I've arrived at the conclusion that if we can replace him with Berkley at a net cost of around £15 million (which should be covered by other sales to ensure we stay within our spending limits) then we should.
I'm not saying it's guaranteed to work, but it's a risk worth taking.
Unlike others I've never become particularly animated about Yaya's actions and words since the end of last season. He's a millionaire egomaniac footballer. What the fuck do people expect? He lives in a world where his peers and colleagues are traded like commodities and I believe that is how we should now view him in the best interests of the club.
I think he's quite possibly peaked, notwithstanding the fact that he'll continue to be a very effective midfielder for at least the next three seasons. I think overall our midfield has much more strength in depth right now and the 100% game time that he has pretty much enjoyed hitherto may no longer be in the best interests of the team. I also think he probably wants one last move, which is fair enough.
Whilst I think this group of players will peak this season, we should have a prevailing eye on the average age of the squad. We should have the self-confidence to take bold decisions to ensure that the blend of the squad never becomes too aged.
Berkley, if he came, would offer power, pace and youth, without necessarily having the expectation of playing every week. This will allow other midfielders like Fernando to get more game time. Having players like Silva and Nasri around him would give Berkley an invaluable schooling as he approached his mid-twenties and potentially turn him into a world class player.
Does that mean I think he'll ever be the player that Yaya is? Probably not, but that shouldn't prevent the club from weighing everything up and being decisive.
If we can get PSG to bite, and they don't act like small-time c**ts in making an offer, and the Berkley deal can be done for the sums I mentioned, then I think we should do the deal and move on.
Thanks for the memories Yaya and good luck.
