two factors stopping Mourinho’s return to England

Published on 2024-01-19 09:00:16

Stan Collymore, former Liverpool attacker, shared his insights on some of football’s recent hot topics in an exclusive column for CaughtOffside. He discussed the recent Financial Fair Play (FFP) charges brought against Nottingham Forest and Everton, the future of Jose Mourinho, and the Henderson/Saudi Arabia situation. Collymore also questioned whether football needs an NFL-style salary cap to ensure fairness.

Collymore stressed that while he doesn’t oppose the punishment of clubs found violating FFP rules, he believes that the current FFP regulations still allow clubs with bottomless pits of money, such as nation states, to circumvent the rules. He suggested implementing an NFL-style salary cap whereby clubs would be given a budget, audited by independent bodies, to ensure that they start each season with the same parameters, ultimately promoting fairness.

Regarding Jose Mourinho, Collymore pointed out that Mourinho is likely to land in Saudi Arabia, where he will be well-received. He speculated that Mourinho may eventually find his way back to the Premier League at a club such as Newcastle, following the departure of Eddie Howe, although he may face fan resistance due to his pragmatic style of play.

Collymore discussed the power of the Premier League and the English system in producing quality players, exemplified by English stars moving to top European clubs. He cited the case of Jordan Henderson’s move to Ajax, emphasizing that the English system and the investment into the England national team by the FA have contributed to English players being seen as technically adept and respected across Europe.

In terms of players making moves to new clubs, Collymore also discussed the potential transfer of Brentford star Ivan Toney. While he suggested Arsenal as a potential destination, he expressed concerns about the club’s culture and how Toney’s attitude might impact the team. He proposed Liverpool as a more suitable destination for Toney, noting that he could be a significant addition to the Reds’ squad.

Overall, Collymore’s column provides thought-provoking insights into several topical football issues, offering a unique and informed perspective on the sport.