that CB Alex from PSV - didn't he sign for chelsea and got loaned back to PSV because of workpermit troubles or so ?
He's a class CB
***
Here's my 2 cents worth about the Squadverdict:
This is what I think will happen - not what I wish
Casillas- will stay, longterm contract, appart from a bad end to last season a top performer
Salgado – on his way, old, slow, surely not in Caps thinking.
R.Carlos – on the brink – offer from chelsea / probable LB replacement coming ?
Ramos – will stay, longterm deal, has a lot to learn, but a great player already
Zidane – retired (soon)
Helguera – definetly gone, had a poor season, surely has no future at the club
Raul – he is aswell on the brink, shadow of his great former self, can't see him being a starter under Capello and he won't like it sitting on the bench.
Baptista – I think he will get his chance with Capello
Ronaldo – on his way out, Capello doesn't like him I think, and he's so moody, non teamworkers will be quickly moved out by Capello I'd say.
Robinho – he's a certain stayer, long term deal, good future ahead of him.
Cicinho - can be fairly save aswell of his place, specially with Salgado and Diogo probably out
P.Garcia – probably can pack his bags
Lopez – if he doesn't leave the club with the offer he got, a sure number 2 under capello
Guti – I think from the „old“ madrid he'll be one of the few to survive the cut
R.Bravo – he aswell will remain as a squad player
Gravesen – quite unsure about him – have no clue
Woodgate – on his way out sooner than later with his injury history
Cassano – I'd say a certain stayer
Minambres – probably shipped out to make room for youngsters
Diogo – can pack his bags I'd say
Pavon – like Gravesen I'm unsure if he'll stay, probably depends on how many defenders get bought.
Beckham – more on him later in my post.
Mejia – will remain, squad player at least, 100% ahead of Pavon
Soldado – will get his chance – at least getting into the A-Team for good.
De La Red – same as Soldado
Balboa, Jurado, Arbeloa could get promoted into the 25 squad
as for Becks:
Madrids Moneymen want him to stay almost at all costs, as does the president, the official supplier (Adidas) and probably all sponsors aswell.
I have no Idea if Capello likes him or not but I think Becks there got a „Carte Blanche“ because of the above mentioned things.
Becks himself want to stay aswell + he has „only“ 2 years to run on his contract, not many clubs can afford him, and he doesn't want to join any random club aswell.
Footballingwise if Capello really wants Nistelrooy, of corse it would make enormous sense to keep Becks – because he suplied Ruud with the crosses in order for him to break all scoring records and make him a world class finisher.
Performancewise Becks has been ok for Madrid last Season and aswell for England during the World Cup, of corse not great but not that bad either as all make it. I think it will be important and that counts generally – that the balance is right in the Midfield in order to bring out his best.
Anyway to summ it up:
I think this will be the „core“ of next seasons Madrid (without the incoming transfers“
18 Players to remain:
Casillas
R.Carlos (ev)
Ramos
Raul (ev)
Baptista
Robinho
Cicinho
Lopez
Guti
Bravo
Gravesen (ev)
Cassano
Becks
Mejia
Soldado
De La Red
Jurado
Balboa
8 Players on the way out:
Salgado
Helguera
Ronaldo
Garcia
Woodgate
Minambres
Diogo
Pavon
