[Albion] New contract for Evan Ferguson - signed until 2028

[BBassic]

Or a reward for a new role in the squad and security for both parties.

Or a sign that everyone's happy.

Or a long term career at the same club.

AKA 'The Lewis Dunk'

 

[Monkey Man]

Very good news. I don't really have a deep working knowledge of how footballers' contracts work, so this may be a silly question. I'm just wondering, as we offer new improved contracts to star players, are we simply protecting assets and upping transfer fees when the times comes ... or are we also changing our wages policy by stealth? The two issues may be unconnected but it strikes me that this is what's gradually happening, and BHA is now prepared to pay more – perhaps much more – than we used to. Must be inevitable as we vie for European places.

 

[aolstudios]

I’d imagine that’s because we are trying to negotiate a multi year deal rather than just exercising the one year option at this stage.

Hope so

 

[dazzer6666]

Very good news. I don't really have a deep working knowledge of how footballers' contracts work, so this may be a silly question. I'm just wondering, as we offer new improved contracts to star players, are we simply protecting assets and upping transfer fees when the times comes ... or are we also changing our wages policy by stealth? The two issues may be unconnected but it strikes me that this is what's gradually happening, and BHA is now prepared to pay more – perhaps much more – than we used to. Must be inevitable as we vie for European places.

Both I would think. No doubt there's a DULLARD on his way to confirm.

It's not really 'stealth' though - more a natural progression of the club. Can't find the table atm but we're something like 3rd or 4th LOWEST for wages in the PL so punching way above our weight - we'll be closing that gap as income streams (which includes player sales, so we need to let a star go every so often) continue to rise.

 

[Mustafa II]

I wonder what @Mustafa II ’s take on this is?

Great news! we've just secured the (immediate) future of one of the hottest young strikers in the world... What other take is there?!

Thanks for thinking of me though!

 

[Echo the Seagull]

Very good news. I don't really have a deep working knowledge of how footballers' contracts work, so this may be a silly question. I'm just wondering, as we offer new improved contracts to star players, are we simply protecting assets and upping transfer fees when the times comes ... or are we also changing our wages policy by stealth? The two issues may be unconnected but it strikes me that this is what's gradually happening, and BHA is now prepared to pay more – perhaps much more – than we used to. Must be inevitable as we vie for European places.

Short answer is both.

I suspect that if we want to be a top 10 team regularly, we are going to have to at least start paying wages to support that. Seem to remember we are bottom 4 in terms of wage bill but am sure a Dullard will correct me.

Edit: beaten to it by @dazzer6666

 

[Seasider78]

Very good news. I don't really have a deep working knowledge of how footballers' contracts work, so this may be a silly question. I'm just wondering, as we offer new improved contracts to star players, are we simply protecting assets and upping transfer fees when the times comes ... or are we also changing our wages policy by stealth? The two issues may be unconnected but it strikes me that this is what's gradually happening, and BHA is now prepared to pay more – perhaps much more – than we used to. Must be inevitable as we vie for European places.

I would say a bit of both protecting the assets but on the improved wages we won’t be paying anywhere near what the big clubs will be offering so more a recognition of their change of status within our existing wage structure I would think. I imagine Lallana and Dunk are on high wages within our structure so significant increases could be available without busting the structure but these would still be nowhere near what a Man City or Chelsea would pay.

 

[tigertim68]

Veltman is out of contract in June.

Club has a year option

 

[trueblue]

I think he is exploring his options. He spoke to Dutch media a couple of weeks ago saying he's happy here but isn't ruling out a move to Spain or Italy.

I imagine it depends if we get into Europe or not. I suppose he also wants guarantees of first team football.

I suppose every player explores their options towards the end of a contract - especially older ones. They'd be mad not to. Sounds a bit like the Pascal Gross situation. As long as he thinks he's going to get plenty of football, I'll bet he stays.

 

[Beanstalk]

Very good news. I don't really have a deep working knowledge of how footballers' contracts work, so this may be a silly question. I'm just wondering, as we offer new improved contracts to star players, are we simply protecting assets and upping transfer fees when the times comes ... or are we also changing our wages policy by stealth? The two issues may be unconnected but it strikes me that this is what's gradually happening, and BHA is now prepared to pay more – perhaps much more – than we used to. Must be inevitable as we vie for European places.

I asked PB about the wage structure changing if we vie for Europe and he was clear the answer was "no change". Unless we start making considerably more in revenue over a consistent period (i.e. qualify for Europe 2/3 seasons in a row or raise the ticket prices considerably) there isn't room to change the wage structure sustainably.

I'd imagine that due to some big names leaving and not being replaced immediately (Cucurella, Trossard, Bissouma, Maupay) there is space to "promote" internal players into bigger squad roles and for their wages to match that (Caicedo fills Bissouma's wage hole, Ferguson picks up Maupay's etc.).

 

[Pavilionaire]

This is good news, as was Andrew Moran signing a new contract yesterday. However, the focus really needs to be on the league and finishing in a top 7 spot.

 

[Herr Tubthumper]

I suppose every player explores their options towards the end of a contract - especially older ones. They'd be mad not to. Sounds a bit like the Pascal Gross situation. As long as he thinks he's going to get plenty of football, I'll bet he stays.

Veltman strikes me as a Paul Scholes type of character i.e. happy doing what he does and isn’t too demanding. I reckon he will re-sign.

 

[dazzer6666]

This is good news, as was Andrew Moran signing a new contract yesterday. However, the focus really needs to be on the league and finishing in a top 7 spot.

They're not mutually exclusive

 

[Nobby Cybergoat]

Club has a year option

If this is true, it’s far from guaranteed we’d use it.

Veltman is past the “protecting your asset” age which is usually the reason you would activate such a clause. We wouldn’t get a significant fee for him. Which is odd, because he’s brilliant.

If he wants to go, my guess is that the club would reason he has done his dues and choose not to activate it.

 

[Herr Tubthumper]

This is good news, as was Andrew Moran signing a new contract yesterday. However, the focus really needs to be on the league and finishing in a top 7 spot.

How exactly does Moran signing a new deal significantly distract the coaches and the players?

 

[Springal]

Deal was likely signed a few weeks back anyway

 

[albionalex]

If this is true, it’s far from guaranteed we’d use it.

Veltman is past the “protecting your asset” age which is usually the reason you would activate such a clause. We wouldn’t get a significant fee for him. Which is odd, because he’s brilliant.

If he wants to go, my guess is that the club would reason he has done his dues and choose not to activate it.

Welbz also had a one year option in his previous contract. It doesn't have anything to do with 'protecting your asset'. It gives the club the flexibility.

 

[Papa Lazarou]

Welbz also had a one year option in his previous contract. It doesn't have anything to do with 'protecting your asset'. It gives the club the flexibility.

Plus if we qualify for Europe we WILL need his experience

 

[Nobby Cybergoat]

Welbz also had a one year option in his previous contract. It doesn't have anything to do with 'protecting your asset'. It gives the club the flexibility.

Of course. In that instance, I think we have assume Danny wanted to stay and it satisfied all parties to take the option.

Joel, if reports are to be believed, is considering his options. If he gets another offer which he wants to take up, I personally believe we won't exercise the option.

 

[albionalex]

Of course. In that instance, I think we have assume Danny wanted to stay and it satisfied all parties to take the option.

Joel, if reports are to be believed, is considering his options. If he gets another offer which he wants to take up, I personally believe we won't exercise the option.

Actually, we exercised the option and then negotiated a new two year contract.