Mental money. Quality player with added bonus of him and Mac already having some understanding of each others game and a mate to help out. I wonder how much was Mac also giving his views on him swayed things to go for him. Silly money but it needed to be done to get the target so we’ll see. If he gets us back up there challenging over 10 year period then you’d say was money well spent. Caicedo Mac Szobo Elliott Jones - top age of 24 so we’ve dramatically changed the dynamic of that midfield which is what they said they would do this year.
I think the Bellingham wanted liverpool was a bit overdone. We’ve no idea that was the case and when Madrid and the CL come calling 99% if players will chose them over us. So I think we knew that and backed off then. Plus at the time we probably were only looking at a couple of players and got szobo and Mac instead of Bellingham. Since Hendo and fab went obviously a need for more so may have them played a part and that extra 50m plus wages could be spent in a bigger target
Mad money. To think he's not HG or English which points to more incoming. Does smell of desperation but sane was said of Allison and VVD in that one window
Just jumping in here. Everyone seems to be under the impression that Caiciedo is this highly experienced, complete player in comparison. He's played less than 50 games in the Premier League. That's only 16 more games than Lavia.
Yeah I'm not sure this one's over the line yet. Just not sure about it generally to be honest. Something just seems a bit off. But here's hoping.
Not sure why that is a difference when it comes to valuation. The actual difference is that you guys saw Caiciedo as being worth £61m more than Lavia. But, y'know, that's cool. Good luck with that!
Hints at a better team and a better manager. Still, you have your midfield now, and it looks tasty. I couldn't give a monkey's whether Lavia went to you or Chelsea. Just seems a slightly odd way of doing business if you wanted to keep some money spare.
We'll have to wait and see. Bellingham was supposedly £110m but didn't he go for about £86m in the end? We've no idea how much this deal really is and we don't know how much Lavia will go for... That's of either player actually moves.
Look, no doubt Caicedo is a brilliant talent, and you'll (likely) have a fantastic player on your hands to complete what now looks a really exciting midfield for the season. Just the prices seem utterly mental taken alongside one another (and, as you say, adding the cost of Bellingham into the mix). Not your money, or mine though. I just would have thought £50m on Laiva and £61m still in the bank to spend reinforcing your defence would have been a bit smarter.
I know. Isn't it mad. In reality i think you'd say the same about Lavia as this; you can know full well looking at a player in about 5 minutes exactly what they are about on the football pitch. It takes longer to get to know their character in different moments and challenges. I think we can see both of these young players (caicedo and lavia) have all the attributes and look like they know exactly where they are about even at their age. Compare to a young kid who looks lost. they simply don't. Are they worth these fees, that's a different debate about supply, demand and the bubble that's got to burst.
As mental is £50m + for a relatively unproven 19 year old midfielder. I agree the others are mental too
Also played in a WC. Also played in his home country. Also played at a higher standard in the prem. Lavia only has 1 season at saints in pro football. 98 senior appearances in club football for caicedo 34 for Lavia
110 + 35m If it actually happens (I’ll believe it when I see the lean), we got Brightons midfield for £70m each. I can live with that.
A WC that Lavia would have played in had he been Ecuadorian. A WC that Lavia would have played in for Belgium had he not been injured at the start of the season. They both played at the same standard - the PL. Just one played in a far better team. Look, I think Caicedo is probably, just, the better option right now this minute. I don't necessarily think he will be given another season. And I definitely don't think he is to the tune of £61m more. Definitely. As I said, I personally think as a team (rather than an individual player) you'd have been better off with Lavia at £50m, then chucking the spare money at your defence. But then I'm just some bloke with opinions, not a football manager or scout.
