09 Nov 2016 10:35:57
Good morning Ed002

I know your busy mate but have you got anything on these Sardar Azmoun rumours stating that we are looking to bring him in January? I have read he has been scouted by nearly every team so i'm guessing there is not much in it other than we have also watched him?

Thanks in advance.

{Ed002's Note - Sardar Azmoun was subject to a very public dispute between Rubin Kazan and Rostov which ended in favour of Rostov this past summer. Stoke had agreed a transfer with Rubin Kazan prior to the CAS proceedings but were aware that it would be very difficult to make a case for a work permit. Everton had also looked at the player last season but, like Stoke, new the Work Permit situation would be a problem. Whilst playing for RK in 2014 it was suggested that Brendan Rodgers was keen on the player but I cannot confirm that. Rubin Kazan received a little over €2M in compensation at the ruling of CAS and have no recourse for appeal. Marseille have watched the player this season and would possibly be interested in the summer, but they remain concerned that his best form comes in International sides who are lowly ranked. Antalyaspor and Konyaspor have attended matches to watch Azmoun this season and Liverpool had representatives at the recent Atletico Madrid v Rostov game but I do not know the reason why - to look at Azmoun (who scored)? Perhaps. So a maybe at best - and perhaps an odd choice.}

1.) 09 Nov 2016
09 Nov 2016 13:06:57
Cheers ed. Obtaining a work permit might be an issue then.

{Ed002's Note - Not if someone were to overpay for him.}

2.) 09 Nov 2016
09 Nov 2016 13:25:20
Owe right. wouldn't be the first time for us. See what develops. Cheers for replys Ed.

3.) 10 Nov 2016
10 Nov 2016 11:07:46
how come overpaying makes a difference to work permits ed?

{Ed002's Note - Because it is a points based system now. The player needs a minimum of four points and summary goes something like this:
- The value of the transfer fee (alone) that is to be paid is between the top 75% and 100% of all transfers to Premier League clubs in the previous 2 windows - 3 points
- The value of the transfer fee being paid for the player is between 50% and 75% of all transfers to Premier League clubs in the previous 2 windows - 2 points
- The basic wage (excluding bonuses) being paid to the player by the new club is in the top 25% of the top 30 earners at the club - 3 points
- The basic wage (excluding bonuses) being paid to the player by the new club is between 50% and 75% of all the top 30 earners at the club - 2 points
- Subjectively, the player’s current club is in a recognised "top" league and the player has played in 30% or more of the available domestic league minutes - 1 point
- The player’s existing club has played in the group stages or onwards of the Champions League, Europa League or the Copa Libertadores within the last 12 months and the player has played in 30% or more of the available domestic league minutes - 1 point
}

4.) 12 Nov 2016
12 Nov 2016 10:18:47
Can a work permit be taken away after a player has obtained one. Like if transfers that took place after player X was bought pushed him from the bracket of 2 points for transfer fee to 1 point or something similar and he then fell short of the point total needed. Is this possible or is it set at the time of transfer?

{Ed002's Note - It can be taken away under certain circumstances, but not the situation you describe. The rules as applied are at the time of the player making the move and the application being made.}