Transfer Rumours Summer 2024

Wasn’t really the first sign of adversity, we had been trash for a couple of seasons I never got the feeling it was a decent environment to be in. Would you stick around at a job if you didn’t enjoy it?

 

I talk out of my a**e most of the time and the Prediction League has proven how much I know about football but I am concerned there seems to be 'these players will be good enough for the Premier League' going about already.

The step-up to stay up is huge and every season the gap gets wider. I suspect Armstong won't score many in the top division as he just won't get the space and lack of attention he did this season and I hate to think it but some of the current players we are happy to stay because they are 'brilliant' may turn out to be 'below average' in the Premier League.

The club and indeed the supporters need to be very careful about this.

 

Why not?

 

Perraud £5m
ABK £10m
Lyanco - £4m
DCC - £4m
Alcaraz -£20m
Onuachu - £13m

Possibly add Sulemana to that list for £15m. We could then spend fairly big and not be at major risk if we did get relegated again.

I'd say sell the lot. Either because they don't fit tactically or because they preferred to be out on loan than help right their wrongs and get us get promoted.

Only maybe is ABK as he did have a good spell and is young. Might be worth seeing what Martin thinks of him before making a decision.

 

We desperately need a DM. Two if West Ham decide to keep Downes.

 

Arise Sir Kyle Walker-Peters

 

Bit harsh to include Charly with the others. I'd certainly want to be keeping him.

 

KWP re-signing would be the best bit of business of the whole summer.

 

That was based off the fact we let him go in January, which suggests Martin doesn't think he fits into this way of playing.

In the right system I think he could be a good player.

 

I do think he could fit into the 3-5-2 Martin was using towards the end of the season.

 

I agree with this and I know it will be unpopular but JWP can do one too - as soon as proper adversity hits (which let's remember he played a part in) he couldn't wait to go. That is not the sign of someone who is a 'great servant' to the club. That is someone who when the going gets tough, buggers off.

 

A bit harsh on JWP. He was in two minds because he wanted to get Saints promoted but is also trying to break the premiership free kick record and get into the England squad even if that hasn't worked out the way he wanted it was understandable.

 

Let me put this out there - IF we get Downes is he an upgrade on JWP? Free kicks aside? Tricky one for me as JWP was a machine, but so is Flynn?

 

I wouldn't be offering new contracts to Che or Stu, but I would be giving them both a massive thank you. I'd wish both of them the best for their futures.

Alex however I would offer a one year deal to, to act as our number 2 next season until Bazanu is back.

I'd take back Charly and Perraud. And also ABK if he can prove his fitness. But none of the others out on loan interest me.

Obviously, like everyone, I'm desperate for Downes to sign permanently and Kyle to extend his contract. Whether that happens, who knows.

I wouldn't seek to retain Rothwell or Fraser, but again they would leave with my thanks. Brooks I suspect Bournemouth won't entertain selling except for a large fee, and we have more important areas to spend our money.

After Downes, a striker and a keeper are at the top of my shopping list. Essential. Next comes a LB and a CM (in addition to Downes) - plus a RB if Kyle doesn't renew and we decide to cash-in. Then a winger - plus a CB if we feel like ABK's body isn't up to it.

 

Morgan is my favourite Saints CM ever. I don't think anyone will ever get near him in my eyes. But the competition for a second-favourite CM is very intense, lots of options. And after just one season, Downes is already a contender.

 

That’s very harsh for me. Would be fair if last season was a one off **** one culminating in relegation. But we were **** and relegation candidates for years and years and JWP was a big part of us staying up in those **** seasons gone by. He always gave his all, regularly pulling us through games and with a lot of important goals and assists and from everything we heard, he was the absolute linchpin just about holding our collapsing team and club together. He lived and breathed Saints, was the most dedicated trainer and brought players to the club and kept them here with his professionalism and passion for the club. I didn’t and don’t begrudge him his move at all.

 

Don't begrudge him moving at all but it is still telling that he wasn't willing to give us one year to help us get back up. Wonder if he would rather be at Saints now as a legend of the club, up there beside Tiss (imo he would have been close had he stayed and got us back up) or just another player at WH.

 

I have said before that I would like to see more power in our midfield, players who can put themselves about, have pace and the ability to run with the ball.
I like Smallbone a lot in the 8 role and, to a lesser extent, Aribo but I see them as being bench warmers in the Premier League because they are on the lightweight side of things because of their lack of pace and power.
The last few weeks has shown how much difference a mature and experienced keeper can make to the back line.
McCarthy made me feel comfortable when we were facing corners and crosses, because of his height and strength to push through players to get to the ball, plus I think he is a better shot stopper than Baz, who I don’t think is a “natural/instinctive” keeper.

 

Allowing Baz straight back into the team as #1 in the PL would be akin to committing PL suicide. We need a better goalkeeper.

 

I’d take Phillips on loan from City (or even buy him) and see if we can get him back to being a good footballer.