LAM09

We finished fourth in the league (thanks to Leicester choking at home) that season. 19 points off City. Where are those players now? One is looking like a bust (for the second time), one is in the wilderness, and the latter is playing in a "retirement league", according to some. He cost €50m - Ousmane Dembélé - Transfer history | Transfermarkt

I feel like the price tag has a lot to do with it. People weren't pleased when we were linked with Gordon years ago, but Rogers for less than £10m wouldn't have been an issue for most. Based on his rise at Villa, it would have proven to be a very astute piece of business.

I doubt the 1 hour+ delayed help much. Jokes aside, FIFA killed any hope of a decent atmosphere with absurd prices for a number of the these matches,

As Vesper said, your recovery is the main thing. I hope your health continues to get better. Definitely no need to apologise.

I'm surprised he didn't have his own thread sooner. Three goals and an assist so far at the U21 Euros. Probably the star performer of the group stages.

He's done enough during this cameo to warrant a starting place for the next game.

That's all he has in his locker. If you deny him that, what's the point of playing him?

Pointless to whom? Plenty of money on the line & a great opportunity for some youngsters. Also, anyone could win it. The idea of just dismissing us before a ball has even been kicked is bizarre.

A WF who joined Lyon last summer. I guess we really aren't going for proven attacking players again.

There's no chance of that happening considering the amount we paid. My bigger concern is his desire to playing centrally (he voiced that quite recently). It feel like a lose-lose situation as of now unless he hits the ground running.

Did he say anything, though? We are going off reports, nothing more.

I thought as much. So many big players taking part that clearly aren't getting any attention. You do have to wonder if there will be similar concerns next year.

Definitely not him. He's just going with whatever others decide. I guess it just further proves the point that they went back on their word. Maybe to keep him or his team happy? It's bizarre all round. He's supposedly been at Cobham since Jan, so they've had plenty of time to see what he's about. Put him in the squad on the off chance for some game time or send him to France to prepare for the season ahead. This decision just shows how many clueless heads have ties with the club.

If only they had done this from the get go. More fans from participating clubs might have made the trip. Has the tournament actually had much coverage &/or advertising in the States?

There's ALWAYS some truth in what's reported - The morons playing games with players need to be replaced.

I can imagine some who just watched their tie against United and come to the conclusion that they are said third rate team (Nico only played the home leg).

The latter joined Wolves & suffered a serious injury shortly after. He's had two ligament tears, which resulted in him missing 95 games. I'd say his dip or whatever you wanna call it doesn't have anything to do with talent or lackof.

You can't reduce prices a week before the tournament and expect fans overseas to jump at the chance. We have no idea how much advertising has been put in place over in the States to actually promote a tournament for a sport which lags behind at least three other sports. I said it when the announcement was made, and I'll say it again - the WC shouldn't be taking place in NA. The USA & Canada aren't up to it, & Mexico has a whole load of crowd issues, from racism to homophobia. I'd be in agreement if the WC wasn't taking place next year. This is effectively the replacement for the Confederations Cup, so it's something we'll have to get used to.

They tend to buy the hottest upcoming talent. While Bilbao only sign local players. The two couldn't be more different. This Dortmund who finished TWENTY FIVE points off Bayern - Bundesliga Table and Standings - Football - BBC Sport

You play better with better players around you. Bilbao aren't exactly a side with star players anymore. I personally hope we stay as far away from Gittens as possible.

I think he's shown enough for Spain to warrant the attention around him. The rumoured wages are a major red flag.

The Santos situation is two fingers to all players who were out on loan hoping for a chance here (Veiga, Lesley, Petrovic, etc). If Maresca has had no impact on this, it makes this decision more infuriating.

After the events at the Copa America last year, the USA need as much preparation as possible before they welcome fans in their millions next year. I believe they've lowered the prices for the opening game three times. Maybe pricing them so they are affordable for people OUTSIDE of the States would have been smart.

They have already made it known that they view this as an extension of the 24/25 season. Santos is the only player included who was out on loan last season (Slonina's loan was terminated in Jan due to injury).

At least Emenalo or whoever identified three of the best players over the last 5-10 years for peanuts (Salah, De Bruyne, & Thibo). I highly doubt this Football manager approach will reap one WC star, let alone three.