I've never been entirely sold on Dio. He has produced flashes, sure, but not the steady control you want from a midfield presence. He rarely looked like the player who could break lines or sit in the holding role consistently, and you can see why Rohl moved to bring Chukwuani in. Losing his place in the team — and, as many have said, his national squad — feels like the end result of that inconsistency.

Midfield questions

To be fair, midfield is a position that requires rhythm and influence. When a player doesn't impose himself off the ball, the team loses its shape and tempo. Dio often seemed to be a step late or half a yard away from the key moments. That might explain why he was replaced rather than trusted to find form again. It isn't personal; it's about the balance of the side and what the manager needs from that role.

Valuing Dio

Here's the awkward bit for fans who want the club to cash in: how do you justify an £8m price tag for someone who has been dropped and whose national place has gone? I hope we get a decent fee, but I'd be stunned if that number is realistic. Comparisons with other clubs' spending aren't always helpful either — yes, other teams can overpay — but looking at Lennon Miller, for example, you can see why some supporters feel he would've been a more ready-made fit for what we need.

The bigger picture

There’s a broader frustration here. Supporters are worried about the sums we've thrown at players who haven't worked out, and rightly want common sense applied to both purchases and sales. We shouldn't be paying big money for one player and then expect to get more back for someone who’s lost his place. I want us to recoup as much as possible, but I'm sceptical that an £8m exit is likely. Truth is, we need smarter business overall — and a midfield that gives the manager options he trusts.

In the end, it's about balance. You can see why fans are annoyed. I hope the club does well in negotiations, but I'm not betting on a miracle profit here.

Written by Boyne: 14 June 2026

Tags: tactics