That was a LOT of bank for this organization. Really, really tough to turn down.
2025 Roster and Transfer Discussion Thread
- Thread starter LionNYC
- Start date
On paper, he's better than either. But I don't think Santi would want to come off the bench or spot start the way they do.
i'd take him back if we can get him for cheap. we don't know if this was him pushing for a move or Lee kinda pushing him out the door. he was our talisman here and growing into a mature MLS elite.
if he comes back and julian fernandez gets tossed, i wouldn't be mad at that.
obviously, he can't be a DP. but as a non-DP, why not? we'd be better for it.
I wonder how the money would work. His transfer fee was €14.3 million, which is a big chunk of change for Botafogo to try and recoup. And we're in line for another $2 million in bonuses if certain conditions are met (I don't know what they are), plus Santi is under contract for $1.2 million until Dec. 2028.
That might be pretty tough math, especially with Nico about to sign as the DP No. 10 we've been looking for.
I'd take Santi back in a heartbeat, and I would absolutely consider using a DP spot on him. Jovan and Magno are off the roster, so the team could switch from the 2 DP + 3 U22 model to the 3 DP + 2 U22 model. I could be wrong, but my impression is that the team holding spots for the loaned-out guys is a choice, not a requirement. There is no way Martins should be a DP going forward so even if we added Santi + Nico the club could have a 3rd DP slot next season. We'd be in great shape with a Santi, Wolf, Nico and Martinez attack. Maxi off the bench. It would be the ultimate in positional flexibility with Santi, Wolf, and Nico all capable of dynamically switching across the wing and cam positions on the fly.
There is a ton to like about Santi even as a DP:
- Improved every season
- showed he could be productive in MLS
- Plays with an insane motor, never gives up, and very clearly cares about fighting for the club
- Was maturing into a leader
This is exactly what I'm wondering. Would the organization want to pay for two guys who are the same? Would they both be starters? Is there another need they would rather use the slot on? And how do we get back an outright sale to begin with? Do we refund the money or something?
If we were an independent club in association football, by all means, come on back. But we're not. From a practical standpoint, I'm not sure how we could make it happen.
Would the organization want to pay for two guys who are the same? - I don't see why not, Pascal is on the record as valuing guys that play multiple positions, and every attacker we sign is essentially the same (short winger that could also play CAM). Even our #9 is a short winger; we have a type.
Would they both be starters? Is there another need they would rather use the slot on? - I don't see why they wouldn't both start. Our greatest need right now is a second competent winger. Santi can play the wing (he might even be better there), and reportedly, the new guy can too.
And how do we get back an outright sale to begin with? Do we refund the money or something? - No idea, maybe we could trade them a young Serbian with an attitude problem.
Edit: Jokes aside about the price. I think we buy him back at a discount based on him being injured, having a down year and being one year older. I'm sure they wouldn't like it but his value fell this season; no way should we be paying what we paid to get him back a year later.
Goodness no. If this happens, which I think is extremely unlikely, it's just like any other club. We don't give money back. It's not like we committed fraud or offered a 180-day guarantee. Botofogo will want a fee. We could pay a fee, presumably much less than they paid us because they made him less valuable. The market will set the price. As for MLS, I'm mostly sure we have no special continuing rights to him. He can sign with San Jose or Chicago as easily as he can with us.
Because I'm a cold hearted, unsentimental and unforgiving SOB with respect to former players, that's why.
Me in February
I am very over and done with accommodating players' desire to move and then offering a soft landing when it blows up.* Santi already briefly left once before, I think to return to his previous club while he tested the market and found the market didn't really want him. Then someone did offer the bag and they seem to have decided they need him as much as we need Jovan. Too bad for them and for him. Not my circus. Not my monkey.
He was good for us. I like him. But we're not your backup prom date.
* To be clear, I'm all good with accommodating the choice to leave, especially if we get paid. But when you go you go. And the "see if he fits" loan process is bullshit. We've lost what -- 1.5 years of James Sands and have $0 in transfer fees in return.
For the record, I don't think it will happen either, but I would be happy if it did. I get where you are coming from, but given this front office's track record with evaluating talent for high-dollar transfers, I think there is more value than normal in getting a known player. I get that his stay/go track record isn't great, but he left everything on the pitch in every game he played for us last season and truly cared.
I'm completely allowing pettiness to overcome what makes sense here.
Fair enough.
I get this, and maybe it would work. But they're soooo much alike. Maybe too much.
What I really want to see is a fit and in form Malachi on the left and Hannes on the right with Nico in the middle and Alonso at the point of the spear. Keaton and O'Neill at the double pivot. KOT, Haak, Martins and Gray/Ilenic across the back. Freese in goal.
I'll take that XI. We don't need Santi.
damn. we'd be losing money on that deal right?
i feel bad for the guy. he works really hard and has scored in his limited minutes this season. overall seems like a good guy too. i do wish him luck and hope he chooses the best path for himself.
ZYanksRule
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He's taking up a valuable U-22 spot and it just hasn't worked here. He does everything but score, and when you're a No. 9 ... you need to be more clinical. We need to move on, so hopefully he accepts it and allows us the time to find a new player for that role.
He was acquired as an U22 player but he his no longer one.
ZYanksRule
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Ah, ok. My mistake. Well I'd still like us to move on and find someone better. As good as he is on most phases of the game, hard to play a No. 9 that can't score.
so who is the back up striker now? Reid? wasnt there a limit on how many minutes he could have with the first team?
reid was signed on a permanent basis. so no problem with minutes anymore.
i agree he needs to go. i'm just saying i feel bad for the guy cause he does work hard. just isn't the talent level we can afford to carry on the roster.
ZYanksRule
Registered
No argument here. He's a hard-worker, seems to be a good guy, has handled his struggles with class and dignity, but it's a results business.
Bakrar is shooting better this year but generating much lower xG so his ASA actual goals per 96 are lower than 2023, and slightly higher than 2024
For all we talk about his other contributions he is the only NYCFC striker or winger all time with at least 3,000 minutes played and zero assists. He also has the lowest xA per game among that set of 13 so he's not just unlucky that others fail to finish what he serves.
He does work hard, it just produces so little.
For all we talk about his other contributions he is the only NYCFC striker or winger all time with at least 3,000 minutes played and zero assists. He also has the lowest xA per game among that set of 13 so he's not just unlucky that others fail to finish what he serves.
He does work hard, it just produces so little.
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