Jack Clarke

[SG90]

Byram had one good season and then got a massive ego thinking he was better than he was. He was crap the last few seasons before we sold him, so I wasn't too bothered when he went. Mowatt was overrated by our fans as he scored a few worldies, but the rest of his game was poor.

Clarke was the best young talent we've had in a decade and it's sad we sold him so soon for such a pittance, just because we overspent on shite. Yet the ones who did this get a free pass.

Is giving Roofe £40k a week (what he wants) on a 4 year deal worth it? If we went up, he'd be one of the first we'd be looking to offload. He should have been sold rather than Clarke.

[mothbanquet]

Typical Sevilla strategy, Orta cut his teeth at Sevilla they specialised in buy young sell high, relatively cheap and risk free.

Its not about the long term future of LUFC that may just be a by product, all they need is 1 to make it (Bogusz for example) and that will pay for the lot when sold.

If the u23s were about building our future then we wouldn't be selling our best young players. Its a lot less risky buying a load of youth players for relative peanuts then buying proven talent for the first team.

The u23s did very well tbf but first and foremost Radz will be hoping he can make huge money on them and as we have seen the last two windows the second they are worth something they will be sold.

I do agree with you here, just look at all the youth quality Southampton were happy to flog over the years but all those millions didn't stop them coming dangerously close to relegation last season. Thing is, I just don't see Clarke being as valuable to the squad overall as Shackleton or Bogusz, those lads look far more confident and assured and considering Bielsa likely won't be around for a third season in the Championship, that's far more important for our promotion chances. Promotion - if it comes this season - will be worth the loss of Clarke. If not, then Clarke would likely have to be sold anyway, that's if he even replicates his best form which isn't guaranteed.

[weasel]

Byram had one good season and then got a massive ego thinking he was better than he was. He was crap the last few seasons before we sold him, so I wasn't too bothered when he went. Mowatt was overrated by our fans as he scored a few worldies, but the rest of his game was poor.

Clarke was the best young talent we've had in a decade and it's sad we sold him so soon for such a pittance, just because we overspent on shite. Yet the ones who did this get a free pass.

Is giving Roofe £40k a week (what he wants) on a 4 year deal worth it? If we went up, he'd be one of the first we'd be looking to offload. He should have been sold rather than Clarke.

You say Mowatt was overrated then state Clarke is the best talent we've had in a decade. Perhaps in a few years we will all be saying Clarke was overrated because he had a few great moments. As I say hard to judge when overspending on 'sh*te.' Even Sacko would look like a world beater if you cobbled his best moments into a short video.

Not easy to buy a player, on a tight budget, that is better than a first team starter already at the club.

[SG90]

You say Mowatt was overrated then state Clarke is the best talent we've had in a decade. Perhaps in a few years we will all be saying Clarke was overrated because he had a few great moments. As I say hard to judge when overspending on 'sh*te.' Even Sacko would look like a world beater if you cobbled his best moments into a short video.

Not easy to buy a player, on a tight budget, that is better than a first team starter already at the club.

Klich £1.5m, Jansson £3m, Saiz £3m, Alioski £2.5m etc. If we actually do we some scouting, we'd find gems that aren't overpriced.

Signing players on loan just because they play for Chelski and Liverpool and assuming they must therefore be better is not good business.

[The Subhuman]

Really pleased with this deal. The only thing that surprises me is if he passes the medical. Something inst right with the boy and i don't think its just fitness. Constantly looks shattered and of course the episode on the bench, wouldn't be surprised if we hear something about that.

Controversial opinion, I prefer Jack Harrison to Jack Clarke. I think he has more potential

I think it's way too early to rule Harrison out as a very good player going forward, all the traits are there. I'm very suspicious of Jacks incident and that throws up red flag for me. Good business moving him for around 10 minimum irrespective of whether he makes it

[SG90]

Really pleased with this deal. The only thing that surprises me is if he passes the medical. Something inst right with the boy and i don't think its just fitness. Constantly looks shattered and of course the episode on the bench, wouldn't be surprised if we hear something about that.

Controversial opinion, I prefer Jack Harrison to Jack Clarke. I think he has more potential

Despite being 4 years older and showing nowhere near the level of pre illness Clarke?

[1964white]

I'm keeping my thoughts to myself on the sale of Jack Clarke & our transfer activity until I see what has materialised over the next few weeks.

Believe me if I feel the summer comings & goings have been lukewarm I'll definitely have my say on matters, hopefully everything falls into place come August, it has to be fruitful as we'll only get one more season under Bielsa in the championship.

[weasel]

Pointless to compare Harrison to Clarke as despite them playing the same position they have different strengths.

Harrison is a player that fits the Bielsa role more as he defends as well as attacks and whilst many praised Harrison's cross for the goal v Derby we shouldn't overlook his great tackle that prevented Derby equalising (the one where the ref initially gave a penalty). Harrison was also in the perfect position to clear the ball in the second leg when Cooper needlessly gave away a penalty.

Clarke looked a lot more threatening going forward and his goals and assists per minutes is a lot better than Harrison's but he also often looked shattered (even just minutes after coming on as a sub) and as such wasn't going to be able to get back to cover for the fullback.

[SG90]

Pointless to compare Harrison to Clarke as despite them playing the same position they have different strengths.

Harrison is a player that fits the Bielsa role more as he defends as well as attacks and whilst many praised Harrison's cross for the goal v Derby we shouldn't overlook his great tackle that prevented Derby equalising (the one where the ref initially gave a penalty). Harrison was also in the perfect position to clear the ball in the second leg when Cooper needlessly gave away a penalty.

Clarke looked a lot more threatening going forward and his goals and assists per minutes is a lot better than Harrison's but he also often looked shattered (even just minutes after coming on as a sub) and as such wasn't going to be able to get back to cover for the fullback.

Which is why we should be concentrating on signing a better CB rather than having Cooper as captain again and signing an u23 to warm the bench. It shouldn't be a winger's job to defend.

[The Subhuman]

Which is why we should be concentrating on signing a better CB rather than having Cooper as captain again and signing an u23 to warm the bench. It shouldn't be a winger's job to defend.

Wingers have to defend in Bielsa's system, if you use wing backs then they have to cover. Pablo was always back helping out when needed.

[paddy parrott]

Indeed so radebe88, think you're spot on there mate.
Harrison offers plenty ..especially getting in areas that are effective.
He's only goin 'in to a second season and I believe he can of course improve his all round game and hopefully get some goals too.

[Cjay]

Danny Mills on Sky saying Jack has made a mistake, should have stayed at Leeds, not going to play enough for Spurs etc.

Interestingly someone responded . . . .Jack's Dad.

Strongly suspect Jack didnt push for this same as Vieira didnt.

Kid was pushed out the door imo, just hope from our point of view it was worth it.

I'm sure the money will help but very much doubt Jack was desperate to leave, makes it worse

[SG90]

Danny Mills on Sky saying Jack has made a mistake, should have stayed at Leeds, not going to play enough for Spurs etc.

Interestingly someone responded . . . .Jack's Dad.

Strongly suspect Jack didnt push for this same as Vieira didnt.

Kid was pushed out the door imo, just hope from our point of view it was worth it.

I'm sure the money will help but very much doubt Jack was desperate to leave, makes it worse

Of course he didn't want to leave. Leeds fan whose dream was to play for Leeds was desperate to leave. Our club must think we're so gullible.

[SG90]

It annoys me how our fans are happy to run down our academy talents, yet rave over Man City, Chelsea etc academy players who are not as good.

[Cjay]

Of course he didn't want to leave. Leeds fan whose dream was to play for Leeds was desperate to leave. Our club must think we're so gullible.

Head he was a Liverpool fan?

Regardless he turned down Man City because he was happy here and felt he had a better chance of 1st team football.

If it was purely money that motivated him doubt he would have done that.

Its nice that his Dad spoke out.

[weasel]

Head he was a Liverpool fan?

Regardless he turned down Man City because he was happy here and felt he had a better chance of 1st team football.

If it was purely money that motivated him doubt he would have done that.

Its nice that his Dad spoke out.

And he was right. If he had been at City he may well have not even made his debut anywhere yet or gone down to league 1 or 2 where he may have found it tougher due to it being more physical.

I don't for one minute think he was the instigator of the move, we know that the club needs to bring in money before they spend it same as with Vieira, but equally he seems happy enough to move on and get the big wage increase.

[weasel]

It annoys me how our fans are happy to run down our academy talents, yet rave over Man City, Chelsea etc academy players who are not as good.

I don't think any of us are running down our academy prospects, most of us are excited to see how the likes of Shackleton and others develop this season. We have expressed doubts over how good Clarke will be and only time will tell as there are definitely doubts over him despite the initial flashes of brilliance.

[SG90]

Head he was a Liverpool fan?

Regardless he turned down Man City because he was happy here and felt he had a better chance of 1st team football.

If it was purely money that motivated him doubt he would have done that.

Its nice that his Dad spoke out.

Shackleton is a Liverpool fan. There's a picture of him an instagram a few years back wearing Liverpool shorts.

[1964white]

Shackleton is miles ahead, he's slotted in like a veteran

Indeed I can't recall Shackleton having a poor game, showed so much maturity for a such a young lad, our most consistent young player who is destine for a big future imo!

Shame we are losing Jack but I'm unsure what other options we could have taken bearing in mind our financial situation

[Cjay]

Think Shacks is decent but not as good as JC imo.

Also how can people say "in Bielsa we trust" in regards to Harrison coming back but then claim Shacks is better then JC despite MB clearly rating JC ahead of him and any other youth players based on game time?

If we are meant to trust MB regarding Harrison then surely we trust him in regards to Clarke being better then Shacks atm?