What is the Diarra ruling? Isn't it something that makes this legal - technically. I think City signed someone from Villareal (or at least Spain) this window after they terminated their own contract?
I see Arteta said the club is exploring every option. If someone like a Liam Delap decided to buy their way out of their own contract and leave themselves a free agent - surely we could sign them as such.
It?s often the case with these teen lumps. I?m sure many of us can recall the fourteen year old brick shyte house we had to play against in our youth. Bagged loads of goals, defenders bounced off of them. Bigger, faster, stronger. On the books of a pro club, and then the other kids caught up.
Clubs couldn?t wait to scout them though. Makes you admire those smaller, but probably more gifted kids who stuck at it and made it through.
When did we start to make changes to the academy? Used to be pretty slim pickings in terms of talent developed there. Jack Wilshere being the obvious exception.
But in recent times we have Saka, ESR, Nwaneri, Lewis-Skelly. And it seems Dowman is likely to be one for next season.
I think they're decent owners who have always made capital available when needed. It's maybe the DOF that hasn't got the deals in forward areas done that should have been done.
Anyway - the youth system seems to be working well. And the talent that doesn't reach Saka, MLS, Nwaneri levels gets sold off. Over 100milion for Nketiah, ESR and Balogun is testament to that.
Last edited by Rich; 02-14-2025 at 04:04 PM.