They can’t stop him running down his contract if he wants to and it runs to 27 so he wouldn’t be free next summer. I think they’ll still sell though.
Perhaps an option? I think he’s very likely to move this summer anyway but not sure we’ll wait for him.
Coukdnt that be triggered next summer? Sure that has happened with options- we did it with Reece James and flogged him about a week later.
They are but he’s never really been first choice there and the proposed fee is massive for a bit part player with his injury record.
It could be i don't think that everyone else would have been talking about his contract running out and them having to sell if suddenly he wasnt out of contract - wasnt much of a source anyway.
I can see that. But if Luke remains club captain then some of those reservations might be moot. As a player, I doubt anyone will have any bother with Xhaka being captain, and with Luke being so collegiate, they should work out alright together I think. I'm not as sure as you are either about a whole new 11. Certainly, last season's players will have to earn their place, but so will the new ones. I'd be very surprised if Cirkin, Neil, Ballard, Hume, Rigg, Roberts, Eli Isidor, Patto , ONien didn't feature well this season, though maybe in a couple of cases if they want to stay. But they don't have to carry the team. I think we are trying to chart a course that gives us a chance. Still predominantly young, but with some much needed nous thrown in.
IMO we absolutely have to play, and develop Ballard, Hume, Rigg, Isidor, Patto, Huggins, Alese, etc .... ... they're our next big earners and the only way we'll stay sustainable. We can't just bring in high cost foreign players, on big contracts, then wonder where all the money's gone.
Exact same situation as Xhaka for me. Bologna don’t have a lot of power here and are actively scouting / offering for a replacement if he’s not for sale they wouldn’t do that