Apparently is on Tyneside for talks and medical. Initial thoughts? For me if he can retain his form from last season it's a good move, but he'll be on the sidelines for at least a few months while he gets back up to strength from his leg break surely?
He's an Irish midfielder/ winger - Pacey and puts in a good cross. More importantly, he plays on the left.
Primarily a central midfielder, right-footed, who can fill in on the left or right wing. Decent last season in terms of goals and assists but a cheap option as he's in his final year of contract and has been out with a nasty leg break. MA's favourite type of signing. Probably wont be fit to start a game until November. Bit of a gamble but could be a good signing. Somewhat concerningly, last season is the only truly standout season this 27 year old player has had. Would hope it's not our 'answer' to the left wing issue - I want to see a specialist playing there.
Just seen he was in the Championship team of the year last year. Gotta be worth a punt and he'll be cheap. We still need a few in mind.
He had an operation on the 16/08/2016 so days ago not expected to be back to November. Most Assists in the Championship last season and second to Matt Ritchie the year before. Expected to be back to fitness in November and could play upto 30 games this season. year left on his contract so the Fee is £1.5m which isnt too high for a player of his capabilities. Brentford fans are deverstated, I read one say he is the best player they've ever seen in a brentford shirt.
I'll be happy to see this happen as long as we're not faced with another Siem de Jong immediately after getting rid of the last one. That would be too much to handle.
Would prefer to see a bit more playing time before we risk that. I know Rico Henry was out but I'd much rather we were focussing on getting him through the door asap for the left back slot. You can see the thinking with Judge though, he fits Rafa's blueprint for guaranteed promotion well.
Somewhat sceptical of signing a player who's going to be out for a while, reminds me of the Gosling disaster. We need players who are going to make an impact NOW, I'd rather we were going all out for Knockeart than trying to pick up players on the cheap.
Yeah Knockaert and Henry would be where my focus would lie. Jude would fill the creative midfield role centrally though - 14 goals and 11 assists is not be sniffed at. Those 3 and I think we'd be well set. Another striker on top would be a bonus. We could then look to let Arma and maybe even Aarons out on loan with recall clauses.
Ive also read that this deal might be completed ready for January. Brentford accepting a lower fee, will manage his rehab and get a few games out of him before potentially transfering in january. Brentford would get the fee now though as part of the agreement to allow them to do their own business.
That would make more sense, but we are going to need someone creative well before January. I agree with the above that I'd be doing everything to get Knockaert through the door - or someone of his capability. We're clearly about to pick up another £25m so have to pick up the CAM, LB and probably CF that we need today.
