[Albion] Losing Macalister & Caicedo

GJN1 said:

It's an interesting point. The only way you can stop players going is by paying them the kind of wages that the big clubs pay and we're so far off that it's not even an option. I think you're right in that we can only keep this conveyor belt going for so long. Eventually it's going to break down. But, for now, let's just enjoy the ride on said conveyor belt (subject to Health & Safety assessment).

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Stato said:

It is all about money. I'm happy that Bloom won't commit the club to unaffordable contracts. What irritates me is all this guff about 'deserving to play at a higher level' Mac Allister and Caicedo both played in the World Cup Finals this year. They would both be playing European football were they to stay with us next year. They are competing week in week out at the same level as the teams they will be signing for. Technically, if it's about 'playing at a higher level' then the ECL clubs should be the only possible destinations. They are not going to a higher level, they are going to a higher pay packet. Fair enough. You could argue that in a meritocracy, the best players should earn the best wages, but let's stop pretending that this is about 'levels'.

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Munchkin said:

Mac Allister and Caceido are off in the summer. I think we all have to accept that.

I never thought we would get an upgrade on Bissouma (I was wrong) I didn’t think we’d be able to replace our player of the season last year (I was wrong), I didn’t think we’d get a better option than Trossard (I was wrong)

I felt the same way when Glenn Murray left, when Bridcutt left, when Dale Stephen’s left…. I could go on.

Moral of the story. Players come and go, we keep being able to replace them, without doubt they are both world class players, but don’t ever write off the exceptional recruitment of our football club and in TB I totally trust to bring in replacements.

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Stato said:

It is all about money. I'm happy that Bloom won't commit the club to unaffordable contracts. What irritates me is all this guff about 'deserving to play at a higher level' Mac Allister and Caicedo both played in the World Cup Finals this year. They would both be playing European football were they to stay with us next year. They are competing week in week out at the same level as the teams they will be signing for. Technically, if it's about 'playing at a higher level' then the ECL clubs should be the only possible destinations. They are not going to a higher level, they are going to a higher pay packet. Fair enough. You could argue that in a meritocracy, the best players should earn the best wages, but let's stop pretending that this is about 'levels'.

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hans kraay fan club said:

I think you do the players a bit of a disservice here. Of course wages are a huge factor, but there is also genuine professional ambition. Players (Harry Kane apart, obviously) want to WIN things. You can argue all you like that (for example) Alexis Mac Allister moving from Brighton to Liverpool, is not a step up in ‘level’ - as the two clubs will play in the same 4 competitions next season - but realistically, one club has a significantly higher chance of winning them, than the other.

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Stato said:

It is all about money. I'm happy that Bloom won't commit the club to unaffordable contracts. What irritates me is all this guff about 'deserving to play at a higher level' Mac Allister and Caicedo both played in the World Cup Finals this year. They would both be playing European football were they to stay with us next year. They are competing week in week out at the same level as the teams they will be signing for. Technically, if it's about 'playing at a higher level' then the ECL clubs should be the only possible destinations. They are not going to a higher level, they are going to a higher pay packet. Fair enough. You could argue that in a meritocracy, the best players should earn the best wages, but let's stop pretending that this is about 'levels'.

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Springal said:

but also these high value assets would very likely walk away either 1) reduced, like Bissouma or 2) free like many of Leicester squad

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hans kraay fan club said:

I think you do the players a bit of a disservice here. Of course wages are a huge factor, but there is also genuine professional ambition. Players (Harry Kane apart, obviously) want to WIN things. You can argue all you like that (for example) Alexis Mac Allister moving from Brighton to Liverpool, is not a step up in ‘level’ - as the two clubs will play in the same 4 competitions next season - but realistically, one club has a significantly higher chance of winning them, than the other.

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Carbonara said:

Is our policy to bring in young and up and coming players or are we just the stingiest team in the Prem.Im amazed we just spent 30m on one player.

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Stato said:

It is all about money. I'm happy that Bloom won't commit the club to unaffordable contracts. What irritates me is all this guff about 'deserving to play at a higher level' Mac Allister and Caicedo both played in the World Cup Finals this year. They would both be playing European football were they to stay with us next year. They are competing week in week out at the same level as the teams they will be signing for. Technically, if it's about 'playing at a higher level' then the ECL clubs should be the only possible destinations. They are not going to a higher level, they are going to a higher pay packet. Fair enough. You could argue that in a meritocracy, the best players should earn the best wages, but let's stop pretending that this is about 'levels'.

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southstandandy said:

I'm very much with you on this.

Sure, players would like to play in Europe at the highest level but these are only cup competitions that only 1 side will ever win. Caicedo could move to a Champions league club and play only 6 matches if you fail to get beyond the group stages. I personally think 80% of the reason for a move is purely to better themselves financially (which I understand) and don't pay too much attention to the press always spouting on about clubs X, Y, and Z being able to offer Champions League football.

In my opinion with Caidedo (and removing my Blue & White tinted specs) I personally think he would benefit from a full second season with us, playing in Europe and being the lynch pin of our side. Age is well on his side, and I genuinely fear that any move to a so called 'bigger' club could see him possibly being more of a peripheral figure and not necessarily playing regularly. With his improved contract with us I think he would benefit from another year here.

MaCallister though has been here longer, is slightly older and I have no real problem with him moving on assuming we get the fee Bloom wants.

I just hope Caicedo just doesn't jump too soon, and ends up like Cucurella.

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Bodian said:

Received my Albion+ Membership email for next year....

View attachment 161542

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Pavilionaire said:

Tony Bloom's problem is that you cannot keep raising the bar for the targets you set the club whilst simultaneously selling 2 or 3 of your best players every season.

Furthermore, we're selling those players to the Big 6, thus reducing our chances of European qualification.

When Mac and Moises broke into the side they were international players improving a lower mid table side. This next crop need to break into a top 6 side competing in Europe, so more pressure on them and the coaches.

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Wozza said:

This is true.

We, as fans, have a reponsibility to be realistic. Top 10 next season would be fine.... as long as we get a cup win.

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