We clearly have a policy of buying young players who can mould into the 'Southampton Way'. If it works out, that's great for us and improves us, or we can sell for a huge profit. On the other hand, if it doesn't, they're young players with potential, and I'm sure we could make our money back, or maybe a very small loss. If we sold Ramirez tomorrow, I'm sure an Italian team would be willing to pay similar to what we did for him. Every player we have bought has made an impact in one way or another, even Forte with those goals against MK Dons.
Please tell me you're not suggesting that 7m was over the odds for Rodriguez?!?! He's already worth double that and he hasn't nearly lived up to his full potential. Fantastic signing, just you wait to see how good he gets.
Well, he was out with injury a bit but let's see... Aston Villa [H] West Ham [H] Newcastle [H] Arsenal [H] He doesn't travel well it appears.
He played well away at Arsenal when he came on a sub at half time. Unfortunately the game was over by then
Yeah well, it would have been a bit of a daft question, "Would Bale be in the team?". I just took that as a given.
Our cheapers signings have been great. It shows bargains can be found in lower leagues. I just wonder about our scouting network, if it was only as good as our academy signings.
People also seem to forget that when you get better players in you raise your quality on the training pitch. That almost always improve the players that were already here before if you get the right additions.
I haven't read any of the responses but read the OP comment and think that you could think of it as if these players weren't bought, then the quality of the other players (academy and lower priced players) and their levels/abilities would not have improved so much, due to the competition for places and playing with better players. Yes we could have purchased more known players rather than gambling with Gaston, Yoshida, Wanyama, T. Lee, Mayuka & Forren but I think these players were and have been bought on age and potential which all these players had/has. I think from the summer just passed are transfer dealings in the future will be for a couple of top players that will improve the first team and spur on the rest of the squad.
Couldn't really think where else to put it, but thought it was interesting that Vic has won possession in the middle third of the pitch more times than any other player in the league this season.
Backs up what I said on the big signings tthread. Yeshe makes the odd mistake but he puts ina hell of a lot of unrecognised good work. Only 22 is going to be one hell of a player!
