For me, Che simply has to go now. He hasnt signed a new deal, hasn't convinced with his play this season or last and holding onto him would be a mistake in my opinion. Adarma has been outstanding and a real model professional he has fully earned a promotion. I think we have a starting backline that is solid enough bar Manning. Downes I agree is a must keep but we will need some major incoming in midfield - unlike most I dont love Aribo (hate on me if you must), Stuey has been outstanding but he wont last a long season with the pace in the EPL if you ask me, Alcaraz is a logical returnee, Charles needs a lot more experience so we need a starting 6 and a starting 8/10 in there IMO. We will need a starting #1 and I don't think it should be Macca at this stage, he should leave with his head held high and high fives out the door for a final contract elsewhere. Its pretty major work to my mind but the spine remains the same solid group.
I keep forgetting how long our list of “first team” loanees is: Perraud ABK Lyanco DCC Alcaraz Onuachu Whether they go or not might depend on what we can get from sales. I wouldn’t be surprised if Alcaraz and Sulemana are sold to raise funds for the squad rebuild needed. Alcaraz doesn’t seem to fit what Martin wants. Likely a busy summer ahead There are potentially some interesting options in the free transfer markets - Johnson, Matip and Brownhill I can’t remember what the loan rules are in the premier league other than only one per club. The frees and loans and potential contract extensions are factors to consider as we won’t have the funds for the volume of signings we need as permanent additions Biggest areas to be concerned about: - Going into the seasons with Smallbone as the back up “number 6” for when Downes can’t play. We’ve made that mistake too many times. It got us relegated last time and nearly cost us this time since we utterly could not perform without a specialist in that position. - Not going for a goalkeeper and trying to see the season out with a McCarthy contract extension Either of those options and we will seriously struggle and almost certainly get relegated. If we make both those mistakes then unfortunately we will have next to no hope
Agreed, Che needs to be given a handshake and shown the door. He's never gotten into double figures in the PL and I doubt he can score the goals to keep us up. Personally, I like the look of Elijah Adebayo from Luton - seems like a real unit, shame his season was interrupted by injury.
ABK can stay, potentially Perraud too. Lyanco, DCC, onuachu can go. I would sell sulemana and loan out Mara. Id be sad to see Alcaraz go personally. Sign Downes and Fraser. Replace Che. Busy summer!
This is probably an extremely daft question but was that actually Ramsdale in the Saints end today or just an extreme lookalike?
I know it's the Fail, but: https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/f...-Aaron-Ramsdale-Hagrid-Southampton-Leeds.html
Ramsdale would be a level or two above what we've got at the moment. I really like him as a guy and a keeper but I cant see that move ever happening.
A loan wouldn't be crazy. Might be more appealing than a permanent move to Wolves or some such, given that it'd leave him poised to return to Arsenal and take over if Raya slips at all.
In terms of personnel moves, my preference would be something along the lines of: - Sign Brooks and Downes. I'm a bit more iffy about Fraser owing to age. Not much interest in keeping Rothwell. - Let Che and Stu walk. Potentially sign McCarthy to a one-year deal if he's willing to take a bit less and be the backup (decent chance he isn't). - Bring back ABK, Alcaraz and Perraud. - Sell Onuachu, DCC and Lyanco. - Loan Mara and Sulemana, probably to France. Charles to a Championship side if he's squeezed out of playing time. All still have a fair bit of potential but need to play regularly, and Sulemana isn't an ideal fit with Martin's playstyle. - Loan Manning to the surface of the sun. - Sign a keeper on loan. - Sign a LB, striker and defensive-minded CM permanently.
I really like Edozie. He affects the game every time he plays and when we are getting pinned towards the end of a game he’s the one who comes on and starts going at his man. He will have bad games but too good to loan out I reckon. I want Sulemana running thru the middle more and if he’s not going to do that or not going to put a shift in again I’d get rid. Sekou looks a great athlete but that goal against man city might have been his saints highlight from what we saw this season. If he can’t deliver in the champ he won’t suddenly come blazing out in the prem.
Would anyone have him back? Denmark midfielder Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg, 28, is expected to leave Tottenham in search for more first-team football. (Football Insider)
I like the squad size we've got tbh. So for me it's a case of finding improvements for those who leave/go on loan. O'Hare in for Rothwell Perraud in for Manning Brownhill for Aribo Type. With the most important probably being who comes in for Che EXCITING
Perraud can go, He isn't THAT good. He left at the first opportunity. Only player I want of the loaned out is ABK, Shown he is a top talent at prem league level, Sort out the injury and he is a incredible defender. O'Hare is a great shout though, I'd add Ben Johnson in for James Bree.
To be honest, any of those who wanted out and didn't want to stick around can do one to be honest. Don't run away at the first sign of adversity and come running back when the good times are back.