With the rumours of the impending take over at Newcastle it might be worth trying to get targets done relatively quickly (sure). I would assume we would be looking at roughly the same types of players and if they get a big cash injection then you'd imagine most players would much prefer going there than Saints.
Assuming we both go for the same players. If they have all the money in the world Newcastle can only buy so many players.
Ralph's praise of Shane and his influence in the changing room makes me think that there may be a squad place for him next season which I would be ok with personally.
That seems to have gone a bit quiet. Really hope we do get him mind - Only just seen Adam Blackmore's tweet - let's get this signed!!
Austin was pretty much gone whether we signed anyone or not. If we sign Adams, then he goes to the top of the list and Long is where Austin is now. Long is on the last year of his deal, and he's 32. We probably shouldn't sign him to an extension, especially if we bring in Adams. Long is probably going to get a better deal if he leaves now than if he is 33 and has spent the last year on the bench. So I think he has to seriously think about exploring his options. And I don't think we would stop him since he's been a loyal servant this whole time. And we could possibly get a small sum of money for him, instead of losing him for nothing and paying him way too much to be a sub. It's a move that works out for both sides. Hasenhuttl said about Austin that if a player wants to stay and has a good attitude he will not force them out. But he can't guarantee them a role in the squad, and so he understands if they want to leave he won't stop them. I think that applies to Long as well. They only have one year left so it doesn't cost much to keep them, and it's not like anyone is going to pay us a huge sum of money for them. So it's fine if they stay. But it doesn't make that much sense for the player.
His form and goals at the end of the season, combined (as you say) with his camaraderie and positive attitude around the place will probably be enough to keep Ralph and the club happy. I personally would keep him as not many players are happy playing a bit part role nowadays, so he is fairly useful and seemingly happy off the bench. Ultimately I think staying will depend on whether we offer him more than a one year deal. I think it's highly likely that we will only offer a one year extension, which would be a good move for the club. At 32 however, knowing he's probably only got one more deal left in him, he'll probably want something longer term to secure a longer life as a pro. If we offer him a 1 year then he'll probably wait to see what else comes in for him first, before committing. He's been a great, loyal servant and I'd be happy for him to stay in a bit part role.
Who is Goiginger ? I know he is Austrian but he doesn’t seem to have much of a profile What type of player is he? If he is an attacker I assume he must be fast? Whose place in the squad does he potentially take? Armstrong ? So is the plan seemingly to add Djenpo, Adams and Goiginger to our options for the front 4 positions. Added to Ings, Redmond, Obafemi, Ward Prowse and perhaps Long? Which seems the plan to try and offload Moi, Boufal, Carrillo , Austin, Gallagher and Sims (latter probably on loan plus any others with no permanent buyers) ? Just trying to piece together what the planned squad will look like
Taking a wild guess, I reckon our starting 11 first game looks like: Gunn Valery New CB Vest Bertrand Jwp Hoj Redmon djenepo Adams Augustin (because I like to dream) Goiginger on the bench for now
Surely we only sign Adam and Augustin if we can somehow shuffle Ings straight out ... That may not be impossible as strikers are always in demand and he has had his moments I would be scared of playing with that central midfield !
We always have better control and possession with JWP and Pierre in the team together and with Romeu sitting behind them in front of the defence it works very well IMO.
I don’t disagree but everyone is assuming the idea would be to move to 4-2-2-2. But given our starting players that is probably too much of a change. Much more dynamism needed in central midfield as well as up front . Basically all over the pitch
Is formation / potential squad or team chat better served by a separate thread than the transfer one ?
