TRon

I was replying to your description that he has a canny left foot. I don't think he does. Even if you want to go by the description of cultured/uncultured, if he had a good left foot, he'd be a much better crosser. His assist record is abysmal as far as I know. Even given he plays on the right, he could still swing in a cross like Gordon does by cutting back inside to make room.

How much would anyone invest when they know the path to becoming a big hitter is blocked? IMO if PIF can't do it, no one else will.

I do wonder if our owners have lost a little bit of interest now it's become clear our way to the top is going to be blocked using any means possible. But that's just not easy to verify one way or the other thanks to the dilligence the PL is applying to protecting the cartel. You make one step forward then you have to take two steps back, like selling your most promising young talent to balance books which don't need balancing.

Which is why I'm not particularly fussed if we are taking some time over those type of sponsorships. We need the game changers which will make the PSR cartel spit their cornflakes out.

Nicely done. I had to clarify using the word plummetting yesterday for the Pedant Police so these efforts should be appreciated.

Honestly, if we were going to sell Isak for big money, I'd rather it was to a club like PSG anyway. At least we wouldn't have to watch Sky having a wankfest over him playing for Arsenal or Liverpool.

He really hasn't. All his goals have basically been curlers into the far corner. Anything which requires any sort of self generated power is beyond him.

Yes, but as you yourself have said, they are typical of the sort of sponsorships which PSR won't bat an eyelid at. Because they'll make barely a dent in our ability to challenge the cartel.

Even without PSR there is always pressure to increase matchday income every time one of the cartel clubs raise their prices. The only way to avoid this is to stop competing.

Chelsea were a middling PL club before Abramovich, they had a stadium to reflect that. Maybe if they increased their capacity they could fill it, but I think local support must have dropped off a fair bit since they stopped winning stuff. Also, how much would a new stadium cost in London? Where would they put it given we are a one club city and we seem limited in our options for a city centre site? Not sure a new stadium would be on Boehly's list of priorities if profit is his motive.

Agree. Clubs like us will pay a premium for PL experience, although you would hope Mitchell will be spotting some less proven alternatives abroad for a quarer of the price.

I doubt we'd get them for a decent fee once they've gone to Brighton. The time to get them would be before they got their hands on them like happened with Minteh.

Not sure we are in a position to be more persuasive that those clubs, but at least we are in a position to compete with them so agree on that part. I guess we wouldn't have even tried for a Lewis Hall or Livramento a few years back, certainly not paying in the £30-40m bracket. So yes, you have a point.

Who was the one responsible for picking up Khusanov for £84,000? Maybe he's the one we should have headhunted instead of Mitchell.

I've already heard quotes of £8m being mentioned in some places, so won't be that surprised if the fee creeps down a bit more yet. Started off at £11m iirc.

Fair enough, haven't really followed this thread. As I said, from my limited viewing he didn't really look anywhere close to being a first team player. Not even sure if he is still regarded highly on here by those who have seen more of him.

I don't think the negativity is aimed at the club, most people are savvy enough to realise our hands are tied somewhat. The negativity is more aimed at the FFP/PSR shackles which have been imposed since the takeover.

I gave an opinion based on very limited viewing which I made pretty clear. If you have seen more of him then you can talk him up if you feel it's in order.

My bad, assumed he was there since the start of the season.

I assume if we want to keep Isak that percentage is only going to go higher. PSR is so well designed, to comply you have to sell your best players, probably to the cartel as they are the only clubs who can pay the wages you aren't allowed to.

Only saw him playing a couple of pre-season friendlies and he looked like he wasn't physically developed enough for the role. If he's not starting at Bolton then it suggests not a lot has changed.

Even if we do, as you've said yourself, loads of teams from Europe are entering the same market for the same reasons. Instead of fighting over the top proven talent, we will be fighting over the top unproven prospects who will hopefully be ready after a year or so prep. Not exactly spine tingling stuff.

Hopefully we didn't put him on a salary which will put off the sort of decent standard clubs he sees himself at.

Don't think that's going to happen, Eddie was furious at losing Anderson for this guy, and he's barely got a look in since. I think Howe wants him out of the club asap.

Everyone is now going to be going for the promising youngster bracket of players, there will be a lot of competition for the next Mbuemo or...dare I say it....Elliott Anderson.