Nine

It’s defo extreme circumstances here, not as straightforward as not turning up to force the move. He’s been harassed by their fan base on a personal level and has an opportunity to move to a much healthier club, careers are won and lost on moments like these sometimes. Stay there and he probably gets relegated.

He’s leaving then, question is to where.

I agree that Howe likes to stay loyal to a well performing starting 11, I don’t see that changing and rightfully so as it’s working. Burn and Joe covering the left is a fair point and will offer more flexibility on who we play LW, it’s just for me I do not see Maxis attributes as optimal for starting consistently in this system regardless of who is around him. I feel there’s a lot more to be gained from a Gordon type for the first 60 mins of a game than there is from Maxi, I like him alot and would love him to stay but time will tell on that. His injury record really isn’t in his favour either, extended minutes at a high intensity will just invite injuries.. I think he came into this season with to much size and like you say has slimmed down again which is fair enough.

It’s a nice idea to imagine we keep the Gordon money and Maxi turns into a pressing maniac whos no longer prone to muscle injuries but it’s unlikely to happen like that. Maxi has explosive pace but I don’t see him built for an intense press for 60+ mins, hes being used as a 70 minute sub probably because that’s how he’s most effective in this side. He comes on against tired legs and when the need to press is reduced, he pins back his right back because they are scared of his speed and ability to go past them. Maxi is great for that role and wether he stays depends on if he’s happy with not starting as many games imo, Gordon offers something entirely more suited to starting in our current set up. Some legs look a bit tired lately to me, just highlights the need for depth even more. We need to build a squad capable of an extended schedule by next season which is why we seem to be pushing late in the window for an extra (potential starter) body. Gordon would be an important signing at this stage, 60m is steep but likely isn’t accurate.

I understand there is a cap rule on instalments, apologies if I’m wrong

Fair enough then, I guess I’ve missed that. Seems a logical move for him.

60m is a huge fee for him, somewhere around 40m would seem about right. I wonder about the number of instalments/years we have offered on this deal to try and lessen the dent in our FFP, perhaps that is a sticking point with Everton. As a player I see him as a ready made perfect winger to play in this system, physically he’s not only quick but from what I’ve seen has a great engine.. he will work up and down that side defensively as much being very active in the press. Going forward he’s very direct, I can imagine scenarios of him breaking forward with the ball quickly and coming inside centrally to play in Isak, Wilson or whoever. Him being labelled a speed merchant is wide of the mark because he seems technically good, we can’t really judge him fairly from his time in a shit Everton side either way. I get he’s hated for being a ugly scouse shithouse, I dislike his personality on the pitch to.. but I won’t if he’s our ugly scouse shithouse.

I’ve not seen him linked away but it would seem possible, we currently have 4 keepers in our first team squad with Dubravka called back from Man United (who I expected might have been sold abroad this window but hasn’t).

I used to think he was only suited to a back 5, how wrong I was. Pure consistency at the moment.

They don’t even play the same positions man, totally different players. Why does it have to be one or the other?

Yeah, the midfield and forwards fitness in particular atm is really getting stretched. The high output style is so effective but takes its toll after this many games, squad isn’t deep enough to cope.

Beautiful

Unreal

Isak rinsed him so easily

ISAKKK

Beast Pope

The amount of chances we are consistently creating is impressive, how have none of them gone in is another matter One will go in before this is over.

LOL

I know it’s a semi final but everyone needs to calm the fuck down

Sloppy start, we’ll settle into it

A big point is he doesn’t need to adapt to another league/country like Diaby would, so obviously homegrown and better yet he’s a great fit for our current system.. is Diaby even available? How does he fit into this side/league? Im not saying he can’t I just don’t know that much about the player.

No denying he is absolutely fucking minging but he does have perfect attributes and physical ability to fit into Howes (4-3-3 especially) system as a winger.

If signed and he gives his all, scores a few goals with some assists thrown in then by the end of the season everyone that’s doubting will have warmed up to him anyway (regardless of whatever the price may be). It’s unreal to me people will question the targets management identify as players who will improve the squad, if what Howe and co have done so far doesn’t win you over enough to accept that they know better then what will?

You really think the reports on price will be 100% accurate?

Wasn’t he ill before he went to the WC as well?