Ikon

It won’t be close to 45m.

He is perfect for them, no doubt. I think he’d do well here too, just not the type of player I think we need to improve a lot, especially in the areas we are relatively poor in at times. Especially for the price it would take.

He wasn’t my preferred type of player ideally. But still a lot better in general play than Elanga. Better technically too. Even now I think he lacks a bit in some areas. But his other strong attributes very much weigh this up when he’s on song. He’s one of the reasons that I want something more different to our right hand side so that we can get some more variety and other strong technical attributes to give us some balance. I was against signing him from the off but that was very much mainly because I disliked him from his Everton days, not much to do with pure football reasons. I’m sure I said stuff that I shouldn’t have. When it comes to Elanga, I like him, but not so much for footballing reasons. Especially for us and where we are aiming to go, and what what areas we need to improve in.

Yep. I’d be more open to it then. Would prefer a different profile than Elanga still. But I’d be much more ok with it. But not for much more money than the 45m, absolutely not.

Yes he’s more explosive and quicker as I mentioned earlier. I was talking about them being on par when it comes to technical ability.

They are on par in this area.

Just to add, I’d be more open to Elanga if we get someone in like JP who can play between the lines a bit more. Because that would open up more space for our wingers than our current setup does while also giving us more variety in our game. Even then I would prefer a different player, especially if it’s much more than 40m. As we evolve and become a better team there will automatically be less transitions for us. Especially at home, as well as the non top sides away. We also need to improve in general play when it comes to ball retention and controlling games. Also to conserve energy. That makes a massive difference over a season when it comes to both points as well as avoiding fatigue too often.

Irrelevant to say as it’s pretty obvious aye! It doesn’t mean that we have to get a snail that is technical like HBA. But someone on one of our flanks that offers more, and something different. Doesn’t mean a slow player.

There’s no doubt that Howe could improve him. But he’s not suddenly going to become a player of high level technically.

You are probably one of those who talks down countries for travel, places you’ve never visited yourself.

In general play he is similar to Murphy and we want to replace him. He’s more explosive and quicker than Murphy but apart from that he offers nothing more. If we are in the attacking third in a non transitional situation he won’t be able to keep hold of the ball well and drag defenders out of shape to open up space for others . He’s not a 50-60m player as he’s limited in many areas. Not worth this much money on a slight upgrade on Murphy.

Well if there’s tons of transitions into space then he would do well in these moments. He doesn’t improve us in general play whatsoever. He’s poor technically. He doesn’t evolve us one bit. If we are to spend 50m+ it must be for a player that improves us in many areas of the game.

I’m thinking about posting a tweet from Downie and Ornstein.

Hopefully they ask for 65-70m. Hope we don’t waste our time raising our offer a little here and there while still being miles off.

It is for me! As I said, imo.

Not happening but I hope they let him rot for the rest of his contract. Would love to slap his face over and over again.

If the Kaka TCD combo was washed ashore on some remote island I sometimes wonder where all animals and palm trees would go..

I'm hearing that we are planning to get ready for very advanced talks.

Aye those too. 4 positions imo that must be a priority over a new GK.

I don’t mind Trafford. As long as it’s not at the cost of a CM.

We might not sign a Ederson kind of CM but I really really think it would be an absolutely massive massive mistake not signing someone that offers more than Willock and Longstaff when it comes to reliability/quality. Keep it as it is and it could very well ruin the season. It’s vital that we get a CM of some kind. I’d be trying to shift both Willock and Longstaff if possible. If we can’t get a top class one then fine, but then at least get someone younger like Fernandes from Southampton or similar who offers something now as well as having potential to grow with time.

I think a CM should be a big priority, but perhaps not the kind of LW/hybrid Ramsey is but more of an all rounder who can play in a two as well. A CM then sign someone like Pedro who can play many positions and give us a lot of flexibility as well as providing cover/rotation for Isak.

Aye most definitely. The things you mention as well as Hall and Tino having come off age, like properly now. Sort out a couple of starting spots with genuine quality and improve the depth quite a bit and absolutely anything is possible. Sky’s the limit tbh.

From what I’ve read I’m pretty certain that 95% of people on here would ber more than happy with Guehi. As for Ramsey, I think most people acknowledge that he’s talented, and a very good player. I think most people who are slightly against it is because it shouldn’t be a priority due to position or question marks regarding his reliability which is perfectly normal and understandable. I don’t think it’s such an easy and cheap deal to do like some seem to think. Villa have plenty of other players they can easily sell before him. We should put our time and effort into bigger priorities. As for Elanga, if he’s worth 50-60 then Tino is easily worth more than that. Also, Tino is a PL player. I think most people on here that are against Elanga is because of the price for a limited footballer. I think most want a player that is better technically and one that offers more in general play, and most of all something different to what we have. If we are to evolve we need to raise the floor when it comes to technical ability and just the general quality when it comes to ball retention and control. Elanga doesn’t improve this. He’s more or less a younger version of Murphy that most on here want to be a good squad player. Quicker as well obviously. He doesn’t transform us. Absolutely no chance one of the top top clubs go for Elanga because he lacks too much in general play. (Obviously other differences between the two but point stands)

Dont think there’s much snobbery to PL players here. Even though quite many seem to be pushing this agenda quite frequently. A bit weird tbh. Its mostly because some are overpriced, or perhaps some people just like to discuss it and their opinion might be that player X ishouldnt be a priority, especially for the position/money. I haven’t seen too many saying that he is shite? Personally I do rate Ramsey but I have question marks regarding his reliability. He hasn’t been quite the same player as before, but that might just be temporarily. I don’t want us to sign players unless we are as certain as possible that they super reliable like Tonali, Bruno and so on, or at least towards that. We can’t afford to take risks. For example, I’ve seen plenty be against some PL players, but also the same people wanting JP for example. We are mostly linked with PL players so that might make some think we are against PL players because some don’t want some. If we were linked with as many from the outside I’m sure many would be against signing quite a few of them.