We Need More Information On Duff’s Transfer To Newcastle
Surprise surprise - according to Newcastle United’s statement to the Stock Exchange, Duff has moved from Chelsea to Newcastle (leaving behind Tottenham in the process) for the small sum of 5 million pounds.
Here’s the statement you’ve undoubtedly seen on other news sites:
“The directors of Newcastle United PLC are pleased to announce that Damien Duff passed his medical and his transfer from Chelsea has been completed for a fee of £5million. The player has agreed personal terms and signed a five-year contract ending in June 2011.”
Excellent buy for Newcastle and congratulations to the club. But I’m wondering - what did Tottenham exactly bid for Duff (did they really come back with the 7 mil bid or did they stick it out at 5?), and why have Chelsea decided to sell good players so cheaply?
In the previous discussion on this topic, the general idea had been that Chelsea had turned down a 7 mil bid from Tottenham and Newcastle had subsequently upstaged them with a 10 mil bid. One or two comments suggested that the bid had actually been for 5 mil, but that seemed a bit ridiculous. We were blinded by Newcastle’s past and by Kenyon and Mourinho saying that they would not sell Duff cheaply.
Any ideas as to why Duff went to Newcastle for 5 mil? Did Tottenham refuse to raise their bid from 5 to 7 mil? And did Chelsea reject the Spurs but not Newcastle because Spurs weren’t willing to pay the full amount upfront (which Newcastle probably were)?
Questions, questions…
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Discussion - 5 Responses
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3 clubs were allowed to talk to Duff, Spurs, Pool and Newcastle –> rest is covered by now, Duff is a Magpie
He went to Newcastle because he wanted to be at a club that would appreciate him. Also because his International Team mates Shay Given and Steven Carr are there and so are his former teammates Scott Parker and Celestene Babayaro.
Both Spurs and Newcastle are in the UEFA Cup this season, so why is it difficult to understand that the decision came down to the player?
Quotes from Damien Duff “I’ve told the chairman I’m really excited about coming here. I cannot wait to meet the fans and pull on the shirt - I’m overjoyed.
“There were other clubs interested, but I listened to my heart and my gut feeling told me to come here. I’m sure it’s the right decision.
“I’ve played at St. James’ Park before on the away team and it’s probably the hardest place to come and play in England as the fans are unbelievable, so to play for them now is great.” http://www.nufc.premiumtv.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10278~871388,00.html
As for wether Spurs improved their offer. Who Knows? but we do know that the player makes the ultimate decision where they want to go, especially at Chelsea where Mourinho and the board would want the player to be happy.
It’s not rocket science, there are obviously add-ons dependant on Duff’s appearances and Newcastle’s success in the League and Cups that will potentially take the fee beyond whatever Tottenham’s bid was.
Newcastle is required to report any significant addons in the contract to the stock exchange, so the rumors that there are significant addons are false, just like those rampant rumors going around Spurs boards that said that Duff is getting paid 85K a week.
Wish we hadn’t signed him. % mill down the drain. He couldn’t beat an egg. Chelsea sold him cheap as his injuries resulted in him losing some pace as jose saw he was a spent force.
Bring back Charlie!!