McCormick

I didn’t say anything about wages? Apologies but what do you mean by “what else are they meant to say?”? I agree in that I believe we’ll spend big on a striker this summer (30-40m). However, I think we saw in January that we tend to baulk at the higher prices and, with the exception of Bruno, we proceeded to buy players in the 10-25m range. Again, I have no idea but I think it’s slightly optimistic to believe we’ll have this massive 150-200m warchest.

I think that’s wishful thinking, even Eddie has said similar. All the talk seems to be about sustainable growth, playing within Ffp regulations, augmenting a modest budget with player sales etc. I guess it’s slightly paradoxical if you take their statements about competing for the league title in 5 years at face value (naïveté on their part perhaps?). You say journalists know nothing but I think it’s been established that this administration isn’t particularly great at keeping their cards close to their chests. Just my opinion again, but I can’t see us spending the huge amounts you’re suggesting. Looking forward to being proven massively wrong!

Also more reports that we’re sweet on Solanke. I actually rated Solanke and wondered why, with all of his talent, he failed in the Premier League. Whether he’s finally living up to his potential or if he just found his level in the championship; it does seem that it’s clicking for him currently. Talks of Bournemouth wanting close to 40m(!) though should kill that interest off, I’d imagine.

No way they let him go for less than 70m imo.

Agreed but I don’t think we’ll be terribly close to a top 8 finish next season; noises from journos are suggesting a fairly ‘modest’ war chest this summer. Reckon Villa will spend more and we’ll finish behind them comfortably in mid table. But we’ll see!

We spent a similar amount on Jacob Murphy

Bargain tbh.

That always used to be the case but I don’t think Mount, Foden, Saka, Philips and Chilwell are particularly overrated.

A lot of Brighton players are underrated as well; Trussard, Webster, Lallana and maybe Alzate don’t seem to get the plaudits they deserve.

Think Mount is underrated internationally (domestically not so much). He’s had a quietly brilliant season as well.

More like a better version of Fred I guess.

Probably not anymore but Bowen’s been underrated for ages. Feel like Santo Carzola doesn’t get mentioned enough, sublime player. I used really love watching Michu play as well.

. Haidara is not in any way an enforcer though.

like Adriano on Winning 11/Pes

For Kaka, I think it was that he was disappointing more than anything. Did look like a world beater in his early days but didn’t really get to that level yet still gets talked about like he did.

Amazing player. Think he’s criminally underrated actually.

I’ll add Kevin-Prince Boateng to the list, Balotelli is an obvious one, Alexis Sanchez and a recent one is Axel Witsel. Probably controversial (or already said) but Kaka and Pato were massively overrated.

Probably, but how much would that be? Looking at other clubs’ shirt deals there’s a big drop from the big 6 to the others; I’d imagine we’d be looking at something around 10-15m. That would be more than any team outside the top 6 but it’s hardly game-changing money.

Hope I’m wrong but all the noises from journos etc. (I know, I know) point towards a more “modest” outlay this summer. Reckon 150m+ warchests won’t be available until we firm up our sponsorship deals. I’m guessing a 70m net spend this coming window.

In an ideal world we’d get a top-class (proven) striker, a pacey inverted winger, a powerhouse dm, another cm/cam who can chip in with goals, 2 cbs comfortable on the ball with recovery pace, a good left-back and a goalkeeper who’s good with his feet. so basically a whole new team bar Trippier, Bruno, ASM and maybe Joelinton. What I think we’ll get: Ekitike -30m Targett- 15m Hojberg-30m Lingard- free Inacio/N’Dicka- 30-35m B. Johnson- 20m a keeper(Strakosha?) - 10m Selling: Hayden, Almiron , Gayle, Fede, Clark, Hendrick, Ritchie, Woodman, Darlow for around 25-30m combined.

That’d be amazing. Just an opinion but I doubt we’ll spend that much; 100m plus player sales is my guess.

One of the vilest teams in world football for me.

Not to sound all Brexit/qanon but UEFA don’t really want another all English final.

Wouldn’t mind making him first choice with us.

Kroos is goosed as an elite cm imo.