It's difficult to know how much to read into the release clauses, though. Some players on the continent seem to have ridiculous release clauses and they don't always directly relate to value. I heard Ronaldo's was 1bn euros, but Real would definitely sell him for less than that.
I cannot disagree that he looks a lot better than what we have got but it still doesn't explain to me why, if he is that special, Spurs did not buy him in January even if they had to go nearly as far as the release clause figure. They were absolutely desperate for a striker and that shortage might well cost them a place in the Champions League next year with all the kudos and financial reward that brings. I do not dispute he is good and appears to be a good buy at the price paid but I still wonder whether he is as good as some people are trying to make out.
I'm not being funny but 8 million quid doesn't buy you a true Champions League quality striker. I think we've bought one of the best from the next rung down.
Absolutely, can't wait to see him in yellow and green. I do have my doubts he'll be here however if we go down.
Well, we won't be relegated because we will accumulate enough points, whether that is attributable to our quality or the lack of quality in other teams is irrelevant, you only need to be the fourth worst team in the league! We will see RVW score next season
As I mentioned above, Levy is renowned for refusing to pay over the odds and driving a hard bargain. Spurs definitely tried to pinch him from us last minute when it was announced we had a deal last month - that much was quite widely reported. It sounds likely that either: (a) Sporting refused to sell him in January because they couldn't get a replacement (which is one reason he apparently didn't go to Fiorentina); or (b) Sporting's asking price of £12.5m was too high considering Spurs were convinced they could buy him cheaper in the summer. Apart from anything else, I'm not convinced Spurs are desperate to sign a striker - I'm sure they would like one, but they are paying Adebayor a grand old amount and they tried to buy one in the summer but it never worked out (where they could have paid over the odds if they were that way inclined...)
Well said. Besides, the bookies are more convinced that we will stay up than ever before so far this season! I can see how mathematically we can go down, and it ostensibly looks much closer than comfortable, but when you take all factors (especially our home games remaining), I am finding it difficult to see how we could end up with the fewest points (other than QPR and Reading).
From what McNally has said, his signature is not dependent on Premier League survival. As for whether he stays if we go down, I doubt it, but I don't think we'll be out of pocket if we sell him on.
IMO, he could turn out to be an inspired buy by McNally and co, as he'll offer us options that we seem to be missing just now - ie someone prepared to go for goal from outside the box (other than Johnson and most of his attempts are either high, wide or both!!). His speed could also trouble some of the 'more senior' defenders such as Ferdinand, but as others have said, 'time will tell'.
I've been very critical on here about Hughton and his tactics recently but the person who I do trust is Ewan Chester and his scouting team. Yes it's a gamble but how many times in the past have we all bemoaned the 'ambition with prudence' approach by the previous regime and look where that got us ! More to the point though is the fact that we can afford this deal
It was a reference to the average - apparently the average across all major bookies has not been higher. Admittedly, I haven't bothered to check that fact and I got it from the reliable source of "a mate from Facebook"...
Ive noticed that alot of people ask McNally on twitter, if we go down does that mean he wont join us. Thats a daft question cause weve actually announced we will sign him. On the other hand, i could probably gaurantee that he has a clause of some sort either if were relegated he is free to talk to other clubs or he has a minimum release clause. No matter what happens though if he was to move in the summer we wont sell him for any less than we paid for him thats for sure
why is everyone doubting Mr.McNally. he has said that it is a certain deal even if we go down. if we do and if we decide to sell-and these are two massive ifs- there is no chance any sale will be sanctioned that fails to make us a profit. have people learned nothing about Mr.McNally in his tenure with us?
