Yorkie

It's been explained a hundred times before why we don't have the same transfer shortlist as mid-table clubs with mid-table aspirations. We're dining at the top table but the cartel clubs are the only ones with access to the tasting menu.

I don't think there's anything to definitively say we're not making progress there, I'd just be interested to know what the vision and trajectory is I guess. Agree that it'll probably be a long haul given the neglect and disinterest shown under the previous administration. It's not that long ago that Beardsley was there ffs.

I'd be interested to know where we consider our academy to be at right now, and if there's really anyone in the building on a first team trajectory in the short term. It's not like we need reminders but the transfer window, so far, further demonstrates the need to develop our own stars.

Dunno about anyone else but I rather hope we beat Liverpool a couple of times next season.

There's that Only Wanted line. get in.

We made enormous offers for Pedro and Ekitike. The only one you can make that argument for is Trafford but we had some leverage there because the player wanted to come. He's also only proven at Championship level. Clearly there's going to come a point where we have to just buy worse players like Cf says, but the point I was making at the beginning is that the cartel control the market and it's a dire constraint for us and anyone else with serious ambition. Whether you think we've lowballed Burnley or not (we clearly haven't imo).

Matching whatever inflated price the highest bidder might go to isn't 'compromise'. Besides, Man City would've just come in then anyway, it wouldn't make a difference imo.

It's exactly the same imo. We get him for a fair price if cartel club X aren't waiting in the wings.

So, for this 23-year-old with everything to prove, we offered them nearly £70million: an astronomical fee that would've been one of the highest ever paid to a Bundesliga club, higher than Haaland, higher than Lewandowski, higher than Frankfurt's own Marmoush - not to mention it would've meant they'd make a €50m profit on the guy in twelve months... and apparently that still it wasn't enough to get us at the table. I mean, what sort of a market is this where that incredible offer isn't even entertained? Answer: one which is dominated by the cartel clubs. I share the frustrations with everyone about our lack of progress but I honestly don't think we've conducted ourselves badly. We're going into negotiations with reasonable offers as far as I can see.

just because you're sick of hearing it doesn't mean it isn't true. They control the market. The boss said as much himself.

Have you missed the teams unaffected by PSR trying to/signing all our targets?

Still fairly relaxed because - given the moves his potential new teams are already making - I don't see where he goes to. Not good that he's rattled by the speculation, obviously. Absolutely loathe the transfer window, like.

Well neither of us know the details but evidently the player has been ready for the move, and we've been ready to do business for ages. Burnley shouldn't have to just give in if they don't want to, but likewise we shouldn't have to overspend if it's not right for us. The problem at the root of it all and the only 'blameable' aspect is, as always, the warped system which enables a small collection of teams to totally dictate the market.

I've no beef with us not being held to ransom over disproportionately high transfer fees. In the long run I think it's more sensible/sustainable to stick to our guns rather than be a soft target. Sounds like we've engaged with Burnley in good faith and made a perfectly fair and otherwise acceptable offer. Clearly we've done the work on the player too. That they've blocked the move in anticipation of interest from City isn't our fault.

Who was it on here who get an away shirt from Davey Gate and it had 'REQUIRED' on the back? @SEMTEX?

Not remotely worried at this point. It's a shame we've not got more in for the start of pre-season though given there'll be much less time on the training pitch this season.

Trafford's probably ready to come here but Burnley are blocking it in the event Man City come in with more money than he's worth. Could just be a case of dominoes waiting to fall rather than the club being tardy with business.

Wages will always be the ultimate kicker for players. Chelsea will always offer the most meaning they'll basically always win. Simple as that imo.

Assuming Delap and Pedro were targets one and two, the person most accountable to us not securing one of those individuals is Todd Boehly.

My dad's favourite ever tale to tell is of when his dad knew someone who worked at the club, and invited the pair of them in for a look around. Who should just happen to walk in but Wyn the leap, who was naturally my dad's favourite player at the time. He ended up taking them all out onto the pitch, which hadn't been planned. Great story that I've always loved hearing. RIP.

get it on the banner

Whatever. Just a good player going to Liverpool. It's happened every summer since the beginning of time, not gonna lose any sleep over it. Hopefully he turns out shit.

I'm saying we don't know. These tweets are just wallpaper at this point.

Believe nothing, assume engagement farming/agent bidding for everything. Fingers in ears and just wait for the cards to fall; it's the only healthy way to endure this miserable business.