I'm in the minority I reckon of people who'd keep Borini in our squad for next season. He's already proven at Sunderland that he can do it at this level. Personally I don't get what another 12 months will do for him or us. plus another 12 months means less time on his contract and less money in any sales. So hopefully he either stays or gets sold permanently. But I want him to stay. His movement is top class which means he'd gel right in with our attacking unit.
Edward, I understand your points, especially re contract/valuation. My reservation with him is if he's kept as squad player will he able to perform to the level required if he's not playing regularly? He's shown a noticeable improvement at Sunderland to what we saw (injuries certainly didn't help his cause last season) but he's had regular playing time, especially of late, which I'm sure has contributed to his improved form.
I'd agree that Llana's no Downing and the example used (Downing) was a poor one as it proves a different point entirely. I know what you're saying re his attributes, but considering how small our squad really is, and the numbers required, can we afford so much on one player?
It's possibly three first eleven players minimum, plus gaps in cover/options, and even then we're still looking pretty thin on numbers, unless we've got two, three or even four youngsters who could potentially be ready to step up like Flano really has this season.
If we're to spend £20M ish on Llana, who does he replace as a starter?
Song as a replacement for Lucas, who's regular injury problems I feel are starting to take it's toll, would definitely be a low net cost upgrade. I think Brendan's done much better at creating/improving what we need, rather than when he's acquired more established players, though the likes of Aspas and Assaidi hardly gave him much to work with.
