25 Apr 2016 11:35:10
I'm not buying too much into this Solanke refusing to sign a contract story. 24 appearances (despite injuries) , 7 goals and all round good games for Vitesse in Holland - he has had a successful loan. I'd imagine that, unless he wows Conte and co in preseason, he'll get a loan in either the Prem or Championship (maybe even Betis would be a good option) next year as part of his progression - he's only 18. I'd also imagine that, as is usually done, that loan would be announced on the same day as a new deal for him. The club seem to have a plan for him - and he must be aware of that.
My biggest issue with this "story" is that it was broken by the Daily Mail.
25 Apr 2016 12:48:46
I think it's clear that the club think highly of him but I also think it's clear that the club aren't doing a fantastic job of integrating youth players. One thing I will say is that if I was him and saw Costa and Traore in front of me and a lot of talk of the club looking for an additional striker in the summer I would start to put my guard up. You combine that with the fact that other clubs are promising him the ability to be immediately integrated into the first team and be a major part of their club. When all of these factors come together it begins to make sense why he would consider other possibilities.
{Ed002's Note - Solanke is not ready to be a regular starter for Chelsea in the Premier League. His expectations are too high at this time. Right now he is getting very good experience.}
25 Apr 2016 13:20:23
I agree 100% Ed.
I have previously criticised our loan system but when you look at Baker, Solanke, Musonda and Pasalic they've all had good, successful loans and the club seems to have a plan for them. I do think Baker may have a shot at a place in the first team next year but the others may need another loan, this is part of their progression to the first team. The club gets criticised for not progressing youth but it's up to the young players to see the bigger picture. You'd hope they'd recognise the stages of their progression and that they're not going to walk into the Chelsea team as a teenager. Unfortuntely it seems young footballers heads are too easily turned by agents/ advisors who don't always have their best interests at heart.
Question for you Ed, do FIFA or UEFA see agents/ advisers dealing with young players, plus questionable 'ownership', as problem that needs to be dealt with on a larger scale.
{Ed002's Note - Someone whose opinion I trust does not believe that players should have representatives before they are over 18, and I would agree with that. This party ownership is becoming less of a problem now but the disparity of income means it may not go away completely. Rules surrounding players joining clubs at 12 are being amended to 8 years old - and that will address other issues. Eventually you may see a ban on youngsters moving at all before they are 18.}
25 Apr 2016 14:12:33
Totally agree Ed. I was someone who had an agent when I was 13-18 years of age. And was promised a lot of things etc. But never worked out. If I hadn't had that agent I think I could made a better career choice. And that I really do believe.
25 Apr 2016 14:35:55
Solanke is indeed gaining valuable experience and he should probably return to Vitesse next season. He hasn't taken the Eredivisie by storm, and that's perfectly normal for someone so young.
Also, I've read that the new coach isn't the best. So the change in coach mid season probably didn't do him any favours.
He's got loads of time. We can only hope Solanke himself realizes that as well.
25 Apr 2016 14:54:31
I agree that the players are being a combination of unrealistic and selfish but everyone else around them (agent, family) spend every day reinforcing how good they are which explains the mindset. I also agree that our loan system has done tremendous things and largely if players don't make it that speaks to the quality required to break into our team.
25 Apr 2016 17:35:49
If he wants to go then sell him this summer. He has 12 months left on his contract. The same goes for anyone else in the squad, young, old or whatever. Personally I think Tammy Abraham is going to be even better than Solanke and is more versatile as well so would like him to step up next Season like Ruben did this year.
26 Apr 2016 00:33:34
If the rumour of him demanding a 50,000 pounds a week salary are true, we might as well sell him. That is a severe overestimation of his value. Shame a semi-good season at Vitesse has gotten to his head.