Indeed. Bloody ridiculous. OK, he's 25 and coming into his prime, but £14M after performance add-ons..? Sunderland won't need to pay the extra if it's down to goals only. I really wouldn't be surprised if he finds he can't command a place, after a dozen games or so. As for Matt Jarvis and West Ham, WTF..?
I'm not suggesting that someone else is competing for his place, although I would think Sunderland would have an alternative, should he become injured. I'm suggesting that Sunderland have paid far more than the player is worth, based on his past performances, and I wouldn't be surprised if they find out the hard way. If he's worth £14M, then Rickie is worth double that, and we'll knock off £8M for Lambert's age.
I'd suggest you're vastly underrating Fletcher. Best clear-cut chance conversion rate in the league last season behind Lampard (who takes Chelsea's penalties).
I'm always willing to be shown that I'm wrong, especially when I've definitely under researched my opinion. However, what I've seen of the player still makes him worth a lot less than Sunderland paid, imo. We'll see how he goes, anyhow.
I think Fletcher has always looked a decent prospect and scored 10+ goals for both Wolves and Burnley in the Premiership. 14 million is a lot of money and Wolves have done well out of their bargaining.
He averages a goal every 2 PL games, for a lower/relegation battling side. I think he will be good for Sunderland with the supply he will get up there.
Larsson, Adam Johnson and Sessegnon giving Fletcher service? Better than Matt Jarvis and... well just Matt Jarvis.
Fletcher is a very good player, will score the goals Sunderland need. £14 million is alot of money, but you have to think about who Sunderland could realistically attract. The talent pool is quite small and Fletcher was a good choice regardless of money.
