KaKa

I believe there was talk of a £100 million budget once we got past the PSR issue. I think identifying Osula, for just an initial £10 million outlay freed up some money, and I also suspect that the right winger we buy will likely be around £35 million. Once Olise went there weren't really anymore £60 million options in that position that we could realistically land. Most we are linked with tend to be in the £30 million to £40 million range. And so I think this meant we could go bigger on a centre back.

Yes, wore his number and all. Really looked like we were in with a chance at one point, but then Barca came in.

I imagine so. Schar should be transitioning into a valuable backup role by then. He's getting up there in age after all. If we're back in Europe next season there'll be plenty of time to go around. If Schar looks strong this season still, will likely get a short term extension.

Nah, not as good technically at this stage from what has been reported The article @joeyt posted is a good read too, and gives some insight into where he's at.

Haven't seen enough of him to really know what he looks like out wide, but he has played some games out wide, moreso on the right, and he's described as being able to. I get the impression it will probably be more as a direct wide forward type, rather than a tricky skillful winger.

The problem I have with these stats is a lot of this data includes the period of time under Hodgson. How would Schar's numbers under Bruce look compared to his numbers under Howe for example? Regarding the aerial duels, it would be interesting to know how that is measured. For instance some defenders are really good at staying tight and putting their body on the attacker when they both go up and so if they don't win the ball outright in the air it completely throws off the attacker and unbalances them, resulting in a poor header. Can it account for that sort of challenge? Oddly enough, looking at the fbref numbers for aerials, and it has Konsa's aerial duels to be significantly worse than Guehi's.

Yeah, I read this. It's been a disaster. Barcelona forced things. Turned out he's not a Barca style technician, and is more suited to a direct style of play. Funnily enough I was reading this article yesterday that using data actually had us down as the most suitable club for him to fit in, and compared him to Callum Wilson. Really interesting read. https://www.footballtransfers.com/en/transfer-news/uk-premier-league/2024/08/newcastle-transfer-news-vitor-roque-perfect-callum-wilson-replacement

He's apparently not signing a new contract. This summer will be their last chance to get a realistic value as he will be in the last year of his contract next summer. £70 million plus is what they could and would command if he had 4 or 5 years remaining. £50 - £60 million range would be about right. I doubt we would have started negotiations if they were talking about £70 million plus. But we'll see how things play out I guess.

Vitor Roque is the one that came through at Bruno's club in Brazil and looks up to him. We were linked loads before Barcelona came in for him and ended that. And they have of course gone on to mess him about. With all the links to Barca players this summer I did wonder if we might try again for him, as he has decided to move on, and they are ready to let him go.

Especially now we have a sporting director in place that will be keeping a close eye on this.

Ah, fair enough.

Man ... you've got to just enjoy the moment. The fearfulness over transfers is so unfortunate.

Fair enough. Everyone has their preferences. I really like Guehi though. Think he's a very physically strong, composed and intelligent defender. He's also really good on the ball and passes it well with both feet. I don't recall him struggling in the air and that being a big issue tbh. As a partner for Botman long term, I'd certainly have him over Anderson who isn't as quick, and over Gomez who is too rash and careless for me. Aguerd is left footed and looks like he'll be out at West Ham as he struggled after a decent start there. I like and rate Konsa and there are some similarities to Guehi there, but Guehi is 3 years younger and so a better investment. Yeah, there'll be other players out there I'm sure, but I can see the attraction in getting in someone that slots straight in and is already comfortable in the league. Will allow us to be more of a threat in the league right away.

Who do you prefer to him as an example?

Good sign!

Easy to look back through the England threads on here or even Google it. Guehi was the one getting all the plaudits.

Certainly England's best defender, and it was talked about loads at the time. Had a great tournament.

Not sure it will be quite that high. At a guess, I'd say in the £50 - £60 million range. Really rate him as a defender though, and so if we have to, and are able to go a bit higher, totally comfortable with that too. Will be tied into the kind of deal we are going to do with the right winger.

Yeah, like Schar, he's just comfortable either side. Love him as a long term partner to Botman. Both turn 24 this year. This is a big time move.

Lawd have mercy!

Damn!

Has been with them since he was a kid, so yeah.

Interesting

Never!

I know ... I'm really hoping the right winger that comes in is good upfront too, and more experienced there than Gordon is. Think that would put us in really good stead.