I'd be shocked if Dempsey came here. No way do I see FSG spending money on a 29 year old. I think the fact that we spent £18 mil or so on a 27 year old who consequently produced 0 goals and 0 assists is going to weight heavily on their decisions. For someone in that age group, forget about value for money, the return has to be substantial.
Dempsey's only options (since he is for sure leaving Fulham) are Arsenal and Liverpool. I'd prefer we get him but I see Arsenal being a better choice for him. He would stay in London.
However, he is not someone FSG would turn their back on because:
1. He would be on reasonable wages, which is important to them.
2. While he is 29 his transfer fee would also be low, maybe 4-5Mil at most. Noone will pay more than that for a player who is not a big name at 29.
3. However, he would have value to us and Arsenal as he is good with the ball, can pass and move and knows how to score and assist in the PL. He is about as proven as anyone in his position.
4. Give him a 4 year deal and he will sell shirts and merchandise in the US for sure. Use him 2 or 3 years and then sell to MLS for a few Mil.
You cannot lose with him. Not a huge investment. Guaranteed goals and assists. Not a high salary. Will not give you drama if he starts maybe 50% of games.
FSG will pay big transfer fees on promising talent under 25. I think one transfer that killed DC was Downing. Imagine if last year we got Dempsey instead for less than 10Mil, half price, and likely lower wages as well. Also with EL 12+ games likely, Cups, 8 games or more and 38PL games we are looking at 55+ games almost for sure. We need a deep squad.
I see Dempsey 70-30% chance between us and Arsenal with them more likely to get him. Our chance lies with the fact that he played for New England Revolution, I think, same area as FSG, might have worked a while with Steve Nichol so he might be persuaded to choose us. I hope he does. Seems to score often.
Again Arsenal more likely due to London and the fact his dream is to play some in the CL.
