We have signed quite a few players that will get us out the league... But what about keep us out of it afterwards? Rafa's been peeping Atsu... apparently Loan or permanent deal... Or sexual harassment... You decide. He might be a keeper. Gayle... A big bowl of "Meh soup with an extra helping of can't cut it crusty loaf and a smattering of underperforming butter" at premier league level... All the many defenders we signed will be too average... Just as they were when they were actually in the premier league... Maybe new lad Lazaar might do it. I mean, apart from appearing in Your Highness as an elderly sexualised wizard, I've not seen loads of him, but he seems good. Sels is probably the most chillaxed goalie ever... He'd be as phased by Aguero as that spider in his bathroom that he lured into a trap, popped the legs off, and watched wobble from side to side like Obi's gut. DARYL GOALS GALORE MURPHY obvs a keeper Thoughts?
Ritchie, Lazaar, Hayden, Diame and Sels are possibilities. Maybe Atsu too if we get him in. He would need to gain enough confidence to break through the crusty shell of mediocrity that currently cocoons him. It looks like we have done well overall with our signings considering our league. Also have to remember that Rafa should be able to consistently coach improvement into our players - something we haven't had since SBR.
I have been wondering about the transfer dealings, not just the quality of the players coming in, but how the club are selling quality players (albeit for good money) and it leaves me pondering if anything really has changed behind the scenes in terms of transfer activity. Is Rafa in sole command of all transfer deals? It looks to me like cost-cutting across the squad and considering our relegation, it's difficult to argue, but with that said, the club are making a pretty tidy profit thus far and the departure of Sissoko today will only improve the financial scenario at SJP. I would have thought there would have been more quality players staying because of Rafa Benitez leading the club forwards, but there is no doubt there is much more money coming in than there is leaving. Seems loaning players out is rife too. Krul & Riviere to name but two. All a bit confusing for me - still the only result that matters is getting promotion - if that happens then all of this conjecture will be nothing but wasted time. Do I think the players we've signed are good enough for the Premier League? Some are but in general, no, I don't.
As I see it, we've signed/are signing more or less 2 XI's to fit into this flexible 4-1-4-1 formation. Sels Yedlin, Lascelles, Mbemba, Lazaar Hayden Ritchie, Shelvey, Diame, Atsu Gayle 2nd: Darlow Gamez, Hanley, Clark, Dummett Colback McManaman, Anita, Perez(?), Gouffran Mitrovic Obviously couple more options through the squad in Haidara, Murphy and Aarons. For me we're short one good quality AM/No.10 type player, a creative player good on the ball. If we bring in anyone surprising today, that would be the position for me. In terms of the OP, I think this squad is almost a mid-table PL squad. Most of the 1st XI are PL players with some unknown quantities. The second XI could do a job at the lower end for the most part. It's a better squad that we had finishing around 12th with Pardew, with the added bonus of not having Pardew.
But considering next season we will need at least 7 or 8 new players then having a stash of cash will help. Also, we maybe doing not as well as automatic promotion by January so again we will have funds. Just because we have money doesn't mean to say we need to let it burn a hole in our pockets. And I fully understand current saving rates are ****e but still.........
I think things have changed to a degree behind the scenes regarding transfer activity. The real driver for this change (and Benitez appointment and relative transfer freedom) is the insanity of the Premier League TV money these days - you can bet MAs hands are sweating for all those shiny pennies. As for player sales, Wijnaldum and Townsend aside we've simply cut out the dross. Wijnaldum we had a very good offer from Liverpool so understandable from club and player to do the deal. Townsend, the club had no choice due to the release clause, but disappointing from the player. I still don't think we're likely to see NUFC spending much more than they make, which is pretty sensible really.
Maybe cross that bridge if (not when) you get to it. It's a long season and teams will raise their game for you.
I make would say six of our first 11 are good enough to secure employment in the Prem. May be being a bit generous to Sels and a bit harsh on Gayle. Have no real basis to include Lazaar.
