McCormick

That’s fair.

We don’t really have a CEO though, man. Or at least not one doing much beyond spell-checking his handover notes. YAR and PIF aren’t sitting around cooking up clever ways to game PSR; they’ve got sovereign wealth portfolios to manage. It’s not their job to dream up shirt-sleeve sponsorship tricks or academy asset flips. That’s what a competent executive team is for- to actually think ahead, build structures, and get the necessary sign-off. But until we have someone upstairs that does more than administrative busywork, there’s not much to judge imo.

Only ever seen him put in trainwreck performances vs PSG . Maybe I’m being unfair, but doesn’t scream composure under pressure. Highlights make him look a pacey and “modern” cb though. Tools are there and the price is okay. If Howe wants him, I’m in.

Don’t think 60m is that bad a price, personally. He’s a better player than Diaby who went for similar money.

I don’t think Akliouche would hit the ground running, personally. Great prospect but really lightweight. At the top level there isn’t a pronounced difference in transfer fees from the PL and abroad.

Not had the best season and plays in a back 3 but he’d be an amazing signing imo.

They’ll never sell him on the cheap. He’s too good and their fans love him. He’s like their Isak or Livramento where they won’t sell this window unless there’s bonkers money on the table.

To be fair to Ryder, it seemed Chelsea moved quickly once they saw we were making progress on the deal. I’m sure his agent tipped them off.

We only need 1 small sale this window (even a 10m Longstaff deal for example) to spend 170m and above based on my rough PSR calculations. I reckon that’s what we’re waiting for to spend big on a CB too. Should have around 30m worth of headroom this summer if I’m not mistaken.

Shit. Why is it reminding of the Simple Rick’s wafer ad ? Fair play though, love the little touches.

It’s not on, is it? Don’t want to sound precious but he deserves a little bit more respect for his time here. Not saying I’d be delighted if he stayed but I don’t see the need to dunk on the guy.

I'm not saying they were unwilling to spend money; I agree, they clearly want us to succeed. All I meant was that we don't really know the full extent of what they would have done. Iirc Amanda mentioned something about PIF being prepared to invest around £60m per year on transfers (which they actually exceeded). Anyway, there's no point getting caught up in the what-ifs. People come to this thread for a bit of a serotonin boost, not to see dry debates about ownership and stuff

That’s probably fair. No way to know how “massive” the sponsorship deals would have been without APT constraints though. Depends on how willing they were to take money out of one pocket to put in the other so-to-speak.

I should probably bore off out of this thread and take it to the PIF one tbh . Re: being number 1, PIF always makes really bold claims about its projects, but they rarely live up to the grand expectations they set. I could go on about The Line, Neom, Al-Ula, the Haramain railway, the new airport, even a bloody aquarium; all marketed as “the best in the world,” but while some are impressive, none have really reached that level (some not even close). Also using investment processes to run a football club isn’t that bizarre though? Modern clubs are big businesses and need strategic management. Granted, football clubs are different to a lot of other investments but with the right leadership I don’t see why it’s that ridiculous. Maybe I’m not understanding what your concerns are in that regard.

You're right imo and (sorry to sound smug) but I’ve said this all along. This doesn't look like the flashy, short-term sportswashing we’ve seen with the Saudi Pro League or Club World Cup. PIF were fully aware of PSR constraints and still went ahead, which suggests a longer-term, strategic investment rather than a vanity project. That said, it still contributes to improving Saudi Arabia’s global image; it’s sportswashing, just in a more subtle and credible form. This is in stark contrast to the in-your-face stuff that’s coming soon with the Saudi World Cup (I’ve talked to a few people involved and as usual they have wildly expensive and ambitious plans for that). Newcastle United clearly matters to PIF but likely as part of a wider global portfolio. It’s just not a top-tier national priority though.

Reports say between 120 to 200k. I picked the 200 because it suits my point better.

Xavi Simmons is apparently on 200k a week and they paid 60m for him. Don’t see that as a realistic target at all.

Ugh. Another clown joining the Chelsea circus. Won’t be the last, unfortunately. Petty part of me wants nothing but the worst for his career now. Just hope plan b is someone as good.

I’d take him for 45m for sure. edit: Well…not me, personally.

Apparently Chelsea are also looking at getting Kudus in too . I live in hope that at least one player rejects them, for the love of God. If not, cool. Another clown for their circus.

Could be wrong but didn’t they spend 50 to 60 odd million on him (possibly with more in add-ons)? 2nd highest transfer in Bundesliga history iirc. Imagine he’s on a fair whack, considering. Pretty sure he’s out of our reach, which is a shame.

Thought Xavi Simmons would have been a cool alternative but (depending on what reports you believe) the lad’s on between 120-200k a week. We won’t go anywhere near that imo.

While journalists do play a role, I don't believe they're entirely at fault here. Like it's totally fair to call out some of the shit that they put out; a lot of it is half-baked, rushed, or clearly meant to stir up drama. But it's also worth remembering that a lot of these guys are just trying to do their jobs in a system that pretty much forces this kind of content.

I actually sighed so hard I got lightheaded. This sucks. Chelsea sucks. PSR sucks.

Let’s be real, it’s less about journalism and more about traffic now. Sports media runs on ad revenue, and that means clicks are king. Outlets make more money by pumping out constant content like hot takes, sensational headlines and shallow analysis because that’s what drives engagement. Depth and quality don’t pay nearly as well as outrage and volume so why spend time on thoughtful reporting when you can churn out 5 quota-filling guff pieces before lunch and kick your feet up while ad dollars roll in.