MikeH72
Player Valuation: £100m
Bit worrying that we want to make this him a permanent transfer. Just a very average player, IMO.
First black mark against Brands if he spunks serious money on this.
Bit worrying that we want to make this him a permanent transfer. Just a very average player, IMO.
People are being a bit unfair on him.
£20m approx. is squad player money in the current market and I think Zouma is definitely worth that punt. Strong Premier League experience, never looked out of place, good pace, strong and still has time to mature into his position. He's only 24 - nowhere near his peak.
All I’ve seen is £70m for Gomes and Zouma, so we could be paying £30m+ for him. I thought we’d learned our lesson.First black mark against Brands if he spunks serious money on this.
All I’ve seen is £70m for Gomes and Zouma, so we could be paying £30m+ for him. I thought we’d learned our lesson.
It isn’t though. If you’re City maybe.
It is for where we're at in terms of financial muscle.
£20-25m for a decent young centre-half is the going rate. West Ham spent £22m on an unproven one from Toulouse last summer - there's no reason why Zouma wouldn't be rated at least in the same ball park.
Diop was bought as a first teamer and has been a mainstay in the side. We can’t afford £20m per player to fill the squad out.
Right, so what's the alternative - buying a randomer like Funes Mori for the same price in the hope he's the next Maldini?
We have Keane and Mina and we need a third to provide depth - Zouma is that man for me. Loads of Premier League experience without looking out of place at the age of 24 is key. We wouldn't lose money on him; he'd always command the same fee, as he won't even be 30 by the time his contract expires.
Our problems this season defensively have been a lack of confidence rather than quality, combined with a lack of balance in the offensive third. It's not the area of the squad we need to fix.
Personally, I'd be happy with Gomes, Zouma and Wilson in the summer, with ideally a top quality playmaker. I'd love us to go all out for Bruno Fernandes at Sporting - would be perfect but bigger fish will be circling for him I fear.
Anyway, this summer is about shifting deadwood and bringing in selected bits of quality. We don't need an overhaul - we need a plan and to bring balance to the squad we have.
I think he's been brilliant for us. One of the best young defenders in league.
Jesus Christ!First black mark against Brands if he spunks serious money on this.