alexf

if that was the case then surely their track record would speak for itself and you wouldn't be afraid to reveal the name? Itk abuse . Would somebody please think of the ITK's

In all depends on what conversations came first. As usual you have to assume the media are days/weeks behind or just flat out making things up. But if the Isak conversations came before we bid for Ekitike then that would make a lot more sense and essentially show we were trying to cover our arse if the prospect of Isak going this summer is real. However I do believe that the club have likely been telling teams he's not for sale unless a silly offer comes in (something north of £150m atleast? Liverpool trying at 120m is just them trying to get to the table to begin discussions.

I think he might have if it had been Liverpool bidding for him. We weren't a champions league team at the time and hadn't just won a cup like we have now. Newcastle of last summer coming in for you is not the same as the Liverpool this summer with all the added weight of the squad they are assembling and being current premier league champions and probably favourites going in to this season to win it again. I wish it wasn't the case, but at this point in our journey they are a step up from us..atleast in the eyes of professional players. But hopefully, the connection he has built with the club will buy us atleast another season from him and then alot can happen between now and next summer and his mindset could change....or psr could be abolished

I mean it doesn't make him an arsehole but he probably will right? They will be offering to triple his current salary at least + able to boast to being the current league champions + the increased chances of achieving more honours for him both collectively and individually at this moment in time. I just hope it's not this summer and he gives us his best for another year and if we can't challenge them this year or close the gap, and he hasn't signed a new deal then we agree that he can go next summer for the right price. Selling this summer for us would be massively counter productive and essentially takes major steps backwards and I think we slip back into the pack of chasing teams rather than leading from the front of them.

That tweet has highlighted one of my biggest pet peeves of transfer nonsense. People and "journalists" in particular struggling to understand the concept of conversion rates. Seen the same in the Ekitike thread. People saying "just pay the €86m release clause they want etc." clearly getting their pounds and euros mixed up.

I meant from a PSR perspective obviously, not from how rich PIF are. It makes no sense for us to sell this summer. We can get exactly the same fee next summer and possibly with even more teams competing for his signature. Meanwhile we should be assembling a squad with the possible expectation he goes next summer, so that we are future planning and not reacted after he's gone sitting on a pot of money where every club we approach would be slapping an extra 20-30% on any fee.

Liverpool cunts know what they are doing though either way. They are ensuring if we want to keep Isak and keep him happy then we need to give him fortunes in his new contract. Also potentially driving up the price for Ekitike if they are entering the race. Whatever the outcome, it's going to hit us in the old financials.

People can accuse others of being "bedwetters" or whatever but out of two scenarios; A) we're bidding for Ekitike as a contingency should Isak leave or B) were paying £75m+ out of our limited budget for a rotation option / Howe is suddenly going to change system and play two upfront. I think it's perfectly logical for people to think A is more plausible.

Could feel something was up as soon as the Ekitike interest turned out to be true. Got a horrible feeling of inevitability about it all. Dreams of having two class strikers to play together or alternate just didn't sit right and felt very un-newcastle to have that level of depth. But have to say, if there was any truth to the idea that we want Ekitike aswell as keep Isak and not because we knew he was going, then given the option, if there was a scenario where they wanted to sabotage our deal or drive up the price of Ekitike, then fuck it. Would always take keeping Isak over getting Ekitike plus having more money to spend.

Didn't play in any of the internationals did he? Thought he withdrew due to injury?

Following my post above, presume he's still recovering from his injury from the end of last season? Guess we would have heard if he had had an op. Hope he's back firing and injury free for Villa first game.

Not enough for them to ever play him apparently.

I can see how it would work. Like say we had one for Isak or something where like we don't tell anyone what it is. But if clubs blindly bid and then hit the magic number then it's agreed between club and player that we have to allow them to leave at that price. Gives the clubs the chance still to receive a bid above the release clause. Like say if Isak's was £100m but clubs assumed we won't listen to any offers less than £120m. But if it's proven the player or agent leaks that price to the buying clubs then the clause is void. However Levy won't be that stupid and whilst maybe morally he's probably in the wrong, legally I'm sure there won't be any evidence of tapping up the player. Even though we know it happens it literally every single transfer.

Never really rated Gallagher. Would be too expensive to be a back up and don't think he improves our first 11. But beggars can't be choosers and if Eddie wanted him and he didn't cost the earth then whatevs.

I thought Spurs were supposed to be "cash poor" this summer? Aren't release clauses usually required to be paid upfront?

Has he been given extra time away or is he back in with the rest of the squad?

Was actually thinking he's the only one who's putting in a shift, atleast defensively anyways.

Only team I'd be scared to draw in CL. Think we'd get ripped to shreds by their pace, passing and movement. As would most teams. Don't fear anyone else though really and feel we can give a good showing if we are near full strength.

Haven't watched much of CWC but could resist this and been an entertaining opening 5 mins.

Think Kudus will be decent at Spurs. Especially if he plays RW as he looked bit awkward playing LW often for West Ham. Certainly makes facing them a little more challenging anyways.

You just know Craig "Hope" can't wait to rinse the fuck out of any negativity or misery involved in the Isak contract negotiations or potential eventual transfer.

Forest fan I know said this... "He hits 1 out of 5 balls well, rest go out for a throw, but is absolutely rapid so gets a lot of chances" Suppose you won't see that in highlight reels.

Completely forgot he used to chopper in to training and refused to move house.

Was just wondering about Sven. If he comes back looking fit and strong and close to his old self this pre-season, what do you think Eddie will do opening game? On the one hand Sven is our long term LCB and has proven himself in the past and will also be desperate to be back playing after waiting so long with his injury issues and would possibly get the hump if he finds himself benched for the start of the season. On the other Burn was absolutely outstanding for us last year and quite fairly voted played of the year for his consistency. What would it say to him and others if his reward for that was to get dropped for Botman. Tough one for Eddie that.

So basically those 4 slots are pretty much taken and we will be left fighting for best of the rest to try and nab top 5 again whilst attempting to progress in the CL and cup comps. Feels like a potential 23/24 season repeat.