Not this window, but are we “obliged” to sign Lewis Hall? He’s hardly featured and surely the money, around £30m, would be better spent elsewhere?
Obligation given certain criteria been met. I get the feeling that criteria will be met once the January window is shut
The obligation has already been met. It was set when we signed him and there are no clauses to be triggered. That’s my opinion mind. He will be bought for 28m whether he kicks a ball for us. He is our player.
However, the club have said the deal is based upon performance related criteria. If that has been fulfilled we would have been told about it
It most likely been fulfilled however the only one I can think of is our positional finish may be the obligation or factor applied to the fee possibly.
These things are usually appearance based. It's a weird one with this kid. I can't believe they never played him when both Burn and Targett were out. Also read that he's meant to be a central midfielder that has been changed to left wing back but Howe preferred to give a 17 year old a chance at the time over him. Then there's the issue that if he's an attacking wing back how did he never get brought in to give Gordon a break? It's baffling.
Agreed it’s very strange given the injuries where a perfect opportunity to play his. At either left back left wing back or CM as some players where on their knees. Does make you wonder like you say is if there an appearance clause he is close to it and the club have already decided he isn’t good enough based on training?
I don't believe anything Howe says and I fully expect at least two outgoings along with one big signing for us by Wednesday night.
