Adnan Januzaj

[Brightonian]

The main question is why do we even let a contract go into the last year? We dont know since last Saturday that he's a great talent. 6 months before the last year, a new contract should be signed.

Youth contracts don't work that way. I can't be bothered to explain it - read through any youth forum page, or indeed this one, and you'll see it explained a number of times. Possibly Mr Mujac will explain it to you here, he seems to have limitless patience for this sort of thing.

 

[Rood]

I think you have to look at all the different factors that come into play when young players are making contract decisions.

Some the incumbent club have control over and some they don't.

Off the top of my head and in no particular order:

1. Development opportunity
2. First team opportunity
3. Facilities
4. Other players
5. Current success of club
6. History of club
7. Location/geography/climate
8. Agent influence
9. Language
10. Family support/advice
11. Desire to travel
12. Money
13. Regular game time
14. Managerial pull (Fergie factor)
15. Managerial longevity
16. Cultural fit
17. Positive relationships with coaching staff
18. Length of current contract

Plus one or two others I may have missed.

The order/priority of these factors will dictate a young players decision. (Or any player for that matter)

You could argue that a handful of top clubs, United included, have good development opportunities, facilities, other great players, historical and current success. So they even themselves out.

So the other factors become deal breakers.

We will never compete on the climate in Spain or Italy, or even with the attractions of say London. There's is not a lot we can do about that.

So we have to do our best around the remaining areas. Foreign imports usually have an agent in situ, have already moved country, are used to living away from home, have learned English...so it is much easier to do it again. For English based players (who have been limited by 90 minute rule) it would be a much harder decision to move country which is why you don't see it happening. Also there is plenty of good money to be made playing in England so that factor doesn't really come into play.

We have the best track record of giving players a chance of first team football, something even Pique acknowledged when he left Barcelona, and we try to maximise that advantage...or at least I know Ferguson did. Scott Wootton said the same about Liverpool who have a poor historical record...while Newcastle are terrible.

I speak to many parents on a Saturday morning and they say that they rejected Chelsea and City because their kids just won't get a chance. Arsenal, Palace, Everton and Southampton are also very good.

How we put the whole package together makes a big difference.

Having lost Ferguson through retirement perhaps some players are less likely to come/stay. But given time, Moyes longevity may be attractive. Players like consistency at the top.

Pique, Rossi, Pogba, Morrison, Shawcross and others all left for very different reasons. But if you look at other clubs, Barca and Madrid included, they lose talented youngsters for a variety of these factors too. It just isn't in our face every five minutes like the current Januzaj situation.

Finally, whether we like it or not, we have a wage structure in place for a reason.

We can argue about it all day long but it still exists for a reason.

If someone wants more money, then sometimes you just have to say no. It could be a annual salary which will upset all the other players (fine with an exceptional player like Messi or Ronaldo but not an inexperienced 18 year-old)...an outrageous one off payment to an agent...or some other financial request.

As with 'guaranteed' minimum number of games which is what Pogba's agent wanted, I understand fully why Fergie rejected that idea straight away. He couldn't even guarantee Rooney or RvP a certain number of games.

I think the whole situation has blown up in the media because we lost Morrison and Pogba very quickly and they were clearly talented. But both left for different reasons, many outside of the clubs control...regardless of what some people think on this Forum.

Let's hope that Januzaj's 'list of factors' can be met by United and he therefore signs a long-term contract with the club.

great post - fans often think it is so simple whereas there are always going to be so many factors involved.

 

[Bilbo]

It's only in the media at all for the potential 'you heard it here first' bollocks should the unthinkable occur.

It will make sense for Adnan to play the opportunity to his advantage, and his advisors seem canny enough to do just that, but I can't imagine that he would choose not to sign a contract with us. Its worth repeating for anyone that isn't 100% clear on this - United are a massive club.

Unless someone came in with a ridiculous offer (and sadly these days that is possible) then I don't see why he would want to move elsewhere.

 

[SATA]

I hope it will be a 5 year contract at least, if it can be sorted out

 

[jb8521]

I don't see why he would leave he has come along at the perfect time to not only become the poster boy of United but the whole league if his performances continue to improve. Bale has left Rooney and van persie are getting older and Suarez could leave and even if he doesn't he's still Suarez so only really appeals as the villain. Apart from the branding and marketing he has been treated very well by united including having the largest youth contract in uniteds history and he has improved ever since he arrived so I think he is at the best place for him both in terms of his footballing development and the development of his future earnings

 

[Mr. MUJAC]

The main question is why do we even let a contract go into the last year? We dont know since last Saturday that he's a great talent. 6 months before the last year, a new contract should be signed.

They are offered contracts when they arrive.

Either a 2+1 or a 2+2

That is...two year scholarship plus one year pro...or two year scholarship two year pro.

We are not allowed by FA rules to offer more than this and you can't sign a pro contract until you are 17.

So Januzaj (or his agent) wanted a 2+1 for whatever reason.

So we are now into the final one year...

 

[LR7]

What's the chant? I've not got sound at work...

It's to the old Possebon/Obertan/Young chant:

"Adnan Januzaj, Januzaj, Adnan Januzaj, nanananananananana"

 

[pocco]

Half sing 'Adnan Januzaj, Januzaj, Adnan Januzaj', which I think sounds better. The other half seem to just sing 'Yanner,Yanner-zay, Yannerzay, Yanner, Yanner-zay'

 

[LR7]

Januzaj’s agent gives new negotiations update and laughs off £60k per week claims

Adnan Januzaj’s negotiations with Manchester United have gathered pace after his stunning full Premier League debut this weekend but no deal has yet been agreed, his agent Dirk De Vriese has today confirmed.

The 18-year-old is one of the hottest topics right now with his international and domestic future back page news all over Europe and speaking to Gazet Van Antwerpen, De Vriese admitted that nothing will be sorted with his international future until he is a regular starter for United.

“Adnan is through and through a professional,” De Vriese said.

“This is due to his father teaching him discipline since his youth, Adnan is now bearing the fruits of that.

“Nothing has changed in comparison to a few weeks ago. Adnan still hasn’t picked who he is going to play for and will not do so until he is a regular starter for Manchester United.”

De Vriese also confirmed that although negotiations with United stalled following Sir Alex Ferguson’s retirement, they have now gathered pace quickly again.

He continued: ”In the meanwhile they are busy to extend his deal at United which is due to expire at the end of the season.

“If by 1 January no new deal has been signed, Adnan is free to speak to other clubs.”

“The negotiations have been taking place for a while now but I will not comment on how far it has come or if we are close to agreeing a deal.

“What I can say is that a lot of European top clubs have contacted us about he availability of Adnan but because we have to be very discreet about this matter we can not tell you the names of clubs that have contacted us.”

De Vriese also swept aside any claims that Januzaj was to be offered a £60,000 a week contract as nothing but made up rumours by tabloids.

“These figures have not come from us as I see no reason why we would leak this kind of information to the press,” he added.

“Manchester United have wanted to discuss a new deal for the Albanian Belgian for a while now but due to the retirement of Sir Alex Ferguson and Adnan not being in a rush to sign a new deal, this has been delayed.

“But after his performance this weekend – Januzaj scored twice against Sunderland and gifted his team 1-2 victory- the club can’t do anything else but restart the negotiations as soon as possible as there will be a lot of clubs out there trying to steal Adnan from united.

“If by 1 January no new deal has been signed, Adnan is free to speak to other clubs.” http://thepeoplesperson.com/januzaj...ns-update-and-laughs-off-60k-per-week-claims/

Supposed 'new' quotes from the agent (apologies if already posted). I think the guy who runs this blog is a newb iirc (third newbie I've randomly advertised today).
Anyway I think the use of quotations is a bit weird because it would be odd if the agent called Adnan "the Albanian Belgian" so I'm guessing that at the bottom it's quoting the article rather than the agent.

 

[KM]

“But after his performance this weekend – Januzaj scored twice against Sunderland and gifted his team 1-2 victory- the club can’t do anything else but restart the negotiations as soon as possible as there will be a lot of clubs out there trying to steal Adnan from united.

It seems from this quote that his agent and Adnan himself want to sign for United.

 

[100]

“But after his performance this weekend – Januzaj scored twice against Sunderland and gifted his team 1-2 victory- the club can’t do anything else but restart the negotiations as soon as possible as there will be a lot of clubs out there trying to steal Adnan from united.

It seems from this quote that his agent and Adnan himself want to sign for United.

That bit reads like the author has accidentally put quotation marks round it.

 

[LR7]

The guy who wrote it hasn't made clear what are the agents quotes and what are just from the article he's taken it from. I don't think any of the bottom bits are quotes from the agent.

 

[LR7]

That bit reads like the author has accidentally put quotation marks round it.

Either that or he quoted the article he took it from not the agent.

 

[KiD MoYeS]

Be amazed if he signed something before January, it'd be stupid for him to do so. He's gonna bide his time and view his options in January, lets hope his head isn't turned.

 

[OnlyTwoDaSilvas]

It wouldn't be stupid if his heart was set on staying with United.

 

[Ramshock]

This has failure written all over it. Can't even say I wish Gill was in charge for this because he let Pogba go.

 

[KiD MoYeS]

It wouldn't be stupid if his heart was set on staying with United.

Yeah, but lets be honest, how likely is that in modern football?
He doesn't seem a complete prick, and neither do the people advising him to be fair. But he'd be mad to sign something now when he can freely discuss terms with other clubs in a couple of months.

 

[OnlyTwoDaSilvas]

Yeah, but lets be honest, how likely is that in modern football?
He doesn't seem a complete prick, and neither do the people advising him to be fair. But he'd be mad to sign something now when he can freely discuss terms with other clubs in a couple of months.

I don't think it's that unlikely in this case. I think it's admirable that he's waiting to establish himself as a club footballer before committing to a country to represent. He seems very focused on United right now. He also chose United over everyone else 2 years ago, when a good number of clubs were gunning for him. Hopefully not much has changed in 2 years for him.

 

[KiD MoYeS]

I don't think it's that unlikely in this case. I think it's admirable that he's waiting to establish himself as a club footballer before committing to a country to represent. He seems very focused on United right now. He also chose United over everyone else 2 years ago, when a good number of clubs were gunning for him. Hopefully not much has changed in 2 years for him.

United is clearly the best place for him right now, but I'm not taken anything for granted.

In my opinion he, or his agent at least, will want to explore further options in January before committing to United.

 

[Ramshock]

We were saying the same things about Pogba but he left and unfortunately for us and fortunately for him his move to Juve worked out.
We can only hope Adnan has a stronger character and his agent isn't a scum prick like Pogbas.

 

[Varun]

United is clearly the best place for him right now, but I'm not taken anything for granted.

In my opinion he, or his agent at least, will want to explore further options in January before committing to United.

Naive to believe that his team will wait till Jan to talk to other clubs. As his agent said, clubs have already contacted him. This talk about "we can talk to them after Jan 1st" is bollocks really. Clubs would be in with their offers already and if his head gets turned, he'l just agree and sign after jan.

 

[antohan]

I don't think it's that unlikely in this case. I think it's admirable that he's waiting to establish himself as a club footballer before committing to a country to represent. He seems very focused on United right now. He also chose United over everyone else 2 years ago, when a good number of clubs were gunning for him. Hopefully not much has changed in 2 years for him.

The manager has changed, but I don't think that would be a negative on Moyes as he has a good record blooding young players and clearly is giving him games. The negative though is league form if we don't get our act together, which I think we will.

 

[KiD MoYeS]

Unfortunately, the success of Pogba's move could also play into other clubs hands interested in Adnan.

 

[FCBarca]

Smart from Adnan & his father/agent, they have quite a bit of leverage to do what's in their best interests. Curious how that will play out with Moyes & United in terms of negotiations. Can't imagine United will relish the prospects of losing him nevermind for free. If it's any combination of money & minutes, how will Moyes et al respond to this? With a dozen matches ahead of the winter break, does he play him along with pushing for a bumper deal? I think the Januzaj deal has to happen, would be very tough on the club otherwise

 

[Varun]

The manager has changed, but I don't think that would be a negative on Moyes as he has a good record blooding young players and clearly is giving him games. The negative though is league form if we don't get our act together, which I think we will.

Why would the league form be a worry for him personally? Will he be better served moving to another club just because they are doing well?

EDIT: the league form will sort itself out anyways but just wondering why you think it'l be a factor.

 

[KiD MoYeS]

Smart from Adnan & his father/agent, they have quite a bit of leverage to do what's in their best interests. Curious how that will play out with Moyes & United in terms of negotiations. Can't imagine United will relish the prospects of losing him nevermind for free. If it's any combination of money & minutes, how will Moyes et al respond to this?

We're Manchester United, we can't go bending backwards trying to guarantee playing time, least not to teenagers.

 

[Ramshock]

Moyes comment about any young player would want to play for United seemed very naive to me. i can only hope it was kidology and he knows we are in good shape with the boy.

 

[FCBarca]

We're Manchester United, we can't go bending backwards trying to guarantee playing time, least not to teenagers.

It's a new world though

 

[Ramshock]

We're Manchester United, we can't go bending backwards trying to guarantee playing time, least not to teenagers.

Yep thats why we lost probably the future captain of France.

 

[antohan]

Naive to believe that his team will wait till Jan to talk to other clubs. As his agent said, clubs have already contacted him. This talk about "we can talk to them after Jan 1st" is bollocks really. Clubs would be in with their offers already and if his head gets turned, he'l just agree and sign after jan.

True, but he can't sign until then and once you get to January you wouldn't make it transparent you are off so as to continue getting gametime (much like Pogba). I'd say if there's no signed contract with us by the end of January he is a goner as by then all you could extract from haggling has been extracted and delaying it only brings aggro. If he wants to stay with us he would sign before it starts going sour.

 

[KiD MoYeS]

It's a new world though

True, but you've seen yourself how contracts centered around playing time work out.

Yep thats why we lost probably the future captain of France.

Pogba was more than just playing time, he had poor advisers, and people seem to forget he never really shone when he did get his chances here.

 

[antohan]

Why would the league form be a worry for him personally? Will he be better served moving to another club just because they are doing well?

EDIT: the league form will sort itself out anyways but just wondering why you think it'l be a factor.

As of now we are not even getting Europa League football. As said, I reckon it will get sorted, but if we are not top four by January you'd wonder about the grass being greener and all that.

 

[Irwinwastheking]

Surely the reported figure of 50k per week is bollocks. That would put well him ahead of a lot of reported salaries of established first teamers which I can't see happening at his age.

 

[Mr. MUJAC]

Yep thats why we lost probably the future captain of France.

Fine with me...no-one should be dictating contract terms with minimum number of games...

 

[KiD MoYeS]

Surely the reported figure of 50k per week is bollocks. That would put well him ahead of a lot of reported salaries of established first teamers which I can't see happening at his age.

It'd put him ahead of the likes of Büttner, and lord knows he deserves more money than him.

But yeah, pretty sure the reported wage is bollocks, think his agent laughed it off.

 

[Varun]

True, but he can't sign until then and once you get to January you wouldn't make it transparent you are off so as to continue getting gametime (much like Pogba). I'd say if there's no signed contract with us by the end of January he is a goner as by then all you could extract from haggling has been extracted and delaying it only brings aggro. If he wants to stay with us he would sign before it starts going sour.

True, my post was in response to cunto's post about him waiting till jan to explore opportunities and thus nothing happening till then when infact everything would be happening already and as you said, if this doesnt happen soon, it probably wont at all.

True, but you've seen yourself how contracts centered around playing time work out.



Pogba was more than just playing time, he had poor advisers, and people seem to forget he never really shone when he did get his chances here.

His advisers did well for him.

 

[Ramshock]

Fine with me...no-one should be dictating contract terms with minimum number of games...

i do admire the stance but when do you draw the line? I mean can you constantly let talent like that leave? Its not like Barca where they all are from there and want to go back eventually. We take talented kids from around Europe because we unfortunately don't get enough local talent that will stay loyal or want to come back should they leave as youngsters. Barca have that luxury but we don't

 

[antohan]

Pogba was more than just playing time, he had poor advisers, and people seem to forget he never really shone when he did get his chances here.

Indeed, for all the Rafael-Park hysterics, he never ridiculed that on the pitch while with us. He played safe, almost looked like he was walking on eggshells half the time. He certainly never performed the way he has for Juve. It was clear he had it in him, but when given the opportunity he never staked a clear claim to a starting spot or even being a regular. Very different scenario here.

 

[KiD MoYeS]

His advisers did well for him.

Well yeah, his move to Juventus worked out.

But his agent struck me as someone who valued money over football. And still does for that matter, Pogba's constantly been linked with moves.

 

[Varun]

i do admire the stance but when do you draw the line? I mean can you constantly let talent like that leave? Its not like Barca where they all are from there and want to go back eventually. We take talented kids from around europe we unfortunately dont get enough local talent that will stay loyal or want to come back

You just cant draw a line in such cases am afraid. If Januzaj wants a contract with playing time guarantees, think we'l see him leave too. You just cant go around giving teenagers 1st team gametime guarantees in contracts.