Whilst I agree to an extent, we also see every year the difference one or two players who are just too good for this division can make. You could argue Armstrong, Downes, THB etc are that given their record but I think we all agree that if Dibbling and Fernandes leave - we need to pull out all the stops to replace them with PL level quality (not easy at all - see Cornet, Sulemana, Carleta-Car etc). If we do I think we'll go up. I think we will. I also think there's something to be said for our approach with loans. Big clubs dont want to loan their most promising young players to bloated squads and experienced bargains come up later in windows too. I think we'll get some good'ens in.
The whole David Brooks thing has gone quiet. Supposedly really close to signing for West Brom (which was weird in itself), but then I thought the word was that someone else came in for him that made Brooks have a change of heart, but that was ages ago now. Assume Bournemouth just changed their mind about selling him, or maybe they just want to buy before selling him.
I'd love him here. Covers two positions we will soon be lacking depth and quality in. Still makes a huge difference for Wales and brings heaps of creativity. May not be that elite prospect he was pre cancer but still oozes class in smaller doses.
I was first of all surprised to hear that Bournemouth were supposedly selling him at all (he got quite a lot of minutes in the PL for them last season), before it being even weirder that it was to West Brom. Wonder if there was any truth in it at all, but a bit of a random story to appear from nowhere.
Was reported at the time that he had his medical, which he passed, and then the deal was cancelled shortly after. Did sound like someone else had come in for him last minute and he pulled out of the West Brom deal because of it, but as you say weird that it’s gone quiet now. Possibly Bournemouth had a complete U turn and decided they wanted to keep him.
https://x.com/alex_crook/status/1952297043193377021?t=5IvGAXX5pvG2UTsygHLZJg&s=19 I know it's Alex Crook, but no smoke without fire.
No but he has experience in a better league, so I wouldn't worry about that. I wasn't a massive fan of the appointment, and am even less keen after seeing preseason, but you can only judge him on actual results. He needs a chance to actually prove himself before we write him off.
Isn't he basically the reverse Bazunu? Terrible with the ball at feet but good at shot stopping? With Ramsdale just going on loan, I doubt we buy a GK anyway tbh.
Good signing for them. Surprised someone more established but lower half didn't go for him tbh. He'll just be in the Championship next season.
Burnley shopping at Chelsea seems like a smart idea. Must be about 10 players who they don’t want there now who are going to be relatively good value. Broja and Ugo good signings for a promoted side
Yeah I don’t think we bring in a keeper either, but I’ve seen a few comments about Johanneson ever since he was at Rotherham. Wonder where he’ll end up
I wonder what the fee will be for Lesley. I assume Chelsea aren't selling cheap? I've seen rumours of £20m to £25m for Broja. So to then sign Lesley too, Burnley are presumably paying a fair chunk of money to Chelsea.
