The College Dropout

Had not seen that. Seems half the league wants him - literally.

Great shout. That's true. That does scream Mitchell mind. I'm mostly referring to this window. Plenty of time to go anyway.

Your last point seems to be true. That's very expensive while we need a minimum of 4 players imo. Probably 5. The backup striker, possibly the CM or GK could be a kid or a hard nosed vet for a short period. My gut feeling is that Howe doesn't trust kids and he needs results to keep his job. Plenty of time in the window left - we'll see.

I do believe we think there's more money out there for him. The fee given likely covers the cost of his replacement for a season. That player could be a major reason we get an additional £10m next season imo that role is so crucial.

It doesn't make sense because Howe doesn't trust nor play him. We have a lot more games next season. Important ones.

Longstaff is not a useful squad member. In the second half of the season he played a total of 90 minutes in the league. That's not a useful player for the squad. If he plays next season - it will be out of desperation. I like Sean but he does need to go.

If he's not trusted to start with Joelinton injured - what's the point of him being in the squad? We need another CM that has Howe's full trust. We only have 3. Within 55 games next season, we need a 4th quality CM not a backup.

what players that require a bit of development have we been linked too? Not one for the development squad basically but someone in the first team squad. The last top class one was Hall, closest thing since has been Osula. All of our major links have been with established players. When we first wanted Etikite he only played 26 Ligue 1 games. Barely played in the B team prior. The least established player we are after is Trafford who has 2 seasons at a high level as the main GK. Could argue for 3. I mention it because it's slightly cheaper as it's a bigger gamble. 2022 20-year-old Etikite is what £30m now? Come back at 23 he's worth £70m.

🤔 we think there’s more money out there for Sean?

Why have we stopped pursuing the profile of young player Etikite was 3 seasons back?

Assume this is ‘negotiation’

I guess I was referring to us beating them at SJP. On our best day we can beat anyone tbf. Under Alonso and more months on the training pitch I expect them to be better.

Gosh Chelsea are annoying. You would hate this run would tire them out for the season. But half the side has barely played last season or won’t play next season. Tosin was behind an academy lad in the league last season. He’s played every game in this more or less. Don’t thINK Nkunku even stays at the club.

Few teams are in Madrid’s ballpark. They still managed to beat Juve, Leipzeig and Dortmund pretty comfortably. Atletico and Man City last season. They can mostly get away with it at Dortmund away and the like. But the elite it’s an issue.

Give the man some time. Enrique was in the job longer when they got slapped 4-0 by a team playing in the CL for the first time in 20 years.

Two clubs built on oil money in the club World Cup final. Football is dead.

Agreed he’s been best at RW. But I think he could be best through the middle. I think most ballers are best playing in the middle of the park if they have the physicality and work rate to survive. CM, 10, striker. They are another level obviously but Cazorla and Silva were best as 8 not out on the wing. Even Arnautovic is best through the middle.

Yep. He’s a baller.

Bought the dip. Agreed the fee with the loan I think.

Lots of people seem to know Kudus personally.

Ahhh Fluuuuuu

Isn’t he suspended?

Pope doesn’t seem the type. But it also makes him more likely to reject a move. A year on the bench he’s still a great pickup for a lot of teams in the division and might get a bump in salary or at least a better sign on fee. He’s only going to be one injury or a couple bad performances away from starting too. James Trafford is still young for a GK.

Knowing Eddie - Trafford will be a couple ropey performances from visiting the bench even if he does start. If I’m Pope I reckon I could keep Trafford on the bench for atleast 1 season in the main. That could mean nights at Camp Nou and going to the World Cup. Joining Leeds would shelve all of that. If the club get a good offer they would try and force him out mind. Not Howe but someone else with the authority I can seee that happening.

Said it loads on here - a CL side needs a CL level CM that doesn’t start with everyone fit. That ‘6th man’ can’t be backup quality. With the addition of Elanga is more of a priority than CF to me. Barnes - Gordon - Elanga with Murphy off the bench isn’t great but it’s better than what happens if Joelinton goes down again. Villla play with Kamara, Tielemans with Onana pushing Kamara when fit. Arsenal had Partey, Rice, Odegaard starting with Merino on the bench. Liverpool have Curtis Jones behind the trio of MacAllister, Gravenberch and Szob. City and Chelsea have crazy depth not worth discussing. Our options are terrible by comparison. Terrible.