So he has a $30MIL buy out clause, yet only 1 year left on his contract. He is 75% owned by a business who will not want to see him go for nothing next summer. Pretty sure they will push a deal through once we close to Sept 1st as it looks like they are just waiting for some big hitters to make a bid
But could also persuade some 1st choices to come rather than us taking 2nd/3rd choices. We know we are going to have to increase wages anyway and as that FFP article said the loans will help us to be able to get these players and sign more in future windows + be allowed to pay them as much. That is if KL is pursuing ambition. We have a choice of building a Strachanesque squad where we have players that are middle of the road prem players, journeymen etc and settle for 8th to 13th as our level or we can try and get players at the next level and aim for a 4th to 8th finish every year like Everton/Tottenham. A CL place every now and again with europe virtually every year. People are moaning about a lack of ambition then complaining we are paying over the odds for a player(s) and that we should have moved on to 2nd or 3rd choice. It could also be the reason why we are holding off with offering some players improved contracts. Could work against us if we gave them improved contracts @ £35 -£45k a year (especially if one is captain) and then sign someon and pay them £55 - £65k a week. I expect Fonte's contract (if he is to be captain) will need to be close or close to highest earner.
I'm ok with that. Going in with my eyes open regarding any new players we get. Throwing hissy fits is very tiring.
I can't see us spending over £15 million on a defender. However if his profit margin is the same percentage as Lovren's then I wouldn't complain.
Being reported in Portugal that €23m is the likely fee needed to satisfy all parties with ownership of the player. I don't think he's worth that. FWIW, Les flew back yesterday.
Joe Batchelor ‏@Joe_Batchelor 58s Massive grin from @RonaldKoeman when asked if an offer has been made for Marcos Rojo. #saintsfc
Use any club as a stepping stone into the PL EDIT: Not taking away from him being a cracking signing regardless.
That's fine. If he wants to move on, he'll need to play well in a successful team. How can that be a loss for us? Especially with the Prem Premium on his price!
@SteveReis1906: According to Portuguese daily "Record", Marcos Rojo has rejected a move to Southampton #SportingCP #saintsfc http://t.co/C8NW1jXsFa
Three things: 1. Is he good enough CB for them or are they signing a World Cup finalists left back as well as a 30m one? 2. There will be a time when LVG will try and out do Ron 3. For us to sign a World Cup finalist would be a mega achievement, so u wouldn't be surprised if he ended up at a bigger club rather than us.
If he going to mess us about drop him and move on our Dutch friend from Celtic quickly! Rather have Van Dijk anyway
http://www.ojogo.pt/Futebol/1a_liga/Sporting/interior.aspx?content_id=4071218 Sporting and Doyen have rejected €17m from Saints
