Other clubs' transfers

Of course. But it seems like any pretence at following the rule has been dropped, hence me asking if they'd actually canned it.

Totally agree on that last bit.

I thought it had, and that players over a certain age could do that in some circumstances.. though I don’t recall it happening so maybe not, or maybe the economics of it don’t add up.

It’s worth remembering that whilst the clubs do have an ability to restrain trade, player contracts are incredibly tight and, unlike the rest of us, it’s near impossible to sack one. For every guy frustrated by a club not letting him move to where he wants to go, there are fifty Harry Arter’s saying ‘I don’t give much of a fuck about being a footballer, but you gave me this contract and I’m going to hold you to it, meet the low standards required of me, and take my money’. I suspect that this is why they, as a group, haven’t rocked the boat on this. The lesser lights understand the benefits to them, the leading lights are having their pants stuffed with so much silver they don’t need to concern themselves with it.

Football players are net beneficiaries of it all. This we know, because the professional game burns shitloads of money.

Still.. who knows if something will trigger a new challenge. The Mbappe situation could have gotten murky, and the whole Saudi thing could blow up if a club stands between a player and a fuck-the-universe payday. It’s a global game though, so there are all sorts of considerations. Bosman was an EU ruling, right? Does it have force in the UK via law, or, because UEFA/FIFA have embedded it? I have no idea. I’d guess that any player is free to resign and get a new job.. he’s just not able to be registered to play in professional competitions.. which would be down to the football authorities.

Apparently Eric Dier might be going to Bayern Munich so Spurs are looking at Wout Faes as his replacement.

I'm not sure if the media are just trying to come up with stupid rumours or if the money laundering machine has decided it would be more fun to play the shell game with the shittiest players imaginable.

Cucurella loan to Man U just seems weird. I suppose it suits everyone involved, but still.

Honestly had to Google who he was.

Is he the only 60M+ quid all Premier League transfer you've not heard of, or are there others?

I'm unsure. Can you compile a list for me to review?

No

Makes we wonder if you watch football at all. He played for Brighton and was pretty spectacular and Chelski came in for him and he hasn't recovered since. He also has magnificent hair.

Chicago: Luscious locksmith.

Used to be lead guitarist in Duran Duran untiil about 2001 when the original line up reformed and so he became surplus.

Electric Cucurella

But Leicester fans say he’s shit; how is that possible?

[Less concerned if we can get Dominguez over the line].

Nunes to City gets the HWG. With a bit of luck it has dragged on too long for Wolves to buy his replacement.