Benson to Southampton

[boatshed bill]

No?

I'm referring to how daft this 'model' can be if we get silly with it. Not quite as simple as some like to make out.

Te be honest, I'm not really sure what the model is.

[Westleigh]

Is this the system that VK’s part owner of or is that something else ?

[Quicknick]

I genuinely think Anass simply lacks that explosive pace off the mark needed at this level in his position. His end product also seemed to take a real dip post World Cup, again, in my opinion.

No doubting he has talent, but unfortunately for him, he now has Koleosho and Odobert rightly ahead of him as well as the unproven Tresor who came at a price and with a fairly strong reputation following his previous season.

No room for sentiment at this level of sport, so if VK doesn’t think he’s up to it, and if Anass isn’t happy, with his development stunted due to a lack of playing time, then a loan is the best and right choice. Either that or someone comes in with a good money offer which we can then use to reinvest in the squad elsewhere. Here’s a curve ball; could we use Anass as a makeweight plus some cash from us for Jack Clarke at Sunderland? That’s assuming we are still interested in him of course.

Good points there, but is Clarke better than Zaroury?

[Ampth7]

Good points there, but is Clarke better than Zaroury?

Great question, and I have absolutely no idea.

Ultimately, does VK think Clarke is an upgrade to Zaroury?

[Vegas Claret]

Great question, and I have absolutely no idea.

Ultimately, does VK think Clarke is an upgrade to Zaroury?

Sunderland want between 20-25 million for Clarke, no way we go for him at that price when we weren't prepared to pay half of that last summer

[Nori1958]

Sunderland want between 20-25 million for Clarke, no way we go for him at that price when we weren't prepared to pay half of that last summer

Why would he come now anyway?

[ClaretLoup]

Good point Nori and this is the problem created by our league position. We need to strengthen but the type of player we need won’t come given the probability is that they will end up in the Championship.

[Nori1958]

Good point Nori and this is the problem created by our league position. We need to strengthen but the type of player we need won’t come given the probability is that they will end up in the Championship.

Exactly, which is roughly what Kompany has been saying recently.

[Ampth7]

Why would he come now anyway?

Agree, although is there an argument whereby we are more likely to win promotion again next season when compared to Sunderland? I know this is a somewhat subjective opinion, but the odds/stats are more in favour of teams bouncing back when compared to those who have been lingering around the lower divisions for several years.

As for his supposed value of £20-25 million, that was why I threw in the curve ball Zaroury swap, which by the way, I don’t think will happen. However, if it could be agreed, obviously it’s impossible to say what Zaroury would be worth in a swap deal with Sunderland, but Anass’ value would be more than enough to make the money owed to Sunderland considerably less.

[Nori1958]

Agree, although is there an argument whereby we are more likely to win promotion again next season when compared to Sunderland? I know this is a somewhat subjective opinion, but the odds/stats are more in favour of teams bouncing back when compared to those who have been lingering around the lower divisions for several years.

As for his supposed value of £20-25 million, that was why I threw in the curve ball Zaroury swap, which by the way, I don’t think will happen. However, if it could be agreed, obviously it’s impossible to say what Zaroury would be worth in a swap deal with Sunderland, but Anass’ value would be more than enough to make the money owed to Sunderland considerably less.

I agree re promotion, I just don't think footballers think that far ahead

[Quickenthetempo]

Benson not even on the bench.

Definitely on the move.

[Ampth7]

I agree re promotion, I just don't think footballers think that far ahead

You might be right and to be fair Sunderland are currently in the play offs whereas our position is less than desirable shall we say?

[Ampth7]

Benson not even on the bench.

Definitely on the move.

Yep, imminent departure I reckon.