Shave the wage bill? He was costing us 35k a week I think. And probably more with a loan fee. Though it would be a shame to let a loan spot go to waste when we could really do with another player or two.
Good point. I just don't understand how we can not have someone lined up though. Surely we'll have known Sunderland would do this and we should have something ready to sign off as soon as Sunderland confirm it. It's not like there aren't any gaps in the squad. The whole January transfer window just seems a bit ridiculous to me; I don't understand why none of the deals get done until the very, very last minute and then some teams miss out by leaving it too late. It's a bizarre situation.
Nice edit, but still wrong. We were paying his full wages, as is generally the case with loans between clubs in the same league.
Absolutely this. As I've said a couple of times, my understanding is we just need to submit paperwork indicating an intention to sign a player before the window closes. We can perform a medical and cancel the deal if need be after the window is shut.
Seems a complete waste to let a loan spot go to waste, because we could have done with another body in defence.
I was right, we've just submitted the paperwork with intention to sign Kevin De Bruyne. It's a done deal guys, trust me, I had the Elmohamady signing 5 hours before anyone outside. Sydney - no way Boro are paying 32k towards Graham's wage, they'd never fit that in with FFP regulations unless they've sold someone for a big pile of coin or they've a small squad of low wagers.
They have loaned out Emnes to Swansea, who I imagine was costing them a fair bit. Didn't they sign him when they were last in the PL for big money? EDIT: They paid £3.2m in 2008 for Emnes, the same season they were relegated from the PL.
Emnes has just gone to Swansea so you never know. Since it's a loan from Sunderland I suspect it means we're no longer involved.
It's not, personal terms agreed, he's with Stevebruce at the training ground now just finishing his medical and a cup of green tea according to my source. Everything signed and ready to go.
My source is within the club. Apparently De Bruyne didn't like his green tea so Steve Agnew is whipping him up an Options hot chocolate. Watch this space
