Ikon

Its not only the agents fault. Its not like he is 2 years old.

Dont believe it. The same paper that said we were interested in the first place said that he had decided to stay this season. Not sure about Media Foot. Don't see it and don't want him.

I think Howe wants a CM and I also think we will get one. Most certainly hope so.

Chill down mate.

We have a budget but I’m bloody certain people on the outside won’t know the numbers. These are business people they aren’t that stupid that they would reveal their hand, never mind considering how the public view on us is. Most would think we would spend insane amounts

I don’t think he is correct though. I’m also not saying we don’t have a budget, as I’m sure we do. What I am saying is that some of the prices we have been quoted for some players might be ridiculous and as a matter of principles we won’t budge and pay ridiculous fees. This doesn’t mean that we can’t spend 10m on Pope for example. Because we wouldn’t want to overpay 10-20m for another position.

Pure guess, I think it’s more about us refusing to get ripped off. Other clubs asking for much much more than market value. Like DCL for 60m for example (if true).

Howe has talked a lot about us ideally wanting to have more control of games. I’m certain that he wants another CM of some sort on top of a striker and wide player. I’d be surprised if we don’t sign one even if its not the main priority in this moment of time of the transfer window. People talk about FFP but it’s not only about this window but more long term. Can’t see us waiting to sign a CM because of FFP. If anything signing one now will give us a better chance of finishing high this season which would give us a better chance of reaching a place for a European spot. Which itself will enhance our chances of higher income and possibilities when it comes to sponsorship deals. While also raising the status of the club. Even if we don’t reach a European spot a CM will result in us having a better season overall. I think it’s important that we have a decent first season and then kick off from there. Many people will have their eyes on us and I think it can only help us going forward if we make a good 1st impression with a great first season under this new regime in charge. That’s not to say that we have to end in this and that position. We have to be realistic too. Spending on a CM now will mean that we won’t have to sign one for this particular role come January or next summer window. It won’t make a difference to FFP which is more long term. It can however help us to reach our goals and targets in a more smooth and quicker way. We shouldn’t sign a CM for the sake of it, but if the quality and right deal is there to be done I’m certain that we will want to do it now instead of later. Please don’t say that we can’t replace every player, it’s not about that. Get a striker and wide player and CM and it’s one hell of a start. Not that I will complain or moan if we don’t get a CM but I don’t see it not happening. I’m just happy we have our club back and have hope and ambition again. No matter how quickly we get “there” it’s fucking amazing and a journey I can’t wait to be a part of. Good times lads and lasses.

There’s also a middle ground like say CHO on loan for example. Leaves us with quite a bit of money for other positions like striker and CM.

Apparently a quadruple of signings. Nunes, Paqueta, Diaby and Isak.

Nobody did. I think he’s from Solna, or at least supports AIK.

Depending on what formation we will play I’d just spunk the money on one of Matheus Nunes, Fofana or Paqueta or similar, and then try and loan CHO and a striker loan to compete or be backup to CW. Then go big for a striker and another winger later when there might be more options available and us hopefully be even more attractive. Unless we are prepared to spend tons of money then sure, get Isak or whoever and a Diaby of some kind I think that ONE quality midfielder along with a winger and backup striker on loan could get us pretty far.

Colback

No one else reporting on Isak than Red Wine Wum?

Yes, but he doesn’t strengthen our 1st 11 as much as a top class RW would. If we sign Isak then I’m certain that we have more money available for other players too. Worst case quality loans. If we even go for Isak that is. Isak is good off the ball too running the channels. I like thought of that with Bruno.

Tbh most players are a gamble to a degree. What I’m saying or implying towards is that more often than not it’s better to sign players that are on the way up, in great shape both mentally and physically. Players that have great confidence just oozing it. Sometimes however a gamble could prove to be a very very smart signing, and successful. Isak may very well be that. Very young and talented. But we aren’t signing a wide forward even though he drifts here and there at times. This version of Isak might be possible to sign, meanwhile say 18 months ago he wouldn’t be possible for us to attract. This assuming that we actually even are in for him, and if we can get him.

I wonder if Isak can regain his confidence again. Been through a massive goal drought. Obviously still very young. Has the talent but would still be a gamble for what he would cost. If we get him then I’d be cautiously excited though, still.

Add a cm to that and it’s been better than very good.

Sure you dont want him??

He is able to do it, he’s just not very good at it. Not awful I wouldn’t say.

Willock is a player who is mostly effective when a team is in transition. Otherwise I don’t think he offers too much. Not if we are looking to control games more. But that might come later.

It’s made up stuff anyway. To drum up some interest.

Names don’t win games. Plus I doubt we are after him anyway. I wouldn’t be totally against it but I’m not gonna lie, I’m by no means convinced that he would be a success. Doesn’t matter how good you are if there’s no hunger and motivation.

Thing is that I want us to go for players that can/will grow with the club. Get players that get better with time hopefully . Doing it this way we wont have to replace as many players as we would if we sign players that aren’t quite top top class but wont be good enough for “phase 2” either. Ideally we get players that definitely improve us now but can go another level or two or even more within time. Obviously not against elite players with the right hunger and attitude, but we are not quite there yet to get these. Going this path is probably the most sensible and economically achievable without spending ridiculous levels, ffp and all that. This is why I doubt we will be going for players like Asensio for example. I like the idea of us going more organically but in a more ambitious way than most other clubs. Need to find the level of players before they reach the ultimate elite level. Avoid the likes of James Rodrigues and similar.

Doubt we want Asensio. Id be genuinely shocked if we did. Apart from scoring he offers basically nothing and is lazy from what I’ve heard.