England Under 21 Discussions Thread (2002+ born) #8

I don't buy this. Why should he? Barcelona clearly want a household name there (Nico Williams), Philogene will have more opportunities in the Prem.

 

In most cases opportunity at a club is not predetermined. Unless for whatever reason a manager just doesn't fancy you it's in your own hands.

If he was 17/18 I'd understand it but he turns 23 this season.

 

James McAtee is scheduled to travel with Manchester City on their pre-season tour of the United States amid interest from Chelsea and a host of other Premier League rivals. (Daily Mail)

 

Yes, precisely because he's 22-23 years old, he no longer has the time to sit on the bench for a season behind Yamal and Raphinha. He should do what is the best for him and his career. If he will be a hit in the Prem, than he will have plenty of time to go to Barcelona or any so called big club.

 

Why would he automatically sit on the bench behind those players? Those two are both natural right wingers for a start. Barcelona are financially strangled and, like most European clubs, struggle to afford the mega money transfers nowadays. English players in their prime cost an arm and a leg. This opportunity may never come around again.

 

They're both right wingers. Raphinha has only played on the left because they have no one else. For me turning down this opportunity - which will likely never come again - just for more minutes at a mid table (at best) Premier League team would be absolutely barmy.

 

Philogene played on the right for Hull, that's why I wrote right wingers, but let's have a look on the left wingers Barca seemingly looking for: Nico Williams, Kvaratselia, Luis Diaz. He would be certainly not the only left winger they're after.
I would absolutely understand him choosing McKenna and Ipswich over a leap in the dark for his career.

 

Incredible scenes...

Jaden Philogene’s agent showed up to the Barcelona offices unannounced, began a photoshoot in the car park, and was eventually asked to leave by security.

The name of the player is completely unknown by Barcelona directors, with the club mystified as to… pic.twitter.com/xvk3mzj4VS

— Footy Accumulators (@FootyAccums) July 4, 2024

 

Fair play, that's hilarious.

 

OK, now I understand. I was suspicious from the start about what Barcelona might want from Philogene. He's a super skilful player, but he's not on the same level as the wingers playing there.

 

Reminds me of that striker from West Brom who drove up the motorway and didnt get signed

 

Peter odimwingie

 

his dad had a really small penis, but on the other hand….

 

I'd be a amazed if there was no interest from the Barca side (maybe it was a weak Loan offer), his agent has probably acted a bit of prat, but far to much smoke here.

 

🚨 Jaden Philogene confirms he’s not gonna join Barça: “I chose the Premier League because it is the clearest offer I have, but my dream is still La Liga”.

“Barça is my dream, I hope I can sign for them one day. My idols are Ronaldinho and Neymar”, told @QueThiJugues. pic.twitter.com/SjkJrVS5tI

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) July 5, 2024

 

Interesting move for Cresswell, looked to have fallen through but back on apparently

As first reported by @apopey - Charlie Cresswell's move to Ligue 1 side Toulouse is back on. Deal between clubs agreed earlier in the week & Cresswell expected in France to complete #LUFC @TheAthleticFC https://t.co/aKS0jJsAKG

— Nancy Froston (@nancyfroston) July 5, 2024

 

Almost all the English youngsters left Leeds: Gray, Bate, Cresswell, Gyabi (I know it's a loan but clearly down the pecking order) and Shackleton (not that young anymore). Gelhardt and Greenwood next. Almost forgot about Perkins. Sad end of a once hopeful project.

 

The project was probably always to make money off them. It worked?

 

Only in the case of Gray, but he was the one they did not want to lose. So I wouldn't say it did.

 

I had quite high hopes of Perkins. Just seen he's signed on loan at his local club Leyton Orient hopefully he has a good season.

 

Sam Greenwood to Preston on loan.

 

📝 𝗗𝗘𝗔𝗟 𝗗𝗢𝗡𝗘: Southampton have signed defender Nathan Wood from Swansea in a £3m deal. Four-year contract.

(Source: @SouthamptonFC) pic.twitter.com/kNI0lCq7WC

— Transfer News Live (@DeadlineDayLive) July 5, 2024

 

Manchester United, Crystal Palace and Tottenham Hotspur are among the clubs interested in Hull City's English midfielder Jaden Philogene, 22. (TeamTalk)