Discussions have gone on over the last three days between Swansea City and Southampton regards the appointment of Russell Martin at St Mary’s and his desired staff who he wants to follow. Even the worlds media are getting it wrong on the timescales, and there’s a reason why, it has to be considered.
Russell Martin has already agreed his contract with Southampton, to an extent, the whole issue can’t be fulfilled just yet. So, let’s have a look at where we are with this.
First of all Russell Martin would not have agreed a deal in principle with Southampton without being reassured that certain staff would follow, and the Swans would be compensated. But having spoken to a few people this afternoon, and it’s more common sense than speculation there’s definitely a bit more to this for sure. Yes, there are time differences, the CEO at Swansea City, Julian Winter has left his role. Then we have Andrew Coleman the new Swansea Chairman, he has absolutely no experience at English football league negotiations, so it’s down to Jake Silverstein and Jason Levien ( majority share holders ) in the main of course.
Let’s also remember Southampton’s stability is in question as we explored on the weekend. They too have matters to resolve at Sport Republic, the clubs owners.
That’s here –> How long ?
The time differences won’t help as we stated, but let’s just pause for a moment and review where we are. Remember when Russell Martin came to the Swans ? As a part of that deal from MK Dons he made one specific demand of the club. And that was to sign Flynn Downes from Ipswich Town. It was almost a ‘non negotiable’ at the time. Martin promised Swansea they would make a fortune from his purchase, and the rest as they say is history.
Now Martin will be making certain demands of his own again. He will want reassurances and certain guarantees. We believe, and we stand to be corrected of course, that these discussions have taken far longer than expected because players leaving the Swans are also the focus. When you think about it, why not ? You can bet your bottom dollar Martin will want Joel Piroe to go to Southampton at the very least. So what better time to discuss this when the termination of Martin’s contract and compensation is being negotiated with the very club that wants his services ?
It makes sense.
Speaking to a few well versed people this afternoon, one an agent who has worked at these levels before, and she thinks it’s a dead cert that if Martin wants certain players, then this is the right time to do business. The clubs can agree transfers now, just not allow them to go through until the window opens. It’s just a thought in a minefield of information as to why these talks have taken so long. It’s hardly likely any player deals will be made known once the finer details on Martin and his staff are agreed. In fact it’s certain they won’t be. Unless of course a free agent or two are involved.
That will come later.
The other matter matter of course is Southampton’s season isn’t over yet, they have one game to go, and still have a manager despite acknowledging he is leaving. The Saints won’t perceive any drawn out talks as an issue, you would think ? Especially if they can get their man plus what he wants all tidied up in one hit.
That should make sense, even though the announcement of Martin officially has been imminent for days, and it’s pretty much a done deal, the official work is clearly not yet completed. We all know how Jason Levien works, and this time it will fall in the Swans financial favour we believe. But there’s a whole lot more to this we think, as do many others who have respected opinions in the game.
Tricky or interesting ,whichever way you look at it, the whole thing is hardly boring. Just a bit ticky tacky slow, a possession game that takes time to build. You know what we mean.
Don’t you ?