It has been strongly suggested that Raul is leaving in the summer. His contract is up and maybe he just wants to finish his career in Mexico. Or maybe he doesn't want to de a #3 forward, or maybe at his age we don't want to pay the money he wants. All conjecture.
If we get into Europe we will need him. I'm sure he would want to play in Europe as well. Where and how much would it cost to get a striker with his ability? He has scored some critical goals for us this season turning 1 point into 3. A great work ethic as well.
I'm probably in the minority here, but if there is any chance we could keep him, we should make every effort
It's been discussed a fair bit on here already in threads about the same topic, but...
For me it's a financial decision. If we're going to sign Pepi - which it appears we most likely are. We don't need to pay Raul 100k per week+ that he's already on to sit on the bench and likely be 3rd option should Muniz reach his previous levels as we hope.
More to the point, I don't think we can afford to do that within SCR. If we make Europe, it actually makes things even harder in this regard I gather. Someone mentioned rules are even tighter for SCR there.
Therefore it makes more sense to sign Pepi (who'll be on less than Raul) sign another youth prospect on low wages like JKA for 3rd option striker. And then use that money to sign the CM and potentially RW we need should Wilson also depart.
Raul is not going to continue to get better at 36 years old (which he'll be next year) it's time to move on
Think he remains a fitter forward than muniz and more reliable consistent finisher but if the club is letting him go we must be sure of a replacement incoming.
I would like to see Raul replaced, but replaced with a new first choice. In addition a new second choice, particularly given Muniz has shown he just inst good enough.
We consistently under invest up top and we also failed to sell Muniz at his peak. Let's get it right this time
If we make it into Europe and/or he and his family decide post World-Cup that the London region is a nice place to raise a family, then I can well imagine things taking a Willian-esque turn. Free agent training with the lads after a proper summer holiday, one thing leading to another....we've seen it all before.
Not sure what else he has to prove in the game, he's obviously enjoying being where he is.
In contrast, a post Fulham career in either Mexico or the Middle East may have some emerging drawbacks.
If he wants a new contract at the same salary as he's currently rumoured to be on then it just does not make sense. Certainly now we are entering the era of Squad Cost Ratio restrictions.
I think he would do well in MLS