All three would vastly improve the squad: Aaron Ramsdale - He is a good keeper, was shafted at Arsenal after helping them challenge for the title a few years ago, at 22 years old - people seem to forget that - and they seemed to place the blame on him for them not crossing the line, finishing 5 points behind City, so they plumped for Raya the next year. With an ageing goalkeeper pool he would be a good addition. If we are going for Trafford, I'd buy him and loan him back to Burnley for next season anyway as he'll gain lots of experience, get plenty of games and many shots to save. Moise Kean - A good striker, struggled at times earlier in his career but he's still young and having a fantastic season at Fiorentina with more potential to unlock. As a replacement for Wilson I'd be absolutely buzzing with that one. Viktor Gyokeres - This would be the dream signing as him and Isak would have a great link up already but think he's probably the least likely to come in and he he did would cost more than the other 2 combined (£70m) if the fee's are to be believed. If we got Ramsdale, Trafford and Kean in for £90-100m we'd still need a CB and RW coming in but would be starting to look like a really strong squad at that point and one that could handle a European campaign while challenging on several fronts domestically.
Football opinions, how we love 'em! Ramsdale - no better than Pope, has an error in him at all times. Trafford - if he's the choice, then he has to be ready to be a first choice option. He doesn't need more confidence-ruining experience, Burnley couldn't drop him fast enough last time he was conceding 4 a game. Kean - Italy is a difficult gauge for a player. For £30m seems low risk, but a free Jonathan David seems a better, more versatile option. Bottom line is we must improve on Pope and we must get rid of Wilson this Summer, then replace with someone who can do different things to Isak. We also have to have a RCB and RW who can learn from, compete with and upgrade on Murphy/Schar.
Agree 100% with the last sentence. They are the keys this summer: GK, RCB,RW and a back up CF. Yeah, maybe there's not much in it between the two of them, but Pope isn't going to get better at 32 whereas Ramsdale at 26 will give you 6 years of development before he's Popes age so better for the squad imo, also knows Howe. Tbh Trafford and/or Ramsdale - neither are a massive instant upgrades and we are buying "for the future" so not fussed tbh. Kean will be a different beast to Isak and in comparison to Wilson - a massive upgrade with European experience. Apparently he idolized Obafemi Martins so would probably jump at the chance to wear the number 9 shirt here like his hero. Again I'd rather Isak sign a new contract and rely on Osula next season and see how he does than go full tilt on another striker. RCB and RW are the real priority positions in my mind - so getting the other two sorted early would be a bonus and allow us to focus on the rest of the window getting the right players in but not a major concern.
Apparently Dibling's release clause is £25m now that Saints are officially down. Worth a punt at that price. No doubt Spurs or Chelsea will also go for him though, to ruin another career.
Do we have any idea how much money can actually spend in the summer? Personally I'd like to finish 5th because this squad aint gonna be ready for the CL.
5th gets CL this season. And finishing 6th for Europa would stretch and fatigue our squad pretty much just as much, but without the same level of prestige and financial reward.
But the Europa league is a comp we're far more likely to win, and our fringe players are more likely to make impact at that level.
Dibling would be great, but I have a feeling he'll opt for a London club. I suppose there's a chance the big clubs go after a more fancy name.
The new CL format has made things far, far easier. Look at Villa's opponents in the group stage. Bologna, Bruges (3 times now!), Young Boys, Monaco, a poor Juve side. The two legged group of death we had to deal with was far harder, even with less games. Also we will have a better and stronger squad next season, without fail. I think the spend can be quite a lot. If I recall, there's a £100m allowable window or something with amortisation meaning we can spend quite a lot. We cannot end the window without at least 4 additions, then replacements if some more leave. The club have to let Lascelles, WIlson, Longstaff and about 12 goalkeepers go. There's question marks over Willock, Barnes, Trippier, Targett too. Not easy, going to be interesting.
