Transfer Rumours Summer Transfer window

Any progress in the transfer market over the last day or so?

“Not really! The market is always tough. A lot of work, a lot of discussions, a lot of conversations behind the scenes. I think our project is really attractive but it is not the only one.

 

for most it wil be 1, there will be a very small section that will be 2.

I think Rigg does have a higher celling than Neil.

 

Phil smith interviewing RLB

 

Interesting he specifically mentions the "pivot" when identifying positions we need strengthening in.

 

I wonder if hearing about Mundle getting injured made them think they could take advantage of the situation

 

Also seems to want two wingers, could Roberts be off? Goalkeeper and striker too

 

Certainly felt that way.

Not a great start at new club if was.

 

Going to be interesting as to how many of the team that played in the Play-off final will actually be in the squad for the West Ham game

 

Yeah I think only the very consistent performers who are happy to compete will be sticking around. The rest who were a bit inconsistent or maybe don’t fancy competition will be on the way out.

I wouldn’t be surprised to see many of that second string leave to bring in better depth.

I think RLB and the club want players that can play this system with ease while working within the club’s model and strategy

If I had to guess at who might leave apart from the obvious it would be Neil and Roberts

 

Our pursuit of Xhaka has been one of the more public ones this summer mind.

Hints there that we’re possibly going to be doing a Forest with our recruitment numbers though. Basically every position under review.

 

No I agree, just interesting to hear him be specific about positions we are looking to strengthen. Normally plays everything with a straight bat.

 

If he is upset that players are coming in and competing with him then that is massively disappointing to me

Players want to play with the best players possible as it often raises their game

If Neil has thrown his toys out because we've signed 2 quality CMs then that's pathetic imo

I've spoke to Neil a few times and that isn't him imo, he's a fighter and I think he will relish the challenge of competing with Enzo, Diarra and Le Fee for a starting place. No one is guaranteed a game, they earn that on the pitch and the training ground

My understanding is he wants a new challenge, sounds like he isn't against staying but is open to a new challenge as well

 

Enzo brilliant le fee brilliant

 

It’s up to him and his agent , stay and fight for your place or chase the money it’s up to you only Neil will be able to make that decision .

 

Jenson Seelt the absolute winner of pre-season so far for me. Catapulting himself into contention to start against West Ham which was unthinkable (for me at least) 2 weeks ago.

 

Still hope he signs a new deal but just can't see it if we're targeting Xhaka. Not sure where Neil fits if Xhaka and Sadiki are both in the squad.

 

I think Neil needs to take a look at the careers of all the young lads he came through the ranks with and see how they have progressed since moving on for supposedly better things. Struggling to think of any who have actually progressed. He should have signed the new contract last season, which would probably have had a promotion increase in it. He must have lost out on a small fortune and will probably end up on something similar anyway at another club.

 

Neil can play all roles in the midfield and wasnt until RLB came in moved to the deeper role, probably more suited to where Diarra was just above to the right hand side

I think there is space for both Xhaka and Neil in this squad

 

There's also the fact of 40k a week at sunderland (example) with a 50% reduction if we go down, which is likely, might then struggle to get a move back to prem or abroad with stock diminished by difficult season, or a 3/4 year deal abroad on 30k a week for a team that won't go down.

The hold up is that he probably wants parity with other midfielders but don't think thats logical for the club, Lauriente quoted at 40k a week and hes still 20+ short of le fee and diarra.

This is a mega business now with the prem, staying up is massive, there's no room for sentimentality and unfortunately many will be left behind but thats the journey we are on, players will outgrow us and we'll outgrow them, it's unfortunate but it's how it has to be.

For what it's worth if it isnt here id like him to go abroad and get future securing cash as a local lad.