09 Jul 2026 02:06:44
Huge mistake selling Santos for under 50m, to United of all clubs. An absolutely top human being, who doesn't contribute to what was a very toxic culture we have in the squad. He had some MoM games last season and was barely given a run of games to build upon. He will slot in at United extremely well and I think we will regret it. In a world where Anderson sells for 120m, off the back of a couple of decent seasons (team was almost relegated), it doesn't take much to inflate value. I trust that Xabi will get the money to spend, however, I also expect this doesn't help Estevao continue to settle.
Can't even wish Andrey good luck as he's leaving as we decided to sell to a direct competitor. Hate absolutely everything about this bit of business.
09 Jul 2026 07:14:40
Melbourne, as previously posted, like you, I am not a fan of this deal. I assume alternatives will be signed, but I rated the lad.
I can't see him leaving having any effect on Estavao settling into the club. I think that will be down to Alonso, and maybe Pedro can help the young lad.
09 Jul 2026 08:33:50
We all see things differently in football, me and my 2 sons go to watch games and all think he's bang average.
That's why I personally see it as good business. Time will tell, I guess.
09 Jul 2026 12:21:28
Estevao had spoken a few times about how important Andrey and Joao were for him, and how he spent a lot of his free time with them. Having Joao's head turned by Barca, and Andrey leaving, certainly won't do much to help him settle. Andrey also spoke 4-5 languages, and I'm sure was a bit of help in that regard. It's easy to underestimate how difficult it is being in new countries, with no command of the language, for those that haven't experienced it.
Swcfc, throughout the season a few posters commented similarly, which is fair. He wasn't given a consistent run, and from his time in France he was clearly head and shoulders above when he was a mainstay. I believe the only midfielder who impacted games more during that year was Vitinha at PSG.
Personally, I believe this is one that will bite us hard. However, I also have huge faith in Xabi, so I trust a solution will be found.
09 Jul 2026 13:09:06
It's a tough one tbf. If Enzo was going, I think we'd have seen Santos stay (unless we bought Camavinga or someone similar). Atm, we have a very large squad, and no Europe, so it'll be tough for Santos to get game time. If we sign Barco as expected, I imagine he'll be cover for Santos. I imagine we'll see Essugo go out on loan after his injury-hit season last year.
Lavia, I don't imagine we'd be able to sell, even if we were willing, due to his injuries, which means Santos is the unfortunate one to miss out. I do think the club should have negotiated a bigger sell-on clause, though, and an extra 5-10m.
09 Jul 2026 13:29:58
My biggest issue is definitely with the fee. I understand players come and go for a variety of reasons. 50m for Santos to a direct rival in the same market, Fernandes sells for 85m from a relegated team, and Anderson sells for 120m for a team that was almost relegated, just leaves so much on the table.
09 Jul 2026 13:57:05
Agree with you, Melbourne. The point you are also implying strongly is that big ins and outs every single summer window since BlueCo took over can disrupt the building of support and solidarity in the squad, especially for younger players.
We also seem to be selling relatively better, less often injured players, while our squad's proportion of sick-bay regulars stays the same or grows. Alonso has quite a task on his hands to get us back to where we would like to be.