Lotus

Can only imagine the alternatives are not presenting themselves as absolute bargains either. Otherwise I doubt we’d contemplating overpaying (which is sometimes justified) for Guehi.

Sporting have already bought Debast who was rumoured to be Diomande’s replacement.

Reckon he’ll be excellent on his first run out due to the adrenaline rush. Then he’ll quieten down for a few games as he gets his sharpness back and then fully integrated after around 6-10 starts.

Didn’t Mount move for £55+5 with only one year left on his contract? Didn’t Rice only have one year left on his contract. Guehi could have a standout season and still go for big money next year.

It’s Parish’s job to look after Palace. I’m not convinced their end of season form continues into the 24/25 but that’s just my opinion. I'd also be shocked if Guehi was the best CB we could buy for that money, but a) I don’t know exactly how much ‘that money’ is and b) no one should regard my opinion over EH, PM, SN and whoever else is involved. When EH says it’s hard to find players who improve the first 11 a couple of things come to mind. Schar > Guehi imo. Schar is aging though. There a multiple players with better stats than Miggy, Murphy, Longstaff and, if we’re just talking numbers Joelinton. JL clearly does a lot of good stuff in the middle though that doesn’t involve crucial shot stopping blocks, tackles and interceptions in and around our penalty area, goals, assists or line breaking passing up the other end. So, the normal stats we see on the usual websites don’t really illuminate JL’s contributions. However, the other 3 can clearly be improved upon. Once Tripps phases out of the team and his creativity with it, we’ll need a player on that side that makes things happen. Tino looks very good running with the ball but he doesn’t look like he’s got a wand of a right foot like Tripps or TTA, for example.

I understand how easy it is to start running with a train of thought, especially a negative one in light of the window being a damp squib so far. But, let the window close first and then see how the squad looks like for this year.

I’m not sure Mitchell’s M.O. is to bid above sensible amounts for a player already established in the league from a club known to be difficult to deal with. It was said that this window wouldn’t be affected duly by the incoming DoF and it may be that Eddie’s got his wish on the primary target and it’s simply Mitchell’s job to try and get him without spending money we haven’t got. Unfortunately, spending the quoted amounts does impact our ability to shop in the markets that Mitchell is known for in the search for development players. Tough balancing act.

Tbf a manager should sign players that will benefit himself and the team while he’s there, not a couple of managers later.

Means some money has gone it. More likely that than insider info imo.

I agree. They have, according to many of their fans, the best squad in the Prem, probably one of the best in Europe. They also have their best post war manager in Ten Hag. They're very confident going into the season. I'm not familiar with any of their players but their belief is very convincing.

Given Beye Schar Woodgate Enrique Bruno Batty Lee HBA Shearer Isak

looks a very clever player though with a superb 1st touch.

That was a great watch! Loved how he could chest the ball over a defender. Awesome. Hadn’t forgotten what a fantastic finisher he was. Cheers!

Reckon we should offer a deal up to £100M for Guler, £60M for Guehi, £70M for Silva in case Guehi doesn’t work out and go extra big on a midfielder who thinks of defensive positioning first. Money or affordability isn’t something that should be relevant to this thread it seems so the above is what would consider a good window.

Any of yous remember Marcio Amoroso? Played for Dortmund 20 years ago or so. Had a magic move in him now and again that just dropped your jaw.

Brazil used to always have a player or 2 coming through who were just exceptional with ball control, skill and imagination. I think Neymar was the last one. Vini Jr has great output and numbers but he doesn’t have that Ronaldinho/Neymar sick skillzz. Few Brazilian players take your breath away these days. Not many surprises. Genuinely think Bruno has some of the magic dust mixed with a winners mindset and serious stamina. He really has been a surprise. But when you see the young players that get linked with big European clubs, you watch their ‘highlights’ on YT and just shrug most of the time 😕

His attitude and application was outstanding imo.

Presumably the club has a limit on what they think he’s worth and if CP insist on more than that I would suppose we switch to one of the bigger names, i.e. Silva or Diomande if either Sporting or Benefica will entertain us at that price point. I would think the alleged £65M would get either of those clubs to the negotiating table. Silva certainly damaged his reputation at the Euros. He was generally awful. Would’ve pissed off the Benefica boardroom no end.

Agree about speed, not a pen imo.

Just looked up his Fbref stats......they're.......not good :-/ 0 assists per 90 In the bottom 1% for pass completion. In fact all his passing stats are atrocious. Seems good at taking players on and tackling. Bit like JL7 I guess (numbers only).

Tbf if Thiaw is slow with that clip as evidence then so is Thuram. Judging by the lines in the grass, Thuram doesn’t gain on him. As for change of direction, Thiaw didn’t look great but that shot was a worldy. Thuram could have another 20 goes I reckon and not score that one again.

Tbh, I doubt any of our staff thought Gordon would come on the leaps and bounds he did so quickly. They may have also felt he could do a bit more through the middle if Barnes was to stick to the left. I’m guessing the type of RW we wanted just wasn’t available and they had the ASM money in the pocket and decided to put it on a guy whose returns have always been good. Should something have happened to Gordon and not Barnes the HB transfer could’ve looked very handsome straight off the bat.

Apropos of nothing, I woke up this morning with a feeling we're chasing Kubo.

Desperate for another club to sign someone. So utterly bored of ManU and their fans.

F**ks given about Manu = 0 Mildly interested to see how long Ashworth stays in the role. Once he’s put the ‘spokes’ in place is he a bit redundant? Brighton seemed to think so. Anyway, whatevs.