KaKa

Pope isn't going anywhere.

Pope got us to a cup final though. If he played in it we likely have a much better chance of winning it.

Well Ramsdale was in a title race with Arsenal the season before, so there's that. Pope led a largely unfancied side into the top 4 unexpectedly as a part of the best defence in the league.

Around 6/7 million was in future add ons.

Arsenal only paid £23 million for him, and so it's possible that they are taking less with him not starting anymore there, and with him wanting out. Article says he will come in to compete with Pope, with the view that he has room to continue to improve. £15 million would be ridiculous value and nearer to half of what is being quoted for the Georgian, who people wanted because he'd be cheaper! Once again it's looking like another sharp move in the market. We are possibly going to end up with both Pope and Ramsdale for less than £30 million having been spent on the pair.

Yes, of course they are. It's funny I was reading an article earlier where apparently on one of the Athletic's Q&As someone asked if the Liverpool interest in Gordon was real, and not only was it confirmed, but also that Man City like him a lot too, but they both know they've got no chance of signing him off us. And I couldn't help but laugh recalling the reactions when we were first linked to him, and the things that were being said about Howe's recruitment. And then I've come on here, and here we are again ...

Yeah, not bothered in the least if we opt for Ramsdale instead. He's a talented goalie with room for further improvement. Howe knows him going way back too. Couldn't care less about giving these other teams money as long as we're improving our team. Don't think anyone else is as good as we are in the market right now, and a lot of them really don't buy that well.

Was having this discussion with someone the other day. Genuinely never had jet lag in my life.

No idea how that metric is calculated specifically, but I'm sure there is reasoning behind it. Been unlucky not to score from the chances I remember him getting, but for the most part is pretty composed in those situations and gets his shots on target. What's far more impressive for me are all the other general play numbers both in and out of possession. Looking at Longstaff's numbers in comparison was actually shocking.

This guy is going to be just fine. I don't mind that he's being a bit more careful initially. He's got a very mature way about him on the pitch. He will start picking his spots more and more, and getting into goal scoring positions more often too. In the previous game I thought he had some nice interchanges with Gordon on the left, and played him in behind a few times. Also thought he was disciplined in holding his midfield position on the left to cover for Hall, who is much more attack minded and gets forward more often. I like Anderson still and trust him far more than I do Longstaff at the minute.

The club have taken all that into account and have made the decision. It's a set of showcase friendlies at the end of the season with nothing at stake, and not a set of competitive matches. I doubt there will be any rigorous training sessions during the trip, and imagine it will all be pretty relaxed. It's a part of the modern game for these clubs. A big part of the reason being salaries continue to rise and rise. If the choice is made to be a pro footballer then this is just something you're going to have to manage, unless things change and clubs decide against it.

Like Zirkzee a lot. Have done since he was at Anderlecht, and the evidence is on this very forum.

Always like what I see from Gnonto. Whether on the left or on the right.

All part of the gig and they are well compensated for it. Don't really have time for these sorts of complaints really.

Damn ... looks like there's a ton of competition. He has been brilliant this season to be fair. And the value is incredible really.

25 hours away travelling in complete luxury for a pretty relaxed end of season friendly. Goodness grief man. Such a difficult life.

Oh man ... confirmed?! Would have been a great value signing both fee and wages wise.

Hope discussing possible striker options if Wilson leaves. Sesko is a pipe dream at this point I think, but Ghuirassy is a great shout, especially for the £15 million release clause. Apparently we have had him watched a number of times in Germany.

Really like that we are doing this in an effort to address and prevent the kind of situation we faced with injuries this season. Excellent news.

Ah, I see. It's a fair point. Against deeper set blocks, Bruno is really the one player with the qualities you are speaking of. Hopefully Tonali can show some of that too. If we can bring in a right winger that has playmaking qualities that would be ideal too really.

There were also times he dropped into space and Murphy hesitated and didn't release the ball. On that transition chance that Longstaff played a terrible pass, he could have looked for Isak earlier when he first made his move, and Longstaff hesitated and held into the ball too long before playing an awful ball straight to the defender. Painful stuff.

Joelinton is underrated in his ability to link up with forward players, and he also has a knack for playing them in. It's been one of things we've missed with him. In the lead up to his through ball to Longstaff, I believe there was a slick one two he played with Isak. I also think once Tonali returns and now he is fully settled and more familiar with the other players, we'll see more chance creation from him too, as he loves to play those first time passes forward.

It's exactly the news I was expecting to see come out regarding Man Utd's bid for him. Reports are that he spoke directly with Howe who laid out the plans for him clearly, which he appreciated and was enthused about. Man Utd don't even know who the manager will be yet, or which defenders will be staying or leaving, and where Tosin would then fit in.

This man is talking about Bournemouth ...