When Levy announces the signings of Aurier, Foyth, Sessegnon, Barkley, Balde, Martial and <insert superstar name> right before the close of transfer deadline... please log in to view this image
Apparently Poch has stated in today's press conference that he's after a total of 5 players now, inclusive of Gazza. So, 3 of: Barkley Aurier Foyth Balde Dier Hard's Mystery Man.
Lets call him Isco for short. I need a name to beat DH with for the rest of the season if it doesn't happen.
FWIW my guesses would be the first three. I don't even personally believe there is a mystery man but there's just a few whispers popping about that Levy is working on something that you could say was van der Vaart-esque but I'm doubtful. Only a week to go anyway peeps and then we can all chill.
I agree with Brian. It can be argued that most of our outgoings were a waste of time and money as it was, but it is looking increasingly likely that this window will see a minimum of 5 out, and a maximum of 5 in, with only 2 of those likely to have an immediate impact (Sanchez and Aurier, if it even happens). The other 3 incomings (if they happen) include a young prospect, a back up keeper and someone who is crocked for half the season. Would anyone honestly be happy if by the end of the window we had: OUT Walker Bentaleb Njie Fazio Wimmer CCV IN Sanchez Gazzanigga Foyth Aurier Barkley ...I certainly wouldn't. Throw in Sessegnon and Balde and perhaps we're talking. But as it is, it looks like we're making jam for tomorrow again.
I think your pretty spot on mate - Sanchez, Gazzaniga, Foyth, Aurier with Barkley bought in on deadline day or close to deadline day. Hopefully a brucie bonus will be young Sancho from City but they seem to be making the transfer very difficult as you would expect. My one concern is the champions league with Dele suspended for the first three games. As we know Barkley wont be availble due to injury and if we dont sign another attacker then it leaves us with Eriksen and Son starting with even less options on the bench. As much as i like Barkley we desperately need a quality attacker in right now who can hit the ground running.
I wouldn't be either. Sanchez is a great signing, but in a position that I feel we didn't need to necessarily prioritise in. Barkley just joins Lamela in the treatment room. Foyth is likely to just end up replacing CCV's role in the squad. Aurier signing is definitely one of the issues addressed, so that's great business. But overall, I don't see the squad looking like much of an immediate improvement.
If that's our business come the deadline then yup, pretty much. GK: Hugo, Vorm, Gazza RB: (Aurier), Tripps, KWP CB: Toby, Jan, Sanchez, Dier, (Foyth) LB: Rose, Davies CM: Dembele, Wanyama, Dier, Winks, (Barkley) AM: Alli, Eriksen, Son, Lamela, (Barkley), GK, Sissoko, Edwards ST: Kane, Janssen, Son It's a strong squad, I know some/ many disagree but we have a number of top players there and some aren't even guaranteed to start. Would be brilliant if we could add another striker as I want Harry to have genuine competition but if we don't, there's still plenty of goals in the squad, as we proved last season.
A few comments from Lazio sporting director Igli Tare on the Keita Balde situation. You may want to clench your sphincter first... "He’s a Lazio player. There are important European and non-European teams that want him...But at the moment, there’s a war of attrition, especially on his agent’s part. “Still, we have so much confidence and patience. Every decision will be made for everyone’s benefit, including the player, because no-one comes out of this as the winner. Therefore, I’m using common sense. I hope to find a solution, not only for the player but also Lazio." So...Los Ladrones haven't whacked a ****ing ludicrous release clause on Mateo Kovacic yet, have they?
If Rose and Lamela get fit soon; If we sign Aurier and he's allowed into the country; If Edwards shows that he's capable of first team football. remember he was a late sub in the Euro's for the U18's; If GKN is more than just a fiction invented for tax purposes; If we sign Barkley; If Barkley gets fit; If Barkley click, unlike numerous other signings; If Sissoko stays and we trust him enough to use him other than in absolute extremis; If Vinnie stays not only because we've run out of options and we're down to prayer that he improves. That's a whole lot of "ifs" for my money.
Defensively theres definetely an improvement if Aurier and Foyth join Sanchez. If Aurier's head is right many believe ability wise he is up there with Walker and a like for like replacement. Im convinced everyone will be raving about Sanchez come the end of the season and as long as he settles will be a huge improvement on Wimmer. Foyth in for CCV - Will have to trust Poch and his staff on this one. Attacking wise no improvement really if Barkley arrives he will improve us but thats not til christmas probably.
There's just no steps forward in that squad, IMO. Past the first XI I'm still looking at the bench and thinking who makes a difference right now? (Other than son if he's not already on the pitch.) Then there's the fact that all of our rivals have strengthened, and will continue to do so before deadline day. If that's potentially the finished article, it just looks a bit underwhelming.
