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Souza

We used to be able to sign young Modric and Bale. But times have changed. All clubs are so ahead of the curve with young talent. Anyone who’s looking elite is signed up by Chelsea, Brighton are all over the more under the radar players etc etc

And it’s created this market where potential is worth so much. Tens of millions paid for players who aren’t ready for first team starts. Just showing potential is enough!

This is for two main reasons: the crazy wages paid to elite football talent. If you buy young and develop you can hack this market and potentially get elite talent without crazy costs. And secondly, the dream that you uncover the next Bale, Modric etc.
 
SpurMeUp said:
We used to be able to sign young Modric and Bale. But times have changed. All clubs are so ahead of the curve with young talent. Anyone who’s looking elite is signed up by Chelsea, Brighton are all over the more under the radar players etc etc

And it’s created this market where potential is worth so much. Tens of millions paid for players who aren’t ready for first team starts. Just showing potential is enough!

This is for two main reasons: the crazy wages paid to elite football talent. If you buy young and develop you can hack this market and potentially get elite talent without crazy costs. And secondly, the dream that you uncover the next Bale, Modric etc.
Click to expand...
Even when we signed Modric and Bale, they weren't plucked from obscurity. Look at the (relative) prices we paid for them. They were both known to be of great potential, we just jumped the queue by putting enough money down for the seller to take notice.
We haven't really done the Brighton thing of getting many young obscure foreign talents who turn out amazing. There's been plenty who didn't pan out!
 
JerusalemMan said:
Even when we signed Modric and Bale, they weren't plucked from obscurity. Look at the (relative) prices we paid for them. They were both known to be of great potential, we just jumped the queue by putting enough money down for the seller to take notice.
We haven't really done the Brighton thing of getting many young obscure foreign talents who turn out amazing. There's been plenty who didn't pan out!
Click to expand...

That is point - there are a number of clubs who would be in for those kinds of players now. Chelsea for example. I'd argue that Bergvall, Taki probably fit the bill of obscure foreign talents.
 
SpurMeUp said:
We used to be able to sign young Modric and Bale. But times have changed. All clubs are so ahead of the curve with young talent. Anyone who’s looking elite is signed up by Chelsea, Brighton are all over the more under the radar players etc etc

And it’s created this market where potential is worth so much. Tens of millions paid for players who aren’t ready for first team starts. Just showing potential is enough!

This is for two main reasons: the crazy wages paid to elite football talent. If you buy young and develop you can hack this market and potentially get elite talent without crazy costs. And secondly, the dream that you uncover the next Bale, Modric etc.
Click to expand...

We did sign Vuskovic, Gray and Bergvall. Two of them already making themselves useful squad players, Vuskovic looking likely to at the very least doing the same in the not too distant future.

It is more difficult now I agree, but certainly still possible.
 
Might end up a great buy long-term but again does this help us for the here and now?
If this buy followed a first-team., ready-to-go player it would feel fine, but just gives the optics of same-old-same-old...

Will Udogie think, "Bleep, i better get fit and up my game"??
 
braineclipse said:
We did sign Vuskovic, Gray and Bergvall. Two of them already making themselves useful squad players, Vuskovic looking likely to at the very least doing the same in the not too distant future.

It is more difficult now I agree, but certainly still possible.
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Vuskovic now would probably be out of reach, but we got in very early, and after the loans he looks like he has elite-level potential. But a long way to go still. Injuries. Whether players plateau or kick on - you just never know. But he *should*.

Gray we paid top money for and have played him as though he’s a fully rounded player. Although he’s learning and developing.

We lament the situation we’ve been in for past couple of years in the league, but the upside are being able to play these young talents. It must also help to attract other young signings: don’t sign for Chelsea and sit in reserves/go on loan, look how we play and back our teenage players.

Arguably we’re too dependent on young players at the moment and injuries to senior players has left us short of experience. We need to buy a more senior experienced player. We are light on leaders. Maybe Paulinha will start to play regularly now and help to fulfill the need for more on pitch nous and advice. Settle youngsters. Game management etc
 
glorygloryeze said:
Might end up a great buy long-term but again does this help us for the here and now?
If this buy followed a first-team., ready-to-go player it would feel fine, but just gives the optics of same-old-same-old...

Will Udogie think, "Bleep, i better get fit and up my game"??
Click to expand...

Just getting fit consistently would be a plus point for Udogie - whether Souza has the required ability to push him for a starting spot will be unknown until he's had time to show what he can do.
 
glorygloryeze said:
Might end up a great buy long-term but again does this help us for the here and now?
If this buy followed a first-team., ready-to-go player it would feel fine, but just gives the optics of same-old-same-old...

Will Udogie think, "Bleep, i better get fit and up my game"??
Click to expand...
Well he should be thinking that anyway....
 
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