That is a distinct possibility. It also potentially harkens back a bit to what got us into this financial crush in the first place: spending moderately on people that don't fix the problem, and consequently spending the money several times over. Perhaps our scouting has improved such that they can consistently find diamonds. We're following the model of one red-and-white-striped team or another...either Brentford, or Sunderland.
Or it could be that we can spend £20m on players, just we don’t want to show our hand so they are inflated?
I really don't think this is a thing. First, if you go around making desultory bids, it tends just to annoy your opposite number without providing any real benefit. Call it the Levy Principle. Also, because of the influence of agents, and the ease with which information flows, the moment you offer £15m for a player is the moment the whole of the football pyramid knows that the £10m thing was a lie.
It probably boils down to the fact that we need more than one or two players. If we've got a budget of £40m say, then that's 4 players at £10m
No problem this transfer lark. I.E. identify the player that improves the position he plays in at a price we can afford.
As others have alluded to, most PL teams wouldn’t be too fussed at the 15-20m fee so sounds like we will get priced out of this one
That's what I was thinkings (post-Liverpool in terms of the finishes shown) similar gait as well. If we really needed a striker, I think we would pay the asking price and compete with the the other suitors here.
There is a wealth of ability available in the free transfer market. A little like Walcott, we may sign 1 or 2 experienced free transfers on a 2 or 3 year contract on high wages (£100k = £10.4m / £15.6m). I doubt we'd go that high on wages but it gives an idea. A £20m Armstrong would come with a 4 or 5 year contract running at around £40k to £50k per week at least. Over the course of those 4 years we'd be committing to over £30m in total. Of course there is the potential for them to be sold on at a profit but right now we may need to focus on staying in the league while we get through the downturn and look for a new investment
Not sure he’d get that kind of space if he was playing in the Premier League. Unless he’s playing against Saints defence, of course .....
Can’t see it. I like him as a player but he’s already on way more than we pay any player (was why we couldn’t get him on loan last year I believe)
Whilst not wishing for that, championship football would suit me fine. No VAR, no fancy Dan refs, a decent standard of football as well as entertaining and exciting games. What’s not to like? That said, I honestly think we’ll make enough good signings to at least knock on the door for Europa League.
What basis do you have for thinking we will be knocking on the door of the top 6? Not having a go just intrigued to see the thought process behind it
Without an horrendous number of injuries upsetting the early season momentum we could have been there this year. It’s depth more than quality we are lacking. We have to be better equipped to deal with injuries (and strengthen at the back). History shows Ralph is very good at resetting the squad after a decent break.
Would be a shame but if we can get 20mill for him, let's take it and reinvest. And make Salisu an integral part of the first team.
