It does seem like it has all been a bit for show.

Oh and Capi, post more!

Captain wrote:

I know who did the executive search and that article is bullshit, tone.

On Tierney, I wouldn't even sweat it.

Please feel free to correct.
I didn't double check or cross reference

Do you mean you think we'll get him, Cap, or do you mean Tierney isn't worth sweating over?

Just want to get this done - having him and Bellerin fit an firing an entire season will take us up a level from Kola and AMN.

I do wonder if we are getting great value here. For example, Dortmund picked up Schulz over the summer from Hoffenheim for 22m pounds. He's a full German international, and a flexible fullback who can perform well in both 4 and 5-at-the-back formations. He has great attacking stats, with high progressive runs and assists numbers - 6 assists and amongst top 3 in chances created. He's entering his peak at 25, so a proven performer versus Tierney who is seen as a good attacker but still has questions about the defensive side of his game.

The reason I bring it up is 22m for Tierney and 29m for Saliba says to me we are potentially not getting those beat-the-market insights we need, at least relative to what German and French clubs are able to achieve. Or maybe we are faced into these deals by our financial difficulties.

I think it's the other way around, mate. He is solid defensively and plays centrehalf sometimes.

Those inter-league deals between german and italian clubs can't really be compared to the deals we have to do

Tierney is also a no nonsense defender that seems to actually enjoy defending. Not sure where the impression that he's an attack-first fullback comes from

Bold Tone wrote:
Captain wrote:

I know who did the executive search and that article is bullshit, tone.

On Tierney, I wouldn't even sweat it.

Please feel free to correct.
I didn't double check or cross reference

Odgers did that headhunt and from what I know, Gszidis was the absolute stand out candidate.

Coombs wrote:

Do you mean you think we'll get him, Cap, or do you mean Tierney isn't worth sweating over?

It is highly likely this deal will be sealed (in my opinion).

Captain wrote:
Bold Tone wrote:

Please feel free to correct.
I didn't double check or cross reference

Odgers did that headhunt and from what I know, Gszidis was the absolute stand out candidate.

The recruiting agency?
I wonder if they've been proven right.

Yeah Tierney is more of a defensive full, leaning to all rounder.

For Scotland, Tierney has actually been shifted to the left of a back 3, with Robertson playing as wing back.

Gazza M wrote:

Those inter-league deals between german and italian clubs can't really be compared to the deals we have to do

I keep hearing this. If we bid 22m for Schulz, do you think they'd decline our offer and accept Dortmund's? If 22m is an offer they're willing to accept, it'd be irrational for them to decline our offer if we aren't willing to go higher. 

an english club would have to pay more.

No. I just think they'd haggle with us more on the price and ask for more up front cash

damn how far have we fallen, a champions league clause would never have been a big issue because we were arsenal. now they mock it and say that's not money we can count on ever getting.

Quincy Abeyie wrote:
Gazza M wrote:

Those inter-league deals between german and italian clubs can't really be compared to the deals we have to do

I keep hearing this. If we bid 22m for Schulz, do you think they'd decline our offer and accept Dortmund's? If 22m is an offer they're willing to accept, it'd be irrational for them to decline our offer if we aren't willing to go higher. 

Exactly. £22m is £22m.
I know the guy has played every position in the back, and is displaced in national team cos of Robinson. But his attacking stays are what really stands out when you look him despite his team playing 4 at back more than 5 at back. This is a fast guy who can beat opponents at ease and create good assist opportunities. His defense numbers are good but not great compared to your wan-Bissakas etc. he should be an improvement on Kola but I’m not sure he’s an elixir. We also need to factor in the jump from the Scottish League

How does one accrue impressive defensive statistics if the team in which they play has 70% of the ball in every domestic game they play?

Based on what I have read and heard, Tierney is thought of as an extremely switched on and intelligent defender first and foremost.

Bold Tone wrote:
Captain wrote:

Odgers did that headhunt and from what I know, Gszidis was the absolute stand out candidate.

The recruiting agency?
I wonder if they've been proven right.

Yep, odgers berndtson. I have no insight into the remit or process, but I do know somebody who was directly involved and Gazidis, by all accounts, was the absolute stand out guy.

I don't know if there were any 'better' candidates, but the strong belief (like genuine 'get the champs out lads we've done the business here' belief) was that Gazidis was an absolute coup.

He looks a good defender to me. He seems to know how to time his tackles