I agree he is a good player but the problem with what you suggest is that if he gets crocked in September, which is a fair bet, it leaves us most likely with only 2/3 centre backs until we can do something in January so after allowing for suspensions and other injuries no doubt we have defensive issues for a number of games. No point in saving money if we can't put a decent team on the park
Catch 22 Stav.
No doubt he’s a good player.
A fully fit, or even 90% fit Hoban would find better than us.
But the obvious & perennial problem is that he’s seldom fit & now had TWO serious, career threatening injuries.
Too much of a gamble.
We can’t afford what would be potentially our highest earner PROBABLY injured most of the time.