[Albion] Did RDZ just secretly confirm Mitoma not going anywhere in the summer?

[Paulie Gualtieri]

not sure I understand the club tweet if there isn’t anything official confirmed, the emoji could just be based on the speculation picked up I guess

 

[Bold Seagull]

not sure I understand the club tweet if there isn’t anything official confirmed, the emoji could just be based on the speculation picked up I guess

I'm not sure there is much to understand other than the club highlighting RDZ using the word 'secret' at a fun kids event at the Amex. We really don't have to read too much into everything.

 

[WATFORD zero]

I think that was RDZ lightheartedly saying 'Come on Paul, get him a new contract', hence the hug

 

[Simster]

True, but a club of our stature has to face up to the reality that, for all the hot air and soundbites, any BHA player of top quality will always be looking to move on from us.

That's true of every single club except maybe 6 at any given time. Aston Villa sold Grealish for £100m and they are the biggest club in their region. But on the other hand, only 3 or 4 months ago Ale Mac literally ran the World Cup Final for an hour. He played for us then, we've had a transfer window since, and he still plays for us.

We recruit players who aren't dickheads about their contracts, we give them every opportunity to develop and progress here, and we do let them fulfill their dreams elsewhere. The management only ask that they respectfully do their time here. That's why Caicedo was rebuffed but given an improved contract - a nod to the fact he was disappointed not to get a dream move but that we acknowledge how good he is and that he will probably be here until the summer of '24. Unless he doesn't want to, Ale Mac will go in the summer and we will get an obscene fee for him. But after years of being somewhere between good and absolutely outstanding for us, nobody will begrudge him that.

 

[Bold Seagull]

I know it can give fans a lot of anxiety regarding our best players going, but isn't the reality over the past few years that we are in complete control of our transfer business?

1. Cucurella
With Estupinan coming in, this was surely one of the best bits of business in the whole of the PL, let alone just for us.
2. Ben White
£50m for a versatile CB. We've not struggled in this position though.
3. Bissouma
4 excellent seasons with us, 124 appearances. It was the right time to accept a move for both parties.
4. Trossard
Similar to Yves, 4 excellent seasons, 122 appearances. Reaching his peak age he wanted a move. I think it was the right time for all concerned.

What's that, £170m+ income from an outlay that can't be much more than £40m (I can't be bothered to check...). I think that is a club in control of it's transfer business, allowing players to move on when they've served the club well, or when we've already identified improvements coming in. We saw this with no money was enough to let Caicedo go in January - contract was rock solid.

In that same period coming in, on loan, or breaking into the side we've had:
Caicedo
Mwepu
Mitoma
Estupinan
Colwill
Ferguson
Enciso
Sarmiento
+others

I mean, take your hats off, because to say contracts are worthless - not sure TB would agree...

 

[Harry Wilson's tackle]

Let’s face it. Player and manager contracts are hardly worth the paper they’re written on anyway. Doesn’t matter how long or lucrative a players contract is if another club bowl along offering gazillions, the player will go.

I know.

It was just so frustrating when Caicedo refused to honour his contract at Brighton, and bullied the club into letting him go to a bigger club.

 

[Not Andy Naylor]

I hope managers aren't going to get the idea that there should be rounds of applause in press conferences.

 

[maltaseagull]

I guess some of the questions were not actually from the kids but I did think that Roberto and PB treated them with real respect.
Very good PR. Well done to all.

 

[WATFORD zero]

I hope managers aren't going to get the idea that there should be rounds of applause in press conferences.

Of course not. They won't be expecting such well considered, insightful questions either

 

[Trevor]

Enjoyed it - Yes I heard it that RDZ and Mitoma both intend to be with us next year

 

[AmexRuislip]

 

[albionfan37]

I’m not sure how we can top this season but next season could be exceptional

 

[Farehamseagull]

One positive of Mitoma’s poor form recently - he’s timed it just right so we’re unlikely to get any bids from big clubs worth considering in the summer.

 

[albionalex]

He looks shot of confidence right now.

 

[Seagull27]

Teams are doubling up against him and he's struggling. Buonanotte is not (yet) threatening enough on the other wing so they pile on Mitoma.

 

[albionalex]

Teams are doubling up against him and he's struggling. Buonanotte is not (yet) threatening enough on the other wing so they pile on Mitoma.

Even when he beats his man his decision making is very poor.

 

[banjo]

Not been the same since the FAC game. Maybe he loves it here so much he doesn’t want to look too good so he can stay.

 

[timbha]

Would help if our players stopped running into his space. Nearly got us a pen in first half but overall poor tonight

 

[Milano]

What I don’t understand is why when his opponent has clearly spent the last x days focusing on stopping him and is having some success, e.g. today and AWB for Utd, why don’t we switch him to the other wing? Try something different, anything today.

 

[Hove Lagoonery]

I thought he had a good first half, put quite a few good crosses in. I'll be disappointed if he doesn't start v.Arsenal.