Transfer Rumours transfer thread fact and fiction

I swear it was a month ago when we had various articles saying how we weren't going to take up the option for a second season

Then, as soon as he hits form, it becomes a single-season loan

Journalism is not hard

 

Correct, this hasn't really added much to what was said in the summer.

Tbh I was of the opinion even before his recent upturn in form that it was well worth keeping him on another year. With the likes of Sess, Skipp, White, Cirkin, Scarlett etc. likely to break through to the first team squad next season and Jack Grealish joining, a player with his experience is invaluable just to have around. And with fans back in the ground - let's be honest, the chance to see Gareth Bale in a Spurs shirt again, even if only for a 10 minute cameo here and there, is likely to draw in the punters. Add to that merchandise and you'd have to say that his salary pays for itself.

 

Wear and tear will always be part and parcel with players like Bale nowadays but I think he's more than worth the risk. Similar to how Ledley was in his latter years, having someone like that is worth having for even 15-20 games a season than nothing at all because he's a real game changer and elevates the whole team when on the pitch. Him at 70-80% is miles better than any other option on that right flank we currently have and to go out and sign someone even remotely worthwhile would cost us north of £40m and probably £100k+ wages, so Bale on a free loan (I believe it was free, initial reports said £9m but then latter ones said fee was waived) and £250k a week for another year, to which at the end of that both parties can then decide what to do afterwards is perfectly ideal, in my opinion anyway.

 

I see what you did there.

Agreed though, I said when we signed him that a second year would make a lot of sense as this first one was going to involve him getting up to scratch, it took longer than I expected (though I do blame Jose for that) but I think he's coming good now and still isn't 100% yet either. A second year after a solid half a season of football and he should be able to hit the ground running from matchday 1 next season injuries permitting.

If Jose gets a CB or two, Bale back again and probably a new RB, I think he's got a very, very good XI that he'll be really happy with and would fancy a strong season - again, injuries permitting of course.

 

Villa's record this season:
Matches with Grealish: W:12, D:3, L:8.
As a %: W:52, D:13, L: 35.

Matches without Grealish: W:2, D:1, L:4.
As a %: W:29, D:14, L:57.

 

I mean yeah, basically what I’m saying is that if he can play regularly enough to keep his form and fitness up then we’d be mad not to keep him. Like CK said the merchandising alone, especially with fans back and the matchday traffic in the shop, will be huge financially. And obviously in the form he’s in now he makes a great impact on the pitch too.

I hope he is able to keep these levels up, though I still wince occasionally if he tries a full sprint.

 

Damsgaard Watch
May as well bump him up

CalcioMercato claim that Sampdoria have set their price for Mikkel Damsgaard, saying that a €20m bid is what it will take to sign him - which is basically four times what they paid for him last summer

We really need to start doing a better job of scouting the Danish league, don't we?

 

I'm tempted to post our record with and without Doherty.....

 

Matches with Doherty: W:17, D:4, L:2.
As a %: W:74, D:17, L: 9.

Matches without Doherty: W:9, D:5, L:7.
As a %: W:43, D:24, L:33.

That's games where he's started and includes the Everton FA Cup exit as a draw, but still.
Even more crazy when you look at the losses.
The first was the opener, which he didn't finish. The second was against Liverpool, where he was left-wingback.

 

Lies, damn lies and statistics. And politicians.

8 of those wins were from a combination of the Europa League group stage, the win against Marine and the win against Stoke.

Wins in the PL were against: Soton, Burnley (twice), Brighton, West Brom, Leeds, Fulham and Palace - all bottom-half teams we 'should' be beating.

Aurier started in our 3 most impressive performances of the season - the wins against United, City and Arsenal. Plus the draw away to Chelsea. I'd read more into that than wins against Ludogorets.

 

Tottenham eyeing summer transfer move for Southampton defender Vestergaard
https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/transfer-news/tottenham-eyeing-summer-transfer-move-23707336

 

Tbh after reading their Kane to United in the summer I'd ignore everything they write.

 

It's a great big 'nope' from me.

Not a good player and sounds like a train station.

 

...and if they offered to take Dier in part-exchange?

 

Hojbjerg sounds like Oslo's red light district...

 

We need to get Varane if he doesn’t sign the contract at Madrid

he would be that next level signing...I’d be happy this summer just with him. Skipp and Sessegnon to fill some important back up voids and I’d take it.

 

He can bring Sergio Ramos with him.

Real can become our feeder club. Happy days.

 

They can have him as a thank you for Bale and Pochettino

 

The only Southampton player I would have is Ward- Prowse and that is on the provision that the rules are changed so we can roll him on for free kicks and corners NFL style

 

Their right back ain’t too bad...