So that's our strike force sorted in terms of incomings. I expect Obafemi and Long to go out on loan to leave us with Che, Armstrong and Broja with Walcott and Tella as further options. So the main other areas we are short are left back, although having Livramento does allow us a bit more wiggle room before we end up playing Djenepo there. We're also short at CDM so be interesting to see if we bring anyone else in for that position. I expect maybe one more versatile loan in to cover CDM/CB like Ralph hinted at which would cover the likely departure of Vestergaard too. We could still have quite a few outs, with Vestergaard, Elynoussi, Valery, Long and Obafemi the most likely still to leave.
All this talk of line-ups... too early for a match day thread? Its the first for a while in fairness!
So would I. The choices aren’t Long and Obafemi. Indeed these two will take their spots on the bench and probably in the squad in general as both will seemingly leave And Adams and Tella have played in pre season Makes me wonder about our bench at the weekend if we get them both over the line. Partially depends on JWPs fitness: GK, Stephens, Livramento, JWP, Djenepo, Walcott, Broja, Armstrong We definitely need another defensive option of some description (at least one)
All three you mentioned I expect to start. I listed the expected bench for the weekend I expect : GK (no idea which), KWP, Bednarek, Salisu, Perrault, Romeu, Diallo, S.Armstrong, Redmond, Tella, Adams
So, what business remains to be done? What else do Saints need? Is anyone else likely to leave? For me, the biggest question mark hangs over Jannik Vestergaard. Leicester have expressed an interest and are desperate to sign an experienced CB following Wesley Fofana’s long-term injury. If Vesty leaves, we will need cover, as Dynel Simeu is probably not ready to start yet, leaving us with Jack Stephens as our only option. Other areas of doubt are at GK and CM, although now we have more options further forward, using Stuart Armstrong at CM is definitely on the cards. I suspect the GK riddle won’t be solved this window, but who knows?
CB (if Vestergaard goes) LB possibly (Salisu, Livramento and Djenepo all provide cover, albeit with varying degrees of talent) CM/DM New owner I can't see Chamberlain signing. If anything we need a more defensive minded midfielder, and he is more attacking and can even play wide. Delaney would make sense as he's covered CB before hasn't he?
Theres been absolutely nothing on Delaney since the start of the transder window has there? I would have thought we would have been hearing snippets about it like with the Armstrong deal if we were in talks. But you never know.
Be nice to get Chamberlain. It would be like Lingard to West Ham last year IMO in terms of impact. Quality player.
Am I the only one who thinks selling Ings may turn out to be a huge blessing in a very good disguise? It's given Ralph more money to bring in players he wants and by all accounts Ralph was considering leaving Ings out at the start of the season had he stayed. Just need a bit more depth in midfield and possibly another left back and I'll be very happy.
I actually think that it hasn't been a bad window. We need to remember that 4-5 games in after the meltdown, that the squad isn't that bad and Ralph can turn it around.
Yep we have a tough start and quite a few players who will still be settling in. It's important we have patience, and we're known for that...
Its a controversial view, but I’ve always thought that Betrand wasn’t a healthy influence in the dressing room… he was very good at talking himself up in the press but I just get an inkling that he wasn’t the innocent one a lot of people thought he was. Combine this with an Ings who clearly had his head turned… IMHO while he was in England duty, he wasn’t focussed and as you say, the reports were that RH was considering leaving him out, I suspect this could be a blessing in disguise. Not only do we get money in, we also get an influx of fresh, positive mind sets that Ralph can work his magic on…
I actually think the opposite. When we're quiet, it's often good news. When the press are rambling on about who we're signing (at least in the weeks before) we tend not to (bar Armstrong who was openly a target).
Yeah, look at Livramento. All the signs pointed to him going to Brighton and then all of a sudden it was reported that him coming to us was a done deal.
I really hope we go in for Sam Johnstone. Having a true number 1, is probably worth an extra 6+ points at least a season, if not a lot more. He was on the bench on Friday night. I would keep FF, and sell McCarthy, who just isn't good enough at this level.
