5 Reasons Why Fabian Delph Was Right To Turn Man City Down

3. Transfer Fees

In the summer of 2009 there were several clubs after the services of Delph who was learning his trade at Leeds. Villa won the race for his signature and confirmed his signing in August. According to this Guardian article from that year, the fee was a figure "rising to £8m". It must have been a shock to Villa fans, then, when Delph's release clause of £8 million as part of his recent contract extension was revealed. Delph has had to be patient during his Villa career. Lengthy spells out of the game through injury caused disruption for the sought-after midfielder after he joined the club. Lambert's arrival, however, with his ill-fated young player selection policy, gave Delph the chance to shine. When Delph signed his new contract last season he praised the club for sticking with him while he was injured. Perhaps the low release clause of £8m was designed as a relegation buy-out, but regardless of the negotiations it would have been somewhat unfair on Villa if he was to leave for such a low fee.