by JBG » Thu Jan 13, 2005 10:22 pm
Both Madrid and Barcelona have their own feeder clubs in Spain, those being essentially smaller clubs in the lower divisions where Madrid and Barca players routinely go on loan or make come backs from injury.
Man UTD also have some deal with Sporting Lisbon, although the term "feeder" club is a bit loose. PSV have a deal with Chelsea where Chelsea might have first option on PSV's players, while PSV will get to have one or two Chelsea players fromSouth America for a season or two.
For me, a club from the Benelux countries would be the best, as they are supposedly one of the easiest environments for extra-European (i.e. African and South American) to settle in. Their leagues are relatively weak in so far as your young player sent on loan there would always get a game, yet still strong enough for him to develop his game.
On one hand Bigmick makes a very good point about Australia, but on the other hand, the problem with Australian players is the craziness with international matches in the southern hemisphere.
Jolly Bob Grumbine.