Cjay wrote: ↑Thu Dec 02, 2021 1:59 pm
We had no choice with Costa tbf, we had agreed to buy him, would any of us have spent £21mil on him at the end of that season given the choice? Probably not, we didnt have one though so was no point getting upset.
Ive been very critical of Harrison's end product over the years, i think just look at this season, when the system isnt giving him lots of chances you see how poor it is. Tbh it was obvious in the Championship where players in lesser teams but similar positions absolutely destroyed his goals and assist numbers. I compared him to Dallas in the past whose lack of end product on the wing eventually lead to him not playing there anymore. That being said on the back of what 8 goals and 8 assists in a debut Prem season we had to do the deal really and hope he turned a corner (he hadnt and you are probably right no fans helped).
Tbf to Orta Koch wasnt injury prone when he arrived (Llorente was) but Koch wasnt so dont think we can hold him to responsible for that even though it is frustrating. Some transfers dont work out.
Rodrigo was ridiculous once you got past the understandable excitement of being a newly promoted club buying a striker with decent pedigree. Any basic research told you he didnt fit the style (he has even said in interviews beforw joining he liked to play as a secons striker which we dont use). Combine that with his age and the cost it was daft and i suspect just happened because Orta wanted something to put on his cv (signing Spains number 9 for a newly promoted club).
Furthermore i think that explains a lot of our transfers, Orta gets carried away dealing with bigger clubs, makes him feel important and appeals to the ego he has. Why else sign bit part players who havent played much for years for a manager who demands the utmost fitness?
Not to mention the fact that for players like Firpo and Rodrigo even just basic research would tell you they probably dont fit the style we play (Firpo thrived best in a team with a natural back 3).
He has had success of course with Raph, Meslier, Bamford, Ali, Klich etc (although Mes was recommended by the goalkeeping coach, Raph was an open secret, his talent wasnt in doubt tbf, Klich had been linked before Orta even arrived which may mean he was on our radar already and Bamford wouldn't have happened if we had got Vydra or Abel Hernandez who were 1st and 2nd choice).
I dont doubt Orta's passion and full credit for Bielsa, Raph and co but value for money has been poor (also in what other profession could you basically go "ah well if i get 20% right i have done well") that is something he has said about buying players, basically absolved himself of blame.
And the JKA thing is shocking to, again in what ither profession could you potentially cost your employer £20,30mil and suffer no consequences?
