Stage: loose rumour. The national press has carried the story. The link is speculative for now. The same rumour keeps coming back. The talk has begun to distract him.
Their personalities have rubbed against each other for a while now. It played out behind the dressing-room door, away from the cameras.
Outlook
Repeated incidents may damage dressing-room status.
Repeated transfer talk is becoming a distraction
Minor
Cause
Stage: loose rumour. The national press has carried the story. The link is speculative for now. The same rumour keeps coming back. The talk has begun to distract him.
Stage: negotiations are opening. Briefings from the interested club leaked. It would offer an escape from his current situation. Starts would likely be easier to come by. He wants the club to listen if a serious bid arrives. Playing time would likely improve.
Stage: the player rejected the terms. Briefings from the interested club leaked. It would offer an escape from his current situation. Starts would likely be easier to come by. He wants the club to listen if a serious bid arrives. Playing time would likely improve.
Stage: concrete interest. The interested club has formally approached. Smaller club, but more minutes on offer. He is the kind of player whose camp likes the noise. He is cautious until something concrete arrives. The role on offer is not a clean fit.
Left out of the matchday squad
Minor
Cause
The current formation has no natural role for him.
Outlook
Likely to settle unless repeated within the next few weeks.