Romelu Lukaku

[davek]

Totally agree, problem is though mate, as it currently stands anyway, players good enough to take us to that next level will fall into two categories, ones like Lukaku who see us as part of a stepping stone process to get to that constant CL and title challenging/winning team, or ones have already been through that period and the move didn't work out for whatever reason - like Scheiderlin.

The key is to get enough of both atvtge club at the same point in time to turn the club into what the first group aspire too, spurs probably a good example of that as have been Athletico recently.

Plus the fact that their two most important players came through the ranks/were lower league buys in Kane and Alli.

 

[bluestevon]

Plus the fact that their two most important players came through the ranks/were lower league buys in Kane and Alli.

Yup same as Athletico have brought through young players from academy and lower teams.

It's effectively the only method possible to change the status quo, could be argued that both Arsenal under early Wenger and United under Ferguson both did the same method.

It is also a very good argument against why a moneyball approach will ultimately fail, as will loading the team down with just one type of the category of players I mentioned mate.

It's the job of the owner and the director of football to achieve that perfect balance.

 

[bluestevon]

Plus the fact that their two most important players came through the ranks/were lower league buys in Kane and Alli.

In a way , what Moshiri said about a small window of opportunity to bridge the gap is 100% spot on, we are at a crossroads this coming season.

 

[davek]

Yup same as Athletico have brought through young players from academy and lower teams.

It's effectively the only method possible to change the status quo, could be argued that both Arsenal under early Wenger and United under Ferguson both did the same method.

It is also a very good argument against why a moneyball approach will ultimately fail, as will loading the team down with just one type of the category of players I mentioned mate.

It's the job of the owner and the director of football to achieve that perfect balance.

...you also need people to hang around long enough to set up a club on every level churning out players you want them to end up as and a manager on board for the long haul. Not sure either Walsh (who is basically a super scout rather than a classic sporting director) or Koeman (who cant or wont stay anywhere too long) fits into that schema.

 

[Barnfred 55]

Yeah, it's a tricky one alright. They seem to have a long-term plan in place to make the club self-profitable. Maybe they feel that if they sacrifice some of the money twe could get for Rom and keep him, then we'll be better of due to a higher league finish next year, and/or a good Europa league run/win. More prize money, more exposure and more money from the sponsors!!

I don't know if Rom will be here next year, but I hope he will be if we spend well. Imagine how many more goals he can score with a shored up defence behind him and being fed from the mystical left wing

Yep. It's a balancing act between getting it right on the pitch and getting it right off it too. Nobody wants a Leeds United scenario but likewise you've seen what's happening at Blackpool where the owners appear to be raping the club. I know they're the two extremes but I mentioned them just to emphasise my point.

I'm a glass half full type myself and am 100% behind Moshiri and what he is trying to do. I'm confident that he is fully supportive of Koeman and I expect him to do his best to bring in the players RK wants, including keeping hold of Lukaku if that's his wish. As for off field, I'll be much happier once he completes his buy out of the main shareholders as he'll then have full control.

 

[n01efc]

I'm a footy fan mate not an accountant. Nobody really gives a toss that amo cost a bomb all they remember is his glorious goals against the spuds. Give me trophies and memories over money anyday

I want a sustainable club not a Villa or Newcastle

 

[bluestevon]

...you also need people to hang around long enough to set up a club on every level churning out players you want them to end up as and a manager on board for the long haul. Not sure either Walsh (who is basically a super scout rather than a classic sporting director) or Koeman (who cant or wont stay anywhere too long) fits into that schema.

Koeman won't be here past 3 years IMO, the hope is that in three years he has us at a point that moving away may not make sense for him (pocch for example is at that point) or he's done something really special with us in which case it's a win win if he goes.

Walsh I'm unsure of mate, exceptional as head of a scouting network, and secretly suspect once kenwright goes into a honorary role at the club we may bring in someone with a lot more kudos in the dof role - kinda a split of the dof role in a way.

 

[n01efc]

we'd demand £60mil if he carries on this form.

And sides would pay it.

With a year left on his contact overseas clubs can start agreeing a pre-contact with him 6 months later so why would they pay 60m?

 

[Westend Blue]

I want a sustainable club not a Villa or Newcastle

Selling lukaku has no bearing on that. As long as we are sensible and don't go spunking a huge amount on dross we should do a toon or villa

 

[everton2004]

I wonder if this is the club playing hardball with Rom? "We'll slap a £100M price tag on your head......or you can sign this new contract which has a £70-80M release clause in it". In other words, sign the contract with a more reasonable release fee in it, or we'll price you out of a move this summer.

 

[Sy-]

I wonder if this is the club playing hardball with Rom? "We'll slap a £100M price tag on your head......or you can sign this new contract which has a £70-80M release clause in it". In other words, sign the contract with a more reasonable release fee in it, or we'll price you out of a move this summer.

Was wondering this, but wouldn't he just sign it and leave straight away for £20m less?

Can't see why people elsewhere are saying £100m is "staggering" though, surely it's not a million miles away from his market value all things considered?

 

[mahermi1]

...and yet a pledge was made that these players would be kept.

Yes a pledge was made and you know what Dave, it's a pledge that every chairman makes and most of the Time can't keep. I feel I have already answered your statement in my previous post to you. " Its very difficult to keep a player when his heart is set on a move or his head has been turned ". We were robbed blind when Rooney was sold, but made good money when Stones was sold. I did not want either sold or if it happens Rom sold, but that's football today for you, the players and the agents rule the game.

 

[a bell maul]

Selling lukaku has no bearing on that. As long as we are sensible and don't go spunking a huge amount on dross we should do a toon or villa

 

[flibbyflob]

Lets hope we stick to it then, if we do he will still be here next season. If he isn't then nobody can moan that we haven't got a decent fee for him as long as we stick to our guns.

 

[Nymzee]

He's gash.