toontownman

Broja and Lingard would be underwhelming. That just shows how the expectation has changed though. Broja seems like he could be a smart signing on loan or otherwise. Just not as sexy as most we have been linked with. We desperately need a CM leader in the mold of tripps. Doesn't matter if they are an AM/DM/CM. Leadership and stepping up is big games is what we are missing there imo. Bruno and Joe are great but I don't see either as natural leaders. Willock and Longstaff need someone to really learn from. If we can get solid additions at RW and upfront without spending too much I would go all out for a captain in the centre.

Had a pretty poor season by his standards. Seems weird to say I think we could do better lol

Can't believe it wouldn't have been our first signing this window if we wanted it to happen. That said we have professionals dealing with that type of stuff now that won't prioritize on sentiment.

Not the DM we are wanting (because he isnt really a pure DM) but I wouldn't be surprised if we try and loan Gini in from PSG late in the window, if we still have room and need. He played well as a DM and almost everywhere else in the middle for Liverpool.

CM seems the position we are least likely to get out of the three, at least as far as press narrative have spun things for priorities. However It's certainly still a position that players are getting linked to us every week. Out of all three RW is probably the one we could limp through with most. An injury to Wilson and we are back looking bleak again. CM improved massively with Brunos arrival but we still got ripped apart and looked powderpuff against some opposition and bullied. We sorely need a decent RW to take pressure off ASM but I do think we would limp through best there than we would with not getting a striker or another mid,not least if the striker could also play out wide. Stupid to say but I would be a bit disappointed if we didn't managed to get a decent RW, quality young striker to fight with wilson/wood and another CM. I still think we will. It will likely just go down to the wire, so much time left in the window and so much guff to also ship out of the squad.

Yikes. A goalkeeping legend outside of the Prem growing up.

Deserves his own thread tbh. What a guy. End of an era has never been so aptly used. Been with 32 managers. Absolutely insane. All the best to you Derek and thank you!

He can play RCB so not impossible but pretty unlikely at this point I'd think. Maybe if we get the striker, right winger and Central midfielder we want, then managed to shift Clark, Fernandez and more dead wood in the squad. He would be an amazing addition and successor to schar/partner to botman. Don't see us spending that much though.

Worse.. the shady agent could be family. That is always the worst lol I still think we will get him. Hope he isn't the only striker we get though. Wilson New striker Wood Ekitike Should be our pool. Seeing as we generally only play one up top we don't need a 5th. Joelinton or a reserve play can also fill in.

What are people's thoughts on Conor Gallagher. While there was lots of odious cretin vibes, lots of people really wanted him here 6 months ago. Have our expectations already passed him by? Looks like Villa might be his destination.

Almost don't believe he is a target for us. Just think if we really wanted him and vice versa we would have made it happen already.

At this point I have no bloody idea who we will end up with. Think it's clear we will get a RW, Striker and CM/AM. Also wouldnt rule out more if we shift alot of the deadwood out. We are linked with so many and likely talking to lots not even reported on. Regardless of who comes I just feel at ease and confident whoever comes will be exciting and quality.

He got a job! Amazing. Great for David if he stays. Fonseca will have them back on the front foot!

Interesting options of who we have been linked with. Alongside Paqueta, Ruiz has probably been linked more than anyone to us. Then there is Eriksen. There are a bunch of other central mids we have been linked to. I wonder where everyone ranks in the priority list.

Weird. Maybe waiting on another deal for a joint presser? Bizarre.

The actual hold up is flying Maldini over here to announce he has joined our staff. Revealed alonside Botman.

Fabulous stuff. Get that shit torn own and rebuilt!

Tindall would play the stooge role well, nonchalantly tripping Maldini when he tries to run the ropes and subsequently holding his hands up pleading innocence to the ref.

Expect things to be quiet for the next little bit as suggested in the press. Sure we will get our rumour of the day, every day, but I think Ekitike is still on the table if his agents sort themselves out. Think we are seeing how the market it is with the RW and strikers. Clearly we like Diaby and Raphinha but they might have to come later in the window.

Liverpool fans I know absolutely loved him. He played almost every role in the middle for them.. and even turned up in away games! Wages could be an issue but I expect they would be wherever he goes next.

Gini was just linked again the other day. Would be a canny pick up on a 2 year contract. Good experience to add to our younger midfield.

To be fair they probably haven't done the interviews yet. they rushed them through around the medical, doesnt seem like there was a huge amount of time though. Will be tomorrow if that is the case.

Even if we brought someone like Osimhen I would expect Howe to spend the first part of the season bedding them in. So I agree with buying someone to replace Wilson but expect it to be a transition and hopefully fight for the shirt that brings the best out of both.

Yep isn't Howe on holiday still. Ashworth will likely be the one shaking hands in the picture with Botman.

^^^ Exactly this. Wasn't getting too excited about this until he was finally here. This is a HUGE win for our transfer team and the club. Hopefully a real marker signing that will sway one or two of our other main targets thinking our way. Botman seems like a beast and a great personality.