Sky Sports Germany are specifically saying joining us appeals to him. They wouldn't add that unless they've had word he wants the move. I'm as confident as I can be that he does.
Neil will go regardless if he's not going to sign a contract. And if we got Xhaka he'd be Neil's replacement in the team. So it probably makes sense
Let them work it out . A big if anyway, but numbers are critical in midfield in the PL. They are in any league, and our lack of them showed up a bit last season. A few looked tired as we didnt have the quality in depth to rotate.
It’s not that simple. Is Xhaka good business is separate to Neil. I think it can be and we could still actually recoup a wedge in a couple of years because Saudi clubs will still be interested if he’s still good. With Neil if he’s not agreeing a new contract he has to go for what we can get. I’d rather keep him for continuity, proper depth and local connection though.
If we are wanting our CM to press ao aggressively we will need 6 CMs to be able to rotate to keep players fresh
Well sadly it would probably be sadiki as he’d likely be the DM but that’s why it would be competition for places
Probably Sadiki as much as it pains me to already drop my second favourite ever Sunderland player (after O'Nien). Sadiki is only 20 so would give him time to adapt to the league and slowly build into what is hopefully his long term role. Wouldn't have any qualms of Sadiki starting there mind, far from it. Same for Neil if he signs his bloody contract.
Our budget will still be relatively low in premier league terms. Stay up and it’s money well spent. Go down and most signings will be sellable.
I'd agree that we have 5 good midfielders and need one more at most. If we have to choose, I'd have that player in the 6 rather than the 10. I'd rather we went for a RW than a 10 personally. CB & GK are more important than a luxury number 10 to me.
Xhaka, Le Fee, Diarra, Sadiki, Rigg would be a solid 5 midfielders like (if Neil goes if not he’s a part of this too)
In the German sky article it says he'd be open to move back to England, it mentions us as a potential destination as we've bid for him. Like you, I'd love it aswell.
Khanous makes more sense to me now if the first half system is what we play, still not keen on the outlay it would take but can see the rationale of it