Villarreal CF - Finished 2nd - Page 3 - TalkSoccer

**Trim** · 27-07-2007, 11:43 AM

Villareal will do a lot better this year.
If they can manage to keep Riquelme, that's no doubt about that.
But still, with or without him, I believe they'll do good.

As for the striker case, Anelka is better solution than Baptista.
But, I don't think they're the best option.
For some reason I think they wouldn't fit.

**Pat Murphy** · 31-07-2007, 01:10 PM

Villarreal in their CB hunt have been linked to 3 CB's. Lugano (Fenerbahçe), Jarque (Espanyol), Juanito (Betis).

They need to fight Depor for Juanito and might have to pay £8m or so to break Jarque's buy out clause and he's definately not that good. Lugano would be interesting.

Super Pibe #7 · 31-07-2007, 05:16 PM

Lugano is the best of the three.

**Pat Murphy** · 31-07-2007, 07:02 PM

Villareal Beat Italians To Rossi

Quote:

Villarreal have pulled off a significant transfer coup by successfully negotiating a deal with Manchester United that will see coveted Italian striker Giuseppe Rossi join them on a six-year deal.

The ambitious Spanish side did well to sneak below the radar in order to net the 20-year-old American-born Italian. Almost all the speculation in the press throughout the summer was focused on a possible return to the Serie A, or that he would be made to duke it out at a United side that is already spoiled with attacking talent even before the impending arrival of Carlos Tevez.

The deal is reported to be in the region of 10 million euros and Rossi is expected at the Madrigal on Wednesday to undergo a medical and be presented to the fans and media as a direct replacement for another former United player, Diego Forlan.

The news will have been met by a collective sigh of despair amongst the likes of Napoli, Fiorentina and Parma, the latter of which were desperately hoping to lure him back to the Tardini after he did so much to save them from relegation during a highly successful six-month loan spell last season.

Rossi’s move away from Old Trafford will inevitably increase speculation that the messy Tevez transfer will be concluded ahead of the deadline, since it is unlikely that Sir Alex Ferguson would have let the superbly talented young striker go were he not confident that the legal wrangle surrounding Tevez would soon be solved in their favour.

Goal.com

Goal.com - Manchester United - Villareal Beat Italians To Guiseppe Rossi

I really didn't see that coming

Also the MARCA link:

El Villarreal ficha a Giuseppe Rossi - Marca.com

**jec1** · 31-07-2007, 07:06 PM

Wow, Rossi is a fantastic talent. Good to see Villa gamble with all the marbles.

**Pat Murphy** · 31-07-2007, 07:39 PM

Pellegrini either signed Rossi as a Riquelme or a Forlan, I think a Forlan and we'll probably see him upside only Nihat unless they sign anyone else.

I don't think any Rossi fans will have anything to worry about with Rossi. He's joined a team that can make him the centre and Pellegrini knows how to get the best out of players whether they're a youngster or he's reviving their careers (Riquelme, Sorin, Forlan, Senna, CYGAN)

**Trim** · 31-07-2007, 08:07 PM

Interesting and unexpected.
Good buy from Villareal there.

**Pat Murphy** · 01-08-2007, 04:25 PM

Goal.com - Manchester United - United Have Rossi Buy-Back Option

United have a buy-back clause in the deal, could be very smart. Also the 20 year old signs for Villarreal on a 6 year contract.

**Pat Murphy** · 03-08-2007, 06:03 PM

Boca Juniors Give Up On Riquelme

Quote:

Boca Juniors president Mauricio Macri admitted today that his side has little chance of re-signing Villarreal's Juan Roman Riquelme...

La Boquita has all but given up on getting back Juan Roman Riquelme.

The 29 year old Argentinian spent the first half of 2007 on loan at the Bombanera, helping his former club to a 2nd place finish in the Clausura, but it seems that he won't be returning for the new campaign.

Club president Macri said that it was "practically impossible" to land the attacking midfielder once more.

He added, "We always wanted him to come back, but his club [Villarreal] are reluctant, plus the asking price is very high."

Villarreal coach Manuel Pellegrini seemed set to get rid of Riquelme again this season after declaring the player surplus to requirements, but the former Barcelona man has been assigned a squad number at El Madrigal and may be able to fight his way back into contention.

Failing that, several teams in Spain have their eye on the San Fernando-born player.

Goal.com

Goal.com - Argentina - Boca Juniors Give Up On Riquelme

**Pat Murphy** · 03-08-2007, 08:25 PM

Mundo Deportivo - José Enrique, al Newcastle

They've sold 21 year old gem Jose Enrique to Newcastle for £4m which must have upset a lot of Villarreal fans.

It shouldn't affect them too much as they just got Capdevilla in to play there.

**Pat Murphy** · 04-08-2007, 08:38 PM

Villarreal go for Godin

Quote:

Villarreal's busy summer in the transfer market has continued with the Primera outfit having snapped up Uruguayan defender Diego Godin.

The 21-year-old has joined the Yellow Submarines on a five-year contract from Nacional de Montevideo in his homeland.

Godin, already a full international, will strengthen the squad following Roberto Ayala's shock decision to turn his back on a switch to Villarreal and sign for Zaragoza earlier in the summer.

"It's a big step for me, I have signed for one of Spain's big clubs, " Godin stated at his presentation.

"It was easy to accept Villarreal's offer especially as Diego Forlan told me so many good things about the club.

"I am not scared, it's something new for me, but I have always wanted to play in this league.

"I have come to a big club and with it that brings responsibility. But I will give my all for the club."

Godin becomes the Villarreal's 11th close season signing, but president Fernando Roig hinted there could still be more activity describing the squad as "practically closed".

Sky Sports

Sky Sports | Football | Primera Division | Villarreal | Villarreal go for Godin | The Best Sport Coverage From Around The World

A Centre Back joins the South American Submarine. Godin is supposed to have the potential of Gonzalo. He's 21 years old and already starts for Uruguay alongside Lugano. I think he could be a quality signing for Villarreal.

**Pat Murphy** · 09-08-2007, 06:14 PM

Boca Rebuff Villarreal Riquelme Offer

Quote:

Villarreal's audacious bid to sell Juan Román Riquelme to Boca Juniors in exchange for €4m plus two players has been dismissed by the the Argentinian outfit.

The Yellow Submarine were hopeful of being able to off-load the midfielder and put forward an offer that would see them land two new faces.

Riquelme spent the second half of last on loan at Boca after falling out with the Villarreal board and coach, Manuel Pellegrini, but the move is unlikely to be made permanent.

A deal that would see Boca pay €4m and allow Villarreal to sign Rodrigo Palacio and take 50 per cent of the rights to either Mauro Boselli or Jonathan Maidana was put forward, but then rejected.

Boca president, Mauritius Macri, was not only adverse to the offer, he stated that no transfer can be made because the club cannot afford Riquelme's personal demands.

"It is impossible," he said.

"We are not waiting for anything to happen because it is something that is just not feasible at the moment.

"The ball is in the court of the club that owns Riquelme and that is Villarreal."

Goal.com

Goal.com - Spain - Boca Rebuff Villarreal Riquelme Offer

That would have been a decent deal for Villarreal if they sold Riquelme to get €4m + Palacio + 50% of 2 other guys. Boca have already said that a Riquelme deal is unlikely. I think they want Villarreal to give up and give him to them for about €5m which I hope doesn't happen because it's a bad price for Villarreal but also for Barca because we still own 25% of him.

Maybe a Riquelme + €4m for Palacio and they could go for that.

**Pat Murphy** · 11-08-2007, 07:34 PM

Riquelme Finally Confirms Boca Exit

Quote:

Argentine playmaker Juan Roman Riquelme has finally confirmed he will not continue to play for Boca Juniors, and will return to Villarreal on Monday.

Finally after weeks of speculation Riquelme told reporters that he will no longer play for Boca, and will return to Villarreal, where he will begin training on Monday.

“In a few days I have to begin training with my club, which is Villarreal”, Riquelme stated in a press conference.

“I will immediately get myself ready for [Villarreal] manager Manuel Pellegrini, who I plan to only have a player and manager relationship with, and only that”, he explained.

The Argentine international affirmed: “I’ve always been a Boca fan, and when I play for Villarreal and watch Boca on the television and see one of my teammates wearing the number ten jersey, I will feel like I am lending it to him, right until the day when I put it on again”.

Riquelme told the press that he is likely to play for the Argentine giants again in the near future: “Maybe I will put on the Boca shirt in June of 2009, when my Villarreal contract expires”.

The talented playmaker, who led Boca to the 2007 Copa Libertadores title, sent his thanks to the Boca directors who tried their best to keep him at the club for another season: “I thank you for doing your best to retain me, but the truth is I have been a Villarreal player as from the 31st of June, and I’m obligated to present myself at the club”.

Boca’s directors intended to keep the player, but were unable to purchase him from Villarreal because of his hefty price tag.

Riquelme had made it clear that he didn't want to return to play for Villarreal, but must do so after not receiving any formal offers to join any other clubs, despite interest from Atletico Madrid and AC Milan.

The gifted midfielder expressed his desire to continue to enjoy playing football, even though he won't be able to help Boca fight for the Club World Cup that will be held in Japan in December.

“I feel fortunate to play football and I’m happy when I play on the pitch. Since I was a little kid I was taught that I should have fun, and I want to continue to do this”, he concluded.

Goal.com

Goal.com - Argentina - Riquelme Finally Confirms Boca Exit

Riquelme returns. The question now is, will he play or will Pelligrini just chose Matia over him?

**Pat Murphy** · 12-08-2007, 03:04 PM

Goal.com - Argentina - Villarreal Loan Out Somoza To Real Betis

Villarreal let their disappointing DM signing of last season, Somoza, go out on loan to Real Betis for the season.

Looks like Senna - Mavuba will be the sealed CM partnership this season.

Super Pibe #7 · 06-09-2007, 05:46 PM

Quote:

Celta Vigo and Spain right back Angel has signed on with Villarreal, committing himself to the Yellow Submarine for the next five seasons.

Angel, part of the Celta side relegated from La Liga last season, had recently fallen foul of club boss Hristo Stoichkov and, as an international, perhaps felt that his talent was more suited for the top flight.

Rumour had it that Barcelona were ready to swoop for the 26 year old as cover for Zambrotta, but it is Villarreal that have secured the Gran Canaria-born player's services.

The twice-capped Spanish international is set to undergo a medical at 8:30 on Thursday morning, before being officially unveiled at the Madrigal at 13:00.

The player is not expected to immediately slot in as undisputed first choice at the Yellow Submarine, instead competing with Javi Salas and, to a lesser extent, Josemi for that coveted right-back slot.

He's the Vila-Real side's eleventh summer signing so far.