KaKa

I remember that

Not a bad comparison in how he runs with the ball actually I've noticed a few say he is clumsy or doesn't look in control of the ball. It's really just his gait and how he runs I think. He is so gangly! He actually seems to have good technique and is very confident on the ball. Looks dangerous taking on players.

Yeah, the talk was that his side was open to it. However, there was talk of a release clause being added. We'll need to be smart about the valuation we agree to for that.

I'm throwing Barca in there too because they will somehow pull off some dodgy manoeuvre to pull the money out of thin air. Honestly, the only PL club I think is crazy enough to put the money down is Chelsea. They came sniffing around in the summer, during our PSR issues, but were not happy with the £120 million valuation. But even they are being very strict about their wages now, and have have introduced a wage cap apparently, which is why they didn't sign Osimhen. They were only willing to pay him £175k a week I think it was. If we qualify for the Champions League it's going to be interesting to see how this plays out. I do agree if he doesn't sign, but we keep him, we'll have to sell in summer 2026. When that time comes I think it will be abroad to one of those you mentioned or Barca.

Yeah, seems a fair few aren't, which is fair enough. I see him doing well in the Prem though, especially in a decent Villa side. Will be really interesting to see how he fits in, and if it works out for him.

Depends on how far we are willing to go with our offer. He'll most likely go abroad to a better club that can pay what an Arsenal or Man Utd will if we are way off. You can talk history all you want, but those days are over. There's no more PFMs filling the majority of all the other clubs, and it's far more difficult to get players off other Prem clubs due to the very high fees. All these so called 'big clubs' need to wake up.

Loved this from Zirkzee yesterday

Good deal for Villa. Can see Malen doing well there under Emery.

I agree the key thing will be salary. Competitively, the Prem is as open as ever barring Man City, and that's only if they recover and get their rebuild right. Isak has done well enough that he should only be looking at Real or Barca if he leaves really. Joining Arsenal or Man Utd would be an absolute joke.

Can't lie, me, I'm enjoying the crazed delusion Isak is causing across the land! Ex-United forward Teddy Sheringham, though, has recommended Isak as a player who should be right at the top of Amorim’s wish list. “Manchester United is still a massive draw for any player and playing for the club is still a highlight of anyone’s career,” Sheringham said (via The Sun). “Would Alexander Isak consider joining United if a bid came in? Without a doubt. “I’m not saying a deal will get done but he would be the perfect signing for United. “He can lead the line and score goals and could be a statement signing for the new regime. “He is full of confidence at the moment and could lead by example.”

Yeah, I like Rice, but £100 million on him was a bit mad.

If we really need to maximise our funds. I could live with Pope and Dubs for another year after this one. Extending Dubs would be much cheaper than spending £20 million odd on a goalkeeper this summer. I'd much rather maximise what we can spend on a right winger and long term right sided centre back, if things are tight.

I think he's fine coming in to see out games against tired opposition. Also think he can start the odd game provided he's alongside a good number of our other better players. Yesterday, he was in a position where he had to take the initiative and make things happen, in a much weaker team, and it was really really poor. He's at his best just keeping it simple and letting others do the more incisive stuff.

Regardless of opposition, it was a pretty spectacular goal on his weaker foot, and it was a nice glimpse into the kind of talent he possesses.

Yeah, would have been a good game for him to play in, as they didn't offer much of a threat at all really.

Yeah, I think they will continue to invest. I just don't see them bank rolling a move for one player that costs £150 million. But we'll see I guess.

Even with the FFP/PSR wiggle room they have, they don't have the type of owners that will spend big continuously. I Do not see their owners backing a move to spend £150 million odd on a player. The Rice move was more of a one off from them rather than something they'll be getting into the habit of doing.

The main thing we have to focus on right now is increasing our allowance for higher wages for our better players. The only reason the likes of Isak would consider leaving is due to the financial package on offer elsewhere. All these older guys in the media that think players are going to move purely due to the 'bigger club' moniker are stuck in the past. In reality no club outside of Man City has won anything consistently for a while now, and you are not guaranteed winning anywhere else other than them. And they are even having a wobble of their own right now. Regarding Arsenal specifically, his current Newcastle team have beaten them twice already this season, and it's looking like they will be out of the two domestic cups. His current team also plays a style that allows him to thrive while Arsenal are currently being ridiculed for their slow, tedious play going forward. Isak is the lead man in a team on the rise that is competing for a Champions League place with Arsenal, and is still in both domestic cups. A team that is on a run of 8 wins straight. So what exactly is he looking at gaining at Arsenal, if we are able to give him a competitive wage increase at the end of the season?

It's unbelievable really. Think they're losing the plot somewhat.

Absolutely ridiculous bunch man.

Merino is one of the whipping boys for all of their issues. What a damned shame. The utter disrespect man.

Ah! Even you too! Following the lazy narrative of Man Utd fans lashing out at players for their disaster of a club. Well I know you like your data, so let's simply look at the numbers of this so called 'utter shit' player. Last season in an unfancied Bologna side that ended up making the Champions League, and this year in a pretty poor Man Utd side. Very simple. Bologna 2023/24: Man Utd 2024/25:

You did see the info I shared though right? Pretty astonishing don't you think? Even Zirkzee's defensive numbers are better. Also despite more than 200 mins played Hojlund has not outscored Zirkzee or set up more goals. What's the deal with that?