birchwoodgingerste
Well-Known Member
Jeez I smell a rat ... To squeeze another few million of us ..
Perhaps he is just happy where he is?
We could make offers for two defenders but how do you know we wanted to complete both deals? If I was Stones or Laporte I'd want assurances of my place in the team, because everyone knows Kompany starts if fit. And Otamendi would possibly start ahead of Laporte or Stones anyway.It wasn't. It was clearly both. But you end up being right only because laporte snubbed us. :)
We could make offers for two defenders but how do you know we wanted to complete both deals? If I was Stones or Laporte I'd want assurances of my place in the team, because everyone knows Kompany starts if fit. And Otamendi would possibly start ahead of Laporte or Stones anyway.
Possibly we were in for two central defenders. Who knows.
So much flapping on a transfer target. Calm down guys. Barcelona did not get him, they got Umtiti. Players have reasons beyond certain things and we need to move onto different targets. Hopefully this means Denayer can be 4th and not 5th CB or maybe even ahead of Mangala.
Wasn't that Bailey?Bet Khaldoon feels like a bit of a wolly for stating our second signing was close. Must have been referring to this chap.
Ok.He's a professional sportsman not a fan, if you've got any character and ambition you want to play at the highest level and compete for top prizes, the kid has shown a serious lack of ambition and has been badly advised and will regret his decision long term,loyalty may be an admirable trait but give me medals and silverware all day long.
I'm sure I heard that the release clause in Spain is only applicable if the player himself pays the fee himself. Also, if the buying club were to give the player the money to pay the fee, then that money is also taxable so the fee would be a lot higher than the release clause.
IMO, Bilbao are holding out for a specific figure which is higher than the old release clause. Out of respect Laporte will not activate his buyout clause and City are playing hardball and trying to lower the fee.
Bilbao getting Laporte to sign a new deal has just strengthened their hand in relation to selling Laporte by increasing the buy out clause, but I wouldn't be surprised if the original valuation has not changed and this is just a tactic to get us to pay up or leave it.
If we pay the fee then everyone is happy. If not then Bilbao keep their man and Laporte gets a pay rise.
Wasn't that Bailey?
Been reading he was earmarked for left back. If that's accurate then no wonder he decided to stay. To be given the impression you're 3rd, 4th choice centre back isn't good. And if we want a left back, sign a left back. probably not a good idea to believe too much of what's in the press.
Calling the PR brief when we fuck up Stones,
"The club have incredibly high aspirations for Denayer. Stones was only ever going to be his backup"
Laporte: "I've had a long time to think and choose the best option, and have come to the conclusion that Athletic is the best thing for me."
Great sales pitch from City.
But possibly left in a back 3, which is a bit different. I'd suggest that Pep wants players that are capable of playing in more than one position.Wasn't that Bailey?
Been reading he was earmarked for left back. If that's accurate then no wonder he decided to stay. To be given the impression you're 3rd, 4th choice centre back isn't good. And if we want a left back, sign a left back. probably not a good idea to believe too much of what's in the press.