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Opinion

Richard Keys uses Newcastle United to make an interesting point

7 years ago
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There is a first time for everything and today, I think it is the first time I have agreed with Richard Keys.

As well as his usually clueless views on football in general, the presenter who was binned by Sky Sports has also repeatedly had a go in the past at Rafa Benitez for undeserved reasons.

However, I find it hard to disagree with what he is now saying.

Richard Keys has used his own personal blog to have a go at the loan system, pointing out how for example Chelsea (amongst the many many they will loan out this summer…) have already loaned out five players to other Premier League clubs.

His argument, that being able to loan players out to clubs in the same division can give you an unfair advantage.

None of these five loan signings below can play against Chelsea this coming season but they can play against the likes of Man City, Man Utd, Spurs, Arsenal and..Newcastle.

In fact three of the five played against Newcastle last season as well…

Izzy Brown at Brighton (Played for Huddersfield last season on loan)

Kurt Zouma at Stoke 

Tammy Abraham at Swansea (Played for Bristol City)

Kasey Palmer at Huddersfield (Played on loan for Huddersfield last season)

Loftus-Cheek at Crystal Palace 

Newcastle United obviously benefited from a Chelsea loan last season as well, with Christian Atsu contributing to the promotion push.

However, I do think it is out of control when you have so many players going out on loan where there is no intention of it being a try before you buy, simply a 100% temporary arrangement to give other clubs the advantage of a player they couldn’t otherwise have, whilst at the same time encouraging clubs like Chelsea to use the loan system to have a bigger and bigger operation away from the first team, with the overwhelming reason being to make money via buying and developing players to go out on loan and increase in value.

This gets even worse, as Richard Keys says, when it then comes to loaning players to clubs in the the same division.

He also refers to Newcastle as an example, if Mourinho allowed Anthony Martial to come on loan to St James Park…

‘We know Mourinho doesn’t fancy Anthony Martial. We also know how Mourinho’s mind works. Let’s say he does a deal to send him to Newcastle. What a sensation he’d be there playing in front of those fans. I’d back him to get 20 goals plus for the Toon. How many of those might be against Arsenal, City, Chelsea…..you get my drift.’

Not sure when the next time will be that I agree with Richard Keys but at least there has been a first time!

Richard Keys:

‘I’ve made mention previously how I believe that PL clubs distort the competition when they loan players to each other. Right now, Chelsea have five out and the chances are there’ll be more before we kick off again. It’s wrong. And here’s why…..

Each and every one of those players can play for the team they’re with AGAINST Chelsea’s title rivals – but they can’t play against Chelsea. It remains to be seen if they have any effect on the race by scoring big goals – stopping them – or indeed bossing games that frustrate a point or two from the other contenders. They might – they equally might not – but they’re going to have more of an impact against them than they would sitting in Chelsea’s bench.

Of course I know the value of sending players out on loan – but it doesn’t have to be to the PL. The truth is that too many clubs nowadays run squads that are top heavy and ways of keeping the guys happy – or furthering their education – don’t exist like they once did.

Let me give you another example of what I’m saying. We know Mourinho doesn’t fancy Anthony Martial. He’s not going to be in Utd’s starting line up very often this season. There are two options – sell – but the chances are Utd won’t make back the ridiculous money they paid for him – or loan him out.

We also know how Mourinho’s mind works. Let’s say he does a deal to send him to Newcastle. What a sensation he’d be there playing in front of those fans. I’d back him to get 20 goals plus for the Toon. How many of those might be against Arsenal, City, Chelsea…..you get my drift. He’s going to have more of an impact against Mourinho’s closest rivals in somebody else’s jersey than he will sitting watching at Old Trafford. You can argue it’s an unlikely example – but it’s not. What about City – where do they send Nasri? Arsenal – Walcott let’s say? Wilshere was out on loan last season. Liverpool have got capacity to let one or two out. It’s just wrong.

If you’ve got a top heavy squad – sell some. Back your judgement. No PL club needs to be borrowing players. They can all afford to commit.

Oh, for the record, the five Chelsea players on loan are Izzy Brown at Brighton – a striker. Zouma at Stoke – defender. Abraham at Swansea – a striker. Palmer at Huddersfield – creative m/f & occasional front man.  Loftus-Cheek at Palace – he too gets goals from m/f.’

(All contributions from Newcastle fans welcome, send articles (as well as ideas/suggestions) to contribute@themag.co.uk)

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