On bargains...

We're in a transitional phase and I think it's way to early to know which players we have that are 'bargains' or not.

The marketplace is also waaaaay different to three years ago, as, in order to get European players a work permit they need to be established at a much higher level. (this in turn will plump up the cost of domestic talent).

Our current tactic appears to be to buy/pick up promising youngsters alongside players who are ready straight away.

On that basis I think there's a decent argument that Andy O, Barden, Martin, Mumba and Idah in the last season have been excellent value.

I'd also push back on the idea that Hugill has been a flop - he played an important role seeing out games and while Pukki was out (looking particularly handy when there was pace/crossing in from the wing) . If we sell him I'd be disappointed if we lost money.

If the recent buys lees-Melou looks great value already.

But its only relative, you'd only know if someone has been worth it when they leave.

By that measure I'd have said that Leitner, for example ended up being middling to poor value, taking his boosted salary and being disruptive.

Ultimately, I doubt we will be able to bring in another Pukki in the current climate - expected wages now that we're in the Prem will never make them cheap and it'll always be more of a gamble (see Drmic).

Some of the latest batch of youngsters do look nifty too, if a couple of those come off (Adshead, nizet, that other big defender chap) that's the most likely source of 'bargains' these days.

Citing times.

Posted By: Cardiff Canary, Jul 29, 08:16:27