The College Dropout

It’s €11m. To requalify for the CL we need a fully competent good PL level CM sitting on the bench when we play a 433 with everyone fit. Currently we do not have that imo. And neither does Howe considering the formation changes.

This is the type of ‘a body’ transfer I’ve been referring too. Probably 3rd choice in the role but an important squad position. Happy to sit on the bench for extended periods of time if needed.

Then you sell some of the saleable assets from the deep squad you have. Again - this is exactly what we did last summer. Which is also the case when you don’t qualify for the CL but have CL quality players in the squad not in the competition. You’re being pedantic. Are you saying we have zero assets to sell… to ourselves? We can also buy assets with the express intention of selling them to ourselves - that is allowed in the rules. Are you suggesting that is impossible? Barcelona sold its own future revenue properly. Not even to itself.

Elanga had a better season. Not sure he’s a better player. It’s like Gordon and Barnes. At his best Gordon is more effective and consistent. But Barnes is better technically and is more composed.

I think we will change system if we get Pedro. But we still need midfield cover. If Isak and a midfielder is unavailable- we need to be able to play a competent 433.

Aye Madueke looks technically solid but output and attitude isn’t there. Opposite with Elanga. About the same level overall - good PL winger with potential

Not being able to play 433 effectively because of 1 injury or suspension is a priority. Even if it’s a body. The way the Arsenal CB was able to come in Kiwior - he’s proper backup but he can go against us and Real. We don’t have that player. Miley isn’t trusted. Neither are the other 2 who will probably be sold anyway.

We've got lots of assets. And within the rules, we can buy assets outside of FFP but selling them counts towards FFP. We can buy land and sell it under FFP/PSR as pure profit. We can sell SJP to ourselves. We can buy the land for the new site, then sell it to ourselves.

If you've requalified - yes. That's basically what we've done - but with a years break in the middle. Invested aggressively to give us a team capable of qualiyfing for the CL without having CL football in the same season. We built a squad capable of that 2-3 years ago and not added anything substantially to it in 2 years. We've not patiently built anything.

Trying to break into the top 4/6 isn't a game of patient investing imo This is a fast-paced ruthless game. Growth for us is dependent on immediate results. The advantage others have is compounded. On a basic business level - that doesn't reward "patient investing".

Still think we'll need a body at CM.

Exactly. The only way for any other team to consistently get top 6-like revenue.... is to consistently finish in the top 6. Therefore, having an extended period of losses and/or overperformance. That's true of us and Villa. We can accelerate revenues through dodgy sponsorships up to a point but that's still reliant on overperformance on the pitch. This is why I adovocate pushing hard in the transfer market this season to compound last years CL success. CL is £50m per year in cash and indirectly worth loads in sponsorships. Main thing is qualifying for that back-to-back and only missing seasons by exception. The revenues will follow.

No it's not. 1,100 minutes is not "lots of game time" for a 21-year old. Never has - never will be. That's a bit part player. Yes injuries played a factor but doesn't stop the basic fact that he never got the minutes. He never got a good run in the side.

Chelsea holding group has lost £400m this year. Who wants to do that? Do PIF even want to do that year on year with us?

They are owned by a very rich man in terms of real losses. For PSR success on the pitch is really what drives revenues. Thats Villa’s goal.