Could argue that one if our major weaknesses is hdbing a cf whose excellent in the air and having zero players who can cross, take a corner or free kick mate though he can also carry the ball very well -
Wasn't my cup of tea initially but kinda can see why we want him now.
If the deals like the one they took for pope, then it won't really effect our other recruitment money wise as think we'll be paying very little this season.
I like the player. Always well thought of at Burnley and by all accounts had a great attitude. Had an awful season last year, lots of reasons, no Dyche, shifting sides, no Wood etc.
Easy to forget the lad is 22 though. Not many players his age have had the experience he had had, in the conditions hes had at Burnley. The numbers arent the best, but it's likely his next team will see a lot more from him and a clean break will do him good.
We seem to be developing a bit of a plan re DCL as well. I remember with Ferguson, we sold Speed, Kanchelskis etc and never bought anything close to resembling a winger. We now have 2 full backs who can cross, Gordon who has reasonable delivery and McNeil who's excellent at this. Essentially maximising his strengths.
It's also worth noting with McNeil, his goals assist arent great, but he has spent 4 years playing for a team that were as bad as ours, as an 18-22 year old. Hes also not played as an attacking wide striker, but much more as a wide midfielder in a 4. His defensive stats are very good and reflect this. Im not sure how many levels he has to his attacking game, but it's an apples and oranges comparison to look at wide forwards, and what hes been asked to do for Burnley.