$500k for a 19yo is a big offer. But in recent years a few clubs have paid massive overs to others that have exploded onto the scene. I think that it's still a bit of a gamble to offer it on a 5 year basis given that he's already had a shoulder reconstruction at 19. But if he improves and stays fit it could be a poor deal for him in the future. No doubt his manager would have pointed that out to him. Given his statements upon debuting there, it seems like he's pretty happy to be playing for them. But loyalty these days has a price tag and it wouldn't surprise me if he drops the loyalty for a better deal.
I don't know if the club has been among those talking to him or not. But we do have some decent prospects in the lower grades. Maybe we'll see some of them stake claims this year and negate the need to recruit another centre. Personally I hope that we return to a state where the juniors we bring through allow us to selectively snipe for positions in need.
I'm of the opinion that any wishing on my part won't change what the club does anyway. So if we wind up making a successful play for someone like Xerri I'll get excited about the signing after it gets announced rather than buying into speculation and having any kind of wishlist about potential recruits. I'm a spectator in every way. I don't lack respect for the people that have wishlists. But I do find it a bit amusing to see people tearing hair out over the fact that players they'd like to have here don't get recruited. I just don't see any point in stressing about things I have zero input on.