AyeDubbleYoo

In an absolutely ideal world we make loads of shrewd signings this summer and the bomb squad from last year also come good. Sorts us out completely

He’s too expensive for someone from Ligue 2, and Pope will cost us loads of points?

Ideally we wouldn’t, but I can see it happening if we believe Jaouen can take over quite quickly. Judge it before the January window maybe. Tricky because we also can’t sign a clear number one when we’ve just promised this guy a chance to make a breakthrough.

Would be up for this but I imagine he wants to stay and be first choice in Europe.

You are

I really don't think any of this comes from him as a criticism of the club like. Of course he is obviously going to be unhappy he's not going to the WC, so journos can write that and suddenly it's a story. And our recency bias is so bad that we think a period of 2-3 games means Howe doesn't like him or something. It's ludicrous

I don't think Salah is retiring is he?

Simple point but every team only needs one keeper and the top teams don't really put people in age 20. So there really isn't a clear pathway expect just make the leap.

Think we need to go to hour-level analysis. Maybe closer to deadline day.

Earning his croissants so far. When I listened in on him having coffee I couldn't hear much but I did get the impression he was expecting lots of activity.

En being on right?

Aye tend to agree, but also keeping Pope as starter presents some well-known issues.

Yeah of course, I agree. But ahead of us doesn't necessarily mean any guarantees. They still have to make the right decisions and perform well. I just mean that there's not necessarily a guarantee of CL football for anyone but the very top 2-3 clubs.

FWIW I don't think it matters that much with young keepers. Verbruggen was between Anderlecht and Anderlecht 2 before Brighton brought him in. You're right that he probably won't start straight away.

Who is?

You don't believe I watch Reims regularly?

Well anyone who signs for Man City will have loads of trophies. Personally I'm not knocking him, I just was never that attached to him because of how little he appeared for us. I hope he does well at Man City but I honestly never thought he would reach that level.

This is probably what I would do but I'm not sure we will.

Congratulations, you made me google where Reims is.

Wouldn't be surprised at all.

In some ways Pope is OK for the role but the problem is we can't evolve our style as well if he stays.

More a future first choice than a second choice I guess. He'll cost double in a year or two if he goes somewhere else and does well. Probably very near future if everything goes well.

I think only Man Blue and Arsenal are a lock for the top group at the moment, it's pretty much up for grabs again. Although obviously certain clubs have an advantage due to their budgets, they have a recent record of underperforming them and the league is getting very competitive.

Yeah, will be interesting to see if we do anything else in the GK department. If his mentality is good and he doesn’t buckle under the pressure of the move I could see him taking over before the end of the season. I still think bringing Vlach back would be a good idea but doubt play or manager are up for that.

Can he? Sounds like Rogers is on his way out.