As well as the evident cost saving advantages that dipping into the French market has, as displayed by the average weekly wage in Ligue 1( $50,000 less than in the Premier League), the ease of accessibility for scouts carry huge benefits, “It’s easy to get to northern France because only 60 miles from Calais are three teams, Lille, Lens and Valenciennes, you can take in three matches with one visit.”
Carr brags that he has been “watching Cabaye since he was 18,” and he goes on to state that he “liked him so much (he) asked Chris Hughton to come along when he was boss to watch him.” However, at the time £10m was wanted and under the highly scrutinized, yet barely flawed running of the club under Mike Ashley, it was deemed too much. Fortunately for Newcastle, and the Premier League, Cabaye was allowed to leave for £4.7m in the summer.
Although Newcastle look set to carry on pillaging the teams of France for their stars of tomorrow with rumours circulating that Olivier Giroud and Alain Traore are set to sign in January, they aren’t the only Premier League team to be reaping the rewards of up and coming Ligue 1 performers. Yann M’Vila will almost certainly be leaving Rennes at the end of the season, whether it is for Real Madrid or Arsenal, however ex-Gunner Patrick Vieira, the acknowledged man in the “next Vieira” tagline M’Vila is slapped with, reckons Manchester City will compete for his signature.
The retired Frenchman, who now operates as City’s executive of football development, told French TV that, “Yann could seize his opportunity in the French team. I like the image he is showing. I am sure City is not the only club attracted by him,’ all but confirming that City are indeed interested in him.
So, in a time where everyone from Adam to Zane are quick to lambast clubs for paying extraordinary fees for less than ordinary players, it may well be the case that you’re just reading the tabloid headlines, your paper is being buried under by snippets of so-and-so being linked with Manchester City as they slowly buy every name in the telephone book or you might just be one of those fans that isn’t happy unless your club is spending vast amounts every window.
Irrelevant of which heading you fall under, their is no denying that there is some wise business being carried out in the Premier League and France looks like being the bargain basement for the time being.
I leave you with three French starlets that will hit the big time in the next 5 years; M’Baye Niang, Tony Huston and Alexandre Lacazette.
Written by Jordan Florit forwww.maycauseoffence.com/ For more articles visit my website or my Twitter @JordanFlorit
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Interesting stuff Jordan. Have you looked into the Sabermetrics approach Liverpool are running. It has come from the US. Worth reading a book called Moneyball about the system. It is going to be a film soon as well.
Thank you for the comment Jeremy, I haven’t read the book, but I will add it to my Christmas list! Thank you for the advice.
Quality