Despite last window shutting so recently, gossip is already rife about who will go where in the next one. So apologies for starting a new thread so early, but ...........'ere we go again!
Feels a bit weird to have a season where we have got a great shot at promotion, but are expecting players to leave
Everyone was going to leave when we got relegated in the end only Lewis & Godfrey went. Aarons is almost certain to go hopefully bring in a fee similar to Lewis & Godfrey combined, we may lose 1 or 2 more, but I doubt it will be nowhere near as bad as the press rumours will suggest. I think SW is well aware of how much money we need to generate from sales
Just read something on Newsnow that Celtic should consider Pukki as a replacement striker. I recall that he had a pretty fruitless time there several years ago and can’t imagine he would want to return. At 31? he may be running out of time to stay at the top table but this seems a long shot.
Why would he want to go back there? Playing in a better class league, and next season in the best league in the world if all goes to plan for the next 13 matches, Would they pay more than we will be paying in the EPL next season?
Personally it would not bother me if we don't go on a spending spree his summer again. I think that the current team would be better able to cope with life in the top flight than last season. I'm not saying that the squad we have would guarantee survival but realistically we are looking at places 14-20, hopefully the top four of those. But if we go down again I can put up with another season putting the willies up all comers in the Championship. Pukki has alrêady proved that he is up to the Premiership, without that late slump from the whole team he would have most likely been close to twenty.
I agree with Farked19 would be happy to see us invest money on increasing ground capacity and buying developing players over spending millions on established PL players .
According to the Yorkshire Post A.C.Milan have now entered the scrimmage(sic) to sign Max. With all the big name clubs reported to be interested, I would expect a very significant transfer fee to be agreed for his transfer this summer. And very significant add ons. 25% sell on minimum for instance.
Also, Pukki relies heavily on a style of play that spots his movement up front. Our current set-up, with players like Buendia, Cantwell and Vrancic able to thread a pass, (not to mention midfielders and defenders who can do the same), is the perfect match for him. A more muscular, bang-in-the-crosses-and-rely-on-set-pieces type of club wouldn't play to his strengths at all.
Agree with the others, I can see absolutely nothing in that rumour. Why go back to a club where you're going to be pre-judged by supporters who remember you from your previous stint, to be paid the same/less, and have no idea if you'll fit the system they play? Pukki has a contract until next summer, with an option for a further year. I wouldn't be surprised if he signs a new deal this summer to keep him at the club longer if we're promoted. He's a little too old for clubs to make the kind of bid it would take to get Norwich interested, and he's clearly very aware that he's moved before and it hasn't worked out, so I think it would need the right club for him to even consider it.
NCFC do not do spending sprees. However, like most fans if we get promoted this season, I would like to think that we wouldn’t return back to the Championship the following season. Some spending may be essential especially if our stars go to pastures new.
Aarons reported to be “in advanced talks” with Spurs about a transfer this summer. Reports say that NCFC want £35m for his services but the figure quoted in £25m. Is this a load of squit?
I am starting to feel like it's silly to pretend we might not go up... but let's stay cautious... IF we go up, what is on the wishlist? I am going to assume: (i) Max Aarons gets sold; (ii) Buendia might or might not get sold. For me: - One young CB with real potential quality. I'd like to think that Hanley and Gibson have earned their chance (I am assuming Burnley will sell him), but we need to plan for the future and neither of them can say they have what it takes for the PL on a long term basis, plus we will likely get injuries. - A new winger, probably young and quick - less important if Placheta suddenly improves rapidly, but I have my doubts and while I have to love Hernandez, I am not sure he is quite PL standard - A defensive midfielder - probably here I would argue we should pay good money for someone a bit older, not look for a profit - If Buendia gets sold, another attacking midfielder with a "through ball" style which suits Pukki. We have Stiepermann, but injuries and confidence have blighted him so while he had a couple of stellar performances in the PL last season, for the vast majority of the time he went missing and I don't think we can rely on him, plus he doesn't fill the wide player position that Buendia does That's it! Remarkably little tbh
Will Aarons get a regular place in the Spurs match day squad? If we are promoted he will certainly be in the NCFC team on a regular basis. Both Godfrey and Lewis are regulars in the Everton and NUFC squads respectively. If he goes and we in the PL next season are there internal replacements who would cope with the PL? Or will be need to find a more suitable external replacement?