Which is disappointing.Could be, but the over riding factor here was that he's only a year on his contract and had indicated he wouldn't sign a new one, so better to take the money, rather than lose him for nothing, better for him too, he'll get to play at Monaco, he wouldn't here.
Some teams do take the risk, we just chose not to. Just a few days ago Liverpool started with an 18 year old away at Arsenal and bought on another one during the second half.
The idea that teams can’t play youngsters in case they make mistakes is such a cowardly and baffling one. I seem to remember Dimichelis and Navas both making massive mistakes at the end of last season that should have led to goals, and they are two of our most experienced players.
Let’s be honest, if Sterling had signed for us as a 15 year old he would have spent the last 2-3 years going out on pointless loans and would never have been given a chance in the first team.
Whats all this sad day for the academy bollox?
The academy is there to produce players and if they are good enough to play in the first team then great. if not we sell them and make money to invest elsewhere.
Its that simple and we are a business.
Far too much nostalgic nonsense spouted on here that bares no relevance to the modern game.
Whats all this sad day for the academy bollox?
The academy is there to produce players and if they are good enough to play in the first team then great. if not we sell them and make money to invest elsewhere.
Its that simple and we are a business.
Far too much nostalgic nonsense spouted on here that bares no relevance to the modern game.
Whats all this sad day for the academy bollox?
The academy is there to produce players and if they are good enough to play in the first team then great. if not we sell them and make money to invest elsewhere.
Its that simple and we are a business.
Far too much nostalgic nonsense spouted on here that bares no relevance to the modern game.
Not if we have better players its not. I'd sooner we play better players personally.Which is disappointing.
They can afford to give chances to young players without it being a huge risk.
Many top sides do, but it is starting to look like City will be another Chelsea, & just basically not bother.
It's not actually a bad deal considering he would be leaving for free, but it's the fact he doesn't trust Pellegrini/City that is the bigger worry for me, than losing one player.
I've been an ardent follower of kids/reserve teams since I first started watching City but I'm strongly considering not bothering anymore, because I don't trust City on this either.
Totally agree. One of the main targets of the academy is to produce players that can be sold on for profit. If one or two make it through to the first team (which they will do very soon) then the total investment is vindicated. Lopes let's not forget has only played a couple of times and time will tell if he will really become a huge star. The fee represents a decent return for a player with one year left on contract.
Apologies if I find it disappointing that one of if not our best academy player has been sold without having a proper run in the first team.Not if we have better players its not. I'd sooner we play better players personally.
Good luck to the lad, I'm sure he's learned a lot here so our and his time haven't been wasted.
How is he going to get a run in the first team? Who sits on the bench for him Sterling, Silva or De Bruyne?Apologies if I find it disappointing that one of if not our best academy player has been sold without having a proper run in the first team.
I don't think "Shut the academy down" but Lopes literally didn't get a chance. We have 4 better CBs than Denayer, I suppose we should sell him too?
I think the lad wanted first team football or a chance I cant blame him. IF he was good enough to contend he would of forced his way into the squad. Look at our match day squads so far and there has been Denayer and Nacho sitting on the bench. Nacho will get game time. Jason going on loan is good for him. I think it means there is more chance of the younger academy players playing in the league cup games this season while still playing EDS games. The club are not silly if Lopes wasnt going to sign a new deal may as well sell him on. I think there will be more breaking into the squad and sitting on the bench and maybe even playing some games once all the Cups are up and running too.
Just look at transfer fees being paid right now.
As you say, one or two players of the very highest order more than pays for the facility.
The academy will produce those one or two, possibly more over the coming years and as a club we will benefit but the vast majority just as at every other academy will not make it but will be sold to make us excellent profit.
Apologies if I find it disappointing that one of if not our best academy player has been sold without having a proper run in the first team.
I don't think "Shut the academy down" but Lopes literally didn't get a chance. We have 4 better CBs than Denayer, I suppose we should sell him too?
That's exactly the point. Instead of giving him a legitimate run in the team to prove his worth, we've stockpiled multi million pound players in his position. Not just those you have mentioned but even Sinclair got games and minutes ahead of him.How is he going to get a run in the first team? Who sits on the bench for him Sterling, Silva or De Bruyne?