Leicester sign Andrej Kramaricr for club record £9m

[DaSpurs]

It's still not a bad fee in my mind. It's a huge step up, but if you trust your scouting (do we actually have scouts yet?) then he's worth it given his age and his goal scoring record, even if it is a weak league.

Agreed, it really isn't a poor fee, especially if clubs such as Chelsea and Juventus with their well-established scouting networks are actively chasing this kid.

These are also the kinds of signings we need to get back to. I feel there's actually more uncertainty with what we've undertaken recently, with more expensive signings of slightly more established players in higher leagues, but with more uncertainty of them performing well in England (such as buying players from Brazil or out of Serie A). Conversely, the evidence is on the wall, Balkan players fare extraordinarily well per capita anywhere they go. It's no surprise that all of Europe's top leagues have such high numbers of them, disproportionately so to relative populations vs other established footballing nations.

 

[SlickMongoose]

£10m? Peanuts for a striker these days.

 

[Bus-Conductor]

"Croatian has interest from England" will automatically get translated into "Spurs have interest in...." Just the way it is. Doesn't mean it's not true, just that Spurs will be reported as interested even if that's not the case.

Didn't want to open a thread about it, and I've mentioned him the past, but there have been some "hearsay" rumours that Spurs are also showing an increasing interest in Dinamo's very highly rated Ante Coric (17-years-old, recently played the first match vs. England's U21, was injured for the second). It's no news that Spurs are interested (they have been scouting him, as well as MANY other clubs), but there has been some "inside info" that Dinamo/Mamic may be looking to cash in sooner rather than later. And Spurs were mentioned as the club who have been the most forthright in their pursuit. I can't vouch for the info but it is said to have come from a source that typically doesn't share BS. I don't want to bring up the past "what if" but he's an "Alen Halilovic" type of exciting talent. (Still can't believe how close Spurs were to getting both Halilovic and Jedvaj. Jedvaj looks unreal for an 18-year-old defender).

Thanks for this. Jedvaj looks fucking dynamite at the moment, been watching some of his performances in the bundesliga.

I still think Rebic would be great in Pochettino's system as an outside left forward, he's got that skill/tenacity/energy combo which is right for the high tempo high, press system. Any idea how he's getting on at Liepzig ?

 

[Dinpomp]

Thanks for this. Jedvaj looks fucking dynamite at the moment, been watching some of his performances in the bundesliga.

I still think Rebic would be great in Pochettino's system as an outside left forward, he's got that skill/tenacity/energy combo which is right for the high tempo high, press system. Any idea how he's getting on at Liepzig ?

He's not getting on at all at the moment. Partly due to injury (he's just getting back), partly due to attitude problems. He made some jokes on social media about his position on the bench (posted a picture of himself sitting on the bench with the caption of "my new position" or something along those lines). It made it to the media (as it always does) and he was criticized/disciplined by the club. He's back into contention now again after his shoulder injury. They had a friendly match during the international break and he was named the man of the match, helped set up two first half goals. But after the game the manager said something along the lines of "Rebic? I didn't see anything special. I could have assisted like that." So there's obviously some tension there. This weekend he was on the bench but did not come on.

He's got to get his head on straight but he's a real talent. A rare combination of power, strength, speed and technique. He showed signs vs. England's U21's in the first leg (came off injured early in the second leg). He should be making a real name for himself in the 2.Bundesliga instead of the situation he's currently in (injury aside). Hopefully he can get back into the manager's good books soon or he'll have to look elsewhere. To tie into Kramaric, there have been rumours that NK Rijeka would use the money from his sale to try to finance a move for Rebic. Hard to see that happening. If Rebic was available I would take a chance. On his day he's a beast and worth the "risk."

 

[Dinpomp]

http://gianlucadimarzio.com/en/calc...n-club-has-agreement-with-player-the-details/

Juventus & Chelsea competing for Kramaric: Italian club has agreement with player, the details


27/11/2014 - 00:29

di David Amoyal

Andrej Kramaric is on the wish of many top European clubs. The Croatian prospect has strength and goals in his blood and now Juventus and Chelsea are in a battle to acquire him. Both clubs have met with Rijeka, they have also held discussions with the striker’s father. The price to acquire him is between 10 and 12 million that are negotiable. Juventus will try to lower Rijeka’s demands thanks to the excellent relationship between Marotta and Volpi. Kramaric’s father could also take advantage of an exit clause set at 2 million euro to resolve the situation but he won’t out of respect for the club that launched his son’s career. Juventus has already reached an agreement in principle with Kramaric: a five year with annual salary of 1.5 million before taxes. But Chelsea hasn’t given up, they will work on acquiring him until the end. Andrej Kramaric is at the center of the transfer news.


*****

http://gianlucadimarzio.com/en/calc...-serie-a-competition-at-juve-i-never-give-up/

Kramaric on his future:”It would be a dream come true to play in Serie A. Competition at Juve? I never give up”


27/11/2014 - 00:35

di David Amoyal

Andrej Kramaric will be one of the big names in the January transfer window. Chelsea and Juventus are competing to sign the prospect, the bianconeri are looking to close the deal in the next few weeks. Sky Sport interviewed the Croatian striker:”Playing in Serie A would be a dream come true, it’s one of the most important leagues: one day I would really like to play in Italy” Juventus has a lot of options up front, is that something that would concern Kramaric?:”There are some good players, they are world class. But I’m confident in my ability and my potential. I know I could show what I can do, I never give up”

 

[Syn_13]

http://gianlucadimarzio.com/en/calc...n-club-has-agreement-with-player-the-details/

Juventus & Chelsea competing for Kramaric: Italian club has agreement with player, the details


27/11/2014 - 00:29

di David Amoyal

Andrej Kramaric is on the wish of many top European clubs. The Croatian prospect has strength and goals in his blood and now Juventus and Chelsea are in a battle to acquire him. Both clubs have met with Rijeka, they have also held discussions with the striker’s father. The price to acquire him is between 10 and 12 million that are negotiable. Juventus will try to lower Rijeka’s demands thanks to the excellent relationship between Marotta and Volpi. Kramaric’s father could also take advantage of an exit clause set at 2 million euro to resolve the situation but he won’t out of respect for the club that launched his son’s career. Juventus has already reached an agreement in principle with Kramaric: a five year with annual salary of 1.5 million before taxes. But Chelsea hasn’t given up, they will work on acquiring him until the end. Andrej Kramaric is at the center of the transfer news.


*****

http://gianlucadimarzio.com/en/calc...-serie-a-competition-at-juve-i-never-give-up/

Kramaric on his future:”It would be a dream come true to play in Serie A. Competition at Juve? I never give up”


27/11/2014 - 00:35

di David Amoyal

Andrej Kramaric will be one of the big names in the January transfer window. Chelsea and Juventus are competing to sign the prospect, the bianconeri are looking to close the deal in the next few weeks. Sky Sport interviewed the Croatian striker:”Playing in Serie A would be a dream come true, it’s one of the most important leagues: one day I would really like to play in Italy” Juventus has a lot of options up front, is that something that would concern Kramaric?:”There are some good players, they are world class. But I’m confident in my ability and my potential. I know I could show what I can do, I never give up”

Well, as a Juve fan this is interesting news...if true. Di Marzio has very off days at times. There's a hell of a lot of competition though, so I'm not sure where he's likely to fit in. Llorente and Tevez still have a few years left in them and are a great duo. Morata is coming along nicely and is a good prospect. Kingsley Coman is being treated as a forward by the club and looks really good when given his chances. If anything I can see him replacing Giovinco in due time, I think it's the last season for the diminutive forward at Juve. However, if we signed him he'd be Juve's 6th forward.

 

[Dinpomp]

http://sportske.jutarnji.hr/posljed...pregovore-s-chelsajem-i-tottenhamom-/1247636/


According to the above link (in Croatian) Kramaric's father met with both Chelsea and Tottenham (Franco Baldini). They are supposedly weighing the pros and cons of each club.

The source? Old, long-time journalist who has been known to get some decent info but who has been primarily writing fictitious tales from within as of late (late = years now). Maybe the meetings did take place, it's just that he embellishes and I'd say even flat out makes things up from time to time. So who really knows.

Another, this time very credible source when it comes to NK RIjeka, said that Leicester's sporting director was in Croatia today and that they are showing a major interest. The 10m+ euro fee being a potential hurdle.

 

[Dinpomp]

Just to clarify, as I made an error in the above post. The transfer fee is NOT an issue for Leicester, as they have reportedly offered a little more than 10m euros. It seems the offer is at least close to matching Rijeka's evaluation (if not already there). The potential hang-up could be what Kramaric's father thinks about it, as it is not yet known how he feels about the club in question. We should learn more in the next few days.

Again, that is from a very reliable source, the best it gets in regards to news out of NK Rijeka. Terry Robinson flew to Rijeka for talks. With Leicester's current predicament in the league I would find it difficult to believe that they would accept a move there, but I guess you never know.

 

[danielneeds]

A move to Leicester with a relegation release clause would be smart move on his part. Guaranteed to get playing time, show his mettle, and if the ship sinks, he'll have options.

 

[DaSpurs]

A move to Leicester with a relegation release clause would be smart move on his part. Guaranteed to get playing time, show his mettle, and if the ship sinks, he'll have options.

You're absolutely right, but I don't think he'd receive that much less playing time with us were he to come to us.

 

[King of Otters]

Interesting take on this from Sports Witness.

http://sportwitness.ning.com/forum/...h-striker-s-father-to-secure-tottenham-signin

The situation surrounding Andrej Kramaric in the Croatian media has been an absolute mess. In all of our time covering transfers around the world there have been few which have seemed as murky and agent driven as what is happening with the 23 year old striker .

There's been claims of Kramaric's family travelling to London for talks but also having talks with Italian clubs and all the while the media in Croatia are being fed news that a deal is close ,with the actual club changing to suit. The media there are clearly being fed by people close to the potential transfer and there's an almost desperation to paint the idea that Kramaric is suddenly Europe's most wanted player.

Sportske Jutarnji even labelled him the new Suarez on Thursday evening. He very likely isn't.

A conversation alleged to be between Jose Mourinho and Chelsea's head honcho for youth Michael Emenalo is relayed with the manager allegedly saying "I should punish you, because you didn't inform me that there was such a player in Europe."

Yeah right.

Tottenham are said to have also met Kramaric's dad, with Franco Baldini trying to sell the club to them as a stepping stone to one of Europe's greats. It's stated that when Karamric's father negotiated with Baldini, the latter 'mentioned one more thing; if anyone knows how to sell a player, then it is these Jews from North London.'

Frankly unbelievable that would be printed anywhere. More unbelievable that Baldini said that but where are all these quotes coming from? Sportske Jutarnji don't need to make them up, they have information on Kramaric shovelled to them daily, someone is talking nonsense and has got carried away with the press attention.

Rome, Forentina, Juventus, both the Milan clubs, several sides in Germany, and of course Chelsea are all stated as being very interested in a player who next week will have reached the level where he's a hybrid of Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi.

 

[brendanb50]

Interesting take on this from Sports Witness.

http://sportwitness.ning.com/forum/...h-striker-s-father-to-secure-tottenham-signin

The situation surrounding Andrej Kramaric in the Croatian media has been an absolute mess. In all of our time covering transfers around the world there have been few which have seemed as murky and agent driven as what is happening with the 23 year old striker .

There's been claims of Kramaric's family travelling to London for talks but also having talks with Italian clubs and all the while the media in Croatia are being fed news that a deal is close ,with the actual club changing to suit. The media there are clearly being fed by people close to the potential transfer and there's an almost desperation to paint the idea that Kramaric is suddenly Europe's most wanted player.

Sportske Jutarnji even labelled him the new Suarez on Thursday evening. He very likely isn't.

A conversation alleged to be between Jose Mourinho and Chelsea's head honcho for youth Michael Emenalo is relayed with the manager allegedly saying "I should punish you, because you didn't inform me that there was such a player in Europe."

Yeah right.

Tottenham are said to have also met Kramaric's dad, with Franco Baldini trying to sell the club to them as a stepping stone to one of Europe's greats. It's stated that when Karamric's father negotiated with Baldini, the latter 'mentioned one more thing; if anyone knows how to sell a player, then it is these Jews from North London.'

Frankly unbelievable that would be printed anywhere. More unbelievable that Baldini said that but where are all these quotes coming from? Sportske Jutarnji don't need to make them up, they have information on Kramaric shovelled to them daily, someone is talking nonsense and has got carried away with the press attention.

Rome, Forentina, Juventus, both the Milan clubs, several sides in Germany, and of course Chelsea are all stated as being very interested in a player who next week will have reached the level where he's a hybrid of Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi.

Baldini is some sort of racist columbo?

 

[JUSTINSIGNAL]

Interesting take on this from Sports Witness.

http://sportwitness.ning.com/forum/...h-striker-s-father-to-secure-tottenham-signin

The situation surrounding Andrej Kramaric in the Croatian media has been an absolute mess. In all of our time covering transfers around the world there have been few which have seemed as murky and agent driven as what is happening with the 23 year old striker .

There's been claims of Kramaric's family travelling to London for talks but also having talks with Italian clubs and all the while the media in Croatia are being fed news that a deal is close ,with the actual club changing to suit. The media there are clearly being fed by people close to the potential transfer and there's an almost desperation to paint the idea that Kramaric is suddenly Europe's most wanted player.

Sportske Jutarnji even labelled him the new Suarez on Thursday evening. He very likely isn't.

A conversation alleged to be between Jose Mourinho and Chelsea's head honcho for youth Michael Emenalo is relayed with the manager allegedly saying "I should punish you, because you didn't inform me that there was such a player in Europe."

Yeah right.

Tottenham are said to have also met Kramaric's dad, with Franco Baldini trying to sell the club to them as a stepping stone to one of Europe's greats. It's stated that when Karamric's father negotiated with Baldini, the latter 'mentioned one more thing; if anyone knows how to sell a player, then it is these Jews from North London.'

Frankly unbelievable that would be printed anywhere. More unbelievable that Baldini said that but where are all these quotes coming from? Sportske Jutarnji don't need to make them up, they have information on Kramaric shovelled to them daily, someone is talking nonsense and has got carried away with the press attention.

Rome, Forentina, Juventus, both the Milan clubs, several sides in Germany, and of course Chelsea are all stated as being very interested in a player who next week will have reached the level where he's a hybrid of Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi.

Wow! I think it's just the journalist trolling here.

 

[Dinpomp]

Interesting take on this from Sports Witness.

http://sportwitness.ning.com/forum/...h-striker-s-father-to-secure-tottenham-signin

The situation surrounding Andrej Kramaric in the Croatian media has been an absolute mess. In all of our time covering transfers around the world there have been few which have seemed as murky and agent driven as what is happening with the 23 year old striker .

There's been claims of Kramaric's family travelling to London for talks but also having talks with Italian clubs and all the while the media in Croatia are being fed news that a deal is close ,with the actual club changing to suit. The media there are clearly being fed by people close to the potential transfer and there's an almost desperation to paint the idea that Kramaric is suddenly Europe's most wanted player.

Sportske Jutarnji even labelled him the new Suarez on Thursday evening. He very likely isn't.

A conversation alleged to be between Jose Mourinho and Chelsea's head honcho for youth Michael Emenalo is relayed with the manager allegedly saying "I should punish you, because you didn't inform me that there was such a player in Europe."

Yeah right.

Tottenham are said to have also met Kramaric's dad, with Franco Baldini trying to sell the club to them as a stepping stone to one of Europe's greats. It's stated that when Karamric's father negotiated with Baldini, the latter 'mentioned one more thing; if anyone knows how to sell a player, then it is these Jews from North London.'

Frankly unbelievable that would be printed anywhere. More unbelievable that Baldini said that but where are all these quotes coming from? Sportske Jutarnji don't need to make them up, they have information on Kramaric shovelled to them daily, someone is talking nonsense and has got carried away with the press attention.

Rome, Forentina, Juventus, both the Milan clubs, several sides in Germany, and of course Chelsea are all stated as being very interested in a player who next week will have reached the level where he's a hybrid of Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi.

Nah, a lot of reaching going on there. That's what happens when you read a lot of transfer articles, when you don't know the credibility of the source(s), and particularly when you need to translate them first (by using google nonetheless).

Kramaric IS a wanted striker. Fact. Some of the reports may be sensationalized (as is ALWAYS the case, this is by no means any different from other players). But it is not agent driven.

His father, if you didn't know better, may be seen as an overbearing figure. "The player's father" as if he was stirring things up on his own. He's not. He's been taking care of his sons career WITHOUT an agent for years. And it's never been about taking advantage of this or that. It's been about getting his son to the best situation. I'll repeat myself here, but he's one of the few men in Croatian football who were willing to stand up to Dinamo's Zdravko Mamic. Kramaric's path could have been much easier had they just said "yes" at that time. But they believed in their principles and in themselves and they eventually got back to where they could/should have been a year or two earlier.

The "Jews from North London" part is embarrassing and from the old journalist who I said in an earlier post embellishes and even flat out makes things up from time to time. He's become a laughing stock and no one really takes his articles seriously. He may have some truth mixed in here or there, but it's his "story telling" that you can spot from a mile away. However idiotic his statement may have been (and boy was it idiotic!), it doesn't change the fact that the interest in Kramaric is real.

The Leicester City link was from as reliable source as you can get. You can take that to the bank. The Juventus, Milan, Inter links were from Di Marzio. And they are not new. I put a lot of credibility into them as well. Other reporters/portals from all over have either re-hashed these stories or added their own. Some may be legit, some may be bogus. But don't let that cloud the overall point.

 

[Greenspur]

Nah, a lot of reaching going on there. That's what happens when you read a lot of transfer articles, when you don't know the credibility of the source(s), and particularly when you need to translate them first (by using google nonetheless).

Kramaric IS a wanted striker. Fact. Some of the reports may be sensationalized (as is ALWAYS the case, this is by no means any different from other players). But it is not agent driven.

His father, if you didn't know better, may be seen as an overbearing figure. "The player's father" as if he was stirring things up on his own. He's not. He's been taking care of his sons career WITHOUT an agent for years. And it's never been about taking advantage of this or that. It's been about getting his son to the best situation. I'll repeat myself here, but he's one of the few men in Croatian football who were willing to stand up to Dinamo's Zdravko Mamic. Kramaric's path could have been much easier had they just said "yes" at that time. But they believed in their principles and in themselves and they eventually got back to where they could/should have been a year or two earlier.

The "Jews from North London" part is embarrassing and from the old journalist who I said in an earlier post embellishes and even flat out makes things up from time to time. He's become a laughing stock and no one really takes his articles seriously. He may have some truth mixed in here or there, but it's his "story telling" that you can spot from a mile away. However idiotic his statement may have been (and boy was it idiotic!), it doesn't change the fact that the interest in Kramaric is real.

The Leicester City link was from as reliable source as you can get. You can take that to the bank. The Juventus, Milan, Inter links were from Di Marzio. And they are not new. I put a lot of credibility into them as well. Other reporters/portals from all over have either re-hashed these stories or added their own. Some may be legit, some may be bogus. But don't let that cloud the overall point.

So, is he coming to Spurs or not? What do you think?

 

[Dinpomp]

http://gianlucadimarzio.com/juventus/kramaric-domani-la-juve-vola-in-croazia-le-ultimissime/

Kramaric, tomorrow Juve flies in Croatia: the latest


06/12/2014 - 00:20

Gianluca Di Marzio

Rijeka striker Andrej Kramaric is being pursued by numerous top European clubs including Chelsea. Juventus is amongst the clubs taking concrete steps to acquire the player born in 1991. Tomorrow the bianconeri will travel to Croatia to get a better understanding of how much it will cost to acquire him, they already reached an agreement with the striker’s father. Tomorrow could turn out to be a decisive day for Juve’s pursuit of Kramaric.

 

[Chris12]

"White fans" "Jews from North London"

This is turning into quite the racist thread!!

 

[THFCSPURS19]

http://gianlucadimarzio.com/juventus/kramaric-domani-la-juve-vola-in-croazia-le-ultimissime/

Kramaric, tomorrow Juve flies in Croatia: the latest


06/12/2014 - 00:20

Gianluca Di Marzio

Rijeka striker Andrej Kramaric is being pursued by numerous top European clubs including Chelsea. Juventus is amongst the clubs taking concrete steps to acquire the player born in 1991. Tomorrow the bianconeri will travel to Croatia to get a better understanding of how much it will cost to acquire him, they already reached an agreement with the striker’s father. Tomorrow could turn out to be a decisive day for Juve’s pursuit of Kramaric.

Di Marzio's a bit shit.

 

[guy]

how many strikers do Juve want, bloody hell. He'll be behind Llorente and Tevez there

 

[DaSpurs]

how many strikers do Juve want, bloody hell. He'll be behind Llorente and Tevez there

Don't forget Morata.