I agree that transfers should be much smarter. Matri was a case of backing the coach. 99 times out of 100 you'd commend the management for doing that, but then well...we backed the wrong coach. (IMG:
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I was talking about commercials at large. And believe me they make an impact in scouting as well. Word flies out quick who is watching who, and now big money is thrown even at little know talents. Just compare Kaka's transfer fee and Neymar's? The media hype etc. is now big. For God's sake the media even make a fuss of Mastour.
And as for insisting in investing in youth. We did start it a few years back. It began with Galli coming in specifically as youth director. It will take a long time for a youth policy to bear fruit. Youth investment can't happen one level below the senior team (U-21s). That's not youth. Almost every club by that age know who are star material and who are not.
Youth progression happen roughly at the Allievi level. I think we're doing some good work there with Mastour etc.
Next on Alex, I think he is a good defender. Age is the only thing against him. But as a stop gap I'd happily take him, since he works out to be cheap, reliable and with European experience. A two year contract would be no loss.
I don't think he is first priority though. He is backup in case we cannot land Rami with his 7 million price tag and corresponding ~2 million + salary.