Wagner on Placheta at LB: “I've seen enough that we will continue this idea,” said Wagner. “We had this already in our minds. From last week he trained in this position and I think he has done quite well. Offensively, we know that he can be a threat with the speed and power which he has. Defensively, he looked more than solid. Obviously, there were some situations where he wasn't in the right position. But this is something we can educate him, where we can teach him and where he will learn." Some substance to Giannoulis leaving?
Jamal Lewis loaned to Watford. I wouldn't be surprised if we go back to Newcastle for a loanee again this summer? They've surely got several fringe players who will be on too much money to sell, but could do a job on loan.
I did see us tenuously linked at one point to Ryan Fraser, but the arrival of Fassnacht has thankfully put the kibosh on any thought of that. Newcastle have a 24 yro, 6'4", CB, Kelland Watts, who has never established himself in the first team, spending recent seasons on loan at various clubs, mainly League One. I guess long-serving LB/CB, 31 yro Paul Dummett, might also appeal, but he has just signed a one-year extension to his contract so is unlikely to be available.
Looking at Jaden Warner, he looks big enough physically and at 20 is at an age where he should be able to step into the first team if needed. He’s captain of the u23s and only a year younger than Omobamidele and Tomkinson. Omo was 18/19 when he made his debut. As a 4th option for the first month or so of the season I think he’d do fine
Wagner was expressing a similar opinion before the Toulouse match and Warner did all right in that match as he has done throughout the preseason. It's now looking unlikely that Omobamidele will leave now, so Warner as the 4th CB until Hanley is fit again seems to be enough unless things change.
It would mean we had effectively 6 CBs with Gibson, Duffy, Hanley, Omobamidele, Tomkinson and Warner. Obviously Tomkinson will miss the first 6-8 games and Hanley is out until 2024 but that still leaves 4 CBs. Interest seems to have cooled around Omobamidele and he looks to have been fully integrated in pre-season. If he was sold though, I could see the money being used to sign 2 CBs potentially to allow Tomkinson and Warner to go out on loan
Or 1 quality CB and Warner go on loan. Tomkinson could then be an option to go on loan in January once Hanley is fit again.
Joel Pohjanpalo (@JPohjanpalo) of Finland and Venezia is reportedly tagged with a €3m release clause with THREE Championship clubs said to interested in the striker. #Leeds United, Norwich City #NCFC and Blackburn #Rovers...
City closing in on the addition of 19year old Irish defender Emmanuel Adegboyega from Drogheda United. Apparently being followed by several PL clubs
Here's his wiki page: https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Joel_Pohjanpalo Very decent scoring rate at both club and international level. Looks like a potential Pukki replacement. Perhaps Teemu will recommend us. Could also allow Idah to go out on loan.
He's 6'3" and turns 20 in September. This from the Pinkun: "The Irish Sun are reporting that Adegboyega said his goodbyes to supporters and colleagues after a Friday's 2-2 draw with Sligo Rovers and has been a mainstay in their side since the second game of the campaign. City's head of emerging talent Mariela Nisotaki supposedly attended last week's FAI Cup win over Sligo alongside his representatives. Adegboyega is poised to complete a move to Carrow Road pending a medical and will sign a multi year deal before linking up with their development squad. West Ham United and Crystal Palace also displayed an interest in signing the highly-rated defender."
I would hope he would come in as a 2nd3rd choice to support Sarge and like you say allow Idah to go and get a run of games somewhere. 10mins at the end of each game is going to do his development and confidence no good. A loan to league one or even lower Champ side would be great
Krul reportedly considered available for transfer if the right offer comes in. The club wouldn’t mind getting his wages off the books. He’s 35 now and only has 12 months left in his contract. Perhaps he has indicated to the club that he won’t re sign as a number 2.
Been a good keeper over the years, but Gunny is the future. Get what we can for him, and bon voyage Tim.
Aarons close to a move to Southampton now, according to Talksport sources, so take that with a pinch of salt. With Livramento possibly close to a move and Russ Martin in charge it could make sense for them but would we really sell him to a division rival?
Southampton seem to be in a state of flux with Russell Martin not knowing who's staying and who's going. They lost their final friendly at home to AZ Alkmaar and seem to be struggling to adapt to Martin's version of possession football. Aarons should at least find that role familiar and he knows the league. It would be strange to see him facing us in two weeks time, but I do think it's important that he and Rashica move on. Stacey seems to fit Wagner's tactics as well, if not better than Max but if the rumour is true, it might also force the hand of West Ham and other PL teams.