Transfer Rumours The January '16 transfer rumour thread.

Alright, Mrs Wenger.

 

I'd say that's precisely what we don't want. This team is built on spirit rather than individual cult of personality. If anything, relying on one superstar player can make others take their eyes off the ball - they feel they can relax a bit. If they are big club rejects, or older players taking a step down (most likely source of name players for a team like us), then there are motivation issues too. That's not to mention all other attendant issues, from salaries to pecking orders to ego disruptions too. All depends on who it is, but - some cheap, poor signings aside - our signing policy is one of the best in the league. On the profile side, we have the balance right imo. Clasie is a great player, still adapting to this league and not yet close to his best - his signing made me sit up and take notice. He will reap dividends, I have no doubt. Possibly not this season.

Teams like Leicester and Palace are cruising on an underdog spirit, as were we last season. They have hit the sweet spot of players of quality in all starting positions, team togetherness, and the element of surprise - but like Saints last season, if Vardy or Mahrez, or Bolasie or Cabaye get injured, they may start to suffer results-wise. They are seriously exciting times, but there comes a time when a team needs to evolve from that, and things become tougher. We are currently experiencing that - and are feeling our way around in terms of trying to build depth on our budget. We have suffered from losing our one home-built superstar player, and also of having what is now a slightly one-dimensional gameplan, which teams have figured out. There is no doubt this team needs a blast of fresh air through players, but if anyone doubts that we are further along the evolutionary scale than Palace, Leicester, and the like, they are not paying enough attention imo. This is Saints - they know exactly what they are doing in terms of medium- and long-term goals, but the tweaks are what are troubling us at the moment. We have a non-playing team right through to the top who will be working on this. My own personal view is that both Palace and Leicester will drop out of this division before Saints do (hopefully all those scenarios long in the distance).

 

It would if he sits out injured as much as he does for Bayern!

 

Agreed, hence my reference to our physio room

 

Wonder if Pato is worth a punt

 

I sort of agree, but we have a history of signing older players supposedly past their peak and they've (mainly) worked out for us - Charlie George, Frank Worthington, Ossie, Alan Ball, dare I say Kevin Keegan ...............
Or is this something which worked in the past (pre-Bosman) and wouldn't work now? Discuss ..................

BTW - I saw a great article in the Sunday Telegraph (I only get it for the crossword honest) about Bosman. Didn't realise that he's living in relative penury now having spent all his money on legal fees (sounds familiar) and he didn't make much out of the whole thing ...........

 

Are people actually talking about Robben! That's hilarious. Why don't we sign Ronaldo too - he's getting on a bit now and isn't too happy at Madrid....

Seriously, it's a very, very different scenario now to when we signed Keegan et al.

 

Have to say I like these foreign names, when they are translated into English.
Alexandre Pato = Alex Duck
Alberto Moreno = Albert Brown
Carlos Vela = Charlie Candle
Adam Lallana = Lord Twatbeard

 

Yes, it of course depends who it is. But the OP was thinking of someone who makes people sit up and take notice and used Robben as an example. I was basing my view around that type of player. Would I think completely unbalance us.

 

Big name signings like Robben aren't happening, no chance. The wages are too high and he would only play for a top side that can win trophies. He's injured anyway and really injury prone at the moment.

I've had a look at the attacking players in the top leagues. I'd probably like to see a bid for Riccardo Saponara over anyone else. A 23 year old AMC.
https://www.whoscored.com/Players/90878/Show/Riccardo-Saponara
https://www.whoscored.com/Players/90878/History/Riccardo-Saponara

Alternatively we need to scout the Scandinavian leagues thoroughly, same for the Belgium league and try to get someone really good for good value. The Portuguese league is another one.

 

All the young talent in Belgium have already signed for Chelsea

 

Hearing that we may be interested in Birmingham City winger Demarai Gray and Andros Townsend, not sure what to think about these

 

Although I would be pleased to welcome both these young men to SMS, it still doesn't sort out our main issue of actually putting the ball in the back of the net...we need a centre forward/striker urgently. Its a great shame that Charlie Austin has priced himself out of contention because he could have become the New Rickie Lambert type legend.
I am sure we will try and pluck an unknown striker out of obscurity for next to nothing instead and hope he fits in quickly

 

Both would be good for us I'd say. Bit of pace to add to the squad. Gray looks a good prospect and I think Townsend would improve with regular football and good coaching although I thought poch would have done that

 

Gray looks a good player on the few occasions I have seen him. I don't fancy Townsend much.

 

Austin and Townsend would be a good january

 

Ron has already said Austin is too expensive (I think that meant wages).

 

Hmmm... really not keen on Townsend, bit of a one trick pony imo.

 

Don't think Austin would change much, still need someone to create. Townsend is utterly terrible

 

I think we just need a player or two to stir the pot....trouble is that players are an expensive indulgence. Time for loanees I think.