[Dandaman9999]

(Original post by Blind Ferret)
I never thought that lad was coming to United. We've mainly been looking at Kagawa, and with his professional attitude, I'm glad he didn't.
Although he's gonna be a massive player for Chelsea, or so it looks like. If he can handle the pressure.

But Kagawa, if he comes to United could also make a massive impact. We just need to offer a higher bid.

Shinji Kagawa: 198 apps, 86 goals and 45 assists. Better record than Hazards but he's cheaper

Totally agree about this

I think Kagawa would be far more effective with us than Hazard tbh... I've seen their playing styles and the way Kagawa precisely finds the perfect pass to the striker (Great for the likes of Hernandez and Welbeck who love making the runs off the shoulder of the last man) makes him more suitable for United IMO.

But there's also rumours going around about getting Kagawa, Lewandowski and Hummels in a tri-sale from Dortmund for a figure of 50mil + would prefer at least two of them for about the same price as Hazard is valued at

[heyimbored]

(Original post by Aky786UK)
Hazard has made a wrong decision when you think about it logically. He said what would judge the club he would sign for would depend on playing time. So what do you do? Go to Chelsea where they already have Mata and I'm guessing, will shove him to the left and play Hazard behind Torres. No guarantee of first team football in his favoured position. Like Nasri last summer, he failed to realise that there is a position begging to be taken at OT. I've got a feeling the lure of London, living in Surrey, and oh yeah, that tripe about joining the CL winners is what got the job done for him. He would have accomplished his goals with us in terms of developing as a player. Money and location talks I'm guessing for him.

I initially thought that, but would he really be guaranteed that place? You're screaming for a player like that, but with Welbeck seemingly in Fergie's plans, Rooney is going to fill that space (where he can influence the game etc...). So unless Welbeck is taken out the team, and Rooney used as the top man, he's not going to be in there. Other than that, the only central position would be in place of Scholes I guess, which obviously isn't his position.

Or is Rooney playing as the top man? I haven't really seen Utd play much this year, I'm just basing that on what other people have told me.

[NathanW18]

This transfer has been a complete joke.

The guy is so full of himself, it's unreal. Demanding to play in certain positions. Demanding a certain squad number. Demanding a salary much higher than players that are actually proven. Saying he's going to sign for footballing reasons when Chelsea don't even have a manager. Okay.

I knew he was signing for Chelsea when it was made clear he was going to tell everyone on Twitter. Sir Alex would never allow for that.

[Blind Ferret]

(Original post by Dandaman9999)
Totally agree about this

I think Kagawa would be far more effective with us than Hazard tbh... I've seen their playing styles and the way Kagawa precisely finds the perfect pass to the striker (Great for the likes of Hernandez and Welbeck who love making the runs off the shoulder of the last man) makes him more suitable for United IMO.

But there's also rumours going around about getting Kagawa, Lewandowski and Hummels in a tri-sale from Dortmund for a figure of 50mil + would prefer at least two of them for about the same price as Hazard is valued at

That Hummels is supposed to be a really, really good Defender. He's playing in a strong league aswell. I'd love to see a few big signings for United. We need them, we've done well thus far but 'The Old Guard' are still having to save our asses.

[Stu Laverty]

(Original post by Blind Ferret)
Shinji Kagawa: 198 apps, 86 goals and 45 assists. Better record than Hazards but he's cheaper

Yeah, those stats are impressive but deceptive. Over half those appearances, goals and assists came in the Japanese 2nd division.

Not saying Kagawa isn't impressive, but I've seen these wikipedia stats thrown about all over the place without any sort of context.

[Dandaman9999]

(Original post by Blind Ferret)
That Hummels is supposed to be a really, really good Defender. He's playing in a strong league aswell. I'd love to see a few big signings for United. We need them, we've done well thus far but 'The Old Guard' are still having to save our asses.

True, I think he'll be a good buy. But I don't think we'll get either him or Lewandowski as the Dortmund owner has clearly stated he expects to lose Kagawa but no one else either way, I think we've filled our weakest position with Shinji in the middle of the park.

[Blind Ferret]

(Original post by Stu Laverty)
Yeah, those stats are impressive but deceptive. Over half those appearances, goals and assists came in the Japanese 2nd division.

Not saying Kagawa isn't impressive, but I've seen these wikipedia stats thrown about all over the place without any sort of context.

That is very true. Although his Dortmund record is good enough to take a chance on the lad. Especially as an (Attacking) midfielder. As you said there's people with incredible Wikipedia records that don't perform elsewhere, but we'll just have to see. For all we know he could never go to United and Hazard will flop in England. Just a waiting game.

[murpo]

(Original post by jameslad)
Hazard to Chelsea - Confirmed.

Check out his twitter account, he has confirmed it!

https://twitter.com/#!/hazardeden10

thoughts?

I personally think he has the biggest mistake in his life, should have joined united. I'm sure he said that he'll join the team that lets him be no. 10, play frequently and offer him a certain amount of money. So what's going to happen to Mata now? :P

He has not confirmed it, he stated he is joining the CL winners. He is trolling everyone. He could be joining the previous CL winners or future CL winners.

[Stu Laverty]

(Original post by Blind Ferret)
That is very true. Although his Dortmund record is good enough to take a chance on the lad. Especially as an (Attacking) midfielder. As you said there's people with incredible Wikipedia records that don't perform elsewhere, but we'll just have to see. For all we know he could never go to United and Hazard will flop in England. Just a waiting game.

Don't get me wrong, I think Kagawa is phenomenal. As someone who has watched almost every game he's played for the last two years, I think Man Utd have got a steal at around £17million. I just don't think he and Hazard can be compared based on stats even from the last two years, nor do I think their price tags can be compared since Kagawa was entering the last year of his contract and Hazard had a few more left.

[Tommyjw]

(Original post by Blind Ferret)
That Hummels is supposed to be a really, really good Defender. He's playing in a strong league aswell. I'd love to see a few big signings for United.

If United spend on a CB i may have to punch someone in the face.

[mirin?]

(Original post by Stu Laverty)
Don't get me wrong, I think Kagawa is phenomenal. As someone who has watched almost every game he's played for the last two years, I think Man Utd have got a steal at around £17million. I just don't think he and Hazard can be compared based on stats even from the last two years, nor do I think their price tags can be compared since Kagawa was entering the last year of his contract and Hazard had a few more left.

Tbh, everyone in the league apart from Chelsea would just love to see Hazard **** up. He is just not a likeable character, like Torres.

Tbh, I see him being as good as someone like Nasri, and no more.

[Aramiss18]

(Original post by Stu Laverty)
Your stats don't show that Hazard basically dragged Lille to a French title and Champions League football. Kagawa's great, but he plays in a much better team too.

Tjw thinks stats are everything. True assists and goals are important but they don't tell the whole story. I have heard Kagawa is super nifty though and now Park Ji-Sung is over the hill they need someone to sell shirts in Asia.

Kagawa will turn out to be the best value for money IMO as shirt sells will pay his transfer and wages.

[Aky786UK]

(Original post by Stu Laverty)
Don't get me wrong, I think Kagawa is phenomenal. As someone who has watched almost every game he's played for the last two years, I think Man Utd have got a steal at around £17million. I just don't think he and Hazard can be compared based on stats even from the last two years, nor do I think their price tags can be compared since Kagawa was entering the last year of his contract and Hazard had a few more left.

As I value your opinion as a poster around here Stu and I know you watch German football, what are your thoughts on Kagawa fitting in the United system, a potentially better option than Hazard?

I've not seen alot of Kagawa, similiar to Hazard in that they are highly regarded but the former seems the Man United player in terms of his personality and seems to have the skills of what we need atm.

[mirin?]

(Original post by Aramiss18)
Tjw thinks stats are everything. True assists and goals are important but they don't tell the whole story. I have heard Kagawa is super nifty though and now Park Ji-Sung is over the hill they need someone to sell shirts in Asia.

Kagawa will turn out to be the best value for money IMO as shirt sells will pay his transfer and wages.

Lol, I actually think a faction of Man Utd fans are the most prejudiced against South East Asians in the league (and Asians in general). They're very adamant that new players must be the huge name signing raised throughout their careers in the South American or European Leagues. Such is the prawn sandwich eating brigade in the club.

A lot of idiots think that this guy is getting signed 'just for shirt sales' and 'We'll get Modric who is miles better'. Wrong, hate to break it to them, but Modric is not the world class Scholes replacment people make him out to be. Ok, I am biased against Modric because I think he is a Chelsea courting dick, but, anyway, my point stands.

[Bezaberry]

(Original post by murpo)
He has not confirmed it, he stated he is joining the CL winners. He is trolling everyone. He could be joining the previous CL winners or future CL winners.

Who is that in your sig? D:

[Aramiss18]

(Original post by mirin?)
Lol, I actually think a faction of Man Utd fans are the most prejudiced against South East Asians in the league (and Asians in general). They're very adamant that new players must be the huge name signing raised throughout their careers in the South American or European Leagues. Such is the prawn sandwich eating brigade in the club.

A lot of idiots think that this guy is getting signed 'just for shirt sales' and 'We'll get Modric who is miles better'. Wrong, hate to break it to them, but Modric is not the world class Scholes replacment people make him out to be. Ok, I am biased against Modric because I think he is a Chelsea courting dick, but, anyway, my point stands.

I don't necessarily agree with that point.

I don't think anyone is suggesting that's why he's being signed at all- but it's certainly a perk if his popularity boosts commercial revenue. Ultimately Fergie will have unilateral control over transfers and he'll only want quality players so Kagawa will definitely add to the squad (unless he's another Bebe )

[Stu Laverty]

(Original post by Aky786UK)
As I value your opinion as a poster around here Stu and I know you watch German football, what are your thoughts on Kagawa fitting in the United system, a potentially better option than Hazard?

I've not seen alot of Kagawa, similiar to Hazard in that they are highly regarded but the former seems the Man United player in terms of his personality and seems to have the skills of what we need atm.

I mentioned this in the Man Utd thread a few weeks back, I believe, but Kagawa seems made for Man Utd. Dortmund play a system which is a lot like Man Utd: more possession based against weaker teams, a more direct approach against teams like Arsenal. Plus Man Utd have become famous for counter attacking football over the years, which suits Kagawa perfectly. He's got great passing ability, decision making and intelligence. I think he'll be fantastic.

Better than Hazard? That's difficult to say. I don't think Man Utd could have gone wrong with either guy. I am a huge fan of both of them and while I think Hazard is a slightly better player, I think Kagawa is just what Man Utd need in their midfield. People rate Hazard highly because of how influential he was to winning Lille Ligue 1. Certainly he was more important for Lille than Kagawa for Dortmund - to put things into perspective, Dortmund already have Gotze, not to mention Reus coming in. Lille don't have a hope of getting a player of Hazard's quality.

[murpo]

(Original post by Bezaberry)
Who is that in your sig? D:

daisy lowe

[mau5]

Should have joined Man United if he had any sense, playing under Fergie and behind Rooney would have been perfect for him. Shame he's made a move based on money and not football as he's a fantastic talent. As good as Kagawa is he's not at the same level of Hazard.

[Rybee]

There has been a lot of bull**** written on this thread.

Nobody knows who (in the Chelsea hierarchy) decided to sign him. FACT.
Nobody knows what shirt number he will be. FACT.
Nobody knows exactly where he will play. FACT.
Nobody knows what was said in negotiations. FACT.
Nobody knows why Chelsea appealed to him more. FACT.
Nobody knows who will manage Chelsea next season. FACT.
Nobody knows what formation Chelsea will play next season. FACT.

Can everybody just stop speculating? A lot of people are acting like Chelsea have signed him without prior planning. If you think they've not thought about where he wants to play, and where he can play, and where he will play... You're an idiot. You don't know what happened in negotiations so stop pretending like you know more about this transfer than Eden and the Chelsea board.

Everyone saying joining Chelsea was a mistake... He is after first team football and with Kalou and Malouda on the way out he's going to get that at Chelsea.

I suspect the fact that there are too many players who can play in a similar position to him, in Man City, would have put him off. Their squad size is very large and they are often forced to leave out big named stars. He's a footballer, he wants to play, so I GUESS that is his rationale for not picking City.

As for Utd, I honestly don't see their current team/tactics/formation suiting him. Their football is often played quite wide on the wings and I don't think there would really be space for him to play behind the strikers like it's claimed he wants to. I know sometimes United do play narrow at times, but compared to Chelsea who ALWAYS play without wingers, on paper, Chelsea would look the more appealing team to play for.

I honestly think he made the right decision team wise. Chelsea is being re-structured and he's got the opportunity to join the new revolution this season and I think he will be a key signing for Chelsea, that's got to be exciting for any player.


-----

That said, I really don't like the way he has portrayed himself in the media... He seems very arrogant. I didn't like the way that he was talking about leaving whilst still playing for Lille, going to twitter to declare he's got lots of offers and almost teasing people with what club he thinks he'll go with. I really don't like that, and if Jose were around, I don't think that attitude would get him very far.

It's distasteful and insulting to the other players of Lille, the management, and most importantly; the fans. Loyalty is a key attribute in football and the way that he was barging around is plain wrong. He should've kept his opinions to his agent, and thanked the fans and club for the support he's been given and just moved on quietly.

I think it's an excellent signing for Chelsea, and as a fan, I'm naturally very excited that he'll be playing for us. He's only 21 and is a very promising talent.


All in all, nobody can deny it's a great addition for the Premier League and it will be great to see him play next season, even if it were for City or Utd.