(11-05-2019, 08:16 AM)SW4Baggie Wrote: Stoke paid about £20m for him so can’t see them letting him go cheaply... plus, and I’m sure DK will correct me, but I think his attitude has stunk for a while.
Could definitely perform at a higher level though.
Cost £14m. For the most part his agent has agitated for a move from the moment we got relegated, bearing in mind he only joined us in the January window of the relegation season.
He played in our opener last season away at Leeds and most Stokies who were there were disgusted at his 'couldn't give a toss' attitude'. He was sent back to Galatasary on loan shortly afterwards.
He then didn't play for us again until after the latest transfer window was closed. We don't know if that was the player or the club's doing while there was the possibility of a move.
Since returning a few weeks ago he's been excellent. Clearly playing to get away, which is fine. I suspect he'd be happy at a decent club - I don't think he came with any baggage, so it looks like another player that we've possibly mismanaged in some way.
He could easily play at a higher level. Last night was the poorest I've seen him play, but he has a footballing brain. Knows a few tricks and gets in the ref's ear. Slight downside in that he has a bit of a short fuse.
He's highly unlikely to be with us next season, and given where we're headed, there's going to have to be something of a firesale to get the wage bill down.