Would be a major point of contention if Laporta does this and admits the mistake he made with Zlatan. Lets be honest here, its very unlikely Pep was the main man behind the transfer. I'm sure he had some input, like saying he wanted a fairly tall striker. But Laporta is the one who does the transfer business. The year before they wanted Adebayor most but couldnt get it sorted. Then they got Zlatan last summer. David Villa would be a good improvement and alleviate the pressures on Messi to do it all himself.
David Villa | Monday 'defining day' for Spurs: Villa signs for Atletico Madrid
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In the latest episode of the United Hour Podcast, Nik (@Rood) and Imran (@Annihilate Now!) are here to discuss Amad saving our blushes in a win against Southampton as well as our now annual loss at home to Brighton. They discuss Amorim's post-match comments, revisit how mid-table we may or may not be, and discuss some transfer news.
He isn't pushing for a move. The club are in huge debt and need to make around 35 million euros this summer one way or another. They could sell several players but its not like they have the biggest squad in the first place. Villa would fetch the highest price at this point. And would be the third time David Villa has been sold because his club were in financial difficulty.
Unless Villa can suddenly become a left sided striker like Henry. Such a deal will most likely not happen. I'm more inclined to believe Villa will replace Raul at Real Madrid.
Barcelona on the other hand will intensify their look for a proper, class left sided attacker. To replace what Henry gave them last season.
As I've said before its not beyond Villa to play a role like that and its probably in his character to accept a role like that at a team like Barcelona.
However even if it started that way, I wouldnt be surprised if it ended up being Messi on the right, Villa in the middle and Pedro or a new signing on the left. As talented a player as Ibrahimovic clearly is he is not in my opinion what a top club wants up front alone. And a lot of the time thats how it would be in Barcelona's 4-3-3. Villa is more of a hard worker and someone who works the defence a lot more and his mobility through the middle can be deadly. Even more-so with Xavi playing balls in behind for him like with Spain.
Nah, Pep pushed for someone like Kanoute or Adebayor so he could use a target man for Messi to play off and he finally got that with Zlatan the season after. Villa will play on LW.
Valencia, like the rest of La Liga are miles behind Barca and Real. You've said yourself that Villa is one of the best strikers in the world, clearly he should be playing for a side that's challenging for honours. Ibra is also one of the best strikers in the world, a very different kind of player but a special talent none the less. It would be ludicrous for him to be plying his trade at Valencia, even the worst hack in Spain wouldn't seriously think that's a likely destination for him.
And it hasnt worked.
In a 4-3-3 you need your central striker doing a lot of work and constantly occupying the defence. Zlatan and a lot of the other taller strikers dont do that nearly as well as the Eto'os, Villa's and Rooney's. Torres does though... Maybe they'll go for him.
Eto'o or Villa don't play central in 4-3-3. Eto'o plays right wing. Everyone is playing target man now, United, Bayern, Inter, Barca, Chelsea, Arsenal, Liverpool it's the in thing just like DMFs were a few seasons ago. If Zlatan is a **** it'll be because is heart isn't at club not because his position doesn't work, some people have suggested maybe he found it weird playing against Inter because in other games he's been very effective.
Messi--------Villa
------Ibra
With it sometimes switching to
Messi
-----------Ibra
------Villa
Barca probably don't have money for a Torres or Rooney even if they were for sale.
Zlatan would be poor on the wings.... typical Henry. I'd take a Pedro over Zlatan on the wings anyday.
They already have Pedro who has done an incredible job for them this season.
The problem with Barca, is that the team is built around Messi and Xavi ( Iniesta too ) but Zlatan was expecting to be the main man, but just hasn't clicked, his artistic touches, and occasionnal good finishing wasn't good enough and I mean, he hasn't shown the quality as he did in Inter as you can see he had a more influential role in Inter.
Eto'o would suit Barca's tactics better than Ibra any day. Ibra needs a team to be built around him to operate and show his true worth, I don't see Barca as the geniuine team for him.
If Barca were to go for Villa, I think Ibra could find himself in the particular Berbatov situation.
I'm still glad we didn't go for Ibra, I don't think he's any better than Berbatov. Only players with a lot of work rate suit us ( That is my opinion )
Eto'o would suit Barca's tactics better than Ibra any day. Ibra needs a team to be built around him to operate and show his true worth, I don't see Barca as the geniuine team for him.
If Barca were to go for Villa, I think Ibra could find himself in the particular Berbatov situation.
I'm still glad we didn't go for Ibra, I don't think he's any better than Berbatov. Only players with a lot of work rate suit us ( That is my opinion )
Valencia does very very well as a central striker for Valencia and also for Spain when Torres is as usual injured.
He would be devastating at Barca imo. Ibra might end up like Berbatov. Dropped for most big games. Villa would make them as good as last season if not better.
And pedro gives them what Henry gave last season.
Eto'o played central striker in Barcelona's front 3 last season and they were amazing. Villa plays central striker in Valencia's front 3 and like always is one of the top scorers in la liga and has helped his team to 3rd behind the obvious 2.
Barcelona spent 105 million euros last summer and I believe around 80 million euros the summer before. They also have a change of president this summer and with that will come one or two expensive signings. They probably have the money to sign Torres or Rooney if they were available. Chances are Rooney is not. Chances are Torres will be more available than he has been for a while.
Villa is first choice for Spain. Even with Torres not injured
By the way the Marca story is its 40 million euros plus Bojan and Hleb. I think it would be a good deal all round but I doubt it'll happen like that if at all.
Im sick and tired of telling people this, well when i say people in mean scousers. His scoring record is superior aswell
Yeah but it's shit. It's 30 million euros plus no one. For him to play on LW, trust me it's done. Probably means Ribery to Los Blancos is inevitable. The second formation wasn't supposed to Ibra left wing but Messi dropping into Midfield and Ibra playing behind Villa. A bit like Arsenal when they had Pires, Bergkamp and Henry. Pedro would give them four players to rotate and one to bring if someone is injured. They've lacked that this season, like on Wednesday.
On some of your other points, I think there's some fiscal rule that will stop Barca going for players under a new president and Rosell who probably is going to win, has talked nothing but conservation. The Barca elections are more political than people think, it's more about the boring stuff behind scenes than signing big names. Eto'o was anonymous against Chelsea last season and United the year before, he scored loads against some weaker La Liga but struggled when he had his back against goal. Villa was better behind Morientes as well in my opinion. He's scored less up top on his own especially in big games. You didn't answer the point about just about every other big club playing a target up top.
No chance of Valencia selling Villa for 30 million euros. They need 35 million euros this summer just to hold off the debt, let alone sign his replacement and sort out the wages/contract for that player. So excuse me for not trusting you and your amazing source even an inch. 
Also the part which makes it most unlikely is he has a world cup to play. And based on his performances at the euros in a tournament where his playing time was cut short due to injury, its very likely he'll score lots of goals at the world cup. So why would Valencia choose to agree to sell him right now, when they can wait till after the world cup when his price should be at its peak again?
Also the part which makes it most unlikely is he has a world cup to play. And based on his performances at the euros in a tournament where his playing time was cut short due to injury, its very likely he'll score lots of goals at the world cup. So why would Valencia choose to agree to sell him right now, when they can wait till after the world cup when his price should be at its peak again?
He might accept it. Whether he is good enough for it is an entirely different matter. Him on the left flank would be a pure waste for I don't think it suits him. It would only make some sense if Messi was switched to the left. Which is highly unlikely.
It is unlikely to happen for one key reason. Barca always give their stars a second chance. & honestly I don't expect Zlatan to be like he has been this season next year. He is in too good a team and he is too good a player Once he is settled in proper, he will shine. It has been a pattern with him at almost all his clubs. To be very unspectacular in his first season. If ever they sign Villa. He will have to make a home on the flank.
Ffs everytime I load this thread I always load the first page which has someone saying real has entered into talks with Valencia and I curse loudly everytime only to realize it's from 08 or whenever 
Barcelona reach verbal agreement with David Villa - Transfers - ESPN Soccernet
Barcelona are believed to have verbally agreed to sign Valencia striker David Villa this summer in a deal that could be worth up to €40 million plus a player exchange.
Villa has been one of the hottest properties in La Liga over the past few years, and has scored at least 15 goals in each of the past 7 campaigns, including 21 so far this season.
And after the failure of club record signing Zlatan Ibrahimovic to impress since his move from Inter Milan last summer, Barca coach Pep Guardiola is thought to be looking for a new attacking impetus to add to his side.
Villa would certainly fit the bill, as he possesses both an imperious goalscoring record and is also good friends with Blaugranas captain Carles Puyol, Xavi Hernandez and Andres Iniesta.
According to Spanish daily Marca, Valencia are thought to want Barcelona striker Bojan Krkic and midfielder Alexander Hleb as part of any deal - plus a cash payment of around €40 million
Villa has reportedly had previous discussions with representatives of both Manchester United and Liverpool about a possible move to the Premier League, but would prefer to remain in Spain.
Barcelona are believed to have verbally agreed to sign Valencia striker David Villa this summer in a deal that could be worth up to €40 million plus a player exchange.
Villa has been one of the hottest properties in La Liga over the past few years, and has scored at least 15 goals in each of the past 7 campaigns, including 21 so far this season.
And after the failure of club record signing Zlatan Ibrahimovic to impress since his move from Inter Milan last summer, Barca coach Pep Guardiola is thought to be looking for a new attacking impetus to add to his side.
Villa would certainly fit the bill, as he possesses both an imperious goalscoring record and is also good friends with Blaugranas captain Carles Puyol, Xavi Hernandez and Andres Iniesta.
According to Spanish daily Marca, Valencia are thought to want Barcelona striker Bojan Krkic and midfielder Alexander Hleb as part of any deal - plus a cash payment of around €40 million
Villa has reportedly had previous discussions with representatives of both Manchester United and Liverpool about a possible move to the Premier League, but would prefer to remain in Spain.
I used to think the world of him, but nowadays I'm no longer sure about that. Why has a player like him spent the best part of his career at minor clubs with hardly any chance to win major profis? He does lack the greed for trophies and a winning mentality.
I think its out of respect for the clubs he has played for. Its not like he never plays hard for the cause when he's been given the chance in the king's cup (won that), Spanish super cup, champions league and the euros. He was a winner when his side was up to it.
Villa will score goals for fun at Barca. Cracking striker, they should have bought him last Summer rather then fannying around with Ibrawank.
He should have looked for a move anyway. But he seems to be afraid of moving abroad or proving himself at a big club. For a footballer, he's not young, he's already almost 29 years old and he wasted the best time of his career at small clubs who don't stand a chance of winning anything of major importance. Loyalty and respect for you current club is well and good, but you shouldn't forget your career. Could you see Brazilian Ronaldo making the same career decisions like Villa? Or Cristiano Ronaldo? Or Messi? Or Zidane? No player of this quality would do that. They love success and they are not afraid of the pressure that comes with big clubs, as opposed to Villa.
David Villa wasnt considered for many top clubs till a couple of seasons ago when he was already at Valencia. He will go down as Spain's highest ever goalscorer. I think he'll be fairly satisfied with that and a king's cup, as would most players.
Valencia aren't really a minor club though - it's not Le Tissier we're talking about. The winning mentality was more than evident at Euro 2008.
I remember we were linked with him strongly before his move to Valencia. Just weren't meant to be.
If you do have a winning mentality, you have to have the guts to play for a big club where you have to deal with pressure. Villa is a disappointment in that he never searched for a real challenge and he'll never be counted to one of the best players in the world. He's a total waste of talent, I wish someone more ambitious would have his talent.
But for all his goal threat he simply doesn't offer the width threat Henry did on the left of their attack.
What a ludicrious statement.
You're mistaken. He turned clubs like us down whilst he was still at Zaragoza. In addition, when he joined Valencia they were not languishing as they are now, to be fair to him. They were challenging for honors.
Well that "total waste of talent" was challenging for honours when he first signed for Valencia. Fair enough the last two years have been disappointing, but that's from lack of strengthening the team. Don't confuse loyalty with a lack of ambition. There are plenty if quality players that didn't play for a big big club:
Riquelme("political signing" for Barca)
Pele
Bobby Moore
Le Tissier
Juninho
Shearer
Gerrard and Torres
Totti(depending on how you rate Roma)
We were linked correct. As I said, not many. We were the only ones I saw linked to him and I doubt it was that concrete.
As we both know Fergie likes to go back in for players he didnt get the first time round and there have been several great oppertunities to go and get him in previous years and we've never seemed to be interested.
Obviously we're getting linked with him a lot these days, but there's still nothing concrete about it. Nothing to say we are actually trying to buy him now. Just the press and their lack of quotes.
It was more than just a link. He actually turned us down and chose Valencia instead.
We've just not really needed him again till this season. & prior to Valencia entering debt, he was happy there. I doubt he would have wanted to move.
To make it worse for us, right now we can't really afford him. Thanks to the debt. Furthermore the 30m spent on Berba has made us less likely to risk money on such an investment. Even though it would most likely be worth every penny.
"No Value in the market"
"No Value in the market"
I'm the first to take the piss when narrow markets/no value are tossed about but villa was never going to come to england when the biggest clubs spain wanted him. For us to be in the villa market, we would've had to move the club to spain.
Agree!
The problem we have is that all our supporters believe that everyone wants to play for us and if they don't it's the glazers fault!!