I think this is exactly why he hasn’t been renewed already. Club were probably hoping it’d be resolved.
If they renew him and he’s charged then it will be a colossal disaster for the club. Whereas if he leaves and he’s charged the club can largely dismiss it by saying he was never charged whilst he was with us. I think weighing that against losing a player, however good, the club must be very reluctant to give him a new contract.
If the club gives him a new contract knowing he’s under investigation and then he gets charged the fallout would be astronomical regardless of suspending him.
If these allegations had any potency, he would have been charged. It’s been years. I wouldn’t blame him for just moving on and leaving the country for good. After what happened to Mendy, I have no time/patience or belief where these film flam accusations are involved.
We’ll have to think about this carefully, won’t be able to get a good resale value if we retain him, but we get to keep a good player. But then we have to consider the age profile of the player and that upon the completion of his 32nd birthday he might combust because that’s how that works.
Difficult choice. Let me consult the spreadsheet on this one.
I still fail to understand this ‘PR disaster’ and I’m not just picking on your post but it’s been mentioned a bit now.
The club have and will continue to act in their best interests based on the information at hand. So far they have shown faith in both the player, his contract and the justice system.
Why would they abandon that just because his contract is expiring? If he is later charged and/or found guilty then I have no doubt they will adjust their actions accordingly. I’d expect him suspended if charged and released if found guilty.
The fact people will overreact and say shit like we’ve ‘housed a rapist for years’ is just dumb public opinion and the club shouldn’t be overly concerned. No sponsor is pulling out if the club act in the way I’ve suggested above. For me they’ve acted perfectly about it so far.