Personally I couldn’t care less, however much they pay him it’s not our business, just curiosity. Besides, too much and Leeds will say we were robbed … … too little and they’ll claim his legs have gone and Bayer took our eyes out
I believe this is common and we will be doing something similar. Five years is the most you can spread it over now I think.
Possibly. However, when they've come up against each other (plus in the other handful of times I've bothered to watch Boro) I've not seen any massive difference between the two. It's the bird in the hand thing for me. We've got a player who we know can contribute to a promotion contender. Personally I think he's got more growth to come but that's by the by. We could well need to sign promotion contenders next season. Saving having to pay that 8 figure fee - plus all the positive (and important) messages it sends about pathway, development, pastoral care, club loyalty, commitment to youth development - is probably worth something in a wage negotiation in my view. Particularly when we're talking the difference being maybe £2m over a 4 year contract. And if we get relegated having spent upwards of £17m on Xhaka, those sort of 'losses' will be the thin end of the wedge.
@FabrizioRomano ⚪️ EXCLUSIVE: Granit Xhaka to Sunderland, here we go! Deal agreed between all parties involved. Understand fee will be €20m, contract until 2027. Green light from Bayer Leverkusen for the player to fly today and complete his move to #SAFC, one more ambitious signing.
I'm fine with that. He was the wrong fit once we did the business we've already done. Even more so if we get Xhaka. We simply don't have the midfield minutes available.
I keep seeing folk say he slows it down too much. Am I the only one who remembers the pace we played under Mowbray? Some of his fast passing and forward thinking was very good. I shouldnt keep defending him I suppose.