To be fair he struggled in his first year as he didn't speak the language and was then injured for half a season. Last year he gradually improved - admittedly from a low place. There is optimism we'll see more this year.
He was one hell of an investment at £30m and hasn't shown anything yet to suggest that his price tag was warranted. You really need him to have a good season this time as otherwise it's likely he'll be off, and for significantly less than you paid for him. It could be a case of a good player at the wrong club and he may flourish elsewhere, which after paying almost as much for Soldado, wouldn't look good at all. That goal you posted though, shows that he has the raw talent to be a top quality player.
I know you are an impartial observer, but it is possible you have the fees wrong there. I don't know for sure, but the fees you quoted are allegedly the with add-ons fees. And neither of them have achieved the level where those would be payable.
I don't know. I'm just going on what was reported when you bought him. It's no small fee though, although there could be an element of add ons.
You should be in line for a rebate then seriously though I hope you unburden yourself of Adebeawhore as he is just poison in a team, heaven help Villa as it seems they want union rep strike merchant Berbatov as well. Tim has got his work cut out there !
