Bellars

Wouldn’t be surprised if he lineup is unchanged (aside from Manq for Yedlin)

Potential shirt sales in Japan / exposure to new markets etc. It’s fairly straightforward. I was kinda making that point tbh My guess is the signings we've made so far don't want mental wages and the ones we're unable to get want the going rate. I'm not convinced it's all down to fees, still think Ashley is hung up on what happened with Allardyce. I can't think that far back. The brain damage over the years and through the managers has been too traumatic. What happened with Allardyce again?

Those kits were class. Even the training gear.

Anyone think marketability in Japan could have something to do with this transfer?

My feeling is that it's a way for us to negotiate higher sale prices. For example, some clubs may be more willing to pay 15m spread over a few years, instead of 12M in a lump sum at close. Overall it makes buying our players more attractive.

wish we had sold him after the world cup

Because we may need him in the Championship next season?

Even MLS teams are spending more than us http://www.espn.com/soccer/soccer-transfers/story/3345600/atlanta-united-agrees-mls-record-deal-for-ezequiel-barco-sources

This.

That compilation is fucking class :lol:

Deals of this size take time. Due Diligence takes time. Especially when you have investment banks on either side. It would not be entirely unsurprising for it to be extremely quiet during a diligence period as they examine the books, assets, contracts, etc. I’m still optimistic

Agree; Mahrez is a better team player, especially with the style of play that won Leicester the title. But Ben Arfa has far more raw talent and a much higher ceiling. Every game he shows flashes of potential that you would likely never see Mahrez show.

Almiron would be interesting. Young confident player with loads of pace and potential. Always looks dangerous with the ball at his feet. Could play the #10.

That's the spirit Why else would Rafa put up with this? Pure speculation, I know. I'm clutching on to any hope.

My read (pure speculation): A single party has made an offer for the club. The offer is credible, but it is a disciplined one and is not crazy rich. Ashley wants to sell the Club but doesn't believe the offer reflects full value (or the value we wants to get). Ashley puts out this statement in an attempt to generate more interest and entice additional buyers to create a competitive sale process. He is trying to drive up the price.

That's the spirit Why else would Rafa put up with this? Pure speculation, I know. I'm clutching on to any hope.

I really hope that the club is up for sale and this is just Ashley being tight until the transaction closes.

We should have sold Krul right after the World Cup. Remember when he was linked with Chelsea, Milan, Manchester United, etc? Good days...

More competition for the wings. I think it's more and more likely that we'll see Ritchie / Murphy / etc appear behind the striker as #10.

I think there's a reasonable chance he scores 10+ this season.

We sold Murphy, which we wouldn't have done unless we planned to add another striker. I'm sure someone will come in. With Rafa, I'm optimistic it'll be someone half decent. Although, I am stilled scarred from the Doumbia deadline day shitshow.

Gayle's winner vs Norwich? Purely for the drama and absolute chaos? The goal marked a real turning point in the season

just wait until Pardew is in his next job and offers £7M for him

It's hard to really judge a striker without giving him an extended run of games, which is something Mitro has rarely had here.

Better the devil you know than the devil you don't know...