The fee for Wood seemed very high. Next year he’ll have another year of experience and only one year on his deal. He might extend for security but equally might not thank them for being unreasonable here
I am not quibbling from a "we'll do alright" perspective. I am quibbling because I want to win this league and right now Leicester are clear favourites and - if Che goes - I would expect us to be struggling to make second.
Have people forgotten Ainsley Maitland-Niles? Mediocre on loans before us. Mediocre on loan for us. I guess my point, is, like permanent transfers, they're a gamble. Some will work, some won't. It's uninspiring, but we will see what happens.
Less of a gamble. And as others have mentioned he was started by Ancelotti and Benitez in the premier league and impressive on loan at West Brom in the championship. So it’s not all mediocre. Granted he apparently can’t get in a dreadful Everton defence but that could be down to any number of reasons including contract stuff. If his wages are what is said he might also have crazy appearance fees as well But it’s no sense bemoaning someone for being bad in the premier league when that isn’t where we are playing
I think this is a good signing. If we had paid for him then it would be very risky, but a loan gives him the chance to rediscover his form and costs us nothing. Esepcially as Stephens & Bednarek are good enough starters anyway.
I wonder who squad slot he ultimately has - ABKs or Lyanco’s. And if we get someone else in if both move on
Wood for £12m or Holgate for about £1.5m-2m in wages, plus whatever loan fee there is? Can't say I know much about either player.
I mean, AMN was started by Mourinho, Arsene Wenger & Unai Emery, so it's not exactly a basis to judge someone on. I do agree though with your general point, in not writing off players before they join. It's uninspiring, but you never know what will happen.
I missed putting “regularly” in my original post. I don’t think AMN has played regularly anywhere. Even for us on loan
Yea but many of us spotted the potential in Bertrand, and those that had watched him posted saying he’s a good player. Its not like any of these guys are unknowns. We’ve all seen holgate play and he’s ****ing terrible lol. Bet Everton can’t believe their luck
That’s not how I remember the reaction to his signing. And I am not sure many people here have watched enough of Holgate (or Bertrand at Villa) to conclude for certain. Especially as in this case we are talking about dropping down a division
I have watched him a fair bit and always thought he’s a donkey. But maybe you’re right and the championship is more his level. Just like Stephens and Bednarek.
As some have pointed out - we got promoted last time out with Hoiveld as a central defender. I’m interested to know how much of the wages we are covering. I assume 50:50 which would still be on the high end for our squad / the division. Especially if we still want Wood
This is a bit revisionist. I remember a few people saying he wasn't being treated properly but the majority on here were saying exactly the same as what is being said now. Here's a very politician's manipulative statement - 'We've all seen Holgate play' - errr no we haven't I would imagine most have seen him play against Saints or truncated highlights on various channels. Unless you watch all of Everton's full games which is odd for a Saints fan. Taking notice of fans of other clubs - well that's a pinch of salt which you might like or not isn't it? There are fans I've seen posting that getting rid of JWP was no biggy and West Ham will soon find out what they've got. The only way I'll judge him is after, and if, he signs and plays more than a couple of games.
