It's good that the club is consistently looking to sign talent. Keys appears to be very versatile which is a bonus. I think people are not fully understanding the big picture by questioning where he will fit in the team though. In the summer (if not in this window), we'll have bids from the Premier League for Cirkin and Ballard. Within 18 months, we may have the same for Hume if he carries on his progression. The very best teams who operate this kind of model, do so by already having the replacement in the squad ready to step up.
My nephew know the family and he says that the parents and the lad himself are unsure about next steps as Sunderland offer a much better chance to progress to first team football and allow him to grow but on the other hand money talks as well. Hopefully we as a club can convince him to stay and grow as the club grows he will see his route to first team football and will develop properly. Or go to clubs who instead of relying on youth just throw 90 million at the problem and buy somebody new to help out. If Man City were interested then that may be slightly different as they will give youth a chance
I’ve always been taught take it while it’s there, who knows what could happen before the next offer comes in.
We need to exceed that offer but that’s not as straightforward as more money. It’s better development and long term prospects that have to be superior enough to accept less money for the time being.
From a purely pragmatic point of view it’s how much he leaves for as well as when. It’s not quite inevitable that he goes but if he develops as well as he could it almost certainly will be.
Whilst I do not disagree that atm the young lad is a very much a talent.... there is no guarantee that he will continue on the upward trend when he is an adult! Those that are more involved in youth football will know this better than I.
Of course this is correct. Keeping him 2 more years could be the difference between Sam Greenwood money (£1m) and Jude Bellingham money for the club. But ultimately, the only way we keep him beyond his teens is if he fails to fulfil his potential. We need to win the argument that future earnings is greater by focusing on development today rather than by focusing on cash. That's a hard argument to win though if the lad/his family isn't financially secure.
From my perspective I only want players at the club who want to be here and are committed to SAFC, if Stewart, Rigg et all decide to chase money then fair enough, can't blame them, but we sell and move on. Our club is run very right, we will replace whoever wants to leave.
That athletic gave an article actually. I think Harvey Elliott was £4.5m from Fulham to Liverpool, but potentially rising to £10m. Which is a huge record.
unfortunately we can't complete with the likes of Burnley, their parachute payment count as incomings, so they can probably offer the higher bracket of wages.
All players make mistakes. Name a player that doesn't. Only thing is a keeper and a mistake usually costs a goal so stands out more. Best keepers in the world male the odd mistake and cost the team a goal.
Don’t expect a reply he’s been praying for that for months, he’ll be pulling his pud like a demented gerbil
Not 1 person said he doesnt make mistakes. GKs, especially young GKs get punished for their mistakes. Its like you are taking delight in one of our best young prospects making a mistake which is pathetic
He’s very young for a keeper, mistakes are part of that. I’ve no problem with him making mistakes either, it’s all part of the development process. The objective is to identify the cause, address and eliminate the mistakes in future. If you’re looking for a keeper who almost never makes a mistake you’re talking huge money. Take a young promising keeper and coach him right then you’ve got another Pickford on your hands who was our best outgoing fee since Henderson.
I am really enjoying seeing the lad go from northern league to no1 for us in championship in 12 months. The lad was given a chance and grabbed it! Aye he makes mistakes but as I said earlier what player doesn't, unfortunately for keepers it usually costs a goal. But the lad is improving, would people rather we had the clowns we had last time we were in this league