The Daily Dirt, December 8: Silly Season Shenanigans

Thanks to everyone who joined in last night on the ATLSoccer chat on Facebook. Tons of great questions and comments from you, thanks! Check it out if you missed it:

Today, be on the looking for more trade and transfer rumors as the Hot Stove League continues to heat up ahead of the Expansion Draft. We’ll also take a look at what the reported increase in Targeted Allocation Money in MLS will allow Atlanta United to do with their roster.

In case you missed it yesterday, Atlanta United will reportedly trade for Michael Parkhurst. Ives Galarcep also reported that the Andres Guardado move is looking less likely now, refuting Grant Wahl’s report from Tuesday that it was still on track. Welcome to the Silly Season where anything can happen.

As I said on the chat last night, Atlanta United can play hardball with Andres Guardado now. They have one Designated Player slot left. Tata Martino will likely be able to find a replacement for Guardado if needed. A replacement that would not bring the marketing bonuses that Guardado does, but someone who could do a similar job on the field. Also, United could look to fill a different role with that last DP slot if needed. There is also the question of bringing in the final Designated Player in January, or in the summer which is likely what PSV would like to do with Guardado. Maybe Atlanta does not want to wait for that key player.

I would assume that an offer has been discussed by this point, so both sides know the ballpark that is being talked about financially. It is now down to finalizing the figures and the timeline of the move. Negotiations sometimes go sideways, we’ll have to wait and see if that’s the case here. I still think it’s likely, but Atlanta has some options now in case they need to go in a different direction.

Domestic

An interview with Jozy Altidore on his transformation in Toronto (Yahoo)

Large crowd watches final Seattle training session for the Sounders before heading to MLS Cup (Sounder at Heart)

Serie A has fewer players making six figures per week than Major League Soccer (Guardian)

MLS throwing around more TAM for teams to improve their rosters (SI)

Top tacklers in MLS (Goal)

Burrito Martinez leaving RSL and heading back to Argentina (RSL Soapbox)

How will Nelson Rodriguez turn things around in Chicago? (MLS)

International

Referees to use monitors at the FIFA Club World Cup. (BBC)

Barcelona invite Chapecoense to play in the next Joan Gamper Trophy exhibition match (official)

Local