If we could keep him, that would be another player we don't need to buy. But it just doesn't feel like he has any intention of staying.
And brought in 5 loans from top divisions. The 40m probably doesn’t include loan fees as well even if they aren’t massive They brought in about 70m. So spent a bit over 50%. We are selling far more and have only spent 12m at the moment. And have better underlying finances than Burnley. I’d be surprised if the remaining transfers are only loans and nominal fees
What are we defining “low cost”? I guess under 30m? Also - isn’t Timer a central defender ? I think he started at right back. But surely he was signed as a centre back given the fee paid for him? You don’t pay 30-40m to play someone in their second best position long term…
Depends what they mean by low cost. Compared to Rice yeah. But you'd think we'd look to get around £30m for him.
I mean he seems unlikely to want to play for us - and that is kind of important in building a winning team.
He's far better than a £20m player, especailly in this market. He's better than Tino at the moment, and can play both sides. He's better than Cucerella who went for what was it? £65m?. Not saying I think he will go for anything like that, not least because that was a crazy overpriced Boehly bid, but also shows why £20m isn't nearly enough. We don't need to sell and have already sold Tino in his position. Can't see that we'd have any interest in doing business at £20m. How KWP feels if a PL club of Arsenals stature comes in for him is another matter as he did want to go last summer when we were still in the PL.
But if no one comes in for him I can’t see how it benefits him to sit and not play. Would make it even less likely that someone will come it. But surely someone will eventually
Gutted for Smallbone, he’s been immense under Martin. If it’s only for a couple months, I’d be tempted to give Doyle a pathway. If he’s ready to be in the squad, he should be given the chance to step up.
