There’s part of me that wonders about the physicality aspect that we assume it’s important. Height and power is certainly critical at set pieces, but in open play it’s more having an engine and tenacity that makes a difference at PL level. Le Fee has that, Neil has that. Gray appears to have that from the very little I’ve seen. Constant energy and harassing people, not necessarily physically dominating players.
We might offer over £25 million for somebody. But anyone over £25 million is more likely to attract the interest of already established Premier League teams, who will likely blow us out of the water with wages. Our best bet is likely between the £10 to £20 million bracket.
It might be the wages that are usually implied by a fee as big as £30m that could cause an issue But if we do, it's because we can. They have said pretty clearly that we'll have as good a go as we can, but not an "all or nothing" go. Suits me that. We have come a very long way very quickly. I have a mate who has an ST at Sheffield Wednesday. 25 years and counting for them now outside the top flight. They are in serious trouble. No money, poor team,nutcase owner, embargoes coming up old ground and on and on He is massively impressed by us and the patient way we have moved. ( He's not a little grateful for us beating Utd either mind!)
There were definitely plenty of periods in the games I watched when he was the deepest of the two. Did a lot of dropping and was always vocal and directing/organising others. Also got forward plenty too. Really hope we have a look at him this summer.
He was class up here, the PL is a massive jump and I think the areas he struggles with will get found out in the PL. I like him tho so I'd prefer him to be loaned out
I do hope we don't delay our signings too late. I do put a lot of stock in players having a full pre-season especially if they're from far away foreign lands like 'France'.
