Stage: concrete interest. The interested club has formally approached. The link is speculative for now. He is a loyal type and unlikely to push for a move. The talk has begun to distract him.
Stage: negotiations are opening. Briefings from the interested club leaked. The link is speculative for now. He is a loyal type and unlikely to push for a move. The talk has begun to distract him.
Stage: shortlisted. The local press has carried the story. The link is speculative for now. The media noise around the link is building. The talk has begun to distract him.
Outlook
Expectations may build after a stand-out moment.
Breakthrough into the senior squad
Reassured by the manager's half-time message
Minor
Cause
The team were behind, and the manager needed a response. He does not always respond well to pressure, which softened the lift.
Outlook
Trend is improving — relationship should keep strengthening.
Reassured by a calm full-time message
Minor
Cause
The moment called for a quiet show of support. He does not always respond well to pressure, which softened the lift.
Outlook
Trend is improving — relationship should keep strengthening.
Wants to head back home
Serious
Cause
After a long, difficult settling period he is openly hoping for a move home or to a familiar club. (The move took him to a different continent.; He still does not speak the local language.)
Outlook
Contract request risk increased.
Still struggling to settle into the squad
Moderate
Cause
He has not yet made the connections that come naturally to most signings.