We might go back in for him in the summer, then. But this was before Poch had had a good look at our squad, maybe now he feels a bit more comfortable with his midfield options. Certainly after Saturday he should.
IMO this story does us no good what so ever. Rather hear about it in June. Failed bids of that magnitude can have a negative impact, & not just internally. Saying that, I'm still coming to terms with the £12M fee, so I'm probably the worst person to comment.
We have got to get used to the fact we are now moving up in terms of the markets we are shopping in and the money that may cost. I do still hope that he can fish out a Michu like bargain or two though.
I think the mantra is clearly to sign players who have a good re sale value (which usually means young players). makes good business sense and good football sense as well (no has beens looking for a last pay day). Spending 12m on a player is perfectly justifiable if he is then resold after some good years at the club for the same fee or more. Obviously easier said than done but providing we identify the right players and try not to get dragged in to signing "bargains" on high wages like Joe Cole, Bennayoun, Michael Owen type (or any playe QPR have recently invested in!) then the policy is a very sound one. There will always be exceptions (Boruc) but I really like the way the club is going.
There will be loads of players we looked at, spoke to clubs about and then did not buy. So unless this hits a more credible news site I'm gonna say we probably weren't that close to signing him.
If true, makes me happy as it seems we have money to spend. A higher position in the PL may yet be valuable if we want to attract players in the summer. Sadly, Poch could be able to attract players more than Nigel.
