[Albion] Napoli interested in Billy Gilmour **Sold 30/08/24**

[Iggle Piggle]

I just don't get this one at all.

Last week's Man of the match sold for a knock down price whilst our new midfielder goes under the surgeons knife.

This is the sort of decision Palace make.

 

[GT49er]

I am guessing that WBG himself really pushed for this move as he wants the chance to be a first choice, not a back up

Leo Ostigard went to Napoli for the same reason.....................

 

[Flounce]

Leo Ostigard went to Napoli for the same reason.....................

You have to admire players who don’t want to settle for being a back up player though

 

[Paulie Gualtieri]

Similar angst here.

When picking up Mrs Bozza on her way home from work I'll ask where she wants me to meet her. Often the response would be BGR, short for Billy Gilmour's Road.

What the hell are we going to refer to it as now?

LRR?

 

[dazzer6666]

cpfc.org, readytogo, shedend and comeonboro …. you could be on another planet. Dominated by a few thick people trading aggressive insults, all posts seem brief, no one’s very analytical about football, politics.

…..and WACCOE

 

[Guinness Boy]

I just don't get this one at all.

Last week's Man of the match sold for a knock down price whilst our new midfielder goes under the surgeons knife.

This is the sort of decision Palace make.

You’ve spelled Van Hecke incorrectly .

He was very good against Man U though. Almost like a last attempt to keep his place here, rather than the performance of someone who wanted away,

 

[dazzer6666]

A shame, and quite uncharacteristic of Albion as of late.

Ah well, we move forward as ever.

It’s 100% characteristic if Billy wanted to go.

 

[Hotchilidog]

This move has been in the works for a while, this suggests that all parties were ok with it from the off. So I am not upset about it, the fee does seem low but if Bloom is ok with it so am I, I trust the club.

I like Billy, he’s a good player, but for me not a game changer; which I think is also the view of the club hence accommodation of this move. Napoli represents a great opportunity for Billy and the appeal is obvious, I can see why he would have wanted this deal to go through.

Given that he was likely to be sold his performance against United was even more commendable and a testament to his professionalism. I wish him all the best at Napoli. I also look at the evolution of our midfield under Hürzeler into something we have not seen before, especially when all of our players are available. Here’s hoping Baleba finally gets his chance.

 

[Paulie Gualtieri]

Does make me wonder who the back up to Wieffer’s position is now. Presumably Baleba, but that does make it all the more odd that Gilmour was picked there ahead of him against Man U. The club clearly have a lot of faith in Wieffer being a bit of a star.

I think @Hugo Rune is probably correct and we will see a bit of an evolution in the shape of the team after the international break.

It’s odd as I don’t see Baleba back up to anyone. From what he’s showing pre season and this season he’s the powerhouse of our midfield and if we have any chance against Arsenal today he needs to start

 

[dazzer6666]

It’s odd as I don’t see Baleba back up to anyone. From what he’s showing pre season and this season he’s the powerhouse of our midfield and if we have any chance against Arsenal today he needs to start

This.

 

[Lenny Rider]

That's very sad if that's the case he is being pushed out against his will. Do you mean his parents said he was surplus to requirements or do you just mean that must be the case if the transfer goes through?

I still can't understand why you would start a player in a match and risk injury if you were desperate to sell them?

They never mentioned he was surplus to requirements, it’s apparent that’s the case with young Fabian.

 

[MJsGhost]

Thanks Wee Billy and good luck in Naples.

He always seemed a decent lad - one of those that you need as social glue in a squad (he seemed to love Buzz's Bootroom Bingo for example).
He always seemed to give 100% on the pitch too. He will be missed.

For what it's worth, I don't think he actively wanted away, BUT... once he was told that he wouldn't be an automatic starter (or, more likely that he will very much be a back-up option as he doesn't quite fit the new system), he said he'd rather move than be a bench-warmer.
I reckon FH would happily have kept him around as a very reliable option when needed (see starting XI vs Man U), but also acknowledged that because of WBG's desire to play every week, it would be best for all parties to move him on if he got an opportunity he wanted (ideally not in the EPL so we don't help a rival).
Napoli comes up, WBG likes the look of it for a number of reasons, so the club doesn't stand in his way. I'd be surprised if there isn't a hefty sell-on, given the relatively low up-front fee.

So I don't think it's a case of either WBG actively wanting out, or the club just wanting to get rid. It's just that his proposed lesser role in the squad didn't work for him and the club didn't want to keep him at all costs just for a back-up role, so they let him go with their blessing...

A very dull 'somewhere in the middle of the conjecture' explanation, but the result of grown-up conversations between a player and the club that anyone who's been paying attention would expect.

 

[Tom Hark Preston Park]

They'll be dancing in the streets of Sinclair Scottish Pub tonight

 

[dazzer6666]

Thanks Wee Billy and good luck in Naples.

He always seemed a decent lad - one of those that you need as social glue in a squad (he seemed to love Buzz's Bootroom Bingo for example).
He always seemed to give 100% on the pitch too. He will be missed.

For what it's worth, I don't think he actively wanted away, BUT... once he was told that he wouldn't be an automatic starter (or, more likely that he will very much be a back-up option as he doesn't quite fit the new system), he said he'd rather move than be a bench-warmer.
I reckon FH would happily have kept him around as a very reliable option when needed (see starting XI vs Man U), but also acknowledged that because of WBG's desire to play every week, it would be best for all parties to move him on if he got an opportunity he wanted (ideally not in the EPL so we don't help a rival).
Napoli comes up, WBG likes the look of it for a number of reasons, so the club doesn't stand in his way. I'd be surprised if there isn't a hefty sell-on, given the relatively low up-front fee.

So I don't think it's a case of either WBG actively wanting out, or the club just wanting to get rid. It's just that his proposed lesser role in the squad didn't work for him and the club didn't want to keep him at all costs just for a back-up role, so they let him go with their blessing...

A very dull 'somewhere in the middle of the conjecture' explanation, but the result of grown-up conversations between a player and the club that anyone who's been paying attention would expect.

That’s my guess too. Entirely in line with how the club operates hence easily the most likely explanation, but too dull for those looking for a big issue where there probably isn’t one. As for the price, given there’s not a single rumour of another club trying to hijack the deal it can’t be far off market value

 

[HalfaSeatOn]

In the Man Utd press conference, FH said he is open and transparent with the players about the plan for them. If a player doesn’t have the feeling they can develop at the club it’s up to them to find another way. The club smoothed the path and WBG‘s found his way.

 

[Justice]

Brentford forum gave me a "Deliverance" vibe. I could even hear the slight noise of a banjo if I listened closely. Even the Admin told me via PM "we don't like strangers". No word of a lie.

Funny thing about that they picked up about 12,000 ‘strangers’ when they moved to their new Legoland ground.

 

[Justice]

I trust the club 100% Bloom and Barber all the way, oh hold on why are they selling WBG when the new midfielder is injured not happy with this. ‘This isn’t something Palace would do’ was the best one

Simple facts the club replaced WBG no new contract option for him, they wanted a newer more shiny midfield.

 

[Iggle Piggle]

You’ve spelled Van Hecke incorrectly .

He was very good against Man U though. Almost like a last attempt to keep his place here, rather than the performance of someone who wanted away,

Thought JP had a great game but played them on once too often. I digress.

So much change in the middle. Mwepu, retired with Ali Mac, Caciedo and Gross all gone. Letting WBG go at a knock down seems a bit of a risk especially with the crocking from Tuesday.

Appreciate Grandad played well last week but I suspect it will really hit home when the lines up come out today and we see who is matching up Rice, Party and Odegaard.

 

[A1X]

Given Baleba came on and activated beast mode last week, I don’t have too many concerns. He looks ready, give him the minutes. Gilmour was great for us but, ultimately, his return in an attacking sense was very poor and I would expect our new midfield to be able to better it.

 

[Han Solo]

Btw, you arguing with @Bozza suggesting you are more ITK than he is about what the Club wants when he clearly stated that he had heard that the Club was happy to let WBG go, came across as a little arrogant considering you are in another Country.

I'm not suggesting to be more ITK than he is. I suggest none of us are ITK.

Two people with no horse in the race, afaik both living as much in Sussex (or at least England) as @Bozza does, have gone through the effort of sending me PMs (one here and one on Facebook) telling me otherwise. PM here said "what Bozza has heard/posted isn’t what I’ve heard", and PM on Facebook explained in some depth that the club has been trying to convince Billy to stay all summer but denying him this move (that Napoli has been pushing very hard) wouldn't be fair as they couldn't guarantee he would be a starter.

Meaning I have people claiming to be ITK telling me opposite stuff from what Bozza, also claiming to be ITK, said.
Its almost as if most town gossip is utter horseshit.