|
|
Agent: George John won't leave FC Dallas during winter window
While there are still teams from Europe interested in the towering center back, John's agent told Goal.com that he won't make a winter move but he may in the summer
Dec 7, 2011 11:40:00 AM
By Alex Labidou
Otto Greule Jr
FC Dallas can breathe a sigh of relief when it comes to defender George John.
The 6-foot-4 center back's agent, Ted Philipakos, has revealed to Goal.com that his client will not move during the winter transfer window despite interest from several European teams.
"George continues to attract interest from Europe -- most notably from England and Greece, to this point -- but I do not expect George to move in the winter period," said Philipakos to Goal.com via email.
"George feels good about the fact that we have options," Philipakos explained. "If he wants to extend with MLS, we're in a stronger position now than ever before to make a deal that truly reflects his value, at least in the context of the MLS market, while if he wants to move to Europe, he’ll be able to do that in 2012."
Philipakos does expect that John will receive significant interest in the summer window due to the fact that his current MLS contract expires at the end of the 2012 season.
"I think we could see someone make a bid this summer, but if George wants to go to Europe he can just play out his contract and move as a free player next winter," he said.
Last summer, John had a transfer offer reported to be just over 1 million pounds accepted by Premier League club Blackburn Rovers. It is believed that the deal fell apart after Blackburn and John couldn't agree to a contract.
John has made 72 appearances for FC Dallas, scoring four goals. His stellar defensive work helped lead the club to a surprise run to the MLS Cup in 2010, where the team allowed a franchise-best average of 0.93 goals per game.
John has entertained the possibility of extending his contract since Dallas was eliminated from the playoffs last month. Philipakos said that after two years of putting contract negotiations on hold, he is set to resume conversations with MLS and FC Dallas about an extension.
"MLS and FC Dallas have approached us about a new contract at various points over the last two years, most recently this summer, and at that point we asked to put the issue on hold until the offseason. I believe we'll be talking more this month," said Philipakos.
As previously reported by media outlets, John turned down opportunities to train with Aston Villa and two Greek clubs. Philipakos says that his client will be resting and working out on his own.
"Unless something changes, he'll start preseason with FC Dallas on January 15," Philipakos said.
The 6-foot-4 center back's agent, Ted Philipakos, has revealed to Goal.com that his client will not move during the winter transfer window despite interest from several European teams.
"George continues to attract interest from Europe -- most notably from England and Greece, to this point -- but I do not expect George to move in the winter period," said Philipakos to Goal.com via email.
"George feels good about the fact that we have options," Philipakos explained. "If he wants to extend with MLS, we're in a stronger position now than ever before to make a deal that truly reflects his value, at least in the context of the MLS market, while if he wants to move to Europe, he’ll be able to do that in 2012."
Philipakos does expect that John will receive significant interest in the summer window due to the fact that his current MLS contract expires at the end of the 2012 season.
"I think we could see someone make a bid this summer, but if George wants to go to Europe he can just play out his contract and move as a free player next winter," he said.
Last summer, John had a transfer offer reported to be just over 1 million pounds accepted by Premier League club Blackburn Rovers. It is believed that the deal fell apart after Blackburn and John couldn't agree to a contract.
John has made 72 appearances for FC Dallas, scoring four goals. His stellar defensive work helped lead the club to a surprise run to the MLS Cup in 2010, where the team allowed a franchise-best average of 0.93 goals per game.
John has entertained the possibility of extending his contract since Dallas was eliminated from the playoffs last month. Philipakos said that after two years of putting contract negotiations on hold, he is set to resume conversations with MLS and FC Dallas about an extension.
"MLS and FC Dallas have approached us about a new contract at various points over the last two years, most recently this summer, and at that point we asked to put the issue on hold until the offseason. I believe we'll be talking more this month," said Philipakos.
As previously reported by media outlets, John turned down opportunities to train with Aston Villa and two Greek clubs. Philipakos says that his client will be resting and working out on his own.
"Unless something changes, he'll start preseason with FC Dallas on January 15," Philipakos said.
Follow ALEX LABIDOU on 
Inside Goal.Com
-
RIGG: Anelka struggling against the current in Shanghai
Nicolas Anelka went against the grain when he moved to Shanghai. Now he's finding that coaching and gelling tactically is like swimming against the tide.
-
ROGERS: Bradley should command a bidding war among Serie A teams
Chievo is currently shopping the American midfielder and several Italian clubs have shown interest.
-
ISOLA: Neymar-led Brazil should be considered the 2014 WC favorite
Neymar was brilliant as Brazil easily handled the United States with early World Cup preparations officially underway.
-
LATHAM: Mexico using summer friendlies to build depth
With World Cup qualifying to begin in June, Mexico is using three U.S.-hosted friendlies to build squad depth.
-
McCARTHY: Harrisburg springs its wildest Open Cup upset to date
The City Islanders fought back from three goals down with nine minutes to play and won the game on penalty kicks in a stunning game on a wild night for the U.S. Open Cup.