I think it is a case of 2+2 = 10. He was spotted at the play off final in the Saints end, but is best mates with David Brookes, so that is why he was there. We should be all over it but there has never been any interest from Ramsdale.
Totally agree but he was dropped by Arteta because he couldn't play out from the back. I wouldn't mind betting that RM would view him in the same light.
Getting in Ramsdale would be one of the signings of the summer, across the entire league. I still don't see it happening though. Perfect outcome with Che, and I do wish him all the best. We don't waste PL-level wages on a player who is not-PL level, and there's no risk of him coming back to haunt us.
One is Romeo Akachukwu, one of Ireland's hottest prospects. Also, Anis Harrar (Belgium) and Tawana Changa (England). Also trying to sign Oli Newman from Norwich. Top Welsh prospect.
On the whole, money and club position/reputation rule in football when it comes to players making moves. However, Ramsdale is married with a kid and I assume lives in London. If it's a season long loan, he's probably less likely to want to uproot and might consider us on the basis that it's just down the road (compared to a Newcastle for example)
I still wonder if there's any chance one of Dean Henderson / Sam Johnstone agitates for a move depending on who starts the season for Palace. Both would be an upgrade on McCarthy for sure, but if we loan Rak-Sakyi that may complicate things somewhat
True, I think Pope is from London (think he started at Charlton) so may still have family reasonably local, been up north for awhile though so may not want to relocate now
Interesting that there's been quite a lot of positive quotes (or near-quotes) from players (both that have arrived or are being linked) around RM's style of play and management style. As much as winning is the ultimate aim, it helps if you can enjoy the football and the environment that you're playing it in. Perhaps this has a bigger sway on a player's choice than we think.
Just stumbled across this article from a Brighton fansite talking about their glut of goalkeepers and how the constant rotation policy cost them defensive stability. It also talks about the problems we face in the position. If it's so obvious to fans from other clubs you'd hope our management have recognised it too. https://www.wearebrighton.com/newsopinion/the-next-goalkeepers-dilemma-facing-brighton/
Sunderland Echo say Ipswich and Saints both keen on Jack Clarke but Sunderland’s asking price is £25m, due to a 25% sell-on which is held by Tottenham
Not really the same to compare players we’ve paid fees for directly for the first team and academy age players signing their first pro deals. SAA & Meghoma as England youth internationals came here to play football and get chances quicker than they would at Tottenham. I believe the club got a fine and an academy transfer ban to get them and imo one half of that deal has been screwed up because our first team managers are not thinking long term or even medium term. The club has spent a lot of money, time and effort to get the academy up to a high standard since we returned to the premier league and it’s enjoyed success in the u18s a coupe of seasons ago and the club has plenty of players getting international recognition across the age groups, yet no one has made it to the first team. Something needs to change and it doesn’t need to be radical.
Academies producing players for our first team is maybe not the whole point. Any player that can go on to have a professional career can be considered a success story. If we have a stream of talent moving on and we are making a profit on them then thats all part of a sustainable club. If we aren't making a profit then its a big black sink hole that will start dragging everything else in. Then there is always the possibility of the odd gem that will go on to lead the first team - still the dream!
After seeing that "Saints were lining up a record bid" for 2 weeks I'm glad to see it finally go in! Must be a very well put together bid
What are the working hours for football clubs? At 8am we learn that Saints made a bid "in the last few hours". I bet nobody in Scotland was awake to read it!
