probably not. It is probably about making sure we really can't get him to sign our contract and then, if he doesn't sign it, making sure the deal doesn't go through so he plays Sunday.
I'm struggling to find anything positive in this potential departure. We stalled whilst RK made his mind up and have now left it too late to keep him. Major chiz Mrs P.
I just really rate Cork. Regardless of whether this guy comes in (and if he doesn't but Cork still goes then there is no replacement) I think our squad needs him, particularly if Morgan drops the shoulder come summer.
Is it possible to just get Clasie in now? I like Vilhena, too but if we can only get one I'd rather have Clasie. And if we can get them both I'd rather have Clasie first. Swansea seems like a good move for everyone involved. It's a good price for Cork even nearing the end of his contract. It's a good landing place for Cork as they seem to be a decent, well-run side but he can get playing time. And for Saints, 3m is still a little better than nothing. Especially if we can put it towards another player in the same situation (ie. out of contract in summer or otherwise needing to be sold cheap).
Not done, but there are a few signs it will happen. He turned down Porto, when he looked like joining them, he then signs a new contract with Feyenoord. All this happened when the news dropped that Morgan was staying ( for the time being).
I don't want us to turn all Dutch. I'd be worried about a similar sort of problem that emerged at Newcastle with the French contingent. If we get Vilhena, Elia, Clasie joining Pelle and Tadic (culturally if not nationally Dutch) then that might lead to a clique culture which would be tied to the fate of the manager
If the choice is between crappy English players who will stay if Koeman goes because they are crappy and English vs getting in Dutch players who are are much better and who we otherwise might not have a chance at if not for Koeman.... I'll take "Dutch" and take my chances. Clasie especially could probably pick any of a dozen teams, most of them "bigger" than Saints, but he might choose us just because he really likes Koeman.
Having half a first team of Dutch players/Eredevisie players and half not which is centred around the philosophy of a manager (who is a variable) is potentially dangerous though. Newcastle is such tangible evidence of that and that was without even having a French manager!
Plays will come and go whatever happens. No point in worrying that if Koeman leaves they will leave as well. Just enjoy what we have at the moment. Look at the summer, some people were gutted a lot of players left. If people accept some players will use us as stepping stone, it at least stops them getting as down again. I don't get people that go this could happen or that person could leave (when they have just signed). I say just enjoy watching the players while they are here.
Put this on the other thread, but seeing as this one is going a bit Dutch, it may as well come here too - here's the 5 midfield stars/future stars of the Eredivisie and where they might go (us, basically). http://www.fourfourtwo.com/features...tarlets-destined-greatness-and-who-theyd-suit
