Time to sell De Jong

[Green & Blue]

Would be a big mistake to sell De jong, get the contract sorted asap.

[sheikh it all about]

On the face of it, Nigel's position doesn't sound outlandish by present standards. From City's viewpoint I would think it more economic to negotiate a reasonable compromise than to sell NDJ for nowt in a year's time, then pay a big transfer fee and huge wages to a suitable replacement. He's a decent player and a valuable member of our squad.

As others have said, though, we don't know the true numbers. Nor do we know what goes on behind the scenes. So I will trust City to come up with the right solution either way.

On that subject I welcome the club's new realism. They had to spunk millions to get the "project" under way. Now it's different and we can be more selective.

[Niall Quinns Discopants]

How do we know he is holding out for more money? If he is any thing like American pro athletes who make far his demands could be something utterly ridiculous. Alex Rodriguez who makes far more than any footballer was holding out over a dog during one of his contract negotiations. He wanted some rare breed of dog as a part of his contract and the team wasn't giving in.

Because these people aren't COMPLETE mongs like AMerican pro atheletes. Look at fucking NFL players, is that the most dangerous job in the world? In very few business young men get killed at that rate. Sure they don't get killed or jailed on the field but still.

Also, has anyone who follows american sports noticed the absolutely amazing amount of arrests these people get. I mean I'm not even exaggarating if I say half of players in NFL has been arrested for one reason or another during their career.

[Esky]

All that's known for sure is that he wants to stay (it was quoted) and that he hasn't signed a deal yet. The rest is tabloid hearsay.

Some decent posts in this thread, but expecting anyone to jump at the first deal put in front of them seems stupid. Why would you not hold out for the same pay as your colleagues/more pay/a particular dog breed when:
a) you've got another 12 months to negotiate
b) in 6 months, you have the leverage of being able to walk for nothing

Just seems like standard business sense to me. I'm sure he and the club will have a deal done soon enough.

And as per BS76, he might want more playing time, or he might want to move his family back to Amsterdam at some point. Who knows.

[Slim]

If he hasn't signed a new contract by the middle of August I would look at selling him, no-one buys a player with 6 months left on his contract and there is every chance someone will take the money they should have spent on a transfer fee and offer part of it to the player.

I am sure Ian Holloway won't be ranting and raving "how wrong is that?" over this one now we know his tongue resides firmly up Taggart's arsehole.

[Dannyhig]

We bought de Jong with 6 months on it didn't we ? Remember iv we waited cuda bin free

[Alex Sapphire]

How do we know he is holding out for more money? If he is any thing like American pro athletes who make far his demands could be something utterly ridiculous. Alex Rodriguez who makes far more than any footballer was holding out over a dog during one of his contract negotiations. He wanted some rare breed of dog as a part of his contract and the team wasn't giving in.

was it this dog?

[youtube]uyCg_PHsv0o[/youtube]

[Slim]

We bought de Jong with 6 months on it didn't we ? Remember iv we waited cuda bin free

The story about him having six months on his contract was dated 12 months before we bought him if I remember correctly. However even if it was the case, I don't think we can rely on another tycoon splash to make some money back.

[Alex Sapphire]

he'll be waiting to see how this pans out as well

De Rossi link

[kinkylola]

I have to admit, i've creamed myself more than once just at the thought of de rossi playing for city. Will it ever happen? I don't know but he is at the height of his powers right now. Exciting.

[Yffi_88]

I have to admit, i've creamed myself more than once just at the thought of de rossi playing for city. Will it ever happen? I don't know but he is at the height of his powers right now. Exciting.

Calling Steven Gerrard his 'idol' in a recent interview on bbc.

[Mark Garrett]

De Jong is class, and if we let him go it will cost a lot of money to find an equally good holding midfielder as good as him.

We need to keep him. We are already a central midfield player light aswell, so if we can I hope the contract situation is resolved. Been a terrific player for us, was the best player on the pitch in the FA Cup Final and should have been given man of the match instead of Balotelli. Nigel was also excellent in the Semi-Final against United - generally been a really good player for us.

[Fidel Castro]

But Barry got that pay scale when we were battling to get decent players in mate.......we had no choice.
He cannot bring up this to justify him going on the same pay scale.

We signed Nigel 6 months before Barry, so that makes no sense imo

[Pretty Boy Lee]

We signed Nigel 6 months before Barry, so that makes no sense imo

Barry was given more as top clubs were after him, he's an England international and I'm sorry to offend some, but has a more rounded game.

[Ted Hughes]

He has a year to go, which makes him 28 at the end of his deal.

We could sign DeRossi, Martinez & Bale tomorrow & Nige could find himself as 4th choice for one def midfield spot.

He could spend the season playing mainly League Cup & sub appearences. Arsenal, Chelsea, rags, etc may all be willing to pay similar wages & he gets his own signing on fee.

Why the fuck wouldn't anyone in their right mind wait & see who we sign before committing themselves to finishing their career on the bench & sacrificing a fortune ?

[Fidel Castro]

Barry was given more as top clubs were after him, he's an England international and I'm sorry to offend some, but has a more rounded game.

de Jong was wanted too and is a Holland international, which up until this EC meant A LOT more in world football than being an England international. Don't agree with the more rounded game argument, they are both specialists in their own roles.

[Mingchester Mingy]

Love the guy, but I consider him a bit of a liability. At times he is like a "Bull in a china cabinet". In an important match, there is always the threat of him getting a red which we cant afford now that we are a top ranking team in European competition.

Eh? How many times has Nige been sent off in his career to date?

Not sure, he is an aggressive player that match officials look out for.Heck, I dont think off the top of the head he got a red all season? After the World Cup Final against Spain, he just worries me. He played well in the Euros I thought, but doesnt have the first touch or overall game of a Barry.

[BostonBlue]

How do we know he is holding out for more money? If he is any thing like American pro athletes who make far his demands could be something utterly ridiculous. Alex Rodriguez who makes far more than any footballer was holding out over a dog during one of his contract negotiations. He wanted some rare breed of dog as a part of his contract and the team wasn't giving in.

Because these people aren't COMPLETE mongs like AMerican pro atheletes. Look at fucking NFL players, is that the most dangerous job in the world? In very few business young men get killed at that rate. Sure they don't get killed or jailed on the field but still.

Also, has anyone who follows american sports noticed the absolutely amazing amount of arrests these people get. I mean I'm not even exaggarating if I say half of players in NFL has been arrested for one reason or another during their career.

Not even exaggerating? What the bloody hell do you consider exaggerating then? What you have written regarding half of the players getting arrested is a complete and utter fabrication in your own little world. You clearly haven’t a fucking clue what you’re talking about. Never let the truth get in the way of talking out of your arse eh?

[JamieMCFC]

Love the guy, but I consider him a bit of a liability. At times he is like a "Bull in a china cabinet". In an important match, there is always the threat of him getting a red which we cant afford now that we are a top ranking team in European competition.

Eh? How many times has Nige been sent off in his career to date?

Not sure, he is an aggressive player that match officials look out for.Heck, I dont think off the top of the head he got a red all season? After the World Cup Final against Spain, he just worries me. He played well in the Euros I thought, but doesnt have the first touch or overall game of a Barry.

He has been sent off once and that was 6 years ago for when he played for Hamburg. So maybe you should try again.

[Crossie]

£100,000 a week plus £30,000 appearance bonus. £200,000 goal bonus (pretty safe money that), no problems, everyone's happy.

Can I have a job please Mr Khaldoon.