Shows why it’s so difficult too. I think if he misses 4 games of our choice though not suspension then we probably win them.The carabao is a red herring it was a weak team anyway in a competition we needed knocked out of before the CWC .He actually got booked 4 times in the 7 league games after the sending off, I remember thinking he was looking at a another suspensions but then cut them out just before the Christmas fixtures. Crazy that the 4 games he missed resulted in 4 losses - our only 3 in the league and exit in the Carabao cup. Just shows how much we need a capable replacement.
It is why I am not entirely convinced Wharton is the man for the job, as he looks far more prone to leaving his feet than Rodri.
Now, perhaps Pep (and Rodri) could train that tendency out of him, but when it is your natural inclination, it can be difficult to break yourself of it. And I still maintain he would not get anywhere near the leeway to do it as CDM in our side as he got at Blackburn or Palace.
I think I would want to see more of him in the PL in general, anyway, to be more confident he can actually consistently perform at this level. Last thing we need is another Phillips situation, especially as Wharton will cost more.
If they buy him for £150 million would that mean he is worth £300 million?Is this genuine or are we trying to get the rags into PSR trouble by letting them "steal him" for £150,000,000?
It’s not a yes or no for me at this stage. Whilst he’s obviously a very talented player I’m not sure 15 or so games is anywhere near enough to proclaim him as a must buy.it's a no from me
Listened to the Esteemed Kompany podcast with Ahsan (can't remember if they're on here), but Ahsan made a great point about it being the World Cup in 2 years, and that next year probably wouldn't be a good time for him to move anywhere, as he'd want to be playing every single game leading up to the World Cup.It’s not a yes or no for me at this stage. Whilst he’s obviously a very talented player I’m not sure 15 or so games is anywhere near enough to proclaim him as a must buy.
Happy to watch this space.
I agree. If we sign him he’s going on loan.Surely he stays at Palace at least one more season, he needs games not a new team.
If this guy has got a 55m release clause then it’s an absolute no brainer, I’ve not seen that mentioned anywhere else though?Listened to the Esteemed Kompany podcast with Ahsan (can't remember if they're on here), but Ahsan made a great point about it being the World Cup in 2 years, and that next year probably wouldn't be a good time for him to move anywhere, as he'd want to be playing every single game leading up to the World Cup.
This summer might be the right time for him to move, a season or so settling in and then hit the ground running going into the World Cup season.
I think I've seen enough from him to think he's got the ability to play for City, but that's not to say he'd walk into our team now.
Also, if he stays he will probably sign a new contract which will likely wipe out his current (rumoured) £55m release clause (something else Ahsan mentioned).