I think if Lamela does go this window (as seems ever more likely given all the reports in the last day or so) it could have very big implications for the potential to attract young up-and-coming stars from abroad long-term.
As we know, Lamela didn't set the feeand unlike other players many of us have been happy to hound as they were departing, Lamela hasn't shown himself to be a premadonna talking us down to the press, or one that thinks he is above hard work - or even above being substituted for poor performances. I also doubt he is anywhere near the highest earners or goes around with an attitude where he thinks he should be. He is young and from what we can see has always had the attitude to knuckle down and work hard - firstly to recover from the bad back injury he had in his first season and then also to fight his way back into the team when Poch first came.
It's amazing how a very poor performance vs Stoke can trigger such an immediate change of opinion in him long-term from so many at once; almost like some kind of Hive-mind: many before were fustrated but willing to give him time due to his potential then immediately and seemingly at the same time wanted him out pronto. This after two seasons of being with us; one of which was effectively a write-off due to coach changes and injury.
The guy was 21 years old when he joined us FFS. For those who since the game vs Stoke 10 days ago: Are players not allowed to have a dip even at the age of 23? Why can the solution not be a spell on the bench or reserves before seeing if they can return to form? Why straight away a sale is necessary?
It seems mostly the same people who have wanted him out wee the same who were screaming for Sodado to go too. In the case of Soldado, i thought this was fair enough: he was a seasoned pro bought to be our number one striker and for a lot of money. At his age, it was fair enough he couldn't be afforded time. But Lamela is younger and needs the fans/club as much as we need him and it' very sad how vitriolic some of you 'haters' have become in a short time. GHod forbid, Pritchard, Alli, Bentaleb, Onomah etc have bad spells - would they need to be bined after a year and a half?
For some of you who have been screaming blue murder re Lamela since the Stoke game ("sell him now, he's ****","our worst ever buy", "Come on Levy, do your magic") just remember your attitude when the next bright young stars from overseas (who bring attributes we may tend not to bring thorugh in our academy) keep using our intererst in signing them to get a new bumper contract at their current clubs to skip joining us and wait for the Madrids, Barcas, Chelskis and Manures. When that happens think back to how impatient you've been during this Lamela episode and ask yourself "why should they come to us anyway?"
