LFEE

There’s the presentation video sorted… ?

That’s where Dom Slob comes in perhaps? We are definitely getting one more big signing if they are available. They will max out our FFP limits each window.

This was the bit I loved. As basically what I’ve been saying all summer… “Intriguingly, Newcastle were not looking for a No 6 or a No 8 as had been assumed. Indeed, in conversations over the last few days there is something “retro” in the way Howe wants Newcastle’s midfield to play next season. You might even call it old fashioned. In an era where there’s all sorts of tags and descriptions for midfield players, Newcastle wanted in old money what would have simply been called a centre midfielder; an all rounder. The idea is Newcastle’s midfield will be fluid, not rigid. There will not be precise roles or positions, but rather a unit that works together in tandem, with each player shifting to different areas of the pitch, depending on the situation. There is the hope that Tonali’s arrival will free up Bruno to have more of an impact in the final third, but Tonali will also go forward and impact play in this area too. Freeing up is a loose term, but what it will give Newcastle is two ball players in the middle of the pitch, making it far harder for teams to shut them down. It brings a myriad of different options and Howe does not want his team to be too predictable in their patterns of play.”

For us it isn’t though. His wages over 6 years are £15-18m more than ceiling. So you give that increase to several of our players to keep dressing room happy and you are talking about a player we aren’t sure wants to be in the NE or where we would play him costing us £40m fee + £60m wages + £100m wage ceiling increase and if he doesn’t fit you can’t reverse that wage structure.

She knew what she was talking about…

I did forget Chelsea (see above) ?? Actually added Man City out of courtesy but was just going to leave them out as they look good to go again despite reaching their Everest which is my only slight doubt. Probably try for the quad now ? If they are playing Havertz in GX role it could be very interesting season for him.

No my bad ?? Stick them in the mix for sure. Was just working down the league from last season ?

Although I’m not a massive fan of Rice as some on here especially at the figures quoted I think Havertz might surprise a few this year. Either way I think it’s going to be a fascinating battle between Man City Arsenal Man Utd Liverpool Brighton Villa Spurs and us in 23/24.

I’m sure you are right. I’ve just been watching a different sport for over 40 years ?

Exactly. £50m cheaper in fee and I’d imagine around £40m cheaper in wages over a 6 year period (based on being paid £260kpw as a guesstimate) and that’s without having a knock on effect of changing our wage structure which could’ve led to several players getting premature pay rises which would be massively expensive and an irreversible trend. Those thinking we were sniffing around for him need their head shaking ? This is why the club are looking for players who they deem can be as good if not better when working under EH but aren’t as established. Forget the likes of Rice & Maddison. Trust the process.

Was always the most likely destination as I’ve intimated for a while… Better fit for them and more affordable within their wage structure and Levy wanting to get his new manager on board with his main target so was always going to pay the £40-50m fee. More crucially as it’s now sounding we’ve not followed this one up that hard due size of fee and wages still too high to the players preference of playing in the south regardless of ECL. For that fee we were always going to be looking for someone 4-5yr younger on cheaper wages. Wouldn’t be surprised if they were more athletic too. Guess I know Ball after all or maybe you not as much as you like to think ?

Don’t know better TBH and you could be right Bruno might land around £175kpw but wouldn’t be anymore of an increase as too risky. Just what I’m reading everywhere it seems Maddison will be on £195kpw which ain’t something we are going to entertain. We’ll find out soon enough when the deal gets confirmed within the week you’d imagine.

July 1st not the new FFP year?

We are waiting for the clause to expire I would’ve thought. Don’t think we are keen to pay £61m and if we are then not in one lump sum.

Then you need to think again. The wages (and the possible £45m+ fee to a certain degree) have clearly made us walk away. The club have said repeatedly they can’t afford established stars which Maddison by default has negotiated himself into that bracket. Bruno’s next contact will set the new pay structure but can’t see him going much higher than £150kpw + some bonuses from his current £125kpw. Its the reason we opted for Tonali instead Barrella. Fee’s may give us FFP issues but wages give you dressing room problems which is as big a priority to those running us than anything.

I thought his demolition of the Stoke City full back in the Cup was probably his biggest humiliation. Which is good way of describing Ginola here for those who were unlucky enough not to see him. I still stand by him being less productive than Robert and HBA even though closer run race. He however took great pleasure in entertaining the crowd by trying to destroy the opponent he was up against and humiliate them. Then Dixon had enough and started to clatter him and he slowly fizzled out of form by and large sadly.

Same agent/agency as EH apparently.

And people worry he’s going to leave or be sold…

Thank you as always ??

I do also. Not saying things were perfect but a club has to have a bit courage in its convictions and it was clear to everyone that run of fixtures looked a nightmare but once through them the next six looked a lot more winnable. It was basically Viera’s first sticky patch you felt ??‍♂️ I heard apparently Parish has got in his head some stat that if a club remains in the EPL for 11+ years approx then it almost guarantees you remaining in it and I think they were/are approaching that ? ??‍♂️