Raheem Sterling

[Angus Telford]

Don't think KF is being selective when the most concrete links as of today are Sterling, Nelson and Lecomte.

One day off our slowest start to a transfer window since transfer windows became a thing.

Even this time last year, Sessegnon and ESR were essentially done deals and public knowledge.

I doubt there's a single PL team, or FFC squad in recent history, that doesn't have 2-3 academy players on its periphery so agree with Kent that's pretty much irrelevant.

[FFC1987]

Don't think KF is being selective when the most concrete links as of today are Sterling, Nelson and Lecomte.

One day off our slowest start to a transfer window since transfer windows became a thing.

Even this time last year, Sessegnon and ESR were essentially done deals and public knowledge.

I doubt there's a single PL team, or FFC squad in recent history, that doesn't have 2-3 academy players on its periphery so agree with Kent that's pretty much irrelevant.

Consider me shocked. Reluctant to accept anything remotely positive that deviates even a smidge from your original point, and continue to suggest we're only being linked with older profile players.

You really are adorable Angus.

[Angus Telford]

Don't think KF is being selective when the most concrete links as of today are Sterling, Nelson and Lecomte.

One day off our slowest start to a transfer window since transfer windows became a thing.

Even this time last year, Sessegnon and ESR were essentially done deals and public knowledge.

I doubt there's a single PL team, or FFC squad in recent history, that doesn't have 2-3 academy players on its periphery so agree with Kent that's pretty much irrelevant.

Consider me shocked. Reluctant to accept anything remotely positive that deviates even a smidge from your original point, and continue to suggest we're only being linked with older profile players.

You really are adorable Angus.

Equally I'm stunned that such intelligent, insightful and well-reasoned replies as this haven't brought everyone around to your way of thinking. How obstinate of them to dismiss such profound discourse. I only hope one day, in a less febrile era, users of the internet forums you grace will rightfully recognise you as the Aristotle of our time.

[FFC1987]

Possibly your best ever post Angus. Well done. Finally!

[LC]

I presume this will be a loan deal. If we only pay about 100k of his wages then I don't see it as a bad deal. Basically giving him Willian's contract. I still think Sterling has something in the tank and he'll be wanting to get into the England fold for next summers World Cup.

[bobbo]

I'm not exactly thrilled about this as I thought his legs were gone whenever I watched him. But if Silva wants and can work with him so then so be it.

I don't want him with us he's already a bit of a has been but marco seems to go for older experienced players but I still don't want him . Prolific cheat.

[Barrett487]

Whilst i don't like his theatricals, I used to be impressed by his play in his early to mid years.

I think about Willian's drop in performance, which i suspect might have been partly down to system and coaching, and i reckon that Marco could get the best from Sterling.

Despite his wage demands (which we hopefully wouldn't go anywhere near) i think he would look at Willian's rejuvenation and want a piece of that.

I can't believe that some may think that he doesn't have the skill potential.

Having said that.... i admit that the age of our team concerns me, so i hope that changes soon, especially in light of our recent young gun contracts.

[jayffc]

Most concrete links

Lacomte - signed 32
Sterling - 30 (for some reason I thought he was way older than this TBF)
Nelson -25
KDH - 26 (27 soon)
Romulo - 23 (RB Leipzig bound)
Failing Romulo - Tolu arokadare?(24)

+ Looking to integrate an exciting 18 year old king into the team more already

Outgoings

Willian- 36 (35 last season)
Vinicius - 30

On the whole younger than what's departed albeit not radically, bar the GK where age is a lesser issue generaly.

Id like some young wonderkids like anyone,but surprised Raheem is actually only 30. That's really not that old these days in football terms. 4 years younger than Willian when he came in and made a major contribution for us. With Nelson our "younger player coming into their prime" pick, Raheem as our LW competition with Sess (25) and Iwobi....that could be great TBF, and allows Godo to go out on loan and see if he can develop into a real talent himself. Warming to the idea personally. Guys played for 4 of the biggest teams in the league, if we can pull off another fulhamish revival it could be epic for us.

[Barrett487]

Most concrete links

Lacomte - signed 32
Sterling - 30 (for some reason I thought he was way older than this TBF)
Nelson -25
KDH - 26 (27 soon)
Romulo - 23 (RB Leipzig bound)
Failing Romulo - Tolu arokadare?(24)

+ Looking to integrate an exciting 18 year old king into the team more already

Outgoings

Willian- 36 (35 last season)
Vinicius - 30

On the whole younger than what's departed albeit not radically, bar the GK where age is a lesser issue generaly.

Id like some young wonderkids like anyone,but surprised Raheem is actually only 30. That's really not that old these days in football terms. 4 years younger than Willian when he came in and made a major contribution for us. With Nelson our "younger player coming into their prime" pick, Raheem as our LW competition with Sess (25) and Iwobi....that could be great TBF. Warming to the idea personally.

I pretty much agree with this

[hovewhite]

I'm not exactly thrilled about this as I thought his legs were gone whenever I watched him. But if Silva wants and can work with him so then so be it.

I don't want him with us he's already a bit of a has been but marco seems to go for older experienced players but I still don't want him . Prolific cheat.

If true I trust Marcos judgement more than anyone on here.

[bahay18]

If he is the Willian replacement , I don't think it's a bad call. But if it's instead of signing someone in the Nelson age range then probably it's a little short sighted when we do need to get the age of the squad down . Or we risk a hodgson / jol moment when silva leaves

[bog]

Can't beat a bit of sterling silva....

[ex-Pat]

   Why is this even a discussion, he is rank !!

[alfie]

Why is this even a discussion, he is rank !!

You don't have to join in.

[perry geyton]

Why is this even a discussion, he is rank !!

F me
You got something right for once 👏🏼

[SP]

Someone on Tiff claiming he lives 15 minutes drive from Motspur Park, can't see him signing for a team outside London.

[The Rational Fan]

I'm not exactly thrilled about this as I thought his legs were gone whenever I watched him. But if Silva wants and can work with him so then so be it.

I don't want him with us he's already a bit of a has been but marco seems to go for older experienced players but I still don't want him . Prolific cheat.

If true I trust Marcos judgement more than anyone on here.

Marco's judgement is probably Raheem has a couple of good seasons left in him, after which Marco will move elsewhere and Raheem will be rubbish. Macro has a massive conflict of interest, he is mostly interested in signings immediate impact and rather than long-term value.

[Angus Telford]

Marco's judgement is probably Raheem has a couple of good seasons left in him, after which Marco will move elsewhere and Raheem will be rubbish. Macro has a massive conflict of interest, he is mostly interested in signings immediate impact and rather than long-term value.

Good summary

[jayffc]

I'm not exactly thrilled about this as I thought his legs were gone whenever I watched him. But if Silva wants and can work with him so then so be it.

I don't want him with us he's already a bit of a has been but marco seems to go for older experienced players but I still don't want him . Prolific cheat.

If true I trust Marcos judgement more than anyone on here.

Marco's judgement is probably Raheem has a couple of good seasons left in him, after which Marco will move elsewhere and Raheem will be rubbish. Macro has a massive conflict of interest, he is mostly interested in signings immediate impact and rather than long-term value.

Is it a massive conflict of interest for the club to sign people who they believe can make us finish higher in the table right now and possibly get us over line into europe?

Considering it sounds like they will sign Nelson as our 25yr old (who could have plenty resale value if he has a great couple seasons) + Raheem possibly signing on a free (bar considerable wages)...cos in that instance, they could well see Raheem as a squad element that could help us take the step up that allows us to qualify for europe and in turn....attract good young players, like - Fofana, who reportedly doesn't want to go to Everton (and probably us) because he likely wants a club in Europe.

Making moves that the club and manager feel can help us finish higher in the table *right now*, is not a conflict of interest, it's in all our interests. It is an outcome that in itself would allow the club to make more money and attract better talent. With NO transfer fee for Raheem - if he managed 2 years of good service and it helped take us up a level, it's good thing for everyone involved.

[alfie]

I'm not exactly thrilled about this as I thought his legs were gone whenever I watched him. But if Silva wants and can work with him so then so be it.

I don't want him with us he's already a bit of a has been but marco seems to go for older experienced players but I still don't want him . Prolific cheat.

If true I trust Marcos judgement more than anyone on here.

Marco's judgement is probably Raheem has a couple of good seasons left in him, after which Marco will move elsewhere and Raheem will be rubbish. Macro has a massive conflict of interest, he is mostly interested in signings immediate impact and rather than long-term value.

Is it a massive conflict of interest for the club to sign people who they believe can make us finish higher in the table right now and possibly get us over line into europe?

Considering it sounds like they will sign Nelson as our 25yr old (who could have plenty resale value if he has a great couple seasons) + Raheem possibly signing on a free (bar considerable wages)...cos in that instance, they could well see Raheem as a squad element that could help us take the step up that allows us to qualify for europe and in turn....attract good young players, like - Fofana, who reportedly doesn't want to go to Everton (and probably us) because he likely wants a club in Europe.

Making moves that the club and manager feel can help us finish higher in the table *right now*, is not a conflict of interest, it's in all our interests. It is an outcome that in itself would allow the club to make more money and attract better talent. With NO transfer fee for Raheem - if he managed 2 years of good service and it helped take us up a level, it's good thing for everyone involved.

Totally agree, I remember people judging Willian on what happened at Arsenal, and he didn't turn out too bad.