I don’t really want to lose Bednarek but maybe it’s time for him to move on. He’s nowhere near as bad as people make out and if the rumours that a team like Roma want him that shows he is easily good enough for us, and think we will have a hard time replacing him without spending a very large amount
He started most PL games for us this season so I’m not really happy with this. He’s not top 6 material but was solid enough. He will be difficult to replace and that still leaves us with Stephens and Lyanco as 3rd and 4th choice CB. I would prefer we let stephens go and bring in a defender to complete for a place.
Waiving goodbye to Djenepo it seems . The more of our “10s” we can shift in one way or another the better. Opens up squad space for improvements. If the funds and will are there then I’m not sure it would be too much of an issue to move on all except Armstrong and Tella Redmond and Ely are on relatively high wages relative to what they contribute and likely want at least equal in not raises for any extension (footballers don’t tend to sign contracts with pay decreases in them) But Djenepo was always going. Hardly got a look in and didn’t deserve it. Only one year left. A gamble that didn’t work
We have to get rid of one of Bedders or Salisu in my opinion, they just do not defend well together as a pair and I believe were a major reason for the recent overall poor form of the team . The more likely to go is the former and there is potential with Salisu if we can get an experienced CB to guide him on the pitch. I feel that Bedders has also lost a lot of good faith with the fans for choosing country over the club and maybe his fellow players too.
Maybe. If bedders is too costly and not the right character to sit on the bench and fight for his place.
Get rid of Salisu? Very harsh to put a lot of the blame on him IMO. The whole team didn't perform and Salisu has shown how bloody good he is with one of the best CB performances against Man City at home in the league. It also sounds like Salisu wants to discuss a contract extension which is an absolute no brainer.
Both he and Bedders put in one of the most unprofessional displays i've ever seen by a Saints CB pairing against Chelsea, even Fraser was pissed off by them. He was also awful against Brentford almost half-arsed at times and I stand by my belief that the our problems started at the back and have filtered through the team. I know you rate him highly Tom but you do suffer from a bit of confirmation bias with certain players. I did also say that he would benefit from someone who could guide him on the pitch and Bedders is not that player but neither are Jack or the Gorilla, hence someone experienced has to be signed that can immediately improve and organise the backline.
He is saying get rid of one or the other and that Bednarek is the logical choice on that scenario. In my view ideally we get rid of Stephens (isn’t he out of contract anyway?) and bring in someone to partner Salisu with Bednarek becoming a back up, whether he wants to do that is another matter. If teams like Roma do want him then he won’t want to stay here if he isn’t first choice
Bedders has been good for us but he’s had a poor season, which like much of the team turned into an awful last few months. I got the impression that he wants to move on, and I think that’s probably best for everyone. Our defence is awful anyway and needs upgrading. I’m sure the club have a better idea than me but think we have to hope that Salisus early season form is closer to his level than his late season form which was awful. Like most people, the idea of an experienced leader alongside him seems like the ideal solution.
Personally I think he fell out of love / belief in what the boss was promoting & that’s what soured his performances. As you say Roma, they are no Saints.
I'd look to shift Stephens and Bednarek, keep Lyanco and Salisu. Buy a young potential star and someone talented and proven. Simeu will also come through in a season or 2 hopefully. They aren't the worst but they are part of our collapse problem IMO (together w the keeper which is why I am not happy about Macca staying on). Salisu can be fixed given the right partner, Bednarek has had the chance to show his mettle over enough seasons and doesn't have it IMO.
Well he wouldn’t play much at Newcastle or Villa as they have better options than him. Another loan move to a PL team who would play him every game seems most logical to me, there aren’t many where that criteria fits. He scored what like 7 PL goals for us last season? Talented and potential he has but let not pretend he is a good PL level striker yet.
He’s out of contract isn’t he? Guess it depends how many clubs would want to take the risk on him after his doping ban.
This is for the best. I'd also like to see one of Redmond/elyonoussi moved on and some decent money put into securing a more exciting option. Jesper Karlson from AZ for eg.
