Looking at the window so far, SW seems to have been well prepared and has got the majority of the business done quickly. I suspect that the Pukki deal was done earlier, but had to wait until his contract ended today. There's still the question about whether Oliveira stays or goes, but hopefully there's a replacement lined up if he leaves. With Wildschut likely to go out on loan, another wide player will be needed. Wilson and Palmer have been mentioned and the latter would add another option at number 10 as well. Another goalkeeper may also be needed. Other than those possibilities, we look to now have a solid squad ready for the pre-season and then the season itself. Well done SW.
There has been a number of juniors signing senior contracts they were just the names I recognised. Also 3 players signed for the u23s including ex-Everton u18 captain Tom Scully
SOOOO different from some recent seasons when we were making signings in the last few weeks once the season had started. I'm REALLY looking forward to the new season!!!
Found a couple of insightful comments on Reddit about Pukki. Firstly, from u/Puluzu, a Finnish football fan: Whilst another picks out his pace, clever running and finishing as his primary strengths. It's interesting that a 2-striker system apparently suits him, and the same has been said of Srbeny. They clearly have different strengths, I wonder if there's any intention to play them together? Matthews Hanley Klose Zimmerman Marshall Tettey Lewis Leitner Trybull Pukki Srbeny Perhaps?
Bit of an odd rumour - Jens Hegeler from Bristol City. 30 year old DM, who hasn't really adapted to the English game since joining from his native Germany 18 months ago. He ended up being more successful at CB for Bristol, but also had some pretty significant injuries. So he's another overseas player, older, potentially blocks Godfrey from the first team, adds to our already fully stocked central midfield options, has a poor injury record, and his current club have no idea what his best position is. No doubt he'll be announced at the kit launch then...
On Hegeler, realistically it only makes sense if he's considered a dedicated CB. If Bristol don't rate him he'd be cheap, already has some experience with the league, and is German so should fit in! Perhaps allows us to loan out Raggett, or sell Klose. I don't think it's seriously going to happen though. Apparently we've approached Chelsea to loan attacking midfielder Kasey Palmer. That rumour has been around for a while. Toni Leistner (free agent CB who was rumoured for ages) is in the UK for a medical. Villa and Leeds also interested, but Villa have zero cash. Might see some news about that in the next few days. Twitter also has a rumour about a Dortmund RB joining, perhaps on loan, but I can't find any kind of source for that.
Pleased with Marshall over the line. He will add some good creativity and should help us hold on to the ball. Pukki, sounds interesting. I think I remember him at Celtic. I think he will drift out wide (which is where our strikers went missing last season). But like said above, he will play on the shoulder and if Marshall, Kenny etc, can pick out a good early ball. Maybe we could have the kind of pacey striker I think we have missed for a fair few seasons. If his contract was up and he was on a free, then that sounds a decent risk.
Also pleased with both players. Marshall provides a different option WR and can also play WL as well as RB which adds solidity down the right side in addition to the skills necessary to break down packed defences. Essentially an upgrade on Watkins for the same money we received for him, this is a clever deal. Pukki also looks to be a good deal, increasing our options up front on a free transfer. He didn't do well at Celtic because they didn't play to his strengths, too often using him as a target man (as DH's post points out). At last we have a pacey striker to peg back opposing defences, counter and vary the attack. He has long shot skills as well as the ability to get behind defences to score goals. He's not strong heading crosses so they'll need to be kept low so he can use his quick feet to score. His success will depend on the quality of service he receives from the flanks or through balls from Leitner or Vrancic. Both of these signings have stirred my optimism for this season especially as all of the new players will have a full pre-season to prepare.
I'm feeling a lot more positive to see us making new signings nearer the beginning of the window than scrapping around at the end of it and so paying higher fees. I've mostly been confident that the SW/DF model could work and I'm pleased I've got myself an ST for next season!!!!
Well Gary Gowers seems suitably impressed with Finnish recruit - 'I’m no expert on Danish football but a goal in nearly every other game is decent and, perhaps even more relevant in the circumstances, is that he has built a reputation for his clever movement in and around the box – something that is an absolute must in the current set-up. Daniel Farke reiterated this point on the club’s site yesterday and spoke of a “technical player with really smart movements” and someone who has a happy knack of making “runs in-behind” – both big ticks in the box. That he’s “a brilliant character” – a trait that Stuart Webber and Farke value highly – is a bonus.' http://norwichcity.myfootballwriter...riendly-just-five-days-away-whos-up-for-this/
In that YouTube clip most are tap ins from a few yards. 28 and free but I don't think he and Sir Benny are going to frighten many teams. I live in hope though.
Good article and I've just posted a reply. As Gary points out, "clever movement in and around the box" is precisely what we need.
There are some tap ins, but there's also good long shots and some very clever heel flicks for goals. Time will tell, but he looks good to me and should succeed if he gets the right service from the flanks and telling through balls from Leitner and Vrancic. Also seems to be a totally different temperament to that of Oliveira. I'm more optimistic now.
I remember creaming my pants over the Wolfswinkel goals video from Sporting and Lafferty's from Palermo. The Rhodes link seemed ridiculous but I would be more confident with Marriott getting the goals than Pukki. There is a reason Maddisson was worth £20 plus million and Josh 11 ,to adequately replace these guys with free transfers seems ambitious but I hope it works out.
The other thing I like about Pukki is that he can only be here because he believes he can play at a higher level. At Brondby he was comfortable, winning titles and playing European games. We can't offer him any of that, nor an increased pay packet. So he'd only come here if he thought he could succeed, or use us as a stepping stone.
Crikey, we're really trying to get our new signings in quickly - http://www.edp24.co.uk/sport/norwic...for-chelsea-midfielder-kasey-palmer-1-5585831 Edit - This one will have to wait until we see who is going to be manager there next season!!!!
