All opinions but I don't agree with your conclusions.I'm not sure if we can specify (legally) a release clause that's only open to foreign clubs. No way do we want him going to another prem team.
He's our 'Coutinho' asset......going on a free doesn't stack up at all.
I do think CE is (probably) a reasonable guy and if we show willing, he might as well.
Logically if no-one comes in that he perceives as a step up.......he'd likely stay put. And the step up list gets shorter every year.
He's our 'Coutinho' asset......going on a free doesn't stack up at all. - £80M + for CL run this year, if we think he is vital to get into the CL (later stages) it does stack up. Even now I am not sure we will get £70M+ for him this year (with one year left on) so I can see a world where he will go on a free.
Logically if no-one comes in that he perceives as a step up.......he'd likely stay put. And the step up list gets shorter every year
If he is on a free he gets his choice of club and on a higher wage, by waiting it out its win -win for him. Juve, Bayern and Madrid will all be in contact with his agent I would think, they love a bargain.