RobJames 922 Posted August 3, 2023 Andrew Omobamidele faces the possibility of a rather unique accomplishment this season. Based on David Wagner’s pre-season choices, the Irishman appears a good bet for the distinction of the most valuable non-starter Norwich City have ever had. As highly rated as Omobamidele is, he doesn’t appear essential to his head coach’s system, and that’s why AC Milan’s €7.5million bid for the 21-year-old has caused debate amongst City supporters. There’s no doubting the frustration it would cause for a valuable asset to be sold for what is a relatively insignificant amount of money in today’s market. Stuart Webber revealed this summer that he had previously received a bid worth more than £20million for the 21-year-old, and it’ll feel like failure to sell for a third of that. But at Championship level even €7.5million is a serious sum, especially given the Canaries’ tight financial situation. Although further additions are not expected by the club at this stage, Omobamidele’s departure is one of few that would change that situation, and Webber would back himself to reinvest that money wisely. The Italian club have reportedly offered around half of what the Canaries are hoping for. It’s been more than two years since the last big-money sale for a club openly run based on those high-margin deals. It was hoped that the sales of Omobamidele, Max Aarons and Milot Rashica could be the latest batch of income drivers for the Norfolk club, but Galatasaray remain stubborn in their valuation of the latter, and interest has not been forthcoming in the young pair. Until now that is, and Norwich have decisions to make as the sharks begin to circle around their young centre-back. Reports have suggested they’d be willing to let Omobamidele go for £15million, and even that figure has caused controversy amongst the fan base. Selling a player for £10million less than they could have cost six months ago is tough to stomach, especially given the current market value of young, ball-playing centre-backs. But buying clubs will have seen the inconsistency of Omobamidele’s performance, and they will have observed the poor defensive run of form when he was left without an injured Grant Hanley. For these reasons it’s tough to justify why the central defender is worth more than has been touted - more so if he fails to retain his place in a team that finished 13th in the Championship. Perhaps the early weeks of the second tier season will act as a shop window, as they did for Ben Godfrey’s move to Everton in 2020. But there remains plenty for him to prove, and unlike those who have gone before him, he’s not the finished Championship article. David Wagner captained Omobamidele for the late stages of last season. (Image: Paul Chesterton/Focus Images Ltd) Links have persisted with big clubs, but Aarons’ plight should act as a cautionary tale for Omobamidele. The 23-year-old is in his ninth consecutive window of speculation, and yet remains at Carrow Road while being linked with fellow Championship side Southampton. His stagnation must not be matched if Omobamidele wants to reach the heights many feel he’s capable of, but there remains a possibility that progression takes place away from Carrow Road. Speaking in May, Webber told the Pink Un: “We turned down an offer in January for Andrew Omobamidele which was bigger than what we sold Ben Godfrey for (to Everton). "We're fortunate as a club that how we've run it, how we've tried to run it, is to make sure that we don't have a gun against our head. Sometimes we choose to sell the player, because it's the right thing maybe to reinvest in the squad." Chances to reinvest are growing slimmer, but if Milan meet City’s asking price the outcome is inevitable. Wagner is expecting players to leave, and Omobamidele may be one of them. But the fees being discussed at present underline that Norwich are not in the position of selling power they used to be, with the Irish international or otherwise. God, I thought that Joe90 fellow was bad enough, but this. Absolute drivel. Contradictory rubbish, peddling rumour as fact. This might help https://12ft.io/ Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Branston Pickle 4,150 Posted August 3, 2023 12 minutes ago, RobJames said: God, I thought that Joe90 fellow was bad enough, but this. Absolute drivel. Contradictory rubbish, peddling rumour as fact. This might help https://12ft.io/ It is just a lot of words isn’t it- why say in 50 what your editor has asked you to deliver in a 1000-word space-filler ?! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
TheBaldOne66 768 Posted August 3, 2023 It’s as I posted previously, if people believe we turned down 25mil in January they are deluded. it’s another example of how Webber has lost the plot sadly. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
RobJames 922 Posted August 3, 2023 Or more, another example of your compulsive dislike of Webber. 3 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Corbs1 167 Posted August 3, 2023 Aaron’s plight? 7 good seasons under his belt, a UEFA European under 21 Champion, with championship or premiership football assured - hardly a desperate predicament Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
pete 372 Posted August 4, 2023 word of caution is INJURIES our achilles foot, or are we going to keep all 3 CBs fit? Not gonna happen. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
TheBaldOne66 768 Posted August 4, 2023 12 hours ago, RobJames said: Or more, another example of your compulsive dislike of Webber. Yes I dislike him, what’s the problem? A bit like you disliking me no doubt? He shouldn’t be here but it sums up the club and how it’s run currently but too many people think he’s great, his last 2 seasons transfer dealings have been appalling but why let that get in the way of your love for him? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
