Marlon James: In through the back door (maybe)
By Jeff Carlisle · August 26, 2008
For those thinking that with the passing of the international transfer deadline on August 15, the Marlon James deal was dead, think again. A creative shell game may yet see the St. Vincent and the Grenadines native land in San Jose.
According to San Jose manager Frank Yallop, James is set to sign for USL-1 side Vancouver. This will give the Quakes a chance to see James in person before deciding if they want to sign him, and they have until September 15 to do so, since that is the deadline for signing players from the USL. And with San Jose already putting in a discovery claim on James, they don’t have to move on the player right away.
“It’s kind of a roundabout way of doing it,” admitted Yallop. “We’re still working on [signing James]. But we might be waiting until next year anyway. We’ll see how it goes, and how he does, but he’s on our radar right now.”
The Quakes are also set bolster their developmental roster. One player poised to sign is South African midfielder Davide Somma, who last played in the Italian Serie C2 for Olbia Calcio. Somma, 23, has also spent time with Serie D side Pro Vasta, and prior to that spent a season on the books of Perugia.
Also getting a look from San Jose is 20-year-old German forward Michael Ghebru who spent time as youth player with Eintracht Frankfurt.
Jeff, Isn’t the transfer window for James to Vancouver closing tomorrow (8-27-08)?
Is this in fact something that Yallop has confirmed is happening or just a wish? If it is a real event, what is Vancouver going to want in return from the Quakes? This entire situation is so very confusing.
Sneaky way to manuever around the transfer window. I’m hearing that his teammate at Kedah, Huggins will also go to Vancouver. I’ve never seen Doyle or Yallop mention any interest in him, but Marlon Alex James said that the Quakes were interested in both of them.
Also, just how may foreign roster spots do the Quakes have? I thought I heard they only have one left?
Hi Joseph - I’m only repeating what Frank told me regarding the transfer window. I think the fact that Vancouver is a Canadian team makes a difference.
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i think there is a lot of watste if san jose fail to sign him because marlon alex james was the most valuable foreign player in malaysian super leauge history.His makes debut for Kedah last two season and he finished as top score for both season.With his appearance in Kedah team…they had won double-treble…agoxe
Great to hear the good questions being asked! By all accounts, this player looks worthy of their interest. FY has a great history scouting talent, so I trust his judgment, as well. I guess it’s a waiting game…
I’d like to hear more about these new guys. Did they play overseas? Did they start with those clubs? For such a new club as our Quakes, even the developmental roster is significant.
Keep up the great reporting…