Stolen from RTG Averages just less than 1 yellow card every 4 games …..what’s that less than 10 across the season, guess it depends when he gets them in terms of bans 93 yellow cards in 399 games (Arsenal and Leverkusen) Something like 6 reds in his whole career Doesn’t feel that bad given his style of play
If we had to bin him we could probably swallow it. But it would be tough financially and maybe from a squad harmony perspective. Hopefully this is just nervousness as I say
One question. If the Saudi deal was close then Xhaka was keen on the big money. Will he pivot and be motivated by the challenge? I would love to think players like him would, but it is easy to start spending money in your head.
I guess we don’t know why the NEOM deal has fallen through. It could be that he himself has decided he doesn’t want to go and has chosen to stay in Europe.
Maybe he just doesnt fancy saudi? Who knows fabrizio romano reported 2 days ago neom made him a big offer
Not sure it was close. They backed out due to “setbacks” that was tweeted just after the tweet of us being in talks and offering a 3 year deal
At his age I'd imagine he'd relish playing with the likes Diarra, Le Fée, Adingra, Mayenda, Talbi, etc ... ... it would be like a testimonial match every week
He got a bad rep for getting 2 in a season, but was rarely ever sent off for arsenal. I think it's definitely a common misconception
My assumption is some level of personal terms were being discussed. Doesnt really matters mind I suppose. If he signs the competitor in him will shine through.
Find that hard to believe mate when last season we had Harrison Jones and Alan Browne consistently in the match day squads. We’re desperate for better in midfield areas
Aye. I’ve just got memories of him visibly losing his head in games. Not necessarily picking up cards but losing focus, making poor/impulsive choices and being a net negative rather than a positive. If that’s something he’s grown out of then it’s less of a worry. Perhaps the bigger worry is that style of play and whether it can still translate to the PL. Mopping up behind a title challenger in the bundesliga and shoring up a relegation candidate in the prem are two different things. If he’s lost a step he could well be a Helmer.
I reckon any player of Xhaka’s stature, if they wanted to go to Saudi then they’d find one of the clubs willing to sign them. If he signs for us it’s because he wants to be part of this project and finish off his premier league business
I might be bias, but I would think given the ambition shown by the club with the incomings so far, the publicity we received during the entire play-offs ..with our amazing support....also the fact the OWNER turns up to attempt to this player to buy into the project...is something "some" players would find irresistible...some would prefer money...but some just might prefer this.
Hhhhmmm I believe we’re interested in Xhaka however I can’t see him turning down Saudi coin. Feels like Bulka mk2
He was certainly a talented player but is he the best we could get this summer? And is he still a standout in this league?