Next two transfer windows - 5 signings you would like to see

Prioties -

Centerback - We need one. Badly. Willo isn't a bad centerback. He's been our best defender in recent weeks IMO. Colo has been off it, Simpson has been ok, but not great. Santon has been disappointing, defensively. Willo has put in mostly solid 7/10 performances. A lot of his work goes unnoticed.

However, we need another centerback, because despite the fact that I disagree Willo is **** or CC quality at best, he should only be a covering CB. Perch is a good player, but should only be an emergency CB. Saylor is a solid CB, but he's basically our Leadly King. Awesome, but injured for half the season.

We need a strong, powerful centerback, one that's good in the air, reads the game well, and make Colo feel more secure. We could also use a strong vocal presence at the back, which we don't have. Douglas would be perfect for that. He's a captain like figure.

Colo does tend to make his CB partner look better, but Saylor also seems to make Colo look more comfortable.

Fullback - Simmo most likely going, we lack depth here. Debuchy will hopefully be in within the next couple of weeks. It would be fantastic to have two fullbacks who can defend but also add attacking threat. Debuchy can also cross well, which is something we really lack. Only Raylor and Marv can cross, but neither have much pace.

Striker - We could do with another striker, not just because of Ba's unsure future, but because sometimes clubs need a few strikers. Man Utd have 4 strikers, City have 4 strikers. There's nothing wrong with needing additional firepower. We could use another option from the bench, and plus quality to play in future Europa League games (hopefully we'll get back into Europe in the next couple of years).

Another CB? - Would another CB be a good move? I think so. Steven Taylor shouldn't be relied on for fitness, and we can't have Willo as a first choice cover. Another CB in the summer for me.

Another fullback - We could use like a Hibbert type covering fullback. I don't want Perch as first choice cover, as Simmo will likely leave soon. Just a defensively solid fullback.

Agree?

 

Douglas, Debuchy, Sissokho, Remy, Alderwield

 

That would do me.

 

Seriously what's with Douglas though? Why is he assumed as good enough by so many of us already?

From what I heard those who watch the Dutch league they aren't impressed with him, and somebody just said he's playing very poorly this season. I dont care who we get in, I have faith in the scouting team, but please just get a CB and Debuchy in at the bare minimum. Of course, a change of pace striker would be good since all we have up front are big strikers who aren't the likeliest to play the line and accelerate past slower centre backs they face.

And Tash , you're right, freaking Saylor just can't stay healthy. We're seeing Woodgate Mk II here, and it would be good for us to get another decent centre back into the team. And when that guy/Colo gets injured, Willo is going to step in again...
We haven't seen the last of Willo for sure.

 

Debuchy, Kjaer, Remy, Ismat-Mirin, Sissokho

 

Not sure we can afford the luxury of 5 first team signings in Jan as most have mentioned

LW/STR - I've heard Remy can do this
LB/CB - ??
CB - Sakho/Douglas/??

I really do think we're ok for RB's until the summer. DS is obviously going and I think Santon should be RB but that's looking unlikely as Debuchy looks a cert but we have Raylor/Perch/Tav. I don't think a RB is necessary ATM but whatever Debuchy seems to be an improvement from what I've seen of him.

January I'd try to sign as priorities, CB, LW/STR

And then in the summer were looking at another STR another CB and a RB.

 

That's why its about the next two windows...

I agree though, I reckon we'll see 2 first team signings this Jan, plus a 'squad' player (that winger from Romania, Songou or something, maybe?) or two and possibly a Curtis Good type youngster.

 

ACS how many reports do I have to write to tell yo he isn't EPL material?!? And its Alderweireld

I wrote in my report on Douglas last summer that he wasn't good enough for NUFC. His lack of vision and bad temper were affecting his game. But in the past 4 months he has improved, since Wisgerhof(CB, 33y) was benched he had to take over leadership in the defense of FC Twente. Ever since his temper seems under control and his marking has improved. Attacking wise Twent is even more sloppy as NUFC but the defense has been remarkably stable: Twente has the least goals against in the entire Eredivisie currently. Right now I'd have to say he is close to EPL level, but I'd rather wait till the end of the season when his contract runs out. It also gives the opportunity to see if he can keep up his level for a full season. There is a problem however. Inter Milan said they are willing to make a bid on Douglas in the winter period, and Twente are very willing to sell Douglas since his contract runs out in 6 months.

 

We'll have to get MA to give you the purse strings Tash.

 

.

 

Hmmm (see below quote)

 

<handbags>.

 

He started it....lol

 

just heard Johan Djourou is leaving Arsenal for near to nothing....he's shaky at times, but think he'd offer us good cover.

 

We need to get it right this window, never mind the next one.

 

Has he played much this year?

 

I would like to see Bassong back here. I really liked him when he was and i think he could be relatively cheap.

 

i cant remember him playing at all this season. He looked promising a year or 2 back but seems to of slipped down the pecking order, he's only 24 though i think

 

Could be worth a shout, but I imagine his wages would be much higher than if we went abroad.

 

Wasn't he on loan at Fulham last season and didn't do too bad? Possibly a step up on Willo