I thought you'd have learnt by now, it wouldn't matter if he had a leg apmputated, once Kalman has identified HIS target that's all you'll here until a week after the transfer window has closed
The Delap buy-back is potentially a clever lever. Philogene has a great chance of developing with us to the extent Villa will want him back - hence the buy-back was mutually beneficial; but is Delap going to develop to being Man City good? There's a low chance of that happening in my opinion but I suppose this covers their back too.
They've done it with most of their academy players they've sold. I know Bazunu, Shea Charles and Pedro Porro all had them. On Man City's front I would be knocking on their door for Zack Steffen as well
Getting Delap permanently would be excellent business and would give us two really promising assets who should increase exponentially in value over the next 2-3 seasons if we keep hold of them.
I just don’t see a world where we get Delap on a permanent signing. I honestly think it would be the biggest blow your socks off signing in my lifetime, particularly when you take into context current position of the club. He’s been an absolute handful for every defender he’s played against this season, nobody has had an easy time against him.
I've got to be honest, I didn't think we had a chance and I'm still not sure if I'm believing it all yet. But talks are happening and there is a chance.... But and it's a big but, if he becomes available then others will also be interested unfortunately
I didn't think we'd get Philogene permanently and that was a pretty shocking signing for me. I'd put Delap in the same camp albeit 6 months delayed. If it comes off it bodes very well for the future.
I suspect to have a chance there will be some very strong clauses in ManC's favour - but if that makes the difference in having him beyond summer or not, and the player is settled and wants the move - then why not look at it?
Delap on a permanent would be amazing business. He's very clearly got huge potential. His build-up game as a striker is up there with anyone I've seen at City. If he can find a bit more guile on the finishing side then he'll be an amazing striker. And you'd back him to find that over time by continuing to play here every week.
I think that should hopefully be the big appeal to him. The environment he's in is clearly working wonders and he's improving almost week on week. The gamble of going somewhere else and seeing that development continue vs staying here and flourishing must be in his mind.
Philogene was a socks off signing, albeit with that 'decision making' health warning. He has sometimes chosen the wrong option in games but his goals and assists prove that he's making the correct options on a significant number of occasions. Delap's health warning must surely be his finishing. He hasn't got a particularly impressive goals to game ratio for a top class forward. However, you can see that this will come with experience. (Think Harry Kane). Delap would be an amazing permanent signing, even with unfavourable buyback and sell on clauses.
He has a serious lack of goalscorers instinct just leathers it as hard as possible, if he finds that then he would be a regular prem starter imo.
Agreed, do think our system restricts his instincts though because he spends half the time outside the penalty box.