Summer Transfer window

He’s our best CB when everyone is fit imo. He’s on the last chance for me.

His latest injury is a broken leg. That’s just really bad luck and can happen to anyone, injury prone or not. Similar to Huggins’ latest injury.

 

Also re: Roberts. I would never start him as a number 10. But in the playoff final he had great success coming inside off his wing, indeed that's how we scored the equaliser. I don't mean dribbling inside as he does that all the time, I mean coming inside to receive the ball.

I'd like to see him do that more as from there he's a lot less predictable when he's got the ball on the right touchline. Especially if we're 1-0 down and we're chasing a game - I'd be encouraging the right back to steam ahead of him to allow Roberts to have a more central starting position.

It's also where he had better success with Amad outside him.

 

Sheff Utd fans seem to think they're signing Mepham on a free transfer, not knowing Bournemouth enacted that +1 back in March and they're looking for £10m.

 

We've added loads of players with talent over the last 4.5 years. There's not a single player that SAFC own where I would categorically rule out them having an impact at PL level (even if the chances are slim with some).

 

£10m is an absolute rip off.

 

Wouldn't touch him at that price tbf. They're mental if they think they're getting that though. Virtually zero book value by now and a free transfer next summer.

 

Agreed.

I’d go as high as £5m at a push, and even that’s being generous.

 

Not quite what you’re looking for but taking the 3 relegated teams last season compared to this season.

Ipswich 23/24 average crosses
for; 18.86
Against; 17.11

Leicester 23/24
For; 16.80
Against; 13.76

Southampton 23/24
For; 19.08
Against 15.71

Compared to this season a fairly big shift, obviously all averaging less and conceding more.

Ipswich 24/25
For; 13.32
Against; 20.45

Leicester 24/25
For; 16.18
Against; 19.71

Southampton 24/25
For; 14.39
Against; 19.68

Corners are a similar story

 

Given the cover role I hope he'd have I'd be tempted go for Tanganga at £2m over Mepham at £5m. Definitely something in the dressing room fit, though. Dunno how much I'd pay to maintain that. Probably a decent amount considering I'm still re-watching the play-off final over and over

 

Probably hoping for a bidding war between us Leeds and Sheff Utd.

I agree 5m is the max I’d go for rather go all out for a long term partner for Ballard.

 

I’m just ‘meh’ whenever he’s discussed tbh. Good player like I’ve said but when was the last time he played 10 games running? Can’t be relied on.

 

Cirkin was similar don’t forget before this season, so there’s no reason why he can’t get over the injury issues.

I do agree he needs to be available more often, like I said - he’s on his last chance for me.

 

The more i've thought the more i hope we target a proper target man striker too, will be nice to have that option aswell

 

One thing we need to make sure we don't bring in too many non English speaking players like we did with Ba Bennette etc. Communication is key and also team spirit, Like when Wilson joined he said about reuniting the French speakers and the English speakers

Look at Lamine Kone's performances partnered with Kaboul and then compared to O'shea

Thankfully Le Fee and the other recent signings have done

 

I'd go to £5m for Mepham purely for the continuity. But no higher.

 

I want to see us use 4-4-2 option at times next season. Having a target man with Mayenda off him could be great.

I don't know any that I'd want though.

 

Maybe this is where someone like Tanganga comes in.

Very cheap with athletic attributes who can provide the depth when in a crisis, which allows us to send Alese back to the Championship until January at least and make and get him a consistent run or games.

 

Evan Ferguson suggested as an option on RTG.

Didn’t make an impact for West Ham, but is exactly the type I can see us going for on loan. Young, needs a run of games, and is clearly a talent.

 

I could see it

 

I also wonder if he would be available at a decent price now for a permanent deal. I've always liked him and I think his upside is enormous. He's lost his way with injuries and confidence and we have the right environment for him

Be a tough deal to do on a permanent basis though as Brighton would be looking to cover themselves incase he hits his potential