Defoe is a confidence player, and IMO, Harry did a good job of wrecking that confidence by leaving him on the bench all the time, whilst playing Bambi, instead. O.k. world class, he ain't. But, he is a proven Premiership goalscorer. Still not in Ian Wright's league though + Wright was a much more physical player who was, if anything, over-confident.
I really don't know what to make of Defoe. At one time, I would have argued passionately against selling him, and like a lot of Spurs fans, I was very happy when he rejoined us, from Pompey. However, I now think he's too inconsistent to take us to the next level, and I've got to admit that I would not be sorry to see him go, but provided only that we replace him with a top class striker.
I would take Defoe at Arsenal He is just what we need, we've got plenty of players who are great at creating chances, but nobody to actually just stick it in the net! He's also got a great shot from distance on him (another area that we seem to shy away from). Harry doesn't seem to rate him or play him - strange as he's bought him twice! So I reckon we could get him for around £6m-8m, which for us would be great business.
Peskie, do you really think we'd let him go so cheaply? A proven English striker in his prime? You'd be looking at £20 million, at least.
What's more, when Sunderland sold Bent to Aston Villa for £24 million, Sunderland didn't want to let him go. His price was always going to be higher. Plus, the harsh fact is - and I know that a lot of Spurs fans cannot seem to accept this - that Bent is a far better striker than Defoe, especially on his form over the past two seasons. Any comparison between between the two is pointless, especially if Harry is not bothered as to whether Defoe stays or leaves.
I'm not sure how long Defoe has got left on his contract, but he's generally not being used at Spurs, so you could expect that a transfer fee would not be a commanding one. He's 28 now, so unless Harry is going to use him, he would be far better off elsewhere. It would be a controversial move to Arsenal, but hypothetically, it would definitely be one that I would entertain.
Bent wasn't sold for £10m. He was sold for £10 + £6.5m add-ons, which were all paid up when he was sold to Villa, as part of the terms of the deal, amusingly. I'd be surprised if Defoe was sold to a club that we're in any way in competition with, but a sale to Arsenal would involve a substantial bump to his price, if any deal were even entertained.
I have to admit that I was never a Darren Bent fan. When he was with us, I viewed him as an overpriced carthorse. I have to say, that although I still don't believe Bent is world class, or maybe even Int'l class, he now appears to, at least, be a better striker than I originally thought. I now believe that the major reason for that was the undermining of his confidence, for which Harry was largely responsible. It now strikes me that the same thing is happening with Defoe. If he goes, and makes a big success of himself elsewhere, then Redknapp will only have himself to blame.
Of all the strikers we have i reckon Defoe is the last one Harry will let go, the love is still strong!!
Hmmm, looks like I've stumbled across some 606 regulars... I wouldn't sell Defoe, the man had one injury which effed up his seasons start, other than that he's thembest striker we have. Unless someone offers 15m I'd hang on
There's quite a few of us on here, Stickolas. The moderation on here pretty much stops WUMing in it's tracks, too. Welcome to the thunderdome. Or something.
Good to be back. What's the consensus on Wickham going to Sunderland, bit disappointed we didn't go for him but maybe we have other more rounded irons in the fire. As long as its not Sally Gunnell...
Wickham looks to be a good prospect, in my opinion, but he's quite expensive and he may have chosen Sunderland ahead of us or Liverpool in order to get more first team football, even if we had matched the Mackem's bid. I'd have been happy to see him added to the squad, but given the likelyhood that we'll start the season with one up front, I'd have been worried to see him starting. A good move all round though, for me. Ipswich get a decent up front fee, with some add-ons if he succeeds, Sunderland sign a significant prospect in a position that they desperately needed to fill and Wickham should progress well and play quite often.
PNP, absolutely. There is a risk that we collect players instead of actually getting good fits. I wasn't sure he was the finished article and, as I said in another post, our lack of movement in e Wickham situation leads me to hope that we have bigger fish to reveal. For once, I am delighted with our midfield (who would have said that 5 years ago?!!?) but its up front and at central defence I am worried. Loving that Sandro will be rested for the start of the new season, I truly think our mf is equal best in the premiership
