I would be surprised if Bertrand was actively trying to engineer a move away. Much has been said about his attitude and body language but to me, he looks permanently miserable, winning or losing. It's also worth remembering why he's here in the first place. He has experienced life at a big club already and did not like it. The same is true of Romeu.
Whereas I would say that his outstanding service from the wing was simply not converted by the players in the box. He could have had another 10-15 assists if we'd capitalised on his good work.
Or if we worked those crosses in a fashion that allowed both crosser and target more space. We plunked an awfully large number of crosses in from relatively deep and very static positions, and that's not the fault of the fullbacks, IMO.
I must have missed his outstanding service from the wing. We definitely got better this season from McQueen imo. How many goals have scored from crosses this season? I didn't miss Maya having to run 30 yards to cover for him on at least 5 occasions in the last few games though.
I'm just looking forward to clubs coming in for van dijk and Bertrand so at least some of the hatred will be directed at the club rather than Puel.
I think it is time for the board to show some resolve. Sit down with VVD persuade him to stay another 12 months. To my mind this is the most imortant thing to do over the close season. In addition the team needs a goalscoring midfielder. The Fulham midfielder springs to mind. Could Cairney be another Tim Cahill, who proved to be a good PL player taken from the Championship?
They were there as youngsters. To think that they'll now not want to go to a big club because they weren't first choice in their early 20's is naive, bordering on stupidity.
Typical Wenger signing, he must be staying to the joy of their fans, and looks like he'll be splashing the cash. NOT. http://readsouthampton.com/2017/05/22/arsenal-in-talks-with-saints-target-onyekuru/
The interest in him is from Championship clubs. I do not think he is ready for PL, and he would have been even less ready had he spent the season on the bench, which would have happened. We would not play him over Gabbiadini, Austin, and probably not Long. And his contract is up next season. Sometimes it just doesn't work out for a player at a club. But 7m would be a good price for us and a move away is probably best for Gallagher, so it ends on a semi-happy note.
If we were to sell both Betrand and VVD to Liverpool they would have half their first team made up of ex Saints. After a point its frankly embarrassing for both parties.
Bearing in mind they are desperate for a proper striker who will cost a small fortune, I am not convinced they will have the funds available to them to buy both VVD and Bertrand who would set them back £75m-£100m. Their desperate need is for a LB so I can see Bertrand going there VVD would definitely be better off with City if he decides to leave which I hope and prey he doesn't
To be fair, the "slaves" we trade are rather better looked-after than the ones that used to get stolen from their homes and families in Africa. These ones get paid rather more than the ones doing the trading as well!
A 21 year old ST who has scored 11 goals in a relegated team? I think we'd be foolish to not bring him back into the fold.
Especially as: Would cost nothing Low wages Can't do much worse than Long/Jay this season Young academy player so can improve Part of the club philosophy. I'd like to see him given a chance but I would understand if we got offered close to £10m.
Kane was a slow starter, at Spurs, being loaned out. He didn't turn out too bad, when finally given his chance two seasons ago. I think he is worth keeping for another look.
