Roids

I agree, he aspires to be mediocre

Ross Barkley was coming off a season where he performed well for Luton, injury free no less. I'd have no problems whatsoever with that type of signing on a free. DCL is a poor to mediocre striker who's always injured having scored just 13 goals over the last 3 seasons. There upside is minimal, the downsides are practically guaranteed. If we're serious about being a regular Top 6 outfit, push for Delap at £30m or looking elsewhere. You're letting his 'free' tag cloud his actual worth.

get him in

what do you think a hypothetical synopsis of DCL would read like after 2/3 seasons here? Perhaps you might understand my lack of excitement.

I'm not looking for agreement

Colo clown, DCL signing good.

News to me

Assumed this was an open message board where everyone could share their opinions on transfers. Rather than a hive mind, you guys love the idea, I don't. I'd rather NOL didn't become Rawk-ish

In those days, we were so starved of signings that the anything and everything was welcomed. Somehow, after signing the likes of Bruno, Trippier, Burn, Tonali, Isak, Hall, Livra et al , posters are trying to rationalise a DCL signing , in 2025 no less.

"DCL" and "wage demands" are a funny juxtaposition

Minor exaggeration on my end, but DCL talks shouldn't be entertained in the slightest. My personal take on 'free' transfers is that if you wouldn't be happy to spend £20m on the player, they aren't worth it. DCL isn't worth it whatsoever.

Some posters on here are still suffering with Stockholm syndrome from the Ashley regime

Respectfully, can't help with you with your misapprehension

We're not so shackled to be making Ashley era signings

It was a valid question that deserves an answer. You guys are always happy to selectively laud Howe's coaching when linked to certain dross. Getting giddy for a injury proned guy who's averaged 1 goal in 5 over his last 4 seasons striker is silly even if he's on a 'free'. Let's aspire beyond mediocrity

We need a sister club ala Brighton, City, Chelsea etc to get these young guys meaningful playtime. Only so much development can happen on the training ground/U21s

We are in agreement, we need a starting RW but that should be someone established with quality not a young prospect who could very easily disappoint

I like Dibling but if it's laughable to suggest a 2 goal winger is usurping Murphy (who I don't rate) off from a 20+ G/Aseason

There always is. I hope the scouts who saw the value in Isak/Bruno & Tonali are cooking up something

No they're not, they are exactly as described - youngsters with potential. Mbuemo/Cunha /Kudus are proven, established and certified. In comparison, Dibling/Delap et al could be studs in a year or two or he could go the way of Jordan Ibe, Ravel Morrison, Andy Carroll and many many more of that ilk.

Bassong & N'Zogbia also come to mind

This is my point Squad fillers at best

Quite the opposite, it's pretty decent and it'll take more than a bunch of youngsters with 'potential' to make a meaningful impact.

Arguably none of them get into our first XI, outside maybe Huijsen. We need guys who will do so without a doubt.

Idealistic, if it were between us or Man U he goes to the latter purely from the playing time on offer. Going from being relegated to be Man U's starting 9 (regardless of how mudded they are) would be a far more appealing prospect.