Moving past the depressing fact that we're operating on the 'low-end' of the transfer window once again, I wondered what would constitute a good transfer window? To me, our first 11 post January transfer window was strong - although we lacked depth. As it stands now, our 11 seems as strong but we lack even more depth. In my view, a good window means bringing in a starting striker, creative cover (if Shelvey gets injured), a replacement for Mbemba (Schar?) and cover at LB/RB. I'd love to end up with the following: Welbeck (although I seem to be in the minority who actually also rates Rondon) Schar Joe Bryan A RB Creative backup - Grenier? Curious to see what everyone else thinks!
I'd say the following would transform the window, leaving us greatly strengthened across the board. It shouldn't be inconceivable considering the likely sums each would cost (though Welbeck is probably on a wage packet which will act as an effective Mike deterrant). Welbeck (Loan) Muto (£14million) Schar (£3.6million) Joe Bryan (£???) Grenier (£2.5million)
Rafa signs his contract We sell the duds Rafa doesn't want (Mbemba, Mitrovic, Sels, Lazaar, Colback, Saivet, Hayden) Mike releases the money We sign some players (maybe 7 including Bryan, Welbeck, Schar or Reyes, Townsend, Maia, Schurrle, RB). We qualify for Europe. People drink a lot and be happy.
A new striker. On loan will do but has to be an improvement on what we have. Left back. Dummet is a decent option but without him we're very weak in that position. All pipe dreams though. We'll be lucky to bring anybody else in. No money apparently
Welcome Julio, good first article Welbeck - I would take Welbeck to be honest, light years ahead of Rondon and actually managed 45+ games in all comps last year for club and country (mainly as a sub admittedly) Schar - Hopefully with a quoted £3-4m fee this one is do-able, think as a third choice he'd be good but I'd sooner shift on Clark than Mbemba Joe Bryan - Would be a quality addition and good competition for Dummy - £6m fee sounds like he could be within our range as well. RB - Think (if we keep Mbemba) there's no need for a RB Yedlin, Mbemba (2nd choice) and Manquillo (both sides) is adequate cover Creative backup - Grenier - Id rather see a real tough tackling CM come in that a creative player, think Ki and Shelvey are very similar and will be cover for one another. Possibly Tom Davies off Everton looks like he's got something about him last season in the limited times I saw him, happy to put a tackle in and has a but going forwards as well? AM - would love a good 10 to come in and provide competition for Ayoze Others have mentioned Muto - never seen enough of the lad but Welbeck in for Gayle, Muto in for Joselu and we are laughing. Praying the reports are correct today and Fulham have moved on from Mitro, would laugh so hard at all the lads and lasses slamming Mitro with little justification.
At least one experienced, quality CF. A quality #10. A replacement for Mbemba who is actually better than Mbemba. A quality young attacking LB to back up and hopefully one day surpass Dummett.. A quality RW who is better than Matt Ritchie. All that will leave us in a strong position to attack the coming season. A lot of work to be done in a short amount of time. I wonder if Lee is up to it. He's had Rafa's list for some time now.
Personally I would by a good CM (not sure who0 then have Diame and Ki as back up) - much improved midfield then.
Also not too many on loan. We are setting up for the **** one day hitting the fan a la Sunderland if we loan too many.
Gentle reminder the window closes in 18 days. The words "flurry" and "activity", coupled with "urgency" don't tend to feature much for Mike or Lee.
