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Donovan Deal

I have a question about the Landon Donovan deal. Why is he only here for 2½ months whereas David Beckham is going to Milan for the same 5 month period as last season? Surely the short period of Landon's loan means we run the risk of losing him just when he's getting bedded down in our first eleven?
Alistair Strachan, Southport Posted 02/01/2010 at 22:18:23

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Doug Walters
1 Posted 03/01/2010 at 05:29:03

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You will find it is because he wants to start the MLS season with his club not because he is a greedy bastard like Beckham.

Robert Johnson
2 Posted 03/01/2010 at 13:41:04

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My thoughts on this for what they are worth is, Beckham knows the difference between the leagues and the standard of football. I think, once Donovan has tasted the Prem, he’ll want to stay. I think this time Doug money is not the overiding factor with Beckham, it's just the footy in the States is still well below what we have here and in Europe.

Elison Stephens
3 Posted 03/01/2010 at 14:06:15

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I have to agree with Robert. Although Donovan has a long history with MLS and a certain loyalty to his club for that reason, he has been looking for a permanent move to Europe for the past two seasons. MLS (which owns all player contracts) may have been asking too much to make that possible. His club is on the upswing, so I am sure they would have done everything in their power to get him back for the beginning of the coming season.

As for Beckham, he’s given up money to play for Milan and get fit enough to be available for selection to the England squad. I don’t think greed or lack thereof plays a part in either case. It does appear to be the footy — and what their contract holders will allow — this time around.

Mike Hayes
4 Posted 03/01/2010 at 16:38:21

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That arse is only interested in himself and what money he can get out of being in football. His days are long passed, ten years by my reckoning.

Kieran Kinsella
5 Posted 03/01/2010 at 17:34:27

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Probably to cover the duration of the ANC. I can’t see him being used much though because he is absolute RUBBISH. The only reason he’s here is because he has a chip on his shoulder about everything Beckham and wants to be like him.

Max Denton
6 Posted 03/01/2010 at 17:27:34

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While Donovan is a pretty good player in MLS and on the US National team, he has yet to prove himself in Europe. This gives him a run without requiring a major commitment on either side. This also lets him get his chance in the EPL without interfering with his Galaxy commitment. If it goes well, who knows what next year may bring, it is not like most EPL teams would have trouble buying out his contract or paying for an extended loan.

Beckham has been told he must play for Milan until the World Cup if he wants any chance at making it on the England team so the length of his stay there is being dictated by Capello. It will be interesting to see what happens next year when that is no longer an issue.

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