Originally Posted by
Mr. Inbetween
Junior Hoilett is a reasonable and interesting candidate to consider.
Although IMO problematic and not the ideal one.
I would prefer an alternate right winger.
In this case, I am more partial to that Italian DP, however unlikely, and yet also very open to other suggestions.
Still, your perspective is very reasonable.
Realistically, I accept JH is not only a possible contender, he seems to probably be among the very likely arriving after July 7th.
As some may say, the odds favour him.
There are a host of aforementioned indications and rumours previously highlighted by several others that are reflecting such odds.
The most telling for me are his current 'ghosting' of Reading's latest offer coupled with his statement of wanting to return 'home'.
However, while it does depend on what Bob The Builder et al. are really thinking, there are enough concerns about JH that reluctantly give me honest pause.
There are contradicting semantics within the metrics being referenced by some; including myself.
I agree with the pragmatic expectations that JH...
Should have enough English Football League(s) experience to transition into MLS well,
Should offer a stabilizing and much needed veteran presence; on and off the pitch.
Should be cost effective,
And should provide a bolstering, flexible, short-term, stop gap and possibly mentoring solution for TFC.
However, regardless how often and/or the way he is to be used, my sense is that he more likely has about 1 to 2 good years left in him.
For me, he would be a great piece to have... only at the right price.
While I do not believe his career is over, there are several indications that his future performance rate should be under scrutiny.
That it must be assessed against any compensation.
Perhaps, or at the very least, he may be at the start of a decline; the type, sharp or slow, is the crux.
IIUC, jloome may have even expressed some caution about JH's resilience.
Maybe him and Section 223 are not that far apart on aspects of this ongoing and encompassing general discussion after all? Detente common ground?
For me, one key indicator may be the worth of a player.
What an organization is willing to transfer pay for a footballer and what they are willing to pay that footballer.
Although it is JH's availability on a free that is enticing, according to certain reports, his wage value seems to have slipped dramatically.
Once again, IIUC, he was at Cardiff at about 1.5M+/P salary a year for several years before being let go; option declined or contract not renewed?
It seems he was only able to find a position last year on 'sanctioned' Reading for about 2HK+/P salary a year.
If this information is accurate, then for me it is compelling.
In fairness, Reading's ongoing points penalties and transfer embargoes for breaching EFL Profitability & Sustainability Rules is not helping their struggle.
These typical Fair Play financial obstacles that continue in application have certainly and primarily contributed to their slip.
They still complicate their current treading position from Championship middling to almost League 1 relegation.
So while not the cause of, JH is more a symptom of, or a solution to, their situation.
I suspect these factors may be the underlying catalyst in JH's desire to move on from any EFL.
He is no longer getting paid what he expects.
IMO there is also a relevant question about his stamina that should be considered.
The obvious and common... will he be able to deal with the rigors of any required frequent league play and even MLS travel?
It seems he has appeared in just slightly more than half of Reading's 46 games this past season.
Moreover, it seems he may have only started in just over half of those before being subbed.
It is also worthy to note that he may have had a hamstring injury in the first half of this past season that lasted two months or about 10 games?
I believe the longest stretch of his career.
I think we all understand and appreciate TFC's luck with hamstring issues; their re-occurrence.
IMO, in no way should Junior Hoilett be signed within any TAM level range. I do not believe he should get a TAM deal.
I hope BBradley or et al. do not begin to repeat the sort of avoidable bad contracts that continue and can continue to anchor this team.
A more realistic and appropriate deal would be fine.
Maybe, and generously at most, near max regular salary; even camouflaged as a home town discount.
Otherwise, this should be a hard pass. But it won't be....
I have resigned myself to accept that this explanation was an exercise in futility.
In all probability Junior Hoilett is the rumoured CMNT candidate coming to TFC.
His contact length and amount is the now the only real concern.