One of us is under/over-estimating the impact of the stadium sponsorships and new ownership.
If Southampton are sat in the relegation zone would Dibling still be open to potential championship football? I was told the same about Archie Gray staying and he moved to Spurs (in theory we'd be a better option for gametime). Likewise would Sunderland be open to a deal where Rigg plays out the season with them?
For me, I'd be looking to build a young team over a 3 year period -- I dont see the value of having a new stadium and not having a plan for growth and it seems like Roma had a similar plan for quality players joining in their early 20s while were a way behind that.
I think its all about mentality and if players want to stay in their hometowns then they dont have the mentality to be 'the best they can be'. Also if Dibling for example couldnt take to London itself then its a bit different to Liverpool and the surrounding area.
The Scandinavian & Scottish players are typically low cost but also a high risk as they may not be good enough. We can see with Dibling that he's a premier league player and clearly Rigg looks to be on that trajectory as well.
I'd rather we took that approach even if it cost a higher amount for several positions.
Once we have the 'future' mapped out with high potential players in and around the 11 we can then take a few punts on these other types.
