The point about one window is a good one. Intriguingly looking at the contract situation if we assume a similar recruitment policy then there is a chance the squad could be mostly "fixed" by this time next year. At that point the only players we don't seem to want who will still have time on their contracts will be: - McCarthy - Stephens - Bednarek - Diallo Some or all of those might move out on loan for this year. And the only one there who would be truly difficult to move is likely to be McCarthy because by next summer two of those likely only have one year left and Bednarek should attract offers. Players like Redmond and Walcott will either be gone or contract up. So the next two windows are going to be interesting ones. And I'd like to think / wouldn't be surprised if the investment continues in those two (albeit probably not much in January unless there is a real need or a really great opportunity materialises unexpectedly). And then I would expect Summer 2024 to be the point where we start relying on sales of the young players we have been signing. And then if big offers come in next summer for JWP, KWP or Tino the transfer response would adjust accordingly
And they already broke their record on a midfielder. So that would be three in one window for the same position and not every club can be Nottingham Forest And Chelsea actually showing some sense apparrently?
If this is true there will be plenty of people orgasming from excitement. He is a bit of a saints online message-board fave (especially on SW)
But to the outside people look at us and see a bottom half battle and a managerial change. Ralph started the season as favorite to be sacked first (admittedly Lampard was close). And I think we are second or third favourites to be relegated as it stands. So I'm not prepared to count on that But I'd like to think their transfer plans were contingent on them getting cash in for Gordon - and if what people are saying is true they have (foolishly) priced him out of the market. I see he scored a good goal at the weekend and suddenly all the media are thinking "maybe he is worth the rumoured amount". No.
Man United are still being linked with Gakpo despite signing Antony. Wasn't he the backup in case that didn't happen? They already have a bunch of wide forwards (and really need a central one more than another)
They want two strikers apparently. I’d be surprised if they were after Gakpo in any serious way as he plays best cutting in off the left side and they need more of a central forward. Us being in for him makes total sense. Redmond has been sidelined to the point that we’re having a look at AdArm as the left sided attacker in a 3 or as the left sided 10 in 4-2-2-2. Gakpo can play exactly the role we need to fill.
I wonder if Gakpo (or a similar player) would mean no central striker. Which is sounding greedy of course I'm tempted to do a "if this was Football Manager" this is what I would like to see based on the rumours (knowing full well that all the ins and outs could not possibly come off)
They being Man United? Is Antony considered one of those? To be honest when they looked like they were going for a mobile strike force last season (pre Ronaldo) it was looking good. But then Ronaldo got brought in and Greenwood got in trouble (euphemism here) So they probably don't really want someone who can only play in that central role.
The Gakpo thing sounds like we made an offer much earlier in the window and moved on when it became apparent he was out of our price range. I’m also not sure we bring in a CB unless we move on Bednarek and Stephens which may yet happen, but there’s a lot of moving parts to that which might be pushing it a bit this late in the window. I was thinking we might still bring Hudson-Odoi in on loan and save the big money signing for the striker, but looks like CHO is going on loan to Leverkusen. Earlier in the window 4 more signings seemed realistic but at this stage I think it’s likely to just be striker and loan full back. Weird to be involved in a potentially busy and exciting final few days of a transfer window though.
I think it signals that our new main shape is going to be a flexible 4-3-3. Gakpo left, Che centre and Aribo right. Mara, Armstrong(s) and Ely as additional options for all three roles. Some won’t like that, but attacking players are wicked pricey and if we get The Magic Key (AMN) then we have an additional 10. That also would tally with the move for Garner. There’s more roles available in that setup and then Garner and JWP at either side of Lavia as Ralph’s “lonely 6” looks very tasty, if a little light on cover. AMN makes that much healthier and then can possibly also be available at FB or at 10. In defence it’s clear that we favour a 4-player high line, able to move at speed to defend open spaces and recover quickly. Sign another CB to replace Jan/Jack and a bit of FB cover (AMN?) and we’re done. It’s an immaculate squad if all that comes to pass. It’s real Football Manager stuff. I’m hopeful but they are clearly giving it socks so let’s see what happens.
The "Football Manager" stuff is: In: Gakpo (or someone of similar profile) Garner AMN (Loan) - or another FB cover loan New CB - link to Caleta-Carr above (I'd still also like another central striker because even with Gakpo we would be short there. Maybe on loan if one is there - Broja still hasn't gone anywhere and there wouldn't need to be an option really) Out: McCarthy Bednarek Stephens Romeu Redmond Walcott Diallo (maybe)
