The immediate reports suggest our record signing was a colossul waste of money, but do you think we've spent wisely since being promoted? Arguably the thriftier signings have worked out very well; Steve Davis, Nathanial Clyne and Jay Rodriguez. Where as some of the more expensive signings, not so well; Pablo Osvaldo and Gaston Ramirez. There's also been the players that have been vital to our season; Lovren and Wanyama. And the players that have made no impact; Mayuka and Forren. In my opinion, I'd like to see us invest some big money in some tried and tested players from the Premier League, it's always a gamble signing players from abroad. For next season, a loan like Lukaku or Remy would be ideal.
Don't really think Jay was 'thrifty'. There's basically two questionable signings - one is a risk because of temperament, the other I still believe can come good, as long as his luck turns. The other two pricier signings have been excellent. Nothing to see here.
Agreed. Osvaldo still has the potential to be a brilliant player for Saints, it all depends on how the other players react to him after his 2 week ban. Ramirez was showing signs of the talent most of us agree he has. I still think both have a future with us at this moment in time. But obviously with Osvaldo we do not know the facts... yet.
Woh there, it's a fair enough question. Mayuka and particularly Forren have both been massively useless. Their fees combined amount to more then six million. And don't get me started on Osvaldo and Gaston. That's four questionable signings out of eight (Clyne, Wanyama, J-Rod, Lovren... am I forgetting any?). Fifty per cent in other words. I wouldn't brush it under the carpet so readily.
How do other clubs compare? Spurs' recent signings don't look too great either with the exception of Eriksen.
Yes, but for every Tottenham, there is a Newcastle or an Everton, who have both made excellent signings over recent years. I don't feel we should compare with other clubs though as there are too many variables to consider.
All clubs make signings that for various reasons dont work out. Think we've done better than most in recent years.
But that's just it, isn't it? What exactly is our "policy"? Who has the most influence and so forth? Will things change/improve/worsen with Cortese's departure?
Agreed. Soldado alone cost more than Osvaldo and Ramirez combined, and he hasn't done anything much so far.
What's more, in lieu of our recent transfer activity, who would you prefer to sign next; a) A promising young British player from the Championship, widely regarded as too good for that level and ready to make the step up (5-7 million) b) A "big-name" South American currently playing in the Serie-A, clearly very skillful, but totally unaccustomed to British football, and with a questionable attitude/work-rate (12-15 million)
You've forgotten Boruc (top signing) and Yoshida (decent signing). Oh, and Gazzaniga, who also looks a bit dodgy so far.
But it isn't a guarantee that the board will be so generous in future transfer windows. Look at the current one for example; money spent = 0.
Isn't this just the sort of debate that football forums are designed for though? I think this thread is somewhat more relevant that hypothesising over what some ****y ice-hockey motivational speaker will bring to the team, or the significance of whether our executive chairman is permanent or bloody interim (see other threads).
