I watched us for the first time this pre season yesterday, and I see why they paid the money for both Diarra and Sadiki. Even if we go down fighting we could see a slight profit on the two, but if we stayed up...well, Diarra's gonna be our record sale at some point, I think. With that said, the outlay for Xhaka seems smart to me. Get this fella from Leicester in as well and let Neil go. Then really i think you're done in midfield.
The Neil thing is battering my head a bit TBH. There was plenty of noise on the ground just before they left for summer that a deal was pretty much agreed in principle to be signed on the return. Still nothing announced. The club have tried to get him tied down and you would think that his home club in the prem he would have jumped at the chance. Every day it ticks over, it's more likely it's a reduced sale.
I do wonder how much real interest there is in Dan Neil from other clubs at a level he finds attractive. From parachute clubs definitely I can see interest in him but elsewhere in the PL? He’s not in our first team at moment and we are expected by others to be relegation fodder (although I am hoping we will surprise a few people). Feels like he’ll have to go abroad to get his move or sign a new contract if he wants his shot at PL.
Hes grafted to get us here, I won't throw my toys out the pram if his ideal move is Germany or Italy. If he goes to another Prem team I won't be happy. I guarantee we are offering money fitting to his role, I think many will agree that the club will most definitely have offered good terms. I love the lad, but his doubters are fair. Even yesterday he proved he dwells on the ball too long, makes simple mistakes too often. I said to my pal I would like to see him alongside Diarra in the next game, if there is an inkling he's staying.
I'm quite sure if he left we wouldn't get more than £10 million upfront too. Some might see that as amazing and others, not so much. I think a foreign side could get a bargain at that price.
I suspect if he's not signing a new contract, him and his agent know there's plenty of interest in him. A players agent will be getting a feel for his value in the market and thatll play a part in how much hes asking for. I agree with @FellTop that if it is over between us and Neil that it's done quickly so both parties can move on
Let's all just calm down, this is still a massive work in progress. It will take a few weeks to get things settled, and for us to gel together.
Same here mate, the sooner the better for all parties I still hope he signs but my gut feeling is he will be off
When I find myself in times of trouble Bob the mackem comes to me Speaking words of wisdom Let wor be
How do you know he's not in our 1st team, the season hasn't started yet. You can't take anything from friendlies as to who is going to start the 1st league game. Not until the last friendly where you normally start what you think will be your strongest team for the season opener
I think the fact hes not played with Le Fee and Diarra yet is very telling, add to the fact sadiki has been very impressive with them. RLB has mentioned its about building connections on the pitch so the starting line up for the West Ham will be close to the team thats played the 1st halves
It’s looking more and more like Dan will leave… which is a huge shame… but it is what it is .. players come and go, just hurts a bit more when it’s a local lad who came through the ranks and supported the club as a kid.. but we move on