Looking back, it probably has to be this one, although it's also notable for including a club-ruiningly stinking transfer chief among it, so it's a judgement call, really: Originally checked that season out because it was when we signed Geri on a loan, before getting him in permanently the next summer, but even taking his signature into account, all around him is hilariously bad (although Foster did have his initial good years, in fairness):
I was looking at our transfers yesterday - couldn't believe how much we spent in our first year back!
Update: Now we’ve sold Sissoko and repeating what I posted last week. £12mil for Cucho (according to AL) £2-4mil for Zinckernagel (according to reports) £1.7mil for Sissoko £15.7-17.7mil made Gray left £70k p/w = £3.640mil Foster left £40k p/w = £2mil N’Koulou left £20k p/w £1mil Kucka left £30k p/w =£1.560mil King left £50k p/w = £2.6mil £10,800,000 in wages gone (approx) Then add Cucho £20k p/w = £1mil Zinckernagel £20k p/w = £1mil Sissoko £60k p/w = £3mil £5,000,000 (approx) So based off that, we’ve “made” approximately £31,500,000 - £33,500,000 so far on outs. If reports are true that we get 10% of the Richarlison fee, based off reports that will be another £5-6mil. So in total without selling Sarr or Dennis yet We’re looking at approximately £36.5mil-£39.5mil “made.” Repeating myself but, I know this is a simpleton view however making up the deficit of the £45mil from the fall out of the Prem is going well. Selling Sarr and Dennis, between their fees and wages off the books that will be another £40-45mil Then the other dross like Masina, Rose, Penaranda, and Pussetto out the door will get another £2-4mil off the books in wages. Plus others who might leave on loan like Angelini, Sema, Kalu and Asprilla, so another £10mil in loan fees. Bottom line, we have no excuses to not strengthen the squad significantly if all goes to plan in the next week or so. I fully expect Messi to sign next Thursday.
Pretty sure we’ll get something more like £1m-£2m on Richarlison 99% of the time you receive a % of the profit when the player is sold on, which for us would be anything over £40m
If only life was that simple, this is WFC, there is such a thing as cash flow, there isn’t such a thing as £36.6-£39.5 million made, but I understand where you are coming from!
Bear in mind that; Our asset sales will need to be set off against our huge debt (though i hear total debt is only £28m when the correct ex rate is used). Our salary savings will go to cover part of the 50% reduction in TV income (what is that, about $60m, can't be bothered to check sorry??). So we haven't "made" anything, we will have just serviced some of our debt and saved some of the cost we need to save to avoid adding to our losses and debt. We don't have a nestegg to spend.
Given he won't be signing a new deal, that would obviously be a gamble and a fairly stupid one, you'd think. We don't get the benefit of him tearing up the champ to help towards promotion, we don't get to repay the connected debt, and the asset itself depreciates as his contract winds down by another year. Not sure why they would do that TBF....
If he goes to Udinese on a permanent deal, then his contract would almost certainly be extended, so it actually offers scope to protect the asset. The problem is that the best players in Italy rarely go for the big money we’ve looked for previously for Sarr - even De Paul was sold for £35m or so so if he had a good season it’s hard to see how much his value would appreciate.
Why would Sarr commit himself to another few years of imprisonment within the Pozzo network of player trading? Might as well just say 'I'm not playing in the Championship again, you've let all these other players leave on relegation, do the same for me or I'll sit it out and you won't get anything for me'. I'm sure he'd get picked for Senegal regardless and would be nice and fresh for the World Cup.
Oh sure - can see why he wouldn’t be tempted. Just flagging why the Pozzos would consider a move to Udinese tempting. But £20-25m in cash from an external buyer still preferable.
Unless Sarr genuinely believes he's not good enough to play for a top 6 English side, why would he sign a new contract to play for Udinese, in Italy ?
Because he doesn’t want to play again in the Championship and this is the best top flight opportunity that has become available?
Pozzo is working on a deal which involves his registration being transferred directly to Macquarie Bank He’s gonna be part of their savings and loans division
Good to see us being linked to so many homegrown players, the club aren't messing about with this rule of eleven business.
We had him on loan at Spezia this season, I'm not convinced. Qualities: Decent (but not exceptional) in the air, Has decent (but not exceptional) movement and pace Weaknesses: Lacks great decision making to be a quality striker (he takes a lot of shots from places he shouldn't - either takes them too early or far too late). When he's on the ball he keeps his head down a lot and isn't aware of what's happening around him. We could (and should) be after someone with a better track record.
He was raved about in his early days but he's not really done anything of clout. Not even worth a bench position in your opinion? Plus it depends on what they want for him.
Actually just realised Spezia had an option to buy him for €2.7m which isn't a lot for a Serie A team and it would seem as if we've decided we're not gonna exercise it which isn't a great sign. Yeah he's 25 now and his best ever season was when he scored 12 for Barca B (and that was only the season before last when he would've been 23/24 years old - and that's in the 3rd tier!). He got 5 goals for Spezia (with 2 of those being pens!) in the equivalent mins to 21 full 90 min games, which isn't great at all. As a bench option he might be ok, but we could definitely get someone better (and most likely someone HG) for that spot.
Cheers! Always stumble over my words a bit on stuff like that where I have to think quickly on the spot, mouth moves faster than my brain!
