This means absolutely nothing. My Monday night 6-a-side team could think 'we're not great in midfield, let's think who would make us better?' 'xxxx have identified Manchester City's Kevin De Bruyne as a main summer signing. Team captain Paddy Podped and guy-who-collects-the-money Luke are in unison about doing “what it takes” to get their man. Paddy Podpoed in particular has been very impressed with the player.' But doesn't meant KDB will be heading this way anytime soon
David Silva signs for Real Sociedad, hugely pissing off Lazio: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/53823255
Everyone knows it’s me you’re after. I’ll need a Lucozade Sport, a banana and I’m not paying that Luke chap any subs. I don’t track midfield runners much either. when are you sending the car?
That’s the new Arhletic Saints reporter Dan Sheldon (ex-Echo sports writer. Already has a relationship with the club before this so this is probably all very reliable) Here’s a summary: - Ralph wanted CB and RB to be done before pre-season as they were urgent needs. Club delivered what was asked. - Reed still up in the air. Lots of interest around PL for around £8m but will join pre-season and have additional assessment. - Smallbone is seen as having a big chance this year. Needs to put on muscle. Outs: - Carrillo has not returned in order to make a move easier with travel restricted. Expecting a move to Velez. - Hoedt will be resolved this summer. Some interest but seems clear he won’t be at the club when the window closes. - Lemina has not returned for same reason as Carrillo. Expecting a sale. Club think they can get a decent fee. - Gunn will probably leave on loan. No offers for Forster yet. - Vestergaard had interest in January. Club will sell if they get an offer that recoups their outlay. Contracts: - Bertrand and Stephens expected to sign new deals soon. - Ings and Bednarek seen as key to be renewed. - Bednarek is an ultra driven professional who recently had his blood analysed and gave up gluten in order to get more performance out of himself. He’ll be key again this season and may well seek a challenge at a higher level.
He’s got two left so I think another good year and we’ll be getting offers which they should accept. He’s worked hard to get to where he has and I wouldn’t begrudge him the move.
He hasn't been that good so not sure why he would be expecting to get offers. Stephens has been better over the past season imo.
He and Stephens have begun to form a partnership. But for me Bednarek is easily the senior partner there. It’s all about opinions though.
Trouble is, after this season he only has 1 left which vastly reduces his value to us if sold, and doesn't sound like he will extend. Puts us in a tricky spot, does that.
Yeah, not ideal. But if he puts it all in for another season, we have something to look forward to this winter. If we can get in the ground that is...
Not so sure - out of the two of them, Bednarek is the one who makes more mistakes - although he is younger and if he continues to improve and iron out little mistakes I can see him becoming a top defender. No guarantee that will happen though so thought he'd be better off getting a pay rise and extension at Saints and then move on in a year or 2 IF he does improve.
I wouldn't read too much into the Bednarek thing. Could just be the journo's questions were designed in a particular way. No professional would say that they aren't 'driven' or 'open to a challenge at a higher level' when pushed for an answer.
It’s a common mantra that we must sell while a player has some time on his contract....and there are financial reasons for that. But I can also see that in a particular case a manager might say that he needs a player for one last season because he suits his plans. Bednarek may be just such a case...especially if there is no alternative around at the right price.
Hojbjerg being the recent example, how much would we have got for him last summer? We still managed 18m this summer with one year left and after a pretty average season. I’d be looking to keep Bednarek for the year and who knows if we perform very well he might be tempted to stay anyway or any potential suitor might sign an alternative and his options become limited.
