Transfer Rumours Transfer Rumours - Summer 2018

So are we still looking for an experienced, committed, pacey centre back to lead our defence? Because I really liked the look of Japan's no.22.

 

But there's the rub: he scored most of his goals in situations where it basically didn't matter, against trivial opposition or in matches that were long since decided. He'd come on as a sub with Monaco up 3-0 or 4-0, and tack one (or two) on against defenses that had already begun to ponder the post-match meal.

That's not an exaggeration, either: in 2016/17 and 2017/18 with Monaco, he scored 16 goals in all competitions. Of those:

- 4 were scored against semi-pro or non-pro sides in the Coupe de France.
- 7 more were scored late in matches where Monaco had a lead of 3+ goals (and generally 5+).

He was Monaco's Human Victory Cigar. The only season he started regularly, he performed poorly.

 

Think you will find it was Carrillo that was in the coma?

 

That’s the point I was making. He didn’t get a rough deal per se, a few fans think we should have persevered because of the inflated fee. Personally I don’t think there was much there to begin with, sticking with him would do more harm than good and pour good money after bad. Red line through it and move on I reckon.

 

If we go into next season with Yoshida, Hoedt, Marlon, Bednarek and Stephens as our options in the centre of defence, I'll be happy. All have the potential to improve, would seem to suit a back four or a back three and have good distribution.

It's the attacking third that's a little more worrying but have faith we'll get there...

 

If we sold Yoshida to Leeds I would have my own personal meltdown!

https://www.footballfancast.com/cha...ida-once-southampton-complete-10m-marlon-deal

 

He looked a footballer when he lofted the ball into Tadic's path for the second goal at Wigan

 

I don't think we should persevere, if the coaching staff have decided they don't think he's ever going to be up to the required standard.

But I don't think we can possibly judge him on his brief stint at Saints. He may succeed elsewhere, and I hope he does - if only to prove that our fans, who are almost infallible in their universal wrongness about most things most of the time, are wrong once again.

 

There's nothing like a dodgy transfer to bring out the 'told you so' brigade. **** happens. We desperately needed a striker in January and he was the only one we saw who came anywhere near our specification and price range. Had he not signed for us there would have been a meltdown on here of humungous proportions (and amongst fans generally). For avoiding that alone maybe he was worth the money. I think we all knew that he would need time to settle and after a couple of mildly promising appearances, Mark decided quite rightly to stick with those who showed a bit more fight. He would be well within his rights to suggest circumstances prevented him from showing his true talent but I suspect his departure has to do with something more than just his ability.

 

Wasn't it Watford? I can't remember.

 

One of the W's. It's Wigan in my mind's eye, I suppose I could check. Could have been West Brom, come to think of it.

 

West Brom

 

Wigan was Cedric's amazing run and finish down the left wing, that's why I remember it!....

 

Well we could be seeing more of this if we play three at the back. I love attacking wingbacks.

 

We desperately needed a striker in July. The club should have been a lot better prepared come the January window, when they seemed to go with the beleaguered manager's choice. Monaco would know we were paying a desperate Premier League club premium. To think he was the only option including loans is hard to imagine.

Anyway what's done is done, and I hope Guido has a great season with MP2 at Leganes,

 

If we'd had a decent manager last season Charlie and Gabbi might have knocked in 10+ apiece and we'd be worrying that Liverpool would nick em for back-ups!

 

I’ve just seen a picture of Dusan with his Ajax shirt but i’m not posting it here because it makes me sad!

 

Did last season's shirt put the idea of the Ajax switch in Dusan's head, rather than images of Keegan, Channon and Shilton? Great shirt though, we should have permanently been the team with the switched Ajax.

 

At least it's not a Liverpool shirt for once! Not half as painful.

 

I can't forget the Wigan game as it was the most cold I have ever been at a football match. Also Gabbi had an absolute shocker and Cedric's goal was a beauty.