Irfaan Gaffar: Expect Le Toux To Vancouver Announcement As Early As Tomorrow, No One Goes To Union In Return
by Scott Kessler on Jan 30, 2012 11:49 PM EST
in Offseason Content
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PrintSebastien Le Toux could be announced as a Vancouver Whitecaps player as soon as tomorrow, with no player going sent to the Philadelphia Union in return, according to Irfaan Gaffar.
The soccer reporter announced over Twitter that the deal to bring Le Toux back to the Pacific Northwest, known affectionately as Cascadia to North American soccer fans, would happen this week. Gaffar went on to state that the Union would not be receiving a player in the trade from the Whitecaps.
In return the Union would expect to obtain a package of sizable monetary value, as Philadelphia was asking Bolton Wanderers for a "fee upwards of $1 million," according to Kerith Gabriel, of the Philadelphia Daily News and Philly.com.
The 28-year-old has been fighting to stay in Philadelphia, a source told the Brotherly Game, but the front office appears to have had the final say in the situation, despite Le Toux's best efforts.
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^He sums up my thoughts pretty well on this.
I am Sandy's bitch.
Joseph Vincent Paterno 12/21/26 - 1/22/12 RIP Coach
Penn State Forever
I am totally confused..
It almost seems like the failed Bolton transfer has revealed the Union’s true intentions which is to move Le Toux one way or the other. If we’re not even getting a player from them in addition to the ever murky “undisclosed amount of allocation” as stated above, than what the hell are we getting for our best player!?!? We just lost arguably our 2 best players in a 24 hr span.. only getting compensation for 1 is bad enough, but now we’re shipping Le Toux within the MLS? “The right price” better be nothing short of the pink slip for the entire franchise or I’m going to be seriously disappointed… I just don’t understand why you seemingly run your best player outta town when he’s expressed that he wants to stay. I know he only has 1 year left on his contract, so is the Union thinking they won’t be able to afford his new salary demands and trying to get some value for him rather than just losing him to free agency? Its the only thing I can think of.
In other though slightly related news, Tannenwald over at philly.com is speculating that freeing up all this salary/cap could be a financial move to allow the Union to purchase Torres permanently. Maybe, maybe not… but even if thats the case its not enough to make the Le Toux situation sit well with me.
by Domin8ing the Big Ten(11) on Jan 31, 2012 7:40 AM EST reply actions
If given the choice between Le Toux and Torres, I’ll take Le Toux all day. I like Torres, but he doesn’t seem capable of going 90. And based on what I’ve seen at least, I’d certainly prefer Le Toux’s production over Roger’s.
If Bolton worked out, I could understand that. All players want to play in Europe. But this? And Mondragon? Is there a big move coming this off season?
"If it keeps Mike Milbury off TV, then bring on the 1-3-1," Bob McKenzie
I was prepared for Seba to leave, but I feel bad for him if this goes through. This is probably his last shot to make it in a big league, and he ends up going to a below average team in MLS? It just sucks for a guy who put in so much effort each and every game.
That being said, the Union should be getting a combo of allocation money, an international slot, and a 1st round draft pick out of this. His production alone warrants that price.
Yep, agree.
I was OK with Le Toux leaving for an EPL team. He works hard and deserves the “promotion.”
Le Toux's Contract
Does anyone know how long his current contract is? It could be up in a year or two. If so, that could be a big factor in dealing him.
Last year of current deal, he’s outplayed this contract by miles. Even those who would downplay his abilities, 25 goals and 22 assists over 2 years demands a raise. Doesn’t seem as if the Union FO (UFOs?) are willing to extend him at a higher rate with so many youngsters, also if they have to buy Torres outright that will be expensive.
So judging by the rumors about Pinoy, seems to indicate that the U have calculated Seba’s loss and determined Pinoy could be the veteran stopgap up front. The need for a seasoned backup or starter quality keeper is also apparent, MacMath now only one on roster amd will miss significant time as an Olympic call up.
If they spend some cash on reinforcements and turn LeToux into a couple of players that can help us through that period and provide much needed depth, this may not be a bad thing.
I think what is difficult for us Philly fans to digest after watching the Eagles/Flyers/Phillies always reach for their wallets over the last 10 years or so, the Union may not have those resources. This ownership group may always have to make harder calls and sell off talent and backfill with replacements. It’s a workable model (and not a pure "moneyball"analog, as I havent heard the stats part from the U as often) as long as they can scour the Latin American leagues for young, cheap talent. If the scouting and recruiting breakdown, it’s gonna be rough.
I don't buy the money argument
They sell out just about every game. There’s tons of merchandise moved with the Union logo on it. And on top of all that is the Bimbo money (3 mil per year, if I recall). Add all that up, and I have a real hard time believing that the U can’t afford the contract.
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