How might football clubs calculate the price of any outgoing players? With the constant speculation surrounding the departure of yet another Oakwell gem, surely it's about time we address this. We really need to talk about Andy.

Considered by some to be one of the most successful investors in the world, Warren Buffett is an American business magnate, investor and philanthropist, who was once famously quoted as saying, "Price is what you pay. Value is what you get."

It's a quote that implies that price and value are not always one and the same to a buyer. Perhaps we should also consider that when you apply this logic to the business of transfer deals in English football, it should also point to the responsibility of any selling party to carefully consider the flip side of this argument.


Can the revenue generated by clubs in player sales, truly compensate them for the loss of the intrinsic value of their player? How might football clubs calculate the price of any outgoing players? With the constant speculation surrounding the departure of yet another Oakwell gem, surely it's about time we address this. We really need to talk about Andy.

We don't have access to any fabled spreadsheet, that automatically generates the value of every squad member. But if we did, we would suggest that the following nine considerations would be taken into account for any formula.

1. Squad status
With 32 games to his name, Yiadom would have almost been an ever present during the Reds return to the Championship. A staccato presence in the new year, his season was only halted briefly by minor injury and his departure to the African Cup of Nations.

2. Age

Just 25 years old. Yiadom has his best football in front of him.

3. Talent
It's always a matter for debate. How do you measure performances long term? If you consider that Andy Yiadom made 33 appearance in his debut season, with three assists to his name, does that make him one of our most valued assets? According to WhoScored.com, he was the best performing right back in the Championship last season.

4. Versatility

Well known for his prowess at right back (118 career appearances), our Andy has also played right midfield (46 career appearances), left back (21 career appearances), plus centre, left and defensive midfield roles when called upon.

5. League factor

Let's be fair, even in The Championship, Barnsley does not get the credit it deserves. Especially in an era where former Premier League teams are essentially operating with budgets that would make the eyes water of many a Serie A, Bundesliga and La Liga owner, it's a crying shame that any talent is stalked for a pittance out of Oakwell. Alfie Mawson (sold for a reported £5m, becomes a price tagged £17m player in just 12 months). John Stones serves a 12-year apprenticeship at Barnsley and escalates from a value of just £2.98m when sold to Everton, to a player valued at £47.26m by Manchester City - in just 3-and-a-half further years.

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6. International Caps

Yiadom has just a couple of caps to his name. It's not bad though, for a player who made his debut for the 'Black Stars' at the Africa Cup of Nations in 2017, where Ghana were placed in a very respectable fourth place.

7. Adaptability

Its a perennial issue with players arriving in the Premiership. Can they adapt? Again there's no guarantee if any individual can blossom in England's top flight, but the risks are seriously reduced when a player has amassed over 239 domestic appearances. Andy Yiadom is built for the frenetic pace and rigour of the English game. If anything, his progression has been relatively easy.

8. Leadership

In 177 appearances at Barnet, Yiadom was considered as the consummate leader and held the captain's armband at The Hive Stadium. Martin Allen, his former boss, was always of the opinion that Yiadom was destined for 'bigger and better things'. Should he remain, the Players' Player of the Season winner would definitely be a favourite candidate to hold the captain's armband for the 2017/18 season and beyond.

9. Contract status
This is always our achilles heal. Although Yiadom signed on a free transfer from Barnet, the club's hierarchy felt that any initial offer was only deserving of a two-year contract. It's a painful issue for our management team who have lost the the core members of a team who would have undoubtedly helped the Reds challenge for a top six place.  Namely, Watkins, Bree, Hourihane, Scowen, Roberts and even Winnall. Now is the time to put the brakes on this weak policy.

Don’t forget you can follow us on Twitter @OnThePontyEnd. Please comment below with your opinion on Barnsley's current policy on outgoing transfers Thanks for reading!
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Ian Wilkinson

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