kingxlnc

Isak was elite level when he signed, he was being spoken of in the same breath as Haaland and Mbappe, slightly below that tier, in the Vlahovic or even Osimhen level. Bruno was less known but known amongst the bigger teams, Liverpool in particular were absolutely shocked he went when he did as we caught everyone unaware. He would have been unattainable in the summer had we tried.

We do, we have Isak. Just hasn't been playing enough yet. I have visions of him having a Papiss Cisse like end to the season from his next start and qualifying for the CL on the final day

One of the biggest issues with not investing in Jan was that we were 3rd at the time. Essentially we could have dangled the CL carrot to CL-worthy players - instead of the summer when that may not actually be true. So it's a missed opportunity. Gordon ironically we could have gotten whenever, so there was no need to rush that one.

True - it's definitely what the team needs to get to the next level though. What's been done this season is unsustainable with this squad.

Right now summer priorities LB - wouldn't mind going back in for Renan Lodi at Forest who's done quite well, he has PL experience now CDM - Sangare, Kone, Alvarez - anyone who is in the top tier of young DM's and can grow. I heard Camavinga will be allowed on loan - not a bad shout for a season if no-one else is available and to save money. RW - Get Diaby in, finally. CAM - Maddison, who else. ST - Thuram would be perfect as the forward - could work with Isak as well as instead of him. Could pad out the squad with another CB, a young CM and experienced one on loan, and another LW/forward. Cutting edge is key. This is assuming only the likes of Ritchie, Clark etc leave, not the likes of ASM or Almiron. Would be a decent squad with options again, which is what the current one lacks, especially in midfield.

You have two main approaches - the first is the Chelsea, Barcelona, Man U way of buying established superstars at their peak. Or you have slower organic growth with younger players who will be the foundation of your new era. Arsenal, Real Madrid (in recent years), Liverpool to an extent eventually Chelsea (if this new window is anything to go by). I actually think a type of Man City model is what we're looking to emulate. Not the first few years where Mark Hughes was manager. It was only in recent years they ever spent a huge amount on Grealish. Before that, they were buying not the most established names but less known but future potential players like Dias, Laporte, Torres, Mendy, Rodri, Gundogan, Alvarez. Even KdB wasn't a huge star when he was first bought.

In hindsight Shelvey going is more of a blow than we thought. Because it unlocks Bruno at his most dangerous. Forest have been very impressed with him, and him being substituted yesterday led to them imploding and conceding 4 goals in ten minutes. You don't know what you got, til it's gone...

Should go for Abraham and David so our strike force is Prophetic along with Isaac

He would do really well with that West Ham side. They’ve got some very talented players

That shot from Isak from ASM's pass showed good instinct - reminded me of Papiss Cisse's instinctiveness (although purple patch Cisse it would have gone in the top corner)

Isak was our Osimhen level striker signing - so I can't see a huge outlay on that kind of player Diaby and Maddison they'll go back for, that's for sure

All of the above would be amazing! It should be Diaby AND Maddison Alvarez AND Savic That one window would sort out squad depth, quality of first team etc in one fell swoop Would then probably need another CB in Jan

We could get Sulemana, Salisu, Lavia, Livramenton and Walker-Peters and pretty cheap from them. It's not a horrible squad to be honest, it's just too young and lacking quality experience.

TBH, I would prefer ASM on the right, Gordon on the left and Almiron in the centre, like he was for Benitez. He played as a 10 for Atlanta and so he is probably most suited if anyone was.

And he doesn't get anywhere near the amount of love as Bruce by the media

Pope Trippier (bring Ashby on for a debut at 70 mins if winning) Schar, Botman, Burn (but bring Lewis/Targett/Dummett at 60 mins) Longstaff Joelinton Almiron (bring ASM on at 60 mins) Isak (bring Murphy on at 80), Gordon Wilson (Bring Anderson on at 85, ASM to go up front)

Given his dynamic acceleration and good technique do you think he could eventually develop into a Gareth Bale type?

True but he may have been replaced circa 2000-2001 as he started slowing down - Alex Ferguson was ruthless in that regard

Keegan definitely needs to get honoured in some way. Long long long overdue. People are immortalised for a lot less than he’s achieved here. Gave his heart and soul to the club and it was built in his image more than any one.

I thought Paqueta played well. Still think Bruno, Joelinton and Pacqueta would have been the dream midfield for us. Bit of everything.

He looks to be similar player to Mudryk who went for over twice the price. quick, direct, and ambidextrous fast feet

Oh - well in that case, he can be the DM that frees up Bruno to play more forward. We've been linked with Alvarez who is a pure DM so surely Joe can do it too

Is actually an amazing 'number 6'. Don't want to see him LW again. DM / CM is his best position by FAR.

Definitely think a new system is required to make us less predictable 4-2-3-1 Pope Tripper Schar Botman Burn (although want Targett back soon) Longstaff Joelinton Almiron Isak Gordon Wilson ASM Willock Murphy first few attacking subs if a goal is needed

Howe really knows his football.