As Joe Gomez prepares for his Anfield debut, this interesting article is based on interviews with current and former staff at the Charlton Academy: Joe Gomez
One thing that is made clear is that Gomez could have been enticed away at 13, but chose to stay at Charlton.
Joe Gomez had a 'dream start' with Liverpool: Joe Gomez
Controversy continues about whether we should have let him go at all (I don't think we had much choice there) or whether we let him go too cheaply, difficult to work out in these days of 'undisclosed fees'. However, the way things are going, there must be good prospects of triggering some of the add ons.
Brendan Rogers has praised Joe Gomez after his performance at left back in the win against Brisbane Roar, referring to his positional versatility. It seems he won't go out on loan: Gomez
The nature of the deal with Liverpool was never revealed in full, but if it included add ons for appearances, Gomez remaining at Anfield could be to our advantage.
Joe Gomez has completed his move to Liverpool, signing a five year deal: Joe Gomez
The fee has not been disclosed, but is believed to be £3.5m initially. It is believed that there is a percentage share of any sell on.
There have been various suggestions from reasonably reliable sources that the eventual fee will be around £6m or £7m, but I haven't been able to get an exact figure or find out how it might be constructed, e.g., if it is dependent on appearances, Liverpool are cautious about using young players. Liverpool fans think he will have his work cut out in breaking through to the first team: The challenge ahead
In any event, I wish him well. If a top club comes in, one can't deny a young player the chance to get ahead.
Liverpool are to sign Joe Gomez following a medical tomorrow: Joe Gomez
Liverpool have been tracking him for three years and have taken advantage of a release clause in his contract which permits them to sign him for an initial £3.5m. Given such a clause, the club have to let him go at that price.
Southampton are reported to have joined the race for Joe Gomez with an offer of £6m: Joe Gomez
By the end of the week we should know where he is going and for how much.
Liverpool have joined Arsenal and Manchester City in the race for the signature of Joe Gomez: Joe Gomez
He might then be sent out on loan. However, Arsenal are still thought to be leading the race given the links between the two clubs, exemplified by the loan of Francis Coquelin. Ironically, Wenger is thinking of signing another defensive midfielder to take Coquelin's place.
The latest word is that the deal with Liverpool will be sealed this week, £3.5m plus add ons. This is a quarter of the valuation suggested by Acworth below.
That figure comes from Liverpool sources and Richard Cawley of the SLP thinks that the deal could be worth £10m: More money?
Reports from various sources are suggesting that Borussia Dortmund intend to make a bid for Joe Gomez: Joe Gomez
However, it appears they are only prepared to offer £1m plus add ons which is nowhere near enough. Moreover, Gomez has been guaranteed a regular first team place if he stays at The Valley rather than at best bench warming duties if he goes elsewhere.
Four Premier League clubs - Arsenal, Everton, Manchester City and Newcastle United - are now showing an interest in Joe Gomez.
However, Guy Luzon insists that he would be better off staying at The Valley. Luzon told The Football League Paper, 'I think now he is not ready to play in the Premier League. Now at his age he needs to play and only by playing consistently will he improve his level.'
'It is no doubt that we are the best place for him now. For the club and for him the best thing is to stay.'
The race for the signature of Joe Gomez is on, with Manchester City now apparently challenging favourites Arsenal. Apparently, the asking price is now £8m and if that was really the case it would be difficult to say no: Joe Gomez
For me, he displays a maturity, composure and judgment well beyond his years.
He may consider that he has a better chance of regular first team football if he stays put, rather than being placed in a development squad.
A number of top flight clubs are tracking Joe Gomez who has been impressive for the Addicks this season. However, Arsenal's good working relationship with Charlton puts the Islington club in a favoured position for a bid: Gomez
However, Gomez insists that he is happy at The Valley: Enjoying his football
The rumour mill is suggesting that Newcastle United are interested in Joe Gomez and Jordan Cousins. Despite his young age, Joe Gomez is a real talent who displays a maturity beyond his years, has good judgment of the game and is resilient. Jordan Cousins would be my pick for player of the year.
I would not be surprised if other Premier League clubs displayed an interest and one or both of them might leave in the summer. Clearly they would be a loss.
Some doubts have been raised about the entitlement of Igor Vetokele to play for Angola and he had to be kept out of the last match against Burkina Faso. A ruling from Fifa is awaited: Igor
In other news Joe Gomez has signed a long-term contract with the club: Gomez
Defender Elan Assiana has been signed by Charlton after his release by Manchester City. He will play with the Under 18 squad. The London-born player was with Fulham before he joined City. See his promo video here: Elan Assiana
Defender Ayo Obileye will join the Under 21 squad. He has played a few games for Jason Euell's side and was formerly with Sheffield Wednesday: New signings
Unconfirmed reports state that Liverpool and Newcastle United are expressing transfer deadline day interest in Joe Gomez. The stated policy of Roland is to try and hold on to such promising players, but it can be difficult for a player to resist the blandishments of Premiership clubs. Both clubs are believed to offer luxury coaches for their development squads, and heated substitutes' benches.
I am so happy to be in Wigan
It has now been confirmed that Andy Delort is going to Wigan. The picture above shows him joyously celebrating the move.
The Sevenoaks Chronicle (which has suddenly become a font of wisdom on Charlton) is claiming that we may sign Sylvan Ebanks-Blake. This is a little more plausible than some stories as he is a free agent looking for a club and wouldn't cost too much. I do think that he has something left in the tank.
In our the season in which we won League 1 as champions, Four Four Two forecast that we would finish just above the relegation zone. At least they had the good grace to buy a framed copy of their error off the club signed by Chris Powell and the team.
Now in this year's forecast, it seems that we are playing our home games at Valley Parade in Bradford. No wonder we are going to finish 23rd.
Their argument runs as follows. Last season our attack was woeful and our defence not much better. I would give a bit more credit to our defence, and this year's attack remains unproven. We have lost Diego Poyet. That is a blow, but it doesn't mean relegation. There is then a standard attack on Roland as a 'meddler'. It's a bit old hat, as I sense that his stock is going up among many fans, although some will never forgive him for selling Yann Kermorgant.
Bob Peeters is then described as a 'yes' man who was a failure in Belgium. I would have preferred José Riga to stay, but Peeters needs to be given a chance.
It is argued that the squad is too small, but arguably last year it was too large with too many passengers. Admittedly, we don't have so many older players, but then part of the strategy is to bring forward Academy players.
Fan Kyle Andrews talks more sense. [Who he, ed? Apparently, he runs a Charlton blog I am not familiar with.] He points out that Joe Gomez shows great promise and sensibly points out that the season will be different to last one with new players and a proper playing surface. He argues that Lawrie Wilson is underrated and the journos duly pick him out as key player.
Most of this is a load of M****. Millwall are forecast to come 19th.
Charlton are determined to hold on to starlet Joe Gomez, despite interest from Everton and Newcastle: Gomez
I think that the new signings, many of them forecast on this blog, are looking very encouraging and there is room for some optimism about the new season. I am particularly excited by Gudmundsson and this clip of his hat trick shows why: Gudmundsson .
Karel Fraeye is working as a scout for Roland's network and having been at Charlton last season he has a good awareness of the kinds and type of player we need.
One might ask what Roland has done for us. All right, I will give you the new pitch, the new seats, and the work at the training ground. Then there are the new signings. Perhaps Belgian rule is not so bad after all.
He's on a two year contract (no repeat of the Diego Poyet mistake by the previous regime) and he's rated 'one of the best up and coming players in the league': Joe Gomez feature
There is something to look forward to this season!
Charlton prospect Joe Gomez was a member of the England Under 17 side that beat Holland on penalties to take the European championship last night. What is more, he played a decisive role in the English equaliser.
From a corner Gomez headed back across goal to the dominant defender Taylor Moore. His shot fell to Chelsea’s Dom Solanke inside a crowded penalty area and he sent an instinctive finish beyond Yanick van Osch.
