termist, the youth development policy is ample proof of this, along with the stadium development plans. As you say, we've evolved from a Utd feeder into a challenger, Real are now the target to set our sights on in terms of our development on a global scale. Being the minor partner in a deal isn't such a bad thing if you have a plan in place to usurp the position. It is a long road though, another 10 years at least I'd say.

But by God will it be worth it when our name is mentioned, Worldwide, in the same breath as Real, Barca, Utd and Bayern. We already have Pro's naming their 'Big 4' in the Prem as Utd, Citeh, Chelsea and Spurs so we're already on our way. Were it not for Mansour we'd probably be a good 3 to 4 seasons further in our development, further without Abramovich.

It'll take longer as a result, but for me it is inevitable.

 

[idontgetit]

 

[sloth]

I've no idea if we have some kind of special relationship with Real Madrid, but I can't think what's wrong with the idea in principle?

A special relationship wouldn't mean we'd ever sell one of our players under what we thought to be market value to Real Madrid, or that Real Madrid wouldn't try all the usual tricks to try reduce the value of the player they're targeting. What it could mean is that if a bidder agrees to pay a price we're happy to sell at, Real Madrid have the opportunity to match that bid, and if both bids are equal we'll chose them over a rival.

In the mean-time there can be some low cost mutual back scratching, such as exchange of coaches, youth player exchange schemes etc.

The big thing however, is that in return for our future good faith, real Madrid will be disposed to show us good faith now. This is where the imbalance in club strengths, far from working against us, can work for us: the only club of the pair of us who's really going to have high-quality players surplus to requirements, suitable for the other club, is Real, if they get competing bids - for someone like Higuain let's say, or Coentrau - from Arsenal and Spurs, and those bids are matched, who are they going to sell to if they want to retain a favourable option on Bale?

 

[brasil_spur]

My boy did a one-day THFC skills training camp in the summer. One of the coaches teaching the kids was from Real Madrid.

Was quite good, he was teaching the kids tricks he'd seen directly from Zidane, Figo etc.

Not sure if its worth losing Bale for though...

Losing Blae has nothing to do with the Real thing, we'll either lose Bale or not and frankly there are only 4, maybe 5 clubs in the world that can afford him and 2 of them are PL based. Him going to Real, Barca or PSG would be fine by me so long as has decided he doesn't want to stay and we get mega money for him.

 

[StartingPrice]

I've no idea if we have some kind of special relationship with Real Madrid, but I can't think what's wrong with the idea in principle?

A special relationship wouldn't mean we'd ever sell one of our players under what we thought to be market value to Real Madrid, or that Real Madrid wouldn't try all the usual tricks to try reduce the value of the player they're targeting. What it could mean is that if a bidder agrees to pay a price we're happy to sell at, Real Madrid have the opportunity to match that bid, and if both bids are equal we'll chose them over a rival.

In the mean-time there can be some low cost mutual back scratching, such as exchange of coaches, youth player exchange schemes etc.

The big thing however, is that in return for our future good faith, real Madrid will be disposed to show us good faith now. This is where the imbalance in club strengths, far from working against us, can work for us: the only club of the pair of us who's really going to have high-quality players surplus to requirements, suitable for the other club, is Real, if they get competing bids - for someone like Higuain let's say, or Coentrau - from Arsenal and Spurs, and those bids are matched, who are they going to sell to if they want to retain a favourable option on Bale?

I saw Bear saying this early, and now Slothio, and I am sure I have seen others. How I remember it is that it universally reported as being an integral part of the Modric deal (and Levy was really pushing for it, and at a time when Real were having to make concessions, as said above). So it was reported in the press. But then I got to thinking that I recalled a club statement to the effect and it should be on the OS. So I have searched on there, and this is what I found:

http://www.tottenhamhotspur.com/spurs/News/club-announcement-27082012.page?

"CLUB ANNOUNCEMENT

Posted 27 August 2012 08:51am
CLUB ANNOUNCES PARTNERSHIP AGREEMENT WITH REAL MADRID AND TRANSFER OF LUKA MODRIC
The Club can announce that it has signed a partnership agreement with Real Madrid FC and reached agreement for the transfer of Luka Modric, subject to medical, to the Spanish club.
The partnership agreement will see the two Clubs working together in respect of players, coaching, best practices and commercial relationships.
Real Madrid FC President, Florentino Perez Rodriguez, said, "The strong relationship and affinity between our two clubs has resulted in the cementing of a longer-term partnership and the successful transfer of Luka Modric. We are delighted to welcome Luka and look forward to working closely with Tottenham in the coming years."
Daniel Levy, Chairman, Tottenham Hotspur, commented, "Luka has been a terrific player for us and, whilst we preferred not to part with him, we are pleased that it is to Real Madrid, a club with which we now look forward to sharing a long and productive partnership."

 

[TheAmerican]

If we get anything, I hope we do get a few opportunities to give some of their younger players playing time. If Bale is going to go, he is going to go, nothing will stop that except Levy squeezing every bit of money out of him.

As far as ins for us, I would be happy to see a Varane, Rodriguez, Morata, Vazquez, etc, though I doubt it will happen.

 

[Spurger King]

It's just a polite way of making us their official feeder club. At least it's not United.

 

[Spurs_Bear]

I've no idea if we have some kind of special relationship with Real Madrid, but I can't think what's wrong with the idea in principle?

A special relationship wouldn't mean we'd ever sell one of our players under what we thought to be market value to Real Madrid, or that Real Madrid wouldn't try all the usual tricks to try reduce the value of the player they're targeting. What it could mean is that if a bidder agrees to pay a price we're happy to sell at, Real Madrid have the opportunity to match that bid, and if both bids are equal we'll chose them over a rival.

In the mean-time there can be some low cost mutual back scratching, such as exchange of coaches, youth player exchange schemes etc.

The big thing however, is that in return for our future good faith, real Madrid will be disposed to show us good faith now. This is where the imbalance in club strengths, far from working against us, can work for us: the only club of the pair of us who's really going to have high-quality players surplus to requirements, suitable for the other club, is Real, if they get competing bids - for someone like Higuain let's say, or Coentrau - from Arsenal and Spurs, and those bids are matched, who are they going to sell to if they want to retain a favourable option on Bale?

Hmmm, but then how much say in it would they have if we offered £50k a week and Arsenal offered £100k a week?

 

[Spurs_Bear]

I saw Bear saying this early, and now Slothio, and I am sure I have seen others. How I remember it is that it universally reported as being an integral part of the Modric deal (and Levy was really pushing for it, and at a time when Real were having to make concessions, as said above). So it was reported in the press. But then I got to thinking that I recalled a club statement to the effect and it should be on the OS. So I have searched on there, and this is what I found:

http://www.tottenhamhotspur.com/spurs/News/club-announcement-27082012.page?

"CLUB ANNOUNCEMENT

Posted 27 August 2012 08:51am
CLUB ANNOUNCES PARTNERSHIP AGREEMENT WITH REAL MADRID AND TRANSFER OF LUKA MODRIC
The Club can announce that it has signed a partnership agreement with Real Madrid FC and reached agreement for the transfer of Luka Modric, subject to medical, to the Spanish club.
The partnership agreement will see the two Clubs working together in respect of players, coaching, best practices and commercial relationships.
Real Madrid FC President, Florentino Perez Rodriguez, said, "The strong relationship and affinity between our two clubs has resulted in the cementing of a longer-term partnership and the successful transfer of Luka Modric. We are delighted to welcome Luka and look forward to working closely with Tottenham in the coming years."
Daniel Levy, Chairman, Tottenham Hotspur, commented, "Luka has been a terrific player for us and, whilst we preferred not to part with him, we are pleased that it is to Real Madrid, a club with which we now look forward to sharing a long and productive partnership."

SP, just for clarity, and thanks for finding this by the way. I wasn't disputing that anything was mentioned/stated/press released etc, more just sort of saying...that the whole thing is a load of bollocks and nothing but a stunt to appease the fans by our dear leader.

You know me, I'm a cynical ****.

 

[Spurs1960]

It was said at the time it was for academy players and coaching staff to learn from each other and nothing to do with the 1st XI

 

[StartingPrice]

SP, just for clarity, and thanks for finding this by the way. I wasn't disputing that anything was mentioned/stated/press released etc, more just sort of saying...that the whole thing is a load of bollocks and nothing but a stunt to appease the fans by our dear leader.

You know me, I'm a cynical ****.

I don't find anything inherently implausible in such a partnership. We have similar arrangements across the globe (or do you doubt that, too?), and it is clearly a significant part of Mr Levy's strategic vision. It makes sense to have one on the Iberian peninsula, and why not with a club of such status, celebrity and know-how. They needed to appease Levy to get the deal done - with that power in his hand, why would Levy choose to have them join in an elaborate lie (and maybe at the expense of a couple more millions) when he could have that? But, your opinion is your own.

Cynicism is wholly over-rated. There is nothing wrong with my a cool, clear evaluation, but cynicism turns you into the human, thinking version of Buridan's Ass (oooeeeerrrrr, missus), starving to death for fear that the hay is poisoned, when sticking your neck out one way or the other gives a nice mouthful or, er...hay (okay, the analogy ain't perfect ).

 

[rabbikeane]

Reckon there's a good chance we'll see them at the lane pre season,
perhaps Ledley King testimonial

 

[sloth]

Hmmm, but then how much say in it would they have if we offered £50k a week and Arsenal offered £100k a week?

The player obviously has a lot of say, if Arsenal are offering far more in wages then they'll probably push to go there. On the other hand I'm not sure Arsenal want to think of themselves as the sort of club who have to offer more in wages for players to chose them over us. I would think they'd want to pay very close to what we want to pay.