I for one think Jeremy Peace has played a blinder so far. He's refused to cave in to Saido's wish to leave, and in truth has probably helped Saido's career and prevented him from having to move to Newcastle or Stoke.
Saido clearly wants to go to Spurs. Spurs did not actually make a bid so that was never an option. No club made an offer early enough to enable us to buy a replacement, even assuming that (a) the bid was acceptable to the club, or (b) Saido was prepared to go to those clubs. These clubs really need to learn that making serious bids when it's too late for the selling club to buy a replacement is pointless.
Where does it leave us with Saido? That's the big question. The likes of Shearer, Henry and Harry Redknapp have given him some blunt advice today - he needs to knuckle down, get picked, score goals and he will earn his move. He might even make the Euros. Let's hope for Saido the penny has finally dropped.
For those who think JP has lost the plot by turning down £24m cash for Saido, let's consider the maths. At tribunal in summer 2017 we are extremely likely to get close to £15m as it is a fact that today his market value is £24m (plus add-ons apparently). So by not selling him now we may be throwing away £10m (although I think we could still get £20-£25m this summer with the new TV money coming in. However, if we had bought another striker today for say £15m and £75k a week, then our outlay over the next 18 months would be nearly £21m. With Saido only earning £15k a week, our outlay on his wages over the next 18 months is just £1.1m. So if we lose £10m - no let's be conservative and say we will lose £15m rather than £10m on his value, our "cost" of keeping Saido is £16.1m over 18 months, compared with £21m if we buy a replacement. Given that his goals over the next 18 months can keep us in the PL, it is fair to say that JP has worked this all out.
But I wouldn't leave it at that. I think we should strike a new deal with Saido and offer him a new contract. I would offer him a new 3-year deal on £60k/week plus a £2m bonus for signing it, and include a clause which would entities him to 50% of anything we get over £20m for him during his contract. A massive incentive for him to do well and secure his dream move. If he does well then we do well, and it immediately removes the gamble for the club of going to tribunal next year. A win/win situation.
I realise it could cause an issue re the FFP wage gap seeing as we didn't offload anyone. That could be addressed by making the wage increase effective from say 1st June so that it has minimal impact on this season. Not ideal but may be essential.
A highly motivated Saido on top of his game will reap massive benefits for us and for him. No, it won't compensate for his very unprofessional behaviour since August, but we can put that fond to immaturity and very poor advice. Time to move forward and I am convinced that we can turn what's been a nightmare into a major positive both for Saido and for the club.
