Oh I know that's the case but I'll always question what he's getting in return as we always seem to be the better off out of it
Yeah Zambrano hasn't got a work permit issue, but they've basically agreed to look after him while we sort our own **** out. Yep, the only issue will be how much we part with in order to complete those deals because all of them are on longish contracts. Zambrano and Carrero would be less of an issue because obviously Acun owns Maribor, but Laalaoui and Borys would, at least to any other club, command a decent sized fee.
I suspect from a footballing point of view he'll have a decent discount on any players he signs from us. We paid £4m for Allahyar when we got him from Fenerbahce, I think Westerlo got him from us for about half that (and then he went on to have a really good season with them last year). I've been watching Westerlo a fair bit this season because of our link to them, they have a really young squad that's still finding its feet (they're mid table). Their main striker, Nacho Ferri, looks really good and they've also got a young Costa Rican lad called Josimar Alcocer playing on the left wing that's brilliant. They're one of those sides that when it clicks, they'll be awesome. Bryan Reynolds at right back, who we are perennially linked with, is like a quicker Lewie Coyle and their keeper Andreas Jungdal looks solid, so I can see why Acun is buddying up to Oktan because a lot of their players would do well here in England.
Brexit has changed the dynamics - English clubs cannot avail of ROI youngsters until they are 18: After Brexit: FIFA rules now apply strictly: international transfers of players under 18 are prohibited, except in very limited circumstances (e.g., family relocation for non-football reasons). This means Irish players must wait until 18 to sign with English clubs End of the “traditional route”: For decades, Ireland’s brightest talents were snapped up by English clubs in their mid-teens. That pipeline has effectively closed. Domestic development: Irish clubs now retain their best youth players longer, which could strengthen the League of Ireland academies and domestic competitions. Alternative pathways: Some Irish players are moving to continental Europe (e.g., Italy, Germany, Spain) where EU rules still allow transfers at 16. Others stay in Ireland until 18, then make the move across the Irish Sea.
They have a Turkish centre half and midfielder that are very good and been there for 2/3 years. Surprised if we don’t make a move on those sometime.