We have no problems making signings for the academy but lots of those players are random punts who ran their contracts down and most likely won’t make it here. it does seem like we struggle to identify and bring in the best players from 18-22 from around the world. When it works out they are the best value transfers for the club overall. DDG Martial AWB Shaw and plenty from Fergie’s days.We’ve obviously tried with Memphis who didn’t work out but he could have made it as a good squad player here If his attitude was right.I think at that stage we were just signing random players anyway.
Agree, good at signing players 3/4 years away which means no guarantees, or spending a fortune on players who have started proving themselves over a short period of time. We havent made a great up and coming European signing for quite some time though. Personally never got the hype over Depay before we signed him or this season, is a decent player, not much more though.
As for Camavinga, I do think we can play him as a pure DM. Though I agree isnt fully makign the most of his attributes, its not like he has to just sit back the whole time, the way we play an daim to play he still should hav eplenty of opportunities to move forwards, especially in games we dominate possesion, see it from Matic now.
He look sout of the question though, probably sensible to stay another year at his age. Same token if there have been big enquiries from the likes of Madrid, us and Bayern as some reports suggest........you dont turn those down. Wonder whether it is fear of not being ready or such self confidence he is sure the moves still be available when he feels ready