I get asked why I’d put Fernández ahead of Raskin in terms of transfer value, so here’s my thinking laid out. There’s nothing mystical about it — it’s about scarcity, market dynamics and a view on long‑term potential. To be fair, all three matter when you’re pricing our youngsters.

Centre‑backs are a rarer commodity

Good or great centre‑backs simply aren’t as common as good centre‑midfielders. Defenders who combine reading of the game, physicality and the ability to play out from the back are at a premium. Clubs in England and abroad pay handsomely for a sure‑fire, composed centre‑half who can organise a back line and step into build‑up play. You can see why a club would be willing to splash more on that profile.

The England factor and market realities

There’s also the so‑called English factor. English‑born players often attract an additional premium when English teams are in the mix — call it an ‘English tax’ if you like. Even when foreign clubs buy and later sell back into England, that premium tends to persist. It’s not a rule etched in stone, but it’s a real part of transfer market psychology and pricing.

Potential and personal valuation

Finally, and this is important, I believe Manny will have the better career in relative terms. That belief colours my valuation. It’s my view — mine and mine alone — so it’s perfectly fine to disagree. Putting numbers on it, I don’t see Raskin going for much more than £20m up front, maybe creeping to £25m with add‑ons that will probably be tricky to hit. With Manny, I’d be comfortable saying a clean £30m is achievable.

Does that mean Raskin isn’t hugely talented? Not at all. Both are assets to the club. It’s just how the market prices certain positions and profiles that leads me to favour Fernández in monetary terms. End of the day, these are personal valuations based on market sense and projection — not hard certainties.

Written by Stevie_G_new: 22 July 2026

Tags: transfers opinion