I think more people, like me, aren't holding onto much hope that we will make Toby a permanent signing. I was just wondering how split the opinion is... Would be one the best signings in recent years if we could pull it off, outstanding player and we've missed him any time he hasn't played with the exception of the United match after he went off when Gardos was outstanding.
I said no just to avoid disappointment. He's a fantastic CB seems to be content to be here but i cant see Atletico just letting him go with the form he was on before his injury. We're dealing with a quality player so if he keeps it up I imagine the 'big' clubs will come snooping towards the end of the season. I would love for him to join and I haven't given up all hope of it happening but I'm guessing he's gonna get a lot of offers from CL heavyweights if he maintains the form he had until his injury.
The only slim chance is if we finish in the top four. If we do then I think its 50/50 outside of that 0%. Champs League is a big draw but we have to remember we are amongst the lowest wage clubs in the league and unfortunately money talks especially when it comes to classy CB like Toby
Yeah, I agree with a few of the above comments. Top 4 and I think he will stay, 5th or below and I think he's off to a Champions League club.
I think he will be off to a big big club. He's just such a brilliant player, he'd walk into any side in the PL as a CB bar maybe Chelsea. He's a pretty damn fine midfielder too...
The trouble is, even if we finish top four, we aren't really a top four club, we are not allowed to have a 'top four budget' due to FFP and our stadium has half the capacity of most regular top four sides. Unfortunately I think Toby is probably the next level up from us - I hate saying it and I hope I'm wrong but I think in his head he's looking on to bigger and better things. As it ever was...
Can't disagree with anyone. Would love Toby and think that it is worth paying extra wages for him, but I do think he is good enough for any PL club (including Chelsea). I don't want to vote because it would make it too real!!
Like a lot of others here, I think if Saints make the top 4, certainly top 3, then we'll end up with his agreement to sign. Then it's down to Atletico, who will probably want to keep him, so I'm uncharacteristically negative on this one. Shame really, because he's exactly the type of player Saints need to progress. Very much hope I'm wrong. Never mind. Evolutionary period in the club's history. Saints are moving up from also-ran cannon fodder to an achiever, and as usual these days, they are doing it ahead of schedule. Some progress is better taken the long way round.
Yes, it's a bit of a Catch 22 situation isn't it? If we finish top 3 then a huge part of that achievement will be down to Toby. That makes him more attractive to other Champions League clubs, almost all of whom can pay higher wages than us. So, logically, there is no scenario where he will stay. Good job logic doesn't always apply to these things then!
He does seem very happy to be here. Top 4 and I would think yes, but he's nearly 26 so would be looking to go to a "top" side for his peak so would be off after a year or two anyway, so I'm not sure.
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If he were so very desirable to Atletico themselves then he wouldn't be here on loan in the first place. However, he's really put himself in the shop window as a crucial cog in one of the most miserly defenses in Europe this year so it's a certainty that the vultures are already circling. Add to that the fact that he was really quite open about this move simply being a step in his career and I would say that the chances of us signing him are diametrically opposed to our desire to sign him - one being 100% and the other 0%!
If Atletico wants him back and promises him playing time, I think he will go. If Atletico wants to sell, I don't think they will want to part with him for the option price. And Alderwerield, being somewhat loyal to Atletico and also likely having a large choice of clubs I think will refuse to sign should we exercise our option. If we are willing/able to come up with a decent price and wage then I think at that point there's a chance Alderwerield might choose us over other suitors as he does seem to like it here. Especially if we get into CL. But there's going to be a lot of big clubs throwing lots of money at him and Atletico, so it seems likely he will be out of our price range. So yeah... it's possible but I'd bet against it. But that's okay. He's done everything we've asked of him, and he seems to be quite enjoying his time here. So if he goes back to Atletico and raves about our club and our manager, it's a good thing. The better our reputation for player development and being a well-run club, the easier it will be for us acquire players in the future. Maybe he can have a few words with Arda Turan
Would love for him to sign but I'd be very surprised if he did, the one thing I am sure of, is that the club are doing all they can to tie him dowm? Superb player.
I was shocked we got him on loan .would be very shocked (but very happy) if we got him to stay.great player in my opinion
