Bir_CFC

That's a lot of money for a defender. This market has truly gone to shit.

He's their new Pogba. He's not leaving anytime soon. 150M maybe in a couple of years lol.

Bournemouth gifting a goal to United, have looked much better than them but now down a goal. You can see United have had a short preseason, several look off the pace, especially Rooney.

So I was bored and started looking at transfer spends for the top 6 premier league clubs over the past 5 seasons (including this one so far) and saw some interesting things. Purchases: United have spent the most over this period, 680M with City a close second at 665M. Unsurprisingly, Arsenal's at only 305M. Sales: Surprisingly, Chelsea have made the most from player sales, 355M. Chelsea were never a selling club, but we keep buying young players which means decent resale value. Comparatively, City and United made just 175M and 170M respectively. Half of Chelsea! While Arsenal don't spend a lot, they don't recoup much from player sales either. They've made the lowest out of all the top 6, only 108M from player sales. Net Spend: Tottenham are clearly reaping the benefits of their academy as their net spend over this period has only been a measly 43M! Of course, they still haven't won anything, but they are definitely on the rise without much outlay. Second lowest after Tottenham is Chelsea at 184M. Yup, that's right, Chelsea's net spend is lower than everyone except Tottenham, even Arsenal, the team that always makes excuses that they are more frugal than anyone else. Admittedly, they are a close third at 197M. United and City with a mind-blowing 510M and 490M net spend in this period, almost 3 times as Chelsea and 10 times Tottenham, wow!

If his agent is talking then he's signing a contract renewal with Napoli. An agent wouldn't be definitively giving a timeline if the clubs were still negotiating a fee as he has no control over that.

It sucks that we made huge offers for both Pogba and Stones and now they're both at the Manchester clubs.

Dude is only 23. Yeah, 100MM is a lot of money but they could make most of it back if they decide to sell in 4-5 years.

I thought he had a very poor game as a lone holder. Probably should play him higher up and let Matic hold.

If Matic was having a game like Kante is having right now half the forum here would be having an anuerism.

Matic is better than Kante, easily imo. Just needs to regain his form.

Kante hasnt been that good imo.

Made a 5M profit. Very good business.

Nope.

Alaba's defending is overrated. It's borderline shit. He's got other amazing qualities though.

Hasn't been amazing but he's had a decent to good preseason. Don't agree at all that he's done.

Is that really why they went for Martinez? So they turned down someone? I would think they're probably making more money now than they ever have before considering the marketability of some the players and the team as a whole.

He was very very bad in the first 20-30 minutes yesterday, got a bit better as the game went on but overall a very poor showing. He's still shown enough to be kept around as cover but he'll get destroyed if he's thrown in as first choice. Need to take small steps with him, he's still very young. We definitely need to sign at least one more fullback, right or left, because Aina isn't ready to start and Ivanovic should never start. With Baba leaving, I'd reckon a fullback is a higher priority than CB now.

The only purpose Belgium should have is to find a way to win something with this hugely talented squad. And they go and sign a manager who hasn't won much at all. Surprised they couldn't find someone better.

Was really poor yesterday. Costa wasn't good either. As far as strikers go, only Traore has looked good so far. Costa seems lost and Michy has looked good at times and bad at times. It's still only preseason but Traore is the only one that seems to know how to play as a second striker. Picks up great positions and makes great runs.

Don't know what you're talking about. It takes me like 30 seconds in Fifa.

He's got potential but he'll need to become a decent goalscorer. He's def not cut for a box to box role, at least not one where you can rely on him defensively. He's going to have to model his game around Yaya Toure. Obv can't expect him to become that good but he'll have to get somewhat close to Toure if he expects to carve out a role at Chelsea.

Too much competition currently on the wings for him here. Betis are basically worshipping him. Starts every game, takes free kicks, pens if he wants em, got #7 shirt. He's in a good situation to develop.

I thought his hold up play had improved quite a bit when I was watching him at the Euros. I'd still rather keep Costa though, but if Lukaku is coming that must mean Costa is off. Where will he go though? Who can actually afford him and needs him right now?

I was on the balcony. People at the lower level were not pleased.

Was at the game. Heard it set a record for 2nd largest crown in US football history. Had a great time, it was amazing being in a stadium with so many people. First half was disappointing of course, but very happy with Michy in the second half and jizzed everywhere when I saw Hazard as second striker and then getting his brace.