Only way I can wrap my head around is we're getting ticked off at this other winger dragging his feet so trying to force his hand. Also so we have a backup in case it doesn't happen and we still want to cash in on Longman.
I’ve not even complained about this one as much as others have. I just find it bewildering. It’s very obvious that our current style under Sellés has Pedro dropping deep as a false 9 to compensate for his lack of pace or physicality as he still has great technical ability. This requires the wingers to have pace, make runs in behind, press aggressively and be mobile in the final third. This sort of football suits the types of wingers who can play that sort of hybrid winger/striker role. Longman is actually really suited to it. Louie Barry would be perfect for it, in my opinion. I don’t see how Amrabat fits in with that. Isn’t blessed with pace, is strong but not particularly agile with the ball etc.
Without sounding insulting, Harvey Knibbs is like a League One Joelinton. Strong, physical, great engine and can score goals from midfield. He actually has a similar progression as Joelinton too as Howe converted Joelinton to a number 8 from a striker/winger and Sellés converted Knibbs to a number 8 from a winger. With Crooks signing, I don’t think we need Knibbs. Knibbs has more longevity; Crooks more experience at this level. The wingers in this system need to be quick though and score goals. Amrabat is neither quick nor a goal scorer.
Longman’s not the fastest either. Kamara isn’t that fast, or chooses not to use his pace much of the time.
Reading the Blackpool forum and the majority would happily sell Joseph for 2 mill. They like him because of his work rate but the phrase “not a goalscorer” keeps being said. I’m not convinced.
It's passable at L1 level, but doesn't seem the sort of signing to be prioritising in a relegation battle for 2m.
I suppose. I think records are overrated to some extent, he’s a pressing forward who will do well for us off the bench. Will drop a message to the analyst who specialises in strikers
Most sites value him around 500k but in a January window that’s obviously inflated. He’s obviously a big man but has hit the target with 50% of his shots this season which is decent. He would be an obvious substitute for Pedro and could also work well with Gelhardt off him. It’s not a January window signing of last year but at the moment, needs must! I’ll speak to my Improving Scottish Football podcast pal - who did the recent top 10 Scottish prospects - he should have a view on him.
I agree, maybe the thought process is with Longman, who is out of contract 6 months, getting a fee now for him is better than getting nothing at the end of the season. Therefore, to get in a winger on a short term deal, until the end of the season is probably the right move, with Millar and Belloumi to come back next season. Though, have to agree, I wouldn't have thought Amrabat was the right choice.
Think the Amrabat reaction is slightly over the top. All being well he’ll be coming in to compete with Gelhardt, Kamara, Burstow, Vaughan, Abdus and Longman/1 or 2 extra wingers dependant on transfers. It’ll speed up Longman’s departure freeing up £ as well as providing a short term addition meaning whilst not being saddled with someone no matter which league we end up in.
https://x.com/kurtjohansson_/status/1879911374350090502?s=46&t=VMHpQSyvgpA0pH3JroqK5w think he could do a number for us as back up to Pedro!
