22 Jun 2024 13:16:07
Some reports are saying that if arsenal don’t sign a striker then nico williams is the number one target and has a 58m euro release clause arsenal and Liverpool very interested.
22 Jun 2024 17:33:51
Is one of those reports possibly from ed002 in the post below? (;
24 Jun 2024 12:01:57
Can’t see it happening. He’s apparently on 350k a week at Bilbao!
{Ed001's Note - Bilbao pay high wages as they can't really spend money on transfers.}
25 Jun 2024 09:37:47
ED001,
Is that something to do with Bilbao only signing Basque players?
{Ed001's Note - yes, there are almost none that don't come from their academy that they can sign. So almost every transfer fee involving them is incoming and they invest heavily in their youth academy and current playing staff's welfare and happiness. Not just big salaries, but all the ephemera that makes them enjoy playing for the club. But obviously the big salaries is a problem for potential buyers as it is very rare they value a Bilbao player as highly as Bilbao do, unless Athletic have someone else in that position coming through.
If there isn't anyone coming through, they can't exactly go out and buy a replacement. They have been a bit more lenient on Basque-links in recent years, but only to a point. It means the pool of players they can sign is tiny.}
25 Jun 2024 12:20:59
Thanks ED001,
I do have a soft spot for Bilbao na duaed to follow them a few years ago They generally stick to their principles, which these days are rare.
{Ed001's Note - I like them too. Though I made the mistake of asking my parents to pick me up a shirt when they were in Bilbao. Only my parents could think I must have meant Sociedad because of the Toshack connection. I mean their shirt is blue and white ffs. No one wants a blue and white footie shirt do they? And Bilbao usually play good footie too, they have the best youth academy, probably in the world. There is a lot to like about them.}
25 Jun 2024 15:19:21
ED001,
For years they were my go to FIFA team on the PS aswell.
I had hoped that they would have qualified for the CL. but a 5th place finish was pretty good.
I was really happy when Utd signed Herrera and was gutted when they let him go for free, whilst priorising Muppets like PP and JL.
{Ed001's Note - I just hope they can hang on to their best players this summer and maybe next season they can get that CL place.}
25 Jun 2024 15:45:10
ED001,
Fingers crossed.
27 Jun 2024 00:14:53
Fascinating exchange MH and Ed001, thanks for the context.
Sociedad is a great club though!