Except that if we played with a traditional “number 10” then it’s not clear why that can’t be Alcaraz. It’s the fact that we don’t that makes it seem like we might be open to selling him and also didn’t seem to be after Szomdics. Or at least there were no rumours for the latter I’m not convinced Aribo has the pace to play the position we try to play him in the premier league. He was pretty bad last time (although they all were). But leaving all that aside his wages aren’t “backup player” wages from what is rumoured. Which was my main point. If he is only good enough to be backup to a high price and high wage new signing then book balancing might mean we consider an offer (not that there has been much noise about one) We’ll see. Perhaps our midfield operates a little differently from what I think
Today’s game wasn’t televised so I didn’t watch it. If corners are being discussed then that’s a worrying sign
Didn't Sugawara take some in pre-season? I haven't paid that much attention but I'm sure he got an assist or two?
I thought we just played most corners short as they were much bigger than us. I would try blasting a few across the area. Why not?
He took some today I think? Either that or I’m misremembering open play cross. Anyway, they were pretty good
I've been in the car for 6 hours today so I've only seen 2 mins of highlights. If he can take set pieces I'd say that's a good reason to leave him on the pitch past half time.
My prediction: For God sake saints, sign a goalkeeper. Anyone, for the love of God. Noooo, not him. That's not Ramsdale.
I’ve seen suggestions that Arsenal really want a sale for Ramsdale. Do we really want to leave it to the end, hope there are no buyers and then hope he picks us on loan? Doesn’t sound like an ideal option. We at least need an alternative ready to go so we can say that to Arsenal But it sounds like the mere existence of this link means that our fan base will simply not be happy with anyone else. Unless maybe a permanent signing of a clear goalkeeper upgrade who permanently closes off McCarthy and Baz’s first team opportunities. I just don’t see that happening Connected to this: is there even an end to the transfer window that most fans would see relatively satisfying? - Fernandes signing > assumption that O’Riley isn’t joining. And does it mean Charly is leaving? - O’Riley signing > this must definitely mean Charly is leaving - Archer signing > not enough of a goal record. Still need another striker - Any goalkeeper other than Ramsdale > is not Ramsdale - Fraser on a free > is not Jack Clarke or a more exciting and expensive winger (looks at the “exciting expensive winger we have who is useless) I even saw people on Saintsweb moaning about Onuachu not being in the squad yesterday. And it didn’t seem to be just one person - given I know you can’t please everyone I say this because I’d expect our best case window end if everything goes exactly to plan would be: Fernandes O’Riley New GK New winger (likely Fraser back on a free) With departures of ABK, Tall Pall, Alcaraz, Mara and Charles. And maybe Ross Stewart (with last two definitely being loans out) What would the main complaints be if all that went through? Would most be happy ? (Granted this could be pointless as cards are being played close to the chest but I just don’t think a high price winger or another striker is due in through the door)
He started yesterday as Verbruggen is injured, no idea on length of injury but if it is awhile then can’t see Brighton letting him go.
I am fairly satisfied. A lot of unknowns but a quality keeper a must. Would like to keep Charly but if his sale funds a keeper then I am for it. Biggest plus for me would be keeping KWP.
Sounds easier to wait lol We need a keeper who can pass the ball above Sunday football standard. For all of Bazunu’s faults, that goal yesterday doesn’t happen with him playing. As things stand id say the squad has improved on last season, whether it’s enough to survive, I wouldn’t stake much money on it.
I assume we are done one the striker front with BBD and Archer replacing Mara and Adams? I’m musing on this because people on Saintsweb getting all in a flutter over the Fernandes signing utilising funds we need elsewhere still seem to think we are signing another “goalscorer” I just don’t see it. Goalkeeper and more attacking midfielder. And then presumably we still want Fraser if that pay off can be sorted. That might even have been as petty as them not wanting to effectively pay him to join us and play against them. Which I guess when phrased like that isn’t really that petty
Depends where we intend on playing BBD and what further business we do at LW imo. I’m assuming that we will sell Mara and Tall Paul. That would leave us with just Archer…and Stewart. We have Adarma and BBD too, but we probably would rather play them on the right and left respectively. Stewart I wouldn’t bother counting as an option either since are you really an option if you’re never fit? If we buy in a starter LW and intend on playing BBD in the middle then we probably don’t need another striker. If we just sign Fraser who I’d say is more of an LW option than a starter, then we probably need to play BBD on the left which would leave us with just Archer up front. Adarma was pretty anonymous last season when played as the striker too, hence why I’m not really considering him. I doubt we have the money to bring in another striker though given their price, unless it’s another Mara style ‘potential and hope’ signing, so can see striker being our second loan spot…although, we don’t know what’s happening with GK yet. That might have to be our loan depending on who is available and at what price. Martins system generally saw us at our best with Che as the striker and we don’t have anyone like that now. So I can see why people are still keen for us to bring in another striker, and I do think/hope we might too…depending on what happens elsewhere.
If we play the same system as we started with yesterday then Diaz and Armstrong both were wide and central so we probably don’t need another forward in terms of numbers, in terms of quality, well yeah it would always be great to have a better striker than what we currently have Sulemana and Onuachu not being involved yesterday suggests they might be off. If we assume we’ve now spent the Mara/ABK money on Archer/Fernandes/Ugochukwu, I’d hope we can get another £40m+ from Alcaraz/Onuach/Sulemana to invest in keeper/CM/winger. If we do get another winger though then someone will have to go including Sulemana I would’ve thought. BBD, Armstrong/Edozie/Dibling/SAA/new player seems too much. We’d probably get a little bit more money aswell with a loan for Edozie/Dibling/SAA who would be the likely candidates to be loaned out or even sold in Edozie case
I hope we can sell him, but Sulemana is still returning from the injury he picked up in pre-season I believe.
