The Prophet

We need to replace Isak this window, even if he doesn't leave.

The breif makes sense. Even if we're not being entirely sincere, it means we can stick to our asking price and look at other strikers without getting completely ripped off. Whether Isak stays or goes, he still needs replacing this window.

If Isak does go this summer, I honestly think our style of play lends itself more to a target man with good feet (Woltemade immediately springs to mind). Someone that's capable of holding it up would go a long way to helping us retain the ball a bit more.

From the article... “They are not desperate to sell him and want to at least double the £32m they paid to sign him from Villarreal in 2023. Jackson signed a nine-year contract in September last year.”

Make it happen.

Looking forward to some of these lads coming through.

Ah yes, wouldn't be a transfer window without a dubious link to Ferran Torres.

We're desperate for a Joelinton alternative given his fitness record.

Does Isak really suit the way these play?

Mbuemo not looking in the best shape like...

Fwiw, I'm not justifying or defending PIF, just disputing the notion they haven't been spending.

Fully agree, but the "they've spent nothing since Staveley left" line has been trotted out a few times this summer when it's quite the opposite. That's not to say they've come anywhere near their stated targets yet though.

German press linking us with Nmecha Given how we've moved this summer, it probably has legs.

I don't think people realise how far behind Ashley left us and the amount its taken to fast track the upgrades. We're still playing catch up in operating like a Premier League club.

They've been investing heavily. The costs of executive appointments, training ground upgrades, the SJP refurb, along with expanding departments such as operations, finance, commercial, data, scouting, academy, coaching, medical the women's team, community outreach, etc doesn't pay for itself.

We're gasping for a breakthrough on this pre-Villa.

It feels like Ramsdale, Thiaw, and Wissa raise the floor of the squad significantly, with Elanga going straight into the first team. We're desperate for a CM and we need an Isak alternative, but we're getting there. We've not moved the first team on in a big way, but being able to rest and rotate will improve it in it's own right. GK Pope Ramsdale RB Tino Trippier RCB Schar Thiaw LCB Botman Burn LB Hall Targett CM Tonali Bruno Joe Miley Willock New CM RW Elanga Murphy ST Wissa Isak/new striker Osula LW Gordon Barnes

Looks like he has a first touch like Peter Sutcliffe's claw hammer.

Am I right in thinking we wanted him last summer until we pivoted to Guehi?

Feels like Reijnders will be signing of the season.

Shame Mings didn't flatten the little cunt.

We are so back.

Because generally speaking pre-season results aren't a good indicator of how results will go?