Keegans Export

Ok, but you're still limited in terms of squad numbers. We had 25 this season, I'm fairly sure we'll have to add Gordon now because he's 22 so that's 26. If we sign nine more players thats 35 so who are the ten on the current squad list you're moving on? Bearing in mind you've got the likes of Hayden, Hendrick and Darlow who are technically still on the books.

Manquillo 189, Lewis 122, Krafth 39, Fraser 311, Richie 212 = so thats 873mins between them. They don't need replacing by more than one player.

There's no advantage to the club or Castore releasing the new kit before the sponsor is confirmed, they won't rush it out just because a few fans are getting impatient.

That's true but we've also shown a willingness to wait for a top target if the initial price quoted isn't right for us. Isak is the obvious example, we went early in the window, were told it was the release fee or nothing, walked away then came back once the asking price had come down. Wouldn't massively surprise me to have a similar thing happen with DS. I'd be absolutely staggered if we bring 9 in, especially as most of those 3-5 we'll be looking to sell have barely played any minutes this season (assuming you're on about Manquillo, Fraser, Darlow etc)

€70m is about £60m isn't it? If we think he's "the one" then I think we'd go close to that. Especially if the wages are not prohibitive.

This cuts both ways though - the fees paid for Trippier, Bruno, Botman, Isak, they're all still being factored into the FFP calculation. It's why growing the squad quickly is so difficult, even with the additional sponsorship. We also have to be careful around the "Champions League money" - that's only guaranteed for next season so if we go overboard this summer and miss out next season we're at risk of hamstringing ourselves down the line. Basically - FFP is designed to stop clubs from doing what we're trying to do and it's very effective at it.

Trippier, Botman & Bruno cost less than £150m tbf Obviously I'm quibbling over semantics but the truth is that our ongoing success is going to depend on finding players that are (or can quickly become) CL quality without paying CL-quality money. Especially as the CL money is only guaranteed for this coming season, while the FFP impacts will continue.

Gnoto would tick a lot of boxes - age, positional flexibility, PL experience, should be happy playing a squad role for a season

The Anthony Gordon song is even more specific, what if we don't play in Madrid? Worrying.

Absolutely class, proper chuffed for him

I definitely care, obviously I want us to win but if we don't I reckon I'll be over it within an hour or so. Usually that'd ruin my week.

I think next summer is when we might have to accept Bruno moving on - if we miss out on CL and he continues to play at a high level.

It's partly that there are less people with the ability to become a high ranking solicitor or surgeon than a drain clearer. Its not really about the value of the job - if you have a hole in your roof the best surgeon in the world had no value to you whatsoever - its just the size of the pool of people who can do that job for you. Supply and demand basically.

He's already being forced into changes with Pope, Joelinton & Willock out. Can't see him making wholesale changes. Aside from anyone injured or carrying an injury he'll pick his strongest XI.

That's a good point, I haven't been able to find out where in the process that potential 5th PL place would enter the competition. Anyone know?

I was looking at some of last summer's targets - I hadn't realised Rennes had signed both Gouriri and Kalimuendo.

Yeah, this. Our very own @JonBez comesock has seen it, the shirt already exists. They're not going to remake it to factor in the sponsor.

Well that isn't going to appeal much to the sponsor

Ferran Torres for £30m would be great business. Best case scenario you've picked up an ultra-talented goalscoring winger who's still a couple of years away from his prime. Even if he's just okay for 12-18 months you'll find a club willing to give you most of that £30m back purely on the basis that he's a 24-25 year old with 30+ caps for Spain and multiple seasons in La Liga, the PL and the Champions League.

If we spent big money on two CMs and a LB and supplemented the squad with younger/backup options at RCB and forward I'd be more than happy with that.

I'm not sure his birthday is relevant is it? I thought it was just that his contract expires in the summer.

It's quite nice of Chelsea to volunteer as the "FFP rules are essentially unenforceable" guinea pigs

I'm not against McTominay provided the fee doesn't prohibit us from signing a quality creative midfielder too - whether that's Maddison, the Hubgarian lad, or whoever. McTominay - Bruno - Maddison (Joelinton - Longstaff - Willock) That's decent enough depth & flexibility at CM tbf

Actually, that's exactly what other clubs were worried about - PIFs "influence" being enough to encourage non-related parties to offer big sponsorship packages, presumably in anticipation of receiving some Saudi money down the line. It's the main reason (in my opinion) why any deal over £1m has to pass the "fair market value" test now, not just related party transactions.

Some numbers plucked from eslewhere; £17.5m extra PL prize money £27-30m extra CL money £6m extra gate money (from 3x home CL games) £18.5m extra from Sela (vs Fun88) so thats about £70m but doesn't include additional TV money (from being on Sky/BT loads) or additional sponsorships.