Josh is already a good impact player to bring on against a tiring FB, much like Redmond was two years ago. At 20, he had 9 appearances in the PL two years ago, and 13 last year as well (in spite of going out on loan much of the second half of the season). He is also a member of the England U20 squad with 1 goal in 2 appearances. That's reasonable progress IMO. Jacob isn't far behind.
He's not so young at 22, General. Might Miquel go out on loan and he take the 4th place at CB? http://www.pinkun.com/norwich-city/...n_championship_winner_joseph_baffo_1_4134323?
RE: Baffo Hmm... he gets little game time for one of the worst teams in the Swedish league. Could have potential, yes, but doubt he'd see much 1st team action in the near future.
I don't think thats as easy as your making out, I believe the Academy costs 1 million per year. Are we likely to be knocking out a 2 million pound players every three years, plus a few minor sales to break even. If you think about the Murphy twins, how much are they worth and they were the star players. We'd be lucky to get a million for both presently. Also, put it this way as we are now would we be buying the Murphy twins if they played for anyone else? I am deeply cynical that we have the clout to bring the best kids into the club to play Premiership football.
Reread my post - I'm not saying we're breaking even at the moment. I'm just saying we've probably done ok. Cameron McGeehan went for a six figure sum - that's 10% of costs for one year already, let alone the various loan fees (which won't be much, but every little helps). Given that we'd still have to pay for the academy to some degree even if it weren't Category 1, I don't think it's really costing us that much extra at all perhaps a couple of hundred thousand each year. On turnover of £90m, I think I'm happy with the risks involved in that bet. Yes, we might not turn out anyone ever, but it only takes one player sold for a couple of million and we could well be breaking even for a decade. The longer we stay in the PL, the better youngsters we will attract, and that gives us increasing opportunity to recover costs by selling them. Of course, this does mean the entire Category 1 thing is based on us being in the PL, I accept. But the bottom line is, the only way we can increase revenues to be competitive is to follow Southampton's lead. It's a good bet and not all that expensive when you look closely at it IMO.
I know it's a bit like watching Game Of Thrones Season 5... sod all happens but then before the end (of the transfer window) it all goes mental!
The current rumours making the 'cut and paste' rounds in the press is Nathan Dyer. Is it likely that we would play with two out and out wingers like Redmond and Dyer? I doubt it myself and with two years left on his contract, he wouldn't come cheap.I'd prefer the Brady type option myself.
Furthermore, he's right-sided. So, we'd have Dyer, Redmond and E.Bennett, but no genuine left-sided winger (except Josh Murphy I suppose). EDIT: that said, I still rate Dyer, and wouldn't say no to signing him!
Though right would be his preference, apparently Dyer can play on either flank. It'd make sense to me if we were considering selling Redmond.
RvW to return to Sporting Lisbon? http://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/transfer-news/norwich-transfer-flop-ricky-van-5990397?
Dyer would be someone I wouldn't mind having, but only at a very reasonable price. We should add quality to our squad when we can, but surely RW is a long way down the pecking order?
Dyer would be an amazing signing - wow!! Anyone know if Carrabuh has banged one out over this news yet?
How do you know I like Dyer? I guess I must have mentioned him before but I don't recall. Bearing in mind he's an Englishman (and a winger) I would still love to have him here and I'd view it as a real signal of intent, we should also get Michu because I'm sure AN would get 15+ goals out of him. For the money Michu is probably available (and possibly reasonable wages) we should be biting Swanseas arm off to get him.
Has Michu got the fitness to make an important contribution to our campaign any longer? I'd love the Michu of two seasons ago, if that player still exists. But he hasn't scored in nearly two seasons, and really struggled at Napoli. Admittedly the attacking talent Napoli have didn't help him!
I would jump at the chance to get Dyer. Really good player, and one I can't see Swansea parting with for a few pennies.
Much as I like Dyer as a player, but I can't see it happening as AN is not one to use two wingers. If Redmond were to leave, however, he'd be a very good player to bring in.
