Hello all you wonderful people yes, I am of course feeling on top of the world considering the “project” that is unfolding at Chelsea.
Wow, it’s madness and whether you believe Super Franky Lampard is a top end coach or not, it’s Christmas at Stamford Bridge and the stars are landing onto the hallowed turf!
Now, people are telling me I’m talking k@k, because I say the basis of the plan requires young, dynamic, skilful players and there we go signing defender Thiago Silva, who is 36 this month.
But, of course, we all REALLY know that he has been brought in for experience to guide the backline of younger players who need a proper leader.
He’s penned a one-year deal and (if you’ve watched him in the Champions League final) you’ll know he’s more than equipped for another season.
He’s got Chilly B (Ben Chilwell) on his left, Reece James on his right and possibly Kurt Zouma or Fikayo Tomori next to him they’re all “kids” and his presence will no doubt help galvanise what has been a leaky group.
So yeah, I know we all see it and understand it, just having to battle with supporters of the other “top” sides who seem to be holding on investment! Jealousy, boys and girls, it’s not a good trait!
Then there’s the “Chelsea are pissing on Fifa’s Fair Play rules. But wait, get your calculators out, Chelsea aren’t flouting any guidelines?
Do a bit of research. The Blues are one of the best run clubs in the world when it comes to financials.
Unsurprisingly, given the recent transfer ban, Chelsea had the best net spend balance in the world amongst top clubs - unloading around £250m worth of players.
There’s still a whole bunch who will be shipped, leaving a more than healthy balance to cover this year’s transfers.
Of course there’s Man City, who grabbed Nathan Ake at £40m and are likely to strengthen further, not least by the potential signing of Lionel Messi! It’s possible the Argentinian wants out and Pep Guardiola wants him in.
There’s been a lot of confusion over what it’ll actually cost to get him.
But his current package at the Nou Camp, in wages, bonuses and image rights is worth around £100m a year.
People have been saying “shirt sales yeah, shirt sales will make him affordable”.
No, don’t just follow bullsh!t like a sheep.
Look at the facts, it’s a load of bollox.
Most clubs earn, at best, 15 percent of the retail price.
Market leaders Manchester United managed just over three million last year. So even if signing Messi generated another two million on top of that, it would only account for an extra £40m in revenue.
He would of course help score more big-money sponsors, but the fella is at the end of his career.
Barring all that, man, I’d love to see him in the Premier League.
It looks like Barca are gonna dig their heels in though and demand a huge fee. They say it’s contractual, we’ll need to see how this one plays out. I think he’s on his way out!
And finally, well done to the Gooners’ Charity Shield victory over a lacklustre Liverpool. Jurgen Klopp says his players aren’t fully fit yet, while Arsenal are going on like they’ve just won the Champions League!
Amazing what a tin-pot mentality runs through what was such a great club.
Take care people. Chat next week.