Some players/agents will be questioning the Saudi's commitment to football after they've significantly reduced their spending on sport since the Iran war, which shows no sign of stopping (oil ships have stopped travelling through the strait again).fat maradona wrote: ↑1 month ago Every man and his dog turning down Newcastle it seems. Manzambi kept them waiting despite fees agreed between clubs and has now accepted Aston Villa's terms. Be interesting to know why so many players turn Newcastle down (and why so many players want to leave). Must be lack of respect for Howe? Or the negativity behind PIF?
Re Garnacho, until he sorts his ego out, he will hold himself back. He needs to ditch his toxic entourage and reset his public persona. I see him heading off to a mid-table Spanish team, if any of them can afford him.
Also it's just harder to financially dope since the recent rule changes, and the rules are actually being enforced. I think more than half of Prem clubs have been fined for rule breaches. That never happened before. The only team that hasn't is City cos that's a major diplomatic issue but they've faced two major legal battles which they've had to navigate.
They might think it's value for money. But I wouldn't be surprised if they're looking at the cost to benefit ratio of football, the flak & legal issues, and are thinking there are easier ways to sportwash like boxing which they're still blowing money on.
