29 Jul 2026 19:04:31
100m players or close enough are now becoming regular enough.
I saw a list of the top 20 transfers where only 5 were deemed a success, with the jury out on all the ones from this season.
Wirtz and Isak, you would think, will improve with their new coach.
But it goes to show that no matter who you sign, even players at the top of their game in a previous club, that there is so many variables that contribute to a player's form, it's not always transferable.
It's not easy getting them right unless you are a strong, settled, established, winning side.
That due diligence around the player's character, personality, life outside of the game, family life, habits, hobbies, etc. is key and a huge focus I'd imagine.
29 Jul 2026 19:25:10
Plus, it's almost a gamble at times, Ken. Sometimes, it may work for a player at a certain club, in a certain environment, etc., and moving may not suit them.
But, I also believe that the price tag shouldn't dictate the immediate.
Players like Wirtz and Isak may hit the ground running next season, and that 100m looks like a good price.
And, yes, it seems to becoming the norm too.
29 Jul 2026 19:27:11
It must bring a level of pressure, too. Expectations are sky-high when those sort of fees are being paid.
Great point about due diligence. This was always a strength of SAF, who was very interested in what the person, not just the player, was like.
In recent years we've had a few that seemed to not be the best characters, which will have a real impact on the team dynamic.
I think we might spend big on the right player, but it's more likely we will continue to shop in the £50M to £70M bracket.
29 Jul 2026 21:24:07
I'm surprised that we haven't yet stepped in for someone in the £70m+ category yet. We are surely in a better financial position than last year at this time, when we bought Mbuemo, Cunha, and Sesko for more than 2 1/2x what we've forked over so far. The amortization costs + salaries are less than the savings on Cas's wages and amortization, and Sancho's amortization. Maybe they simply believe we've already acquired the right players to at least compete for European places and to put together a decent Champions League run.
And maybe, indeed, hopefully, there's a few good surprises to come. While it's important to get the wages structure right after more than a decade of foolhardiness, I simply don't believe the money isn't there for the right players.
29 Jul 2026 22:13:56
I'd be happy if we spent large amounts on left, right, and centre backs this window.