The Footie Thread

[Swango1980]

Messi didn’t go to SA because his wife didn’t want to. I assume they have laxer laws for rich people there too, but why take any restrictions to living elsewhere at all.
At a level of player they look for in SA, they can play anywhere for decent money with all the liberties they want. Earn 2 million in Manchester, Munich, Paris, Milan and live in a city for your WAG to enjoy beats 8 Million living in a compound. They should have reserves at this point.
If I were a retiring footballer MLS would be the way. Good money for name recognition over current skill, and liberties (for the time being).

For the numbers you are using as an example, perhaps many other players would think the same. If I was offered double my salary to work in Saudi Arabia, I wouldn't. Mainly because I am happy with my way of life in the UK, and I don't think getting double the money to live in Saudi Arabia would be an attractive proposition for me.

However, I think Benzema's salary went from about £395,000 per week to £3.8 million per week. I think Henderson would go from £140,000 per week to £700,000 per week.

The sorts of increases these players are getting are astronomical. Furthermore, not sure they'd be living in a compound. They will probably be living in luxurious mansions, and they've the sort of money that they can travel round the globe when they've a bit of time off. Their WAGS can travel around the globe more often if they want, hang out with friends and family. I'm sure they can all manage with that fairly easily for a few years.

 

[Swango1980]

Ive missed a lot of this discussion but if anyone actually thinks "Jobs for the boys" Southgate isn't picking Henderson in his England squads then please let me have some of what you're smoking...

The man time and time again just changes the goalposts to get the players he trusts into the England team and that wont change with Hendo playing a year in Saudi.

Obvs should post Euro 2024 but before hand - not a chance IMO.

I suppose that is the thing. We are all only giving our own opinions on what Henderson moving to Saudi Arabia would mean. If most of us were Southgate, Henderson would be eliminated from the reckoning as soon as he moves to Saudi Arabia. If Liverpoolphil was Southgate, he'd not only keep picking Henderson until he was 45 years old, he'd make him captain and share a room with him on team away trips, despite his conflict with Saudian Arabian human rights issues.

What Southgate himself would do, is uncertain. I'm sure many would have predicted a few years ago a player like Maguire wouldn't have been selected after being a bench warmer for Utd. However, I suspect moving to Saudi Arabia is many rungs below playing a bit part role in a top half table club in PL. I'd say moving to Saudi Arabia does your England chances just as much good as moving to Scotland

 

[Deleted member 15344]

Ive missed a lot of this discussion but if anyone actually thinks "Jobs for the boys" Southgate isn't picking Henderson in his England squads then please let me have some of what you're smoking...

The man time and time again just changes the goalposts to get the players he trusts into the England team and that wont change with Hendo playing a year in Saudi.

Obvs should post Euro 2024 but before hand - not a chance IMO.

Bingo

Even if Henderson played in the Prem this season and was picked for the Euros the same people would be up in arms - hence why someone called him an average water carrier - mainly because they just don’t rate him but Southgate clearly does and was very clear about it during the last World Cup

It’s the same why a player who only started 3 games in the Prem went to the World Cup - because it’s who Southgate trusts , same with why Pickford plays every game etc - he plays the players he trusts

 

[Aztecs27]

I'll be livid if we sell him at all.

But, how plausible is the story. Genuine? Or just the media rumour mill?

There's definite legs to it. His dad has sowed the seed and turned his head I think mate, unfortunately. They met with Brentford execs after the Palace game last season....and Villa have had definite conversations with BJ and his Dad/Agent. If he doesn't want to be here, then selling him for as much as we can get for him is the right thing to do as it will massively help us with any FFP issues.

I don't think they'll sell him unless Johnno wants to go - which, as I understand it, is the case.

 

[Aztecs27]

Seen the links, not seen much of the player... Any good?

Might as well book your tickets for Champions League away days pal.

 

[Orikoru]

Seen the links, not seen much of the player... Any good?

16 goals in the Championship, 8 in the Prem... so far he's Dwight Gayle.

 

[Aztecs27]

16 goals in the Championship, 8 in the Prem... so far he's Dwight Gayle.

I know this is a joke...but just to add context to this - he's played one full season in the championship (with a further 9 assists) and one in the premier league (with 3 assists). And played League football for 3 seasons in total. 3 Seasons.

His speed is absolutely out of this world and would immediately improve any team's attacking threat because of it. Teams were double teaming him last season to combat it.

 

[Orikoru]

I know this is a joke...but just to add context to this - he's played one full season in the championship (with a further 9 assists) and one in the premier league (with 3 assists). And played League football for 3 seasons in total. 3 Seasons.

His speed is absolutely out of this world and would immediately improve any team's attacking threat because of it. Teams were double teaming him last season to combat it.

Yeah I was kidding, but in real terms we're still just talking about potential so £40mil seems like a lot. But nowadays it probably isn't, who knows. He is 'home grown' I guess so that adds £10mil already. I have literally never seen him play so can't make a genuine comment about his ability.

 

[Lord Tyrion]

It’s the same why a player who only started 3 games in the Prem went to the World Cup - because it’s who Southgate trusts , same with why Pickford plays every game etc - he plays the players he trusts

Pickford plays every game because he is the best English keeper out there and has yet to let England down at any stage. People like to have a pop at him, Everton fans will not because we know what he has done for us, but for England he is automatic for a reason. It is not just blind trust, as in Maguire, he has the solid evidence to back it up. If Pickford moves this summer, there is the odd rumour, I'd wish him well and feel the same.

 

[Aztecs27]

Yeah I was kidding, but in real terms we're still just talking about potential so £40mil seems like a lot. But nowadays it probably isn't, who knows. He is 'home grown' I guess so that adds £10mil already. I have literally never seen him play so can't make a genuine comment about his ability.

If Anthony Gordon was sold for £45m - he's worth at least that much. As he's a much, much better player.

 

[Lord Tyrion]

If Anthony Gordon was sold for £45m - he's worth at least that much. As he's a much, much better player.

You just need to find the right buyer .

Yes, I agree with you incidentally.

 

[Orikoru]

If Anthony Gordon was sold for £45m - he's worth at least that much. As he's a much, much better player.

I mean, that was just nonsense. I hope that isn't the benchmark for young British players now.

 

[Deleted member 15344]

Seen the links, not seen much of the player... Any good?

He is very good - impressed with him whenever he came on , lighting pace , tricky thread from the wide areas - getting him for £40mil would be a bargain

Pickford plays every game because he is the best English keeper out there and has yet to let England down at any stage. People like to have a pop at him, Everton fans will not because we know what he has done for us, but for England he is automatic for a reason. It is not just blind trust, as in Maguire, he has the solid evidence to back it up. If Pickford moves this summer, there is the odd rumour, I'd wish him well and feel the same.

It’s very subjective in regards Pickford being the best English GK when plenty will say it’s either Pope or Ramsdale - Pickford has had plenty of mistakes in the Prem but as I said he gets picked because that’s who Southgate trusts. And there is also solid evidence of what many other players have done ( including Henderson ) but that doesn’t mean there isn’t someone better - for many Maguire isn’t anywhere near international standard , Pickford shouldn’t be first choice and Henderson shouldn’t be in the squad but we all know that Southgate sees it differently

 

[Bdill93]

I suppose that is the thing. We are all only giving our own opinions on what Henderson moving to Saudi Arabia would mean. If most of us were Southgate, Henderson would be eliminated from the reckoning as soon as he moves to Saudi Arabia. If Liverpoolphil was Southgate, he'd not only keep picking Henderson until he was 45 years old, he'd make him captain and share a room with him on team away trips, despite his conflict with Saudian Arabian human rights issues.

What Southgate himself would do, is uncertain. I'm sure many would have predicted a few years ago a player like Maguire wouldn't have been selected after being a bench warmer for Utd. However, I suspect moving to Saudi Arabia is many rungs below playing a bit part role in a top half table club in PL. I'd say moving to Saudi Arabia does your England chances just as much good as moving to Scotland

I don't disagree that Hendo should now be excluded. But I'm facing the facts that Southgate just picks who he wants, there is no set criteria other than "performed before" and therefore expect him to be included up until the end of this current Euros campaign.

 

[Aztecs27]

I mean, that was just nonsense. I hope that isn't the benchmark for young British players now.

Well..if Johnson's on his way out...I hope it is...and then once he's gone....I hope it isn't.

 

[Bdill93]

Well..if Johnson's on his way out...I hope it is...and then once he's gone....I hope it isn't.

We're also linked with Moussa Diaby quite heavily atm.

Having spent 35m on Pau Torres and possibly Diaby being up to 50 - im not sure we have another 40m+ for Johnson unless we sell some fringe players from the squad - which we need to!

He may be safe for another year but you have me excited

 

[Aztecs27]

We're also linked with Moussa Diaby quite heavily atm.

Having spent 35m on Pau Torres and possibly Diaby being up to 50 - im not sure we have another 40m+ for Johnson unless we sell some fringe players from the squad - which we need to!

He may be safe for another year but you have me excited

It'll be *Diaby or Johnson I imagine and it'll come down to who you can get over the line first and/or who Emry wants more.

 

[Tashyboy]

you can't drop Saint Harry Kane no matter what he does

you can’t drop Saint Harry Maguire no matter why he does ( wrong) either.

 

[backwoodsman]

There's definite legs to it. His dad has sowed the seed and turned his head I think mate, unfortunately. They met with Brentford execs after the Palace game last season....and Villa have had definite conversations with BJ and his Dad/Agent. If he doesn't want to be here, then selling him for as much as we can get for him is the right thing to do as it will massively help us with any FFP issues.

I don't think they'll sell him unless Johnno wants to go - which, as I understand it, is the case.

OK.

I've seen bits and pieces about it, but if it's him that actually wants to go, then that's worrying. And if he doesn't want to play for us, then yes he should go. But to Villa or Brentford ?? I don't see either as much of an upward step. He's better than that.

 

[Orikoru]

OK.

I've seen bits and pieces about it, but if it's him that actually wants to go, then that's worrying. And if he doesn't want to play for us, then yes he should go. But to Villa or Brentford ?? I don't see either as much of an upward step. He's better than that.

I can see Villa pushing for top 6 this season, you really think Johnson would have a place any higher than that?? The top clubs don't often take a punt on unproven players these days, they just buy them for more when they are proven later on. Other than maybe Newcastle I can't really see what higher up club would go for him?