They were talking about his situation the other day on 'On the Continent' podcast. Andy Brassell calls him "extremely talented" but another victim of Simeone trying to integrate exciting players into this Atleti machine.
But he's not prepared to do anything to make it happen?
Drip feed him. Kindly release a fraction of the Mitrovic money to placate him, play off of his love for our fans and potential. Do just enough to get that contract signed, then a glorious return to net profits and spreadsheet honours.
Ashley wants to do the minimum required to finish 17th every year.
After McClaren and Rafa, he's figured out that it's better to just spend a few million more on a quality manager rather than give £80m to a shit one. Cheaper, with similar results.
He'll be desperate for Rafa to stay.
The Almiron claim is interesting because Atlanta's signing of Pity Martinez has overfilled their Designated Player quota. So we have leverage - which normally doesn't work, but if no-one else is bidding....
Just sounds so avoidable. Why fly then, like that, in one of those? Why persevere after a dodgy flight over, or after takeoff difficulties?
Fucking hell, man.
Hopefully teams continue to figure Cardiff out. They'd been overperforming but today will surely be a blow.
Palace won't go, Southampton probably won't, so it's just us, Cardiff, Burnley and Fulham fighting to join Huddersfield.