An interesting point: while I get your logic, how many players at top 6 clubs these days get there by fighting for their place while sitting on the bench? My guess: very few.

As far I can see, top clubs buy the finished product 90+ percent of the time. They're not interested in developing talent and if that needs doing, they farm players out on loan and let other sides do the developing. So, there are two ways you break through. First, you go out on loan to establish yourself and come back the finished product, more or less instantly making the side. Once you've had a season like Conor had at Palace, if you return only to be consigned once again to the margins of the team, isn't that telling you the club really doesn't think you're quite good enough for their standards?

Or second, you're just a plain teenage superstar and you make it simply because you're that good (Phil Foden) without having to go out on loan. There aren't very many young players like that, but there are a few exceptions that prove the rule.

The fact that Chelsea feels the need to bring in midfielders AFTER the season Conor had with us (and for that matter, much the same applies to RLC) tells me (and I may be wrong, but it's my read of the situation) that they don't think Conor is a long-term option for a side that aspires to win titles. I'm sure they like him well enough and aren't averse to keeping him, but it seems pretty clear that his future - as has proven the case with RLC, is as a squad player. He isn't central to their plans now and likely never will be in which case, for the right price, I doubt they'd be unwilling to consider moving him on.

The idea someone suggested about sending Wilf to Chelsea and bringing Conor here, at least for the remainder of this season but possibly longer in either or both cases actually doesn't strike me as outlandish. I doubt that sort of "swap" (or whatever you want to call it) would ever happen, but it's not an idea without merit for all sides.

Sydenham by birth. Selhurst by the Grace of God.

Lanzo's already decided on that one!

how rude

“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

No issue really, Gallagher in with Doucoure, Eze benched to come on as an impact player

Shut up Lanzo, I know you won’t agree

Good idea . When/if we do bring him on play him as striker or left back im surprised Patrick hasnt thought of it. I can see Sandcastle coming in for Eze again. That ol transit got player of the season . Rolls Royces are overrated expensive hard on fuel . Ah no only winding you up Lanzo They worked ok together last season .

Willow in disguise ? I have always had my suspicions .