But I think (and hope) we have a slightly more sensible wage structure in place. For someone like Jack Grealish, who is a big name, undoubtedly star man, only on loan - pay the money.
For a new signing who is good but not amazing, on a long contract, it needs to be inline with current players.
We've just given Branthwaite a new deal, Pickford is one of our highest earners. We don't want to bring in 2 or 3 new signings on much bigger wages than them.
I think this is why we do need to have patience. As the higher revenues kick in we need to increase the wage bill but we want to avoid a situation where new signings all earn twice as much as existing players and we have a badly balanced squad and a load of players on big contracts who'll never want to leave.
I'm much more in favour of players like Hackney, who'll get a big pay increase but fit into our wage structure, rather than players coming in on a free looking for a massive wage. Maybe this is just the split between signing on fee and weekly wage, but managing the wage bill is going to be super important. 
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It seems to be about average for Premier League players these days, and if he's on a free would (for example) 5m signing on fee and 120k a week be so mad?
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Hackney - His preference is to move to us. Club negotiating personal terms with him at the moment. Not believed to be an issue. Fee believed to be in/around £15m. The Bobble mentioned he would be coming in to challenge for a midfield role but not as an immediate starter.
As well as him we also hope to try and sign a defensive midfielder (No. 6) type this Summer but he didn’t mention any names.
Ndiaye - There is no fallout with Ndiaye and he has not asked for a move. The club have offered him a new 5 year deal and to make him one of the highest paid players at the club. The issue is that his agency want a release clause inserted and it is low (around £40m). Everton have said no to this. Doesn’t mean they won’t agree to a clause but definitely not at the fee his agency want.
Currently no offers in for him.
We are relaxed about his situation given he has 3 years left on his deal so will see how the World Cup goes for him and pick the contract up after and talk more re: release clause. If he does well there may be offers and the club will take it from there.
Wan-Bissaka - Has been offered to us. No decision as yet. Approx £15m. He is 2 years into a bumper 7 year deal at West Ham on £90k a week.
We have scouted Guéla Doué from Strasbourg extensively over the last 12 months as another right back option and we like him but no offer as yet.
Tim Iroegbunam - Club willing to listen to offers.
Gana Gueye - He wants the same £ wage as he got last season which was big. Club hoping he will stay but are not sure fully re: committing to the same £ outlay given it may be he’s not a guaranteed starter next season.
Tyrique George - enjoyed his time with us and struck up good friendship with Dibling. He is uncertain currently about staying given the lack of minutes. Club hoping to try convince him as we have an option to buy. Feeling that the mistake he made at Brentford counted a bit against him in Moyes eyes and dented his trust somewhat.
Harry Wilson - Wants a 6 figure weekly salary. Highly unlikely we would go for him given that stance.
Grealish - We would like a loan again not permanent. Signs at present are that Grealish would like to stay. Obviously a costly loan given his wages.
Bowen - Nothing in the reports linking us with him. No contact at all to date and The Bobble mentioned he doesn’t expect us to go there. His agency rate him highly as a client (they also have Alexander-Arnold on their books). West Ham looking to offload players but hoping Bowen will stay.
Travers - If he wants to move we would look at £3-5m for him and then try buy a 2nd choice goalie to replace him.
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on June 3, 2026, 12:42 pm, in reply to "