Transfer Rumour Axel Witsel

[blakefaa]

He's using us as his last resort

Expect him to sign on deadline day when he's 100% that no other clubs will meet Zenits valuation

I'd use an 11th placed club as a last resort too Pauly if a CL were weighing up a deal for me. Obviously if efc wanted me I'd be a one club player lol but this lad wants top dollar and top trophies, based on our last few seasons, we can only offer axe the money and a dream... I really don't believe he's taking advantage of our offer, I just think in his late 20's he's thinking this may be one of his last career moves. I'm sure he'll do what's best for him and his family, hopefully efc is his destination!

 

[Thomasc]

Honestly, I hope Koeman bins this off rapidly and goes after another target. If he was an absolute superstar I could understand it, but he isn't, and after the Euros I believe Belgians are a bit flakey and over hyped.

Go get Strootman and Carvalho and stop messing about Ronnie and Erwin.

 

[Paul Dean]

I'd use an 11th placed club as a last resort too Pauly if a CL were weighing up a deal for me. Obviously if efc wanted me I'd be a one club player lol but this lad wants top dollar and top trophies, based on our last few seasons, we can only offer axe the money and a dream... I really don't believe he's taking advantage of our offer, I just think in his late 20's he's thinking this may be one of his last career moves. I'm sure he'll do what's best for him and his family, hopefully efc is his destination!

And he has every right to do that Blakey

But, as a club we should be moving on, tell him he has 24 hours to decide or we move to other targets, let's see if he wants to risk being stuck in Russia for another season

 

[jrj]

Their is always going to be competition for the quality players. Being 2nd choice to one of the biggest clubs in the world does not offend me, would much rather be in contention for these calibre of players than going for lower quality players just because they are easier to get.

 

[blakefaa]

It's pretty clear that he favours Juve and regardless of Zenit's current stance, given he's in his last year of contract they WILL sell him. If he hangs on, they will have little choice but to accept a lower offer from Juve or another club to make sure they make what they can.

Hmmm, that last year of contract is a real speed bump, unless zenit stand firm on their price this year, and are resigned to him leaving on a free? Either way, it's all in his favour... Let's just hope he makes the right decision

 

[BlueToff]

Honestly, I hope Koeman bins this off rapidly and goes after another target. If he was an absolute superstar I could understand it, but he isn't, and after the Euros I believe Belgians are a bit flakey and over hyped.

Go get Strootman and Carvalho and stop messing about Ronnie and Erwin.

why though?

all the indications are that he seems more likely to sign for us than anybody else?

 

[ritterefc]

Honestly, I hope Koeman bins this off rapidly and goes after another target. If he was an absolute superstar I could understand it, but he isn't, and after the Euros I believe Belgians are a bit flakey and over hyped.

Go get Strootman and Carvalho and stop messing about Ronnie and Erwin.

You can't really make a blanket statement like that, then want a Dutchman

 

[blakefaa]

And he has every right to do that Blakey

But, as a club we should be moving on, tell him he has 24 hours to decide or we move to other targets, let's see if he wants to risk being stuck in Russia for another season

Russia for another season and the freedom to choose any club in the world that wants him next summer might appeal to him though, sorry to be negative, but his mindset might be 'it's either juve this summer if zenit agrees a fee, or pretty much any CL clue next summer, potentially with a higher wage because they won't have to pay a transfer fee'... Let's hope that hasn't crossed his mind lol

 

[Thomasc]

why though?

all the indications are that he seems more likely to sign for us than anybody else?

Because if we have put the money on the table and he is holding out for something better, then he doesn't really want to come, simples!

I appreciate he is a pro footballer and may decide to focus if he has to join us, but then again he may act like a big time Charlie which you really do not want.

I know i am speculating, but for me it's time to move on if he is still unsure.

 

[Thomasc]

You can't really make a blanket statement like that, then want a Dutchman

Our manager is a Dutchman, Bergkamp was a Dutchman, they have produced players of the highest quality, Van Basten, Robben, Van Persie, Cruyff, Neeskens, Gullit....need I go on?

 

[BlueToff]

Because if we have put the money on the table and he is holding out for something better, then he doesn't really want to come, simples!

I appreciate he is a pro footballer and may decide to focus if he has to join us, but then again he may act like a big time Charlie which you really do not want.

I know i am speculating, but for me it's time to move on if he is still unsure.

He's 'holding out' for Juve, who have offered him the same terms as us, to up their bid to Zenit. That doesn't look likely to happen, but it's not like Juve are minnows with a bit of doh is it? They're a massive club who are competing for trophies domestically and in Europe.

I'm sure we will have other targets as well btw, but there's nothing wrong with holding on for our first choice target(s). Plenty of time until the window shuts.

 

[blakefaa]

Our manager is a Dutchman, Bergkamp was a Dutchman, they have produced players of the highest quality, Van Basten, Robben, Van Persie, Cruyff, Neeskens, Gullit....need I go on?

I believe Belgium have produced some magical players over the years as well..

 

[Thomasc]

He's 'holding out' for Juve, who have offered him the same terms as us, to up their bid to Zenit. That doesn't look likely to happen, but it's not like Juve are minnows with a bit of doh is it? They're a massive club who are competing for trophies domestically and in Europe.

I'm sure we will have other targets as well btw, but there's nothing wrong with holding on for our first choice target(s). Plenty of time until the window shuts.

I am aware of who Juventus are mate and how big they are lol

There is something very wrong about allegedly having oodles to spend in a transfer market and playing waiting games whilst other decent players are snapped up by other clubs, That's the risk we run by doing this.

Everton who finished 11th 2 seasons running have not improved that squad yet one iota and the first game is around the corner.

There is a lot to be said for hitting the ground running.

 

[matty1878]

When he signs I'm getting so drunk and singing witsel songs

 

[BlueToff]

I am aware of who Juventus are mate and how big they are lol

There is something very wrong about allegedly having oodles to spend in a transfer market and playing waiting games whilst other decent players are snapped up by other clubs, That's the risk we run by doing this.

Everton who finished 11th 2 seasons running have not improved that squad yet one iota and the first game is around the corner.

There is a lot to be said for hitting the ground running.

What decent players mate?

We'll have our targets. So far we haven't 'missed out' on anyone we were actually in for...

And the game is 12 days away. At the moment we look likely to make up to three signings this week, all of which would improve the squad.