The current wage bill, including Lerma is 44m
The wage bill in 20/21 was 87m

IMHO, even without Wilf it is a better squad and first team, now, that is a fantastic achievement in 3 years.

“That’s a joke son, I say, that’s a joke.” “Nice boy, but he’s sharp as a throw pillow.” “He’s so dumb he thinks a Mexican border pays rent” “ “Son… I say, son, some people are so narrow minded they can look through a keyhole with both eyes.”__ Forhorn Leghorn

I thought Eze has already been offered a new deal but is yet to agree it. If so - what's the hold-up one wonders?

Why do we need to put a release clause in? Usually it's the player who wants one so that if an offer meeting it comes from a desirable club, he can be off, hence Olise's move from Reading to Palace.

Let's say we were to put a £50m release clause in Olise's contract. If one of the big 6 offer that, he's off. If there isn't such a clause and a big club offers £50m, we can say no if we don't think it's high enough.

I agree that it would be a good idea to offer new terms now to the younger players we want to keep a bit longer.

Seems the EPL chief, Richard Masters thinks there's nothing to worry about . . . [Link]

This operation, will make the 'Charge Of The Light Brigade' seem like a simple military exercise.

Have a look at the 20/21 squad, i dont think anyone would get in the 11

“That’s a joke son, I say, that’s a joke.” “Nice boy, but he’s sharp as a throw pillow.” “He’s so dumb he thinks a Mexican border pays rent” “ “Son… I say, son, some people are so narrow minded they can look through a keyhole with both eyes.”__ Forhorn Leghorn

The hold up is, I suspect, the fear of getting stuck here (like Wilf), where ou end up being so important to the club they hold you prisoner.

So whilst I agree in many ways, I thought it was used perfectly with Villa and Grealish.

I saw and interview with Purslow where he said he basically didnt want a constant fanfare of interest and failed bids destabilising the player and club. So set a release clause, way above market value and at a figure that he would accept. So everyone knew it was 100m or don't bother. He then doesn't have Grealish moaning that they didnt accept a 75m offer etc or constantly being drawn into speculation.

The other benefit is that it might help persuade the player to sign a new 5yr contract. Players on an upward trajectory will be nervous about signing long deals (e.g. look what's happened to Kane) and getting denied a big move.

So for our lot, looking at that market and going rate I'd offer them all a clause at 70m. Way more than what they are worth but it could simplify things.

Only 17 players are listed on Spotrac, hence the 44m estimate.

[Link]

Our true player wage bill last season was 101m, 64% of revenue 160m.

The previous season it was 112m, 84% of 134m. (Covid)

If Wilf was on the reported 130/wk and Luka/Macarthur a combined 100k/wk, that's a further 12m off the wage bill, before including Lerma and whoever else.

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