Read an interesting thing this week (can't recall where) it was to do with the missing man: Henrikh Mkhitaryan who joined for 26 million in the summer. It suggested that he was bought mainly because he has the same Agent as Plodba (Raiola) to sort of ease through that deal!
If he never plays and goes in Jan. (he is another who still lives out of a suitcase at the Lowry, I think), that theory can be said to be true and in effect puts the cost of Plodba way above the 100 million barrier! madness. Ha Ha
Sounds like bullshit to be honest, Mkhitaryan got 23 goals and 32 assists last season. Nobody needed to be convinced to sign him, and his signing in theory solved a problem of creativity, pace and goals on their right wing - a huge upgrade over Mata or Lingard who was playing there under turtle.
The transfer made sense, he should suit them perfectly on paper, he's just been shit, injured and according to PEG needs to "evolve" into the premier league, whatever the fuck that means.
Doesn't have the smell of a Bebe-esque agent payoff at all. Other clubs would have take him happily for £26m.