http://www.goal.com/en-gb/news/2892/transfer-zone/2014/08/19/5046502/-? Turn up for the books if true and would surely put an end to the Cork move?
Funny if true. Wasn't the manager saying they wanted £12m? ...and making out our interest was a joke. Sounds like the money men at Montpellier have stepped in and said "we're not losing him for free next summer, accept the highest bid"....and it's little old Swansea who have the deepest pockets I would be very pleased if this is true as he covers 3 positions that we are weak in. Would be a shame to miss out on Cork but right now Stambouli ticks more boxes....just wish we could have sorted this position out at the start of the summer.
I dunno...Canas was free and is apparently paid £11k a week. He was growing into the role for me. I reckon Stambouli will get paid a lot more and on top of that (+£4m fee) we'll have to pay Canas off by the looks of it. Seems expensive to me BUT I am excited by Stambouli (admittedly I've only seen videos on you tube) and will be pleased to see him here.
Whatever the case, Canas is history. Stambouli v Cork? Both good players but Cork's rise has stalled in recent seasons and who knows whether he'd ever get his mojo back, so he's more of a risk imo. A good player for sure that would be a good fit with us but it looks like Stambouli will bring more to the table - and almost immediately. Like Cork, he's a versatile player and will be an excellent signing if it happens.
I wonder if the win on Saturday has helped the player to push for the move?? Either way we certainly sem to be in the strongest position.
There are more articles SWEP. Swansea City edge closer to Montpellier's Benjamin Stambouli amid suggestions a fee is agreed By South Wales Evening Post *|* Posted: August 20, 2014 By Gareth Vincent / [email protected] / @Gareth_Vincent
There's the slight problem of Serie A side Fiorentina,who are also very interested in him,and are reportedly sending a delegation tomorrow to tie up a deal,so we'd better be quick. Newcastle are hovering too,after signing Remy Cabella from Montpellier for £10m recently
Yeah, that would make sense for us definitely. Would they take it? Why not? Was it Swanselona who put his stats from last season up here recently? They were good weren't they...especially for 1st season in the Prem. Would allow them to invest the £4m somewhere else. Although it would make sense for us, and imo Montpellier, would it make sense for Canas? He's got some interest from Spain, maybe he wants to go home?
Hope I'm wrong but I have a feeling we may have been used to up Fiorentina's bid. For a player on the continent who knows little of Swansea, the Italian team looks quite enticing. Europa League place means more games and more chance of playing regularly; 4th place in Serie A behind Juve, Roma and Napoli is quite impressive too. Much depends on promises and pay but initial optimism is fading.
Well we have signed plenty of players from foreign countries. I think our stock has risen well in the past 10 years, not to mention the fact that Stambouli can play in the PL. I don't think we are the 'little old Swansea' anymore.
Interesting statistical comparison between Stamboulli and Cork on Scottswan's site, here; http://www.theswanseaway.co.uk/2014/08/statistical-comparison-of-cork-v.html#.U_R8Z2N9lX8 Cork comes out on top by a distance.
Cork was talked about being more creative than Stambouli who has been mentioned as a 'destroyer' (by that I assume he break play up more like Leon) yet the stats show higher levels for tackling come from Cork as do stats for retaining the ball and being being beaten (dribbled past). Other stats sites have Stambouli strengths as tackling and blocking with a like for dribbling out of defence - but weak concentration. Cork on the other hand has no significant weaknesses but does have good concentration. Having looked at quite a few of these charts I notice 'key pass' value and 'long balls' value often correlate. To me this suggests, in the English game, a long ball pass is more regularly used to bypass the midfield and therefore places the ball in a more advantageously strategic position for teams playing that style. All in all not a lot in it - Stambouli seems to be more like for like with Leon where as Cork is more of a Canas on a good day. Either would be good but I'd go with Stambouli as Cork has been reported as 'not making progress' in Southampton, but that might be due to local circumstances.
I'd be happy with either, but looking at the few clips on youtube Stambouli looks very much like that enforcer we have desperately needed since being in the prem.
His agent held talks with Fiorentina yesterday. Could be an interesting battle. Another website claims we have offered more money than Fiorentina too. http://www.getfootballnewsfrance.com/2014/swansea-make-second-offer-for-benjamin-stambouli/
