McCormick

@MrRaspberryJam

Italian media don’t seem to have gotten the memo that FFP is a thing for us. They’ve been Linking us to Osimhen and Kvarradonna at over 100m each the past few windows as well.

Lot’s of work still do obviously but MBS -the guy who everyone is blasting (and I’m not saying they’re necessarily wrong to do so) - has done more for human rights/ women’s rights etc. in the last 5 years than anyone has in the entire history of Saudi Arabia. That, despite the protestations of the public as well.

Tbf we signed Gordon in January when we were desperate for a centre-mid. I think the club just jumps on deals when the prices for our targets are in line with our valuations.

Yeah, traffic sucks. The standard of driving is also some of the worst in the world.

Feel like I’m working for the Saudi tourism board here but of course! What would you want to do? There’s untouched historical sites that rival Petra, there’s off-roading, some of the best diving you can get, loads of live events, massive modern shopping malls, 5-star restaurants, amazing mum-and-pop local restaurants, stunning beaches etc. The women are glorious too. This isn’t to say there aren’t downsides to living here but there’s definitely a lot of upside.

I can understand why someone might think it’s like a prison but there’s nothing stopping you from going outside to experience the local culture or whatever once you’re acclimatized. It’s just a nice little buffer of familiarity. Recently, in most major cities the barbed wire fences have been effectively outlawed unless you’re living in a military compound; as it sends the wrong message for prospective tourists.

Most expats absolutely love living in luxury “compounds” tbf and the vast majority don’t want to go back home when their contracts end. It’s pretty much like living on a beautiful holiday resort; swimming pools, parties with other expats, gyms, brilliant restaurants, some of the best international schools in the world and super safe places for your family to grow up (you don’t ever need to lock your doors all year round). It truly is a paradise for millionaires if you’re in one of the major cities. slightly triggered here as I’m part-owner of a string of these luxury gated communities (we don’t call them compounds).

Tonali was in the same competition that Gordon won the player of the tournament of.

Profit will come from Guol and Minteh type signings and, if we’re lucky, some academy lads.

Can’t say I know anything about it but I’d be surprised if each team weren’t given an allowance of some kind.

Should we expect to get Mickey Mouse on loan as they have the same owners? Each company under the PIF banner has its own set of vested interests and ownership models, man. I’d argue getting the Saudi League a broader worldwide audience is of more importance to vision 2030 than helping us out at their expense. The teams acquired by PIF have massive followings in KSA, their fans would be furious!

Why would a Saudi team spend their transfer budget on helping us? Imagine being a fan of Al-Ittihad, giddy with excitement that you’re signing Benzema, only for your team to loan him to Newcastle . It’s as likely as us sending them Tonali on loan. Fanciful stuff.

Yeah, not many wingers you can buy that will almost guarantee you double digit goals in the prem for 35m. Maddison for 40m was the better deal (and the better player) but he was on double the wages.

Probably won’t flop (imo obviously) but his numbers are misleading. Bundesliga tax and all that but he’s still super rapid, direct and skillful which would translate to the PL. I’d wager Barnes would get more goals though.

Poor move for him but understandable; his reputation exceeds his ability imo. Would be a great signing for Villa though, unfortunately.

If Miggy had a working right-foot and a footballing brain he wouldn’t have signed for us under Ashley

I mean he’s big and strong while also being a leader for Monaco. I watch a lot of the Uber eats league (imo it’s the closest thing to the PL and the 3rd best league in the world) and while he can sometimes play right-back, he very much looks like a centre-back playing there. He’s a rich-man’s Lascelles in many ways. I really like him but 40m seems a lot, considering Aguerd and Botman went for less and were/are way more highly regarded. We’d lose the amazing things Schar brings us but gain an absolute physical specimen in return. if we’re shopping for cb’s in France, Todibo is hands-down the guy I’d go for though. I think most Ligue 1 fans would agree he’s the best young (perhaps just the best) defender in the competition.

hate to lose him but Ffp-wise what could that mean for our transfer budget with selling him and without?

Disagree. Had a rough start but was one of the best left-backs in the league near the end imo. edit: basically what @Shadow Puppets said

Rb over Lb for me. We’ve got 2 PL quality left-backs and only 1 (albeit world-class) PL level right-back.

They did the same for Kuluvsevski (sp) but have to admit I’ve no idea how or if their financial situation has changed since that deal. But man…Pre-injury Chiesa on our right-wing would be truly mouth-watering stuff.

I’d take Adams, especially on loan.

“NUFC outgoings” better mean Fraser.

Really? . I was fairly happy with the Barnes links and super excited about Szob and Maddison. I was even on board with Antonee Robinson when others weren’t!