As a Saints fan, one of the most painful experiences of players leaving is when they sign for a previous manager, yet you guys seem pretty calm about it. Is that a reflection on PVA or is just Big Sam still relatively liked?
Patrick van Aanholt 'openly stated' that he did not want to play for Sunderland, chief executive Martin Bain has revealed.The left-back is nearing a switch to Crystal Palace, in a deal that could be worth up to £14 million for Sunderland. They are understood to be looking at Diego Contento as a replacement on loan. The Black Cats had been hoping to keep hold of van Aanholt this month, his pace and attacking making him a valuable asset. But the player's determination to be reunited with Sam Allardyce has forced the issue and Sunderland have now granted him his wish, the Dutchman now set for a medical. Martin Bain has said: "If a player openly states he does not want to play for our club, then it is clear that we have a decision to make. In this instance and in regard to this particular player, we have done what we feel is right for Sunderland, which will always be our priority." Feck him hes a liability anyway. Id rather have a defender that can defend.
£14m is straight up MUGGING Palace. Probably half of that up front, some if they stay up, some after 100 apps etc etc, but still, the kid is a calamitous defender, unless Allardyce intends to play him as a LW, in which case, it could be a good buy.
Can anyone genuinely see us bringing a left back in? I can't. Someone will be played out of position. We'll just be going through the motions for the rest of the season until the inevitable happens.
Nah mate it's because he can't defend for ****!! We only bought him for 1mill aswel he can go **** himself..
Scored some crackers though, and real important nuggets along the way. But 14m, not to be sniffed at.
If Moyes can have that cash and can nab a decent midfielder and a forward it is a gamble worth taking IMO. £14M is top, top end. You don't see FB's going for that and we won't miss his defending. The big worry is we don't get the cash to spend.
As long as every penny will be reinvested then I'm not too bothered. He's not a £14m defender, no chance. I have my doubts whether it will though.
Add the 8m on that they gave us for Wickham aswell and its fair to say weve well and truely had their pants down the last 2 years.
9m was a good price for him, then up to 12m with add ons was even better. 14m if true is the best deal we have done since comma wikkem was sold to er who was it again???
14m?? that's amazing business. Who is controlling the money down there?!? Good work by the club there if you ask me. Although you have to hope it's reinvested. Not much time left.
I'm sad about this. He was one of my favourite players and I had some class moments watching him. He pulled us out of the **** a few times and played a big part in the second half of last season. He's hardly being disloyal by wanting to leave, after constant relegation battles and where we are now. Any of our players would be happy to move away now. I think he's 10 million pound player and don't forget, he's still only 26. I feel pretty confident about assuming the money won't be reinvested either, this is Eliis recouping his money now. He's never sold to a relegation rival before in this position and now he's done it with a first team player.
If it isn't reinvested, surely that's ES waving the white flag in terms of relegation?? I know PVA wasn't so hot on defending but he is a good player and this weakens you surely? He reminds of our fat overlord before Rafa came in and dictated terms (although I await with baited breath what will happen once we make it back up, if indeed we do!).
I doubt we'll be seeing the 14m up front. More likely 7-9m and the rest in add-ons. Less for DM to splash than first looks.
Unlike most clubs, you seem to have a robust approach. Be it with managers or player replacements. Although it is gutting, you seem to carry on well regardless and that is impressive. Sunderland (and my team) do not have this. We have an air of inevitability and doom surrounding such things because our higher ups don't have a clue.
