Transfer Rumours Summer Transfer window

three year deal would take him up to 35 years old and I could see us offering him 60/70k a week and one last dance in prem

 

Think it's got to be yeah

 

Hard to know for sure, heard both that he's asking for big big money and I've heard he fancies a new challenge

Who knows, hopefully he signs a new deal tho

If he goes and say we get £12 million for him we could sign xhaka and lennon miller roughly £14 million i reckon so that would be unreal business

 

On that topic - tomorrow feels like a really good “free hit” chance of properly going for the FA Cup. 38 games only.

 

Oi. Neil is captain, Granit is his apprentice.

 

One is named after a rock and the other is named after my uncle. No competition.

 

I get the feeling he won’t be for much longer…

 

Xhaka timeline - feels like we’ve swooped

 

I will shed tears, genuinely. Footballers move my soul. But a week ago I was advocating Tyler Morton as his alternative. I dont think anyone will replace Neil in my heart, but in my head Xhaka screams quality and perfect for a team who will have tough runs.

 

If I was to say my only qualm about xhaka is that his shooting from range (although often similar to a ballistic missile launch) weren't very accurate.

3 shots on target all of last season, but he hits them hard enough that 2 went in.

He's still dangerous breaking into the box for crosses and cut backs though but at Leverkusen he's been holding more and most shots from range.

 

hmm it’s a little disconcerting Xhaka wanted the NEOM move yesterday and it seems it broke down due to not being able to negotiate a fee. I notice Sacha hasn’t said similar for us re: the player wanting the move

 

I’m fine with not following consensus. As for your question, that’s a tough one. However on the balance of probabilities I’d suggest that in the entire world there is likely to be a more talented player available for the same or less money. That’s where the fame bit comes in. The very quality that recommends Xhaka to many - that of being a well known quantity - is the thing that is missing from a whole host of other potential signings. That doesn’t mean he’s more talented though. That’s the skill of scouting - and something I certainly don’t claim to have. Maybe Sidiki ends up having a far greater impact on our season for instance. Going back to that first Reidy season, who on earth would have had Eric Roy being more impactful than Thomas Helmer? Definitely there’s value in known quantities. I’d be okay with a bit of a different risk but I haven’t got the money to own a football club so it doesn’t matter what I think.

 

His only goal was a tackle as well!

 

From what I seen of Leverkusen last season, Xhaka very much still has the ability to cover the ground required. He only failed to start in 3 Bundesliga games across 2 seasons in a very physically demanding Alonso system. Natural leadership abilities always help as well.

Offers us a lot of exciting possibilities in midfield as well. Can go for ball domination with Enzo in the 10 with Neil and Xhaka in the pivot. Surround Xhaka with Sadiki and Diarra in games we need running power. Enzo Diarra and Xhaka for balance. Then throw in Rigg who to be is our wildcard this season, young enough where if he doesn't adapt quickly it doesn't really matter but if he does then we've got a £50m+ sale on the cards next summer.

 

Strikes me we cry out for premier league experience but many criticise every version of it

 

Maybe. Hopefully. Think we’d struggle for minutes for those two plus sadiki, diarra, ELF (in his better position) and Rigg (in his long term one) though.

 

How is your uncle Granit?

 

Hmm, suppose you probably can't say he wouldn't be the best if you cannot name another player that would.

I agree it's a tough question, it's one I also couldn't find an answer for because I think he quite possibly is the top of our attainable midfielders.

 

I’m hoping that the talk of it being a 3 year deal means he’s happy to come here or it wouldn’t have been mentioned.

 

He's great thanks, just had his hip done.