Both Kean Lookman took a good few years after they left Everton, to finally find their feet, especially Lookman, who bounced from club to club, before finding his feet at Atlanta. So I don`t think you can use that particular stick to beat the club with. Both were sold at a profit too. The only really young player who we`ve let go and immediately went onto great things was Rooney and he was sold to stop us going bust.
Lookman and Kean have come good, in spells, but were (and still are it seems) "difficult" lads.
And who are the host of others? please tell.
It's easier to name young players who were successes, Branthwaite and Richarlison. Jake O’Brien looks like he is on the right track too. DCL was a good buy
Dibbling has come in with a reputation of being a potential special player. I’m not on Dibblings back here but our success rate hasn’t been great with young players.
We have only bought through one genuine first-teamer since Moyes left - Anthony Gordon is the one player who came in and shone, but quickly moved on.
Some players looked promising but diminished quickly… Holgate, Godfrey, Nkounou
Some players were bought with big reputations and it never happened. Lookman, Kean, Vlasic, Onyekuru, Besic, Onana, Deufelou
@Ged G in view of them being difficult lads - I get that... but that should be part of the due diligence. Lookman, Kean and Vlasic never looked to have the right mentality.
In terms of transfer fees in and out there is an argument that some of those “made money” but in terms of performances on the pitch and longevity at the club not many could be said to be a resounding success.
I’m not looking to right Dibbling off, if I'm honest, I haven’t seen enough of him yet, what I have seen has been tidy. Success is always down to Ability + Mentality (and luck with injuries). Nothing is a foregone conclusion, and at 19 it can go both ways.
We hope for the best though!
