According to Transfermarkt he started every game he was fit, until the final five games of the season, when they had nothing to play for, and I'm assuming their manager knew he would be off. Their fans are just probably being negative because he's leaving. That said, I've not exactly heard any neutrals raving about him. Anyway it's such a cheap deal, we might as well go for it.
Positive happy clapper Magic - For £5m seems like a decent addition given he knows the manager and has played for the England u21s so someone other than Martin must think he has something That would mean that we would have 3 CBs who are definitely going to be here next season (THB, Wood and Stephens). Question marks over Bednarek and ABK and Lyanco looks to be definitely off. If we are playing 3 at the back I would say we want 5 centre backs to allow for injuries, suspension and some rotation. Shouldn’t be too hard to give all of them decent amount of playing time, and if the plan is Wood is “5th” on that list and he is happy with that then we can still go and get another centre back if ABK or Bednarek leave.
Saints have bid £20m for O’Riley, Celtic want £30m. Everton, Brentford, Fulham and West Ham all allegedly held talks with player representatives as well. Brentford possibly ones to watch if they bid £35m for Gray they may be happy to bid £30m for O’Riley
I can't work out this logic. They got £30M for Gray. Rodon has cost £10M the other way. They got £20M Plus Rodon for Grey. Which is £30M. You have me confused. Also, I thought Grey looked one hell of a talent last year!
They “only” got £20m in the bank and Spurs probably made it definite that Rodon was going there despite interest from the promoted teams was my point. But yes can see how you’d look at it the way you have. £20m plus Rodon doesn’t seem like a good deal based on what I’ve heard Leeds fans say about Gray, but they are usually idiots.
That was fun whilst it lasted. If a bunch of established premier league names are in there then our only chance would seem to be if he is further down their lists. West Ham being on that list is interesting given they are hopefully selling Downes. I know they are different players but am sure I saw mention that he can cover in the “6” position. Which will be useful for us as well as he can’t be worse at it than Smallbone is
I think Rodon was fully worth £10M. You could say they would have paid more - say £15M if they had reached the premier league. So it is all perspective. I think this is a decent deal for both sides.
All depends on perspective I suppose. We sold Lavia for what £60m? So double, after one season in the PL, Gray is 2 years younger but not tested at PL level. I think we would be disappointed if we had sold Gray for that. But it’s Leeds so who cares
Would West Ham even have to replace Downes? Doesn’t feel like he’s played at all for them since signing.
Would have been great to get KWP on a longer contract but if he isn't willing to sign then this looks a good deal. Downes is definitely more important and harder to replace than KWP and if we get a few million on top then ideal. KWP stayed when everyone else left. We all thought he would be off but he didn't push for it and was crucial in getting us back up. Good luck to him whatever happens.
Yeah, KWP has been a joy. Great example on how not to be a twat. Can’t begrudge him a London move. Will be sad to see him go though.