Would’ve thought Gvardiol is a Laporte replacement. But yeah it’s obviously incredibly hard to break through at a team like City so it’s much more likely Harwood-Bellis won’t do so than do so, especially as a defender. Attackers are much easier to integrate as young players
The model of selling on players with buy-back clauses is a clever evolution of the academy system. It means they pay for themselves rather than rot waiting for league cup games and if they are successful you can have them back. I hope this one comes off. We need to start showing some teeth in the transfer market. I think Shea is an underrated signing, and will happily take more from the source!
Same here. Harwood-Bellis and McAtee for me. The latter assuming a squad space opens up. Which seems a bit unlikely given his position. I do appreciate other people’s reluctance given the “hit rate” when you consider Lavia, Bazunu, Edozie and Larios
Gonna go against the grain here and say they are all great players! Edozie is a skill wizard who needs time to hone his craft. Bazunu is a great sweeper keeper who keeps our passing ticking. Lavia was clearly amazing and if he had stayed fit we would have stayed up. Larios is a talented youngster who needs a run of fitness.
I don’t disagree but as you mention that is an against the grain view. The others may eventually come good but the only instant hit is Lavia and we need more of those But for the two I mentioned - both were in sides that won promotion last year
We also need to take a step back and remember these aren't academy players in the old sense. These are from one of the nation's most successful regional hubs, sucking in players from all over the country. It isn't like raiding Man City in 1986 for 6 youth players, all from within a stone's throw of Maine Road.
Yes it could be said your grapes are sour, Shea Charles and Flynn Downes (loan, TBC) both highly regarded sought after players that could have gone elsewhere. Have to say I'm happy with the window so far, would have rather kept Lavia, Tino and JWP but we look to be setting up well for the season. PS. This may help with the grapes.
