I just talked to Garth Lagerwey in an attempt to glean additional information about the reported move of Yura Movsisyan to Danish side Randers. Unfortunately, there weren't alot of details available as Lagerwey can't discuss specifics of an ongoing negotiation. However, I did get some impressions about this, and some indication of how it affects potential moves that the club makes in the upcoming transfer window.
First of all, there are ongoing transfer negotiations, but it doesn't seem like there is much motivation on the side of RSL to make a deal here. First of all, transfer fees are split between the league and the team and tend to be modest in amount. Second, Yura is not at the stage that Jozy Altidore was a couple of years back when he was able to fetch a large transfer fee. And most importantly transfer fees are largely a function of time remaining on a contract, and Yura's is nearly up. Lagerwey expects this process to clarify itself "within about 48 hours."
I did ask Garth if there was any consideration to a transfer because they might get a lameduck approach by Yura during his final months in Salt Lake. He rejected this notion, "Absolutely not. We expect 100% out of all of our players all of the time, and this doesn't change that."
Randers isn't exactly a household name even among European soccer clubs, but it does allow Yura to ply his trade on a potentially bigger stage. However, its likely that Movsisyan views this as a springboard to a larger European club down the road. Randers participation in UEFA Cup (Europa League) allows some visibility throughout the European soccer community that could give Movsisyan a platform to show his wares.
The important thing that this brings to RSL is a new perspective on how to shape this club in the future. Last week Lagerwey indicated that the team would be looking for a complementary player during this transfer window, when asked if this would impact that approach even if Movsisyan remains through season-end his response was, "Absolutely. Everything is affected by how this comes out."
It's believed that RSL had "reserved" some salary cap space for dealing with Movsisyan's contract after the end of the season. Movsisyan was making around $60K, but was likely to receive a decent increase to this depending on his performance this season. Now RSL can consider "spending" that amount. If a transfer deal is reached they would also receive some allocation dollars to spend.
Monday, July 6, 2009
Update on Movsisyan Move
Yura Movsisyan headed to Europe after season
According to Ives Galarcep, Real Salt Lake striker Yura Movsisyan is set to leave MLS after this season after signing a contract with the Danish club Randers. This has also been confirmed on Real Salt Lake's official team blog, Behind the Shield.
Last week, RSL GM Garth Lagerwey hinted that another transaction was potentially in the works and that "we should know more within a week". This is likely the transaction that he was referring to. At that time, Lagerwey indicated that they would likely only be seeking to fill one of their two open roster spots with a complementary player during this current transfer window unless the other transaction went through.
It's a little puzzling how this is connected as all reports indicate that this move will occur in January after the end of the season, and under FIFA regulations a free transfer is in order. However, there is an allowance for training compensation and this may be part of the deal that is being worked out.
It's possible that there were negotiations under way to have Yura leave the club during this transfer window, and give RSL compensation for this early departure. The report on SBI indicated that these discussions have taken place, but RSL would not agree to the terms.
Goal.com's Greg Lalas has reported that Garth Lagerwey revealed that "Negotiations are ongoing between MLS and Randers about a possible transfer," and that "Yura’s expressed for a year or so that he wanted to go to Europe. He indicated he might leave this summer."
The striker had recently been rounding into form, having 3 goals and an assist in the last 5 matches. Replacing his production on the field may be possible, but it will be difficult to replace the potential that he brings to the table as the striker is physically gifted, and tenacious but has lacked a consistent quality first touch, and has been searching for that deadly finishing ability that eludes many young strikers.
Thursday, July 2, 2009
Thoughts from practice -Thurs July 2nd
First of all, it was hot at practice today. How hot was it you ask? Andy Williams didn't just drop the long sleeves, but he dropped the sleeves altogether.
For most of practice they had a short field scrimmage going on. They had the players for each team on the field and then several players who were out of bounds to keep the ball in play and to serve balls in front of the goal. So it ended up being a fast-paced event.
Javier Morales was practicing and he looked like he was moving pretty well. I didn't ask about his status, but I'd bet he'll play based on what I saw.
There was one noteworthy moment where Nunez and Horst ran into each other with a lot of force. Surprisingly it was Horst who got the short end of the collision.
I managed to talk to Garth Lagerwey about the transfer window and potential for adding a player. He indicated that they do have a roster spot (actually two as there is a new rule allowing roster relief when players are on loan like RSL's Alex Nimo). However, the limitation that the team faces is salary cap space. Apparantly the departure of Escalada did not have much of an impact on this.
According to Lagerwey, they believe that they can add a player that is a complimentary player. He also indicated that the most likely position would be a striker.
Lagerway explained that they will continue to monitor this situation. They are always keeping possibilities open, but as long as they are playing well they are less likely to make a bigger move that would require further roster adjustments. He also mentioned several times that tomorrow's match is a "must win". So it seems like the moves that are made are predicated on the performance of the team.
He hinted at the fact that bigger changes could happen if an opportunity arose or if the team struggled during this next few games with the transfer window open. However, the clear impression was that we should expect the spot to be filled, but with a complimentary piece.
What are your thoughts?
