sushimonster85

Yep. This is especially true of players going to Saudi. As much as I'd love us to get 20m for Almiron I can't be angry at him (or any player) for deciding it's not for them.

Totally agree with this. I often feel odd saying 'X player won us these specific points' but I do feel like Barnes is one of/the only player in the squad who takes that shot on at that time in the game. And has the ability to execute in the way he did.

I find some of the Barnes comments pretty harsh. Aye, he had an underwhelming first season, but this was largely due to injury. The injury then allowed Gordon a chance to nail down that left side they were probably going to compete for. But even then, coming on as an impact sub, he probably won us 4 points (West Ham win, Luton draw). Was irrelevant after the FA Cup, but this was the difference between 7th and 8th. I know he is more limited than Gordon, but he is great to have in the squad.

That's properly mental. Again, no crystal ball, but I feel like we are on the verge of another big season. Reckon 4th/5th is doable with fewer games. To risk pissing that, and everything it generates, up the wall just to stubbornly hold onto a player it looks like we're going to 30m for without him ever kicking a ball in the PL is crazy to me.

It's people either being deliberately obtuse, or actually a bit thick.

Would you feel the same way if that hit was a points deduction that meant despite finishing in a European spot, we don't actually get European football?

Cool, how does that help us now?

What if keeping him leads to a pointed deduction that keeps us out of Europe?

I know it's been said ad nauseum everywhere, but how Gareth Southgate remains the only person who can't see the one of the more obvious fixes changes he needs to make is beyond me. He won'y actually learn anything. I bet any money the only change for the next game is Mainoo in for Gallagher. Least Gordon will be pretty fresh for next season.

Seems to me a Minteh deal is pretty much ready to go. But as others have said, I imagine they'll have something up their sleeve if this falls through at the 11th hour.

Aye, but incredibly unlikely anyone drops 100m in Jan. If we don't get CL football I fully expect him to leave next Summer. And wouldn't begrudge the lad at that point. Genuinely one of the best in the world in his position and will be 27 by then. It would be time. Now if we get CL I could honestly see him wanting to stay here the rest of his career. Or at least till he goes back to retire in Brazil.

I can see us getting a million for Dubravka.

Would you say that if a points deduction costs us some form of European football?

I'n not disagreeing with that. More that you seem to equate selling Minteh means Almiron staying/starting, I expect us to bring in a RW, and wouldn't be shocked if Almiron does still leave in this window.

Not really an either/or situation though. Minteh going doesn't mean Almiron is staying. Or if he does that he will be first choice. Been reported repeatedly that RW is a position we are looking at this Summer.

Do people honeslty believe the club manufacturers interest in other players to create a 'smokescreen' based purely off the whole Barella/Tonali situation? It's not how grown up business works, lads.

Maybe not as confident as you about it being today. But certainly in the next couple. Think we may see a clear destination for Minteh by the end of the day.

Always felt like he'd be here for at least one more season. Do think if there's no CL again he will likely feel he has to go next Summer mind.

The Eddie Howe's Brexit army narrative one is mainly just a convenient stick for the people who wish we would exclusively sign European wonder kids they've never actually seen play.

Assuming this is for depth then it's a cracking signing. Gives us an actual 'plan B' from the bench. At the moment if we take of Isak for Wilson there isn't much of a change in how we play.

Article mentions Napoli in for him but not offering enough. Hate to piss on chips but this seems like our name being used to drive up the price.

MGW feels like this years Maddison (or Lingard going back further) in that it seems nailed on to the point where every assumes it will happen. Really don't see it myself. You'd think we'd have heard more about it by now. So it's either basically done, and has been for a while and we're just waiting on July (unlikely), or there's nothing in it.

To be honest, I wouldn't be completely shocked if the kid backs himself, signs the new contract for another season at Palace in hopes of a CL team being in for him next Summer. The presence of another release clause means, assuming he has another strong season, he will have plenty sides in for him next Summer as well.

Wouldn't it be more likely to be the lads agent? If it was a thing to do with him at all.

Realistically whoever does that deal I don't see it being done till July at this point anyway. At which point, however fucked or not fucked we are for PSR this year, will be a new year.