Good stuff. A wide man or two, then we need to see expiring contracts renewed. This window is a tough one. Only a third of the games remain after the window closes. Two thirds already gone.
Watched a few vids of him this last half hour - seems a rangey individual not scared to run with the ball at the opposition. He seems to play some excellent through balls to those in front of him - can see him being a big influence in midfield with Chambers having his back. He's scored a the odd goal but he's not in the team for that. He's there to set up others - something we've sorely missed this season.
We've said before, having someone to pull the trigger is fine, but someone has to put the bullet in the chamber. I said on another thread, for the first time in a while, we seem to have a manager formulating a game plan and the players seem bought in. Hopefully the two signings to date fit the plan. Riza has quietly gone about his business. If he gets us to mid table by the end of the season, he should be given another year to build on the foundations. For the first time in a while, we're seeing academy players integrating well. There are reasons to be hopeful.
I like the idea of our academy beginning to perform. Might it be due to the investment made some years ago and better scouting/management or simply a manager willing to risk young blood? That is, have they always been there and not used or is this a new dawn. I was always jealous of how the jacks found young blood, brought it through and sold on. Indeed, it kept them alive for some time.
I'm happy with that. Clearly has a good pedigree with Ajax. Hope he can exert some of their attributes on our team. I've said before but maybe Siopis is on the move elsewhere with the new guys, Chambers and Ralls sitting in that role.
The Swans have had a conveyer of young talent for some time. With us, it was always the transition from 21s to the first team. Players would get a breakthrough year, then get overlooked for 'more experienced' journeymen. Quite a few of the current tyros have come through from the juniors, though Reindorff was picked up when released from Norwich in the summer. Bagan, and Ashford have nailed down squad places at least. Davies will hopefully return soon. And Kpakio was giving Ng a run for his money (come on Clingo, bite, bite) until his injury. Quite a few others knocking on the door. If we can stabilise until the end of the year, consolidate with our recent signings, add one or two more then add a couple of youngsters for next year. Two or 3 a year coming through would be nice. Ralls has 400+ games after being picked up as a teenager and brought through the academy. Just having them as squad players would save us a lot in terms of wages and fees. We might actually sell one or two. In recent years we kept getting managers like Warnock and Mick who wouldn't trust the kids. Fingers crossed we see Bagan, Ashford and Davies stay in the squad next year. Add in Joel. It might be another year before we see Reindorff and Kpakio. I haven't mentioned Rubin as he is a real enigma. If a couple more step up for loans next year, it could be the start of a production line. The important thing is to align the club top to bottom so the youngsters integrate seamlessly. It does seem that Riza has brought the first team closer to the academy rather than the other way round. There are a couple youngsters that we've signed that look useful. Too early to decide on Salech, but Robertson, Daland, Fish, Turnbull (the city website actually says he joined us before he was born ) are all under 25, as is Tanner. There is a good age profile in the squad now.
“Star” https://www.walesonline.co.uk/sport/football/transfer-news/bolton-wanderers-lead-race-sign-30878007
Just watched some more footage of this Mannsverk bloke - looks very much like a young Declan Rice in his style bursting through midfield - I'll take that.
Chambers seems to enjoy getting forward as well. I just hope they remember their defensive duties if they play together.
I've thought that. If one goes the other should stay. From what we've seen of Chambers, he's a better player in front of the back 4 than just behind the front three.
He's a Bluebird!!!!!.................. https://www.cardiffcityfc.co.uk/news/sivert-mannsverk-joins-bluebirds-loan
Good news. Another 1 or 2 signings in attacking positions to complete our squad for the rest of the season with Etete and Reindorf likely to go out on loan.
Funnily enough, lunch break, thought I'd take a look... Granted the level of intensity of some of the games he's played probably doesn't compare to our level but if he can bring that kind of composure to our team, alongside Chambers they could be an excellent pairing. It's also no wonder he's injured - look how often he takes knocks/late tackles!!!
As you say, hard to assess the quality he's playing against, but he looks technically able and a physical player. The former point will compliment the likes of Robinson, Robertson, El Ghazi, Ashford, Tanner and Salech. He has a range of passes and we now have runners off the ball. He looks robust enough for the physicality of the championship. He looks like he'll suit our new style of play and will draw defenders creating space for others. Fingers crossed.
Sorba Thomas anyone?............................... https://insidefutbol.com/2025/01/29/wales-star-on-the-radar-at-cardiff-city/672163/ please log in to view this image
Seems a complicated one if he is only at loan at Nantes and our history with them over Sala. He's probably the sort of player Riza wants, though I feel a PL youngster is the way to go for a loan. It would need to be a step up on what we've got rather than just another body. Once O'Dowda, Bagan and Davies are back, the left is well stocked with El Ghazi and Willock as well. Ashford and Tanner on the right in front of Rino and Ng. Despite his persecution, Meite covers there as well. Given the players we have up front, I don't see us signing anyone there. Robinson is our top scorer and you don't pay £3M for a striker and put a loanee in front of him. It has to be a real step up to be worth signing.
I have doubts about Sorba the Leek. Plenty of effort for Wales but without much end product. Remote has summed up our stock of wide players well and I don't think Sorba is any improvement on what we have. I don't think he is particularly quick either. I would prefer a jet heeled young loaner from a Prem club who is eager to impress.
