I don’t see why he would sign a 1 year deal of any kind and definitely not one that puts him as second choice. A deal for him to be Number 1 would be foolish but perhaps we simply don’t have the funds to get a goalkeeper and improve elsewhere. Or the desire for an eight figure goalkeeper purchase when we already have one on the books I don’t think Saudi Arabia is an option for him due to family reasons so that slims down his options
If he does go I’d imagine we go down the loan route. Can’t see them giving up on Bazunu any time soon and you wouldn’t want a 21 year old as backup in a position where they rarely play. If McCarthy leaves loan someone in for the season to be number 1 whilst Bazunu recovers and Lumley as number 2
Without knowing options etc and the fact that we are desperate for a keeper. We can’t go into the season with Lumley and Lis (who I don’t even know has a work permit?). I can see us offering him a 1 year deal on big wages. I don’t know who else is around and available but can’t imagine there are too many better than McCarthy, given that we likely only want someone for a season whilst Bazunu recovers.
I understand the club trying to keep people like McCarthy, Adams and S Armstrong, as they wouldn't cost transfer fees, but I think we need to set our sights higher. As much as I like them, it's been a long time coming for the departure of those three. Do we even need to sign them on a free, or does our FFP position look pretty good following last summer's business? In regards to Lallana, at 36 he's not going to come in and get regular minutes. Sounds like it would suit both parties and we see his potential as a coach. Not against it. He left under a bit of a cloud, but maybe we look back on his departure with more anger than the others who left that summer. Wasn't it the same summer we sold Lambert, Shaw, Chambers etc? Maybe our anger all went on Lallana as he was probably the star player. I feel optimistic about this summer. I know it's not always been the case for us in the premier league, but seems like we are focused on incomings rather than who wants to leave.
The anger went on Lallana, not because he was the star player, but the fact he said, just months earlier, he wanted to finish his career with the club, before going on to sign Liverpool shirts whilst still a Saints player and (supposedly) refuse to play for the club again. I am more than accepting of players leaving; providing they do it the right way. See Mane, Lambert, Shaw etc and not the likes of Twatbeard or Van Dick.
I agree, if he believes they’ve got something to offer and for certain they have an understanding in his thinking then I’m happy with that.
I don't want a placeholder keeper until Bazunu gets back, I really don't. I want a new keeper that comes in as a #1.
I found that moment when he was thumping his chest and grabbing the shirt badge plus his later comments of wanting to end his career with us and then he’s gone quicker than a bullet, hard to take. Personally I could have got caught up in the anti towards him without enough knowledge, so I’m happy to trust the present flow of judgment from Russell and the board.
Problem is we’ve had good keepers and we know what they look like. And our present keepers aren’t at that standard.
Preferably not the young with potential type like Gunn and Baz, we need a ready made GK with plenty of top level experience too. It's such an important position that can gain or lose many points over a season so please Saints don't take the chance on trying to be too clever.
True. Once you've had Niemi, Flowers or SKD in goal, you can never be happy with Baz or McCarthy as your first choice
