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Opinion

Keeping Ayoze Perez

8 years ago
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At the time of writing, Andros Townsend is somewhere in limbo on his move up the A1. Whether he signs or not, this January has been an unusually pleasing transfer window.

Although our two new England players are clear risks, it suggests the club are trying to develop a more direct approach – both on and off the field. The best piece of business, however, is/was ensuring that no greedy team nabbed our Spanish striker at the last minute.

Ghosts of January windows past may well have visited Mike Ashley this Christmas. Andy Carroll and Demba Ba were both big losses but the absence of Yohan Cabaye is something that we have never really recovered from, until perhaps Shelvey arriving.

There had been whispers of interest in Ayoze Perez and why wouldn’t there be? The lad is young, pacey, skilful and can put the ball in the net every so often. Half the teams in the league are desperate for a player with those attributes.

Losing him at this point, while he’s still 22 and trying to create a partnership with the even younger Mitrovic, would have been a ridiculous move. Then again, I wouldn’t have put it past Ashley if £10m was on the table.

If the likely happens and relegation occurs, then it is inevitable that Ayoze Perez will have his head turned by more prosperous suitors. Until that day though, he looks like one of the most committed members of the squad and his injury-free record puts him at a real advantage over the course of the season.

As of yet, his goalscoring record is far from prolific but he seems to be progressing at a rapid speed from his frenetic performances 18 months ago.

Hopefully the inclusion of like-minded individuals such as Townsend and Shelvey will provide him with the right opportunities to get on the score sheet.

(To feature like Stephen, send in your articles for our website to contribute@themag.co.uk)

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