I'd say it was slightly different: FFP would mean Real could only sign three £20m+ players a summer instead of five, whilst the clubs trying to catch up to them can only sign three £10m+ players instead of five - and that's if their key player was one of the £20m+ players signed by the Real Madrids of the world.
If it weren't for a golden opportunity to build their presence in the US, and the knock-on effects of reinforcing their image as a selling team, I'd think Spurs would do better with the 60 million than with Bale. 20-25 million each on a striker and playmaker to fit into a 4-3-3, and we'll be a coherent team. 10-20 million to get some depth, and we might be able to stand the league + Europa grind. And Spurs image is a two-edged sword. The next Bale may think Spurs are the perfect penultimate team, which all things considered may serve us pretty well. So for me it's just the weekly broadcasts of games in the US which really make me want Bale to stay (and of course that I really enjoy watching him play). I may be overestimating its importance, but having the best player in the league may be the difference between Spurs pushing Man U and Chelsea as the most popular team here, and not picking up too many new fans.
I would be surprised if Levy's main motivation for wanting to keep Bale was not the commercial potential of having such a player in your team. The huge raise this will give to the Spurs profile all over the world is huge in the current money orientated climate.
I'm sure the financial analysts will have worked out that paying Bale an extra £50k per week will easily be recouped in extra commercial revenue by him staying. Obviously, no club would want to part with a world class player, but it's not just his performances on the pitch which are vital given the levels of commercial income which can be generated these days for player and club. The key to whether Bale stays at Spurs or not and for how long is his own motivation. The club would only look to cash in if Bale looked to force a move. I'm not suggesting he will, but the longer he doesn't sign that coontract extension and any more idle words from his agent, the greater the speculation.
He's on holiday, Luke, to start with. Yes, we all know that you'd love to have him, but I very much doubt that it will ever happen. Firstly, I doubt Utd could afford him. Secondly, Levy would not sell to a Premiership rival. I believe he will stay at least another year. But, I wouldn't blame him from holding off on the new contract until the club demonstrates it's ambition.
Bales commercial value over the coming years will not have escaped Levy's attention, I wonder what the shop shirt sale figures are this season.
Good capture imo I hate to say, the keystone cop defence of QPR had him under a lot of pressure, he'll be less busy with the Goons in front of him.
Yeah he pulled off some decent saves last year and is an improvement for the Goons. Nothing to get in a fuss about though, he's no Lloris and ageing. I've enjoyed watching the Goons oscillate between brown-nosing Szczesny and wishing him out of the club this season. One minute he's world class the next dog ****e. I imagine there are some who will still tell you he'll be the best keeper in the world in a few years
Anyone that thinks that Brazil's first choice goalkeeper's going anywhere as back-up in a World Cup year is delusional. I'd say that he's a clear improvement on what they've got, anyway.
Real Sociedad got 4th and in the CL with 66 points Credit to them though, a mostly homegrown side going about things the right way and building a quality side. I think they said on the Spanish Football show that 22 of their 25 man squad came through their youth system, which puts every Premier League club to shame.
How does it put every Premier League club to shame? Spain produce far better players than England because they have more quality and quantity re: coaching. 66 points shows how tough a league La Liga is. Hammer blow for Valencia but gives them an incentive to win the Europa League.
It puts every Premier League club to shame because they're producing so many players that joined them at youth level. The reason that Premier League that intend to stay in the league could never get anywhere near that isn't coaching standards or talent, our clubs can afford to buy them in(and do). It's all about attitudes that show the chasm of difference between clubs like Sociedad and ours. Not rising to the last bit
I agree but the culture is different. As a nation Spain have invested a lot of time and resources into youth development and the clubs still represent the areas and communities they are based in. The Premier League is all about money, nothing else is matters. Not the fans, developing youth or anything else. Very overrated league.
Yet, isn't it you that thinks the PL is getting weaker, and have been saying that all season, DL? I think the fact we didn't qualify with 72 points says it all to be honest mate.
