Ross Barkley

[Russ aka Big Nose]

I know they're different characters, but it has the feeling of a Paul Merson situation. That worked out pretty well, and if Barkley doesn't, it's not a lot of money.

His wages will be quite big, I'd imagine? That said, I'm firmly in the "if anyone can get a tune out of him, Unai can" camp.

If Unai can squeeze 8/9 out of 10 performances out of him then it will be a good move. Back up for Luiz / McGinn ?

Not if that is it over 2 seasons ... with 3 times that number of 3 or 4 out of 10 performances.

[brontebilly]

My Luton supporter friend says we are getting an absolute gem, so that’s nice to hear!

He was the main dawg there and loved accordingly. He won't be, here so it'll be interesting to see his attitude when he doesn't start/is subbed cos last time it stunk.

Very interesting, I think Barkley would have been best returning to Everton or some other club where he would have started most weeks. Competing with likes of Luiz, McGinn, Tielemans and Ramsey...don't see him being a regular and it wasn't a position we need to strengthen in any case.

I'm 💯 against this signing, was totally against him the first time and he was a 12m disaster, smaller fee this time but spots and leopards come to mind. In saying all that, all the best Rosco!

[Dante Lavelli]

I still suspect we will sell Ramsey for £40m and use the money to buy a genuine DCM.

It’s a massive shame but balances the books, keeps the nucleus of last year’s team together and the DCM strengthens the squad.

[VillaTim]

I know they're different characters, but it has the feeling of a Paul Merson situation. That worked out pretty well, and if Barkley doesn't, it's not a lot of money.

His wages will be quite big, I'd imagine? That said, I'm firmly in the "if anyone can get a tune out of him, Unai can" camp.

If Unai can squeeze 8/9 out of 10 performances out of him then it will be a good move. Back up for Luiz / McGinn ?

Not if that is it over 2 seasons ... with 3 times that number of 3 or 4 out of 10 performances.

Yup that's the red flag.
A leopard doesn't change its spots . As you were.

[Dave]

Who is buying an injured Ramsey for £40m?

[Dante Lavelli]

Who is buying an injured Ramsey for £40m?

Liverpool were linked at £50m a week or so back.

[brontebilly]

Who is buying an injured Ramsey for £40m?

It's a fair old punt. Ferguson bought RvN after an ACL didn't he? Ramsey is a quality player but he has missed a full season. If we have to sell it will be one of Watkins or Luiz surely.

[VillaTim]

Ramsey is worth a lot more than £40m

[Dante Lavelli]

I plucked £40m from nowhere, however I do feel its the sort of figure that most top ten clubs could spend without too many issues and the player would still be considered a a squad player in the ‘big six’.  Above £50m and the number of clubs with enough cash reduces massively.

So £40m is market driven figure rather than a reflection on Ramsey’s worth.

[Beard82]

Who is buying an injured Ramsey for £40m?

It's a fair old punt. Ferguson bought RvN after an ACL didn't he? Ramsey is a quality player but he has missed a full season. If we have to sell it will be one of Watkins or Luiz surely.

If we were to cash in on core player, it must be luiz.  He's got to be worth 60m+, has had a good season which only increases the value.  And I think he is more replaceable.  Ramsey would be selling him on the "cheap" due to the risk factor of him having a reoccurring injury. 

Watkins and Emi are too difficult to replace.  Other players like Carlos, Cash and Digne could also be sold but I wouldn't say they were key. (as good as they have been, particularly Digne last season).

[ChicagoLion]

Ramsey is worth a lot more than £40m

Yes but a crocked Ramsey?
1. Doubtfull any one is buying until his fitness is proven.
2. We would get a lot more money for a fit and able Ramsey.

[Des Little]

Pray he's on a short deal (1 year) or some sort of pay as you go deal.
A 3 year deal for this player won't end well.

Lighten up Tim, it may even work out well? Come on man

[Somniloquism]

Ramsey is worth a lot more than £40m

Yes but a crocked Ramsey?
1. Doubtfull any one is buying until his fitness is proven.
2. We would get a lot more money for a fit and able Ramsey.

Most medics would be able to tell if a foot bone is fully healed or not now he has been given 3 months to heal rather then 6 weeks.

[Percy McCarthy]

I still suspect we will sell Ramsey for £40m and use the money to buy a genuine DCM.

It’s a massive shame but balances the books, keeps the nucleus of last year’s team together and the DCM strengthens the squad.

I’m pretty sure we can afford a good DCM without having to sell anybody we don’t want to.

[robleflaneur]

.His talent has never been in doubt,even Xavi rated his technical skills.That talent seemed to have been wasted by poor workrate and fitness.A move to Luton looked like the confirmation of that.But then he looked sharper,fitter and a hard working player at long last.
He will be playing in front of a full VP instead of a pandemic empty one.He will be playing in s team geared to possession with other ball playing midfielders and coached by Unai.Any talented player would relish that and Champions League as an added bonus.