He's just signed a new contract. Means nothing really, but he'll likely stay this summer and as Villa can demand a much bigger fee now.
He was supposed to be the hot new talent a couple of years ago, everyone wanted him here IIRC, still he is only 22.
Les Reed went to Spain In an Oil tanker Looking to buy a striker And came back with a .... rather clumsy looking oaf who tripped over his own feet a couple of times on his debut.
I wouldn't be surprised if Barkley is one of the best signings of the summer. I wonder if it includes an option to buy. If not, Villa could regret that next summer. As has been said though, it means they are out of the race for RLC. So that's something.
So where are we up to? still just Tom Davies on loan...possibly, plus trying to get our long term targets but time was against us... mumble mumble, market is difficult...sulky ralph, bottom 3 at Christmas. or are we still pretty hopeful that something may happen?
Sangare went for like €15m didnt he? So we obviously have that budget available as a minimum, Id be shocked if we didnt buy a CM or loan a very good one (RLC)
Certainly since 2015 they have. Its getting concerning now, I had expected more interest from players with Ralph at the helm, las minute business never inspires confidence. A couple of injuries this season and we will be in for an interesting experiment.
Yep it does seem like we are getting left behind when it comes to wages. I understand that we have a model that is supposed to be self sufficient but unfortunately that is not sustainable in the prem these days.
I think the club(Martin Semmens) have been pretty open. He said at the beginning of the season that they thought because of COVID etc that prices were likely to drop and bargains could be had near the end of the window. Guess time will tell on those words.
I'm concerned we are walking a knife edge these days. We've needed to offload for 3 seasons, not done it and suffered for it. We certainly appear to be limited to low budget loan deals which puts us at the whims and mercies of bigger rival clubs. I find myself thinking of Sunderland till I die and that's not a good thing! I'm confident the business we have done is decent but if its only half of what we need then it will be a delicately balanced season.
Seems we are waiting for the bargain basement sell off... however, what is often left in those bins for there for a reason...
Don't knock it. 5 years ago I got some really good Havaiana flip flops for £2! In the words of Elvis Presley, You can do anything but lay off my two pounds shoes