Sufi

If we lose Dubravka and ASM. Elliot maybe goes on loan. I dont think 9 is unrealistic considering we will probably sell 3-5 players.

I dont expect 9. I think we may need 9 in. Our backup GK may go. Our LW may be off as well. We need a LB. We need 2 CM. We need competition at RW. We need a RCB. We need a backup RB. We need a 3rd CF. Wouldnt shock me at all if we bring 9 new faces in. Some on loan, some for free, some as backups for injury or emergency situations etc. I'm fine with being dissapointed if its 5 or 6 instead of 9, but I dont see 9 as unrealistic considering the players who are on our bench who will surely be sold, and the above mentioned needs.

With all due respect I dont think any of those players are gettable. Maybe Felix but even thats pushing it and also not our most dire need positionally.

Highly touted player (Isak) breaks club transfer record to move to NUFC who were involved in a relegation battle, have new owners and a new manager. Highly touted player (Szo) breaks club transfer record to move to NUFC who have just qualified for the champions league and been to a cup final, with a manager who is up for PL manager of the season.

The Isak one was a shock for sure. I think Szo would be less of a shock considering where we were when Isak signed as opposed to where we are now tbf.

Yes it purely based on the assumption that our budget is 150m. I would only sell him for 30m if we can get someone proven to be of similar quality for the same price. I love players like Moussa Diaby but if we sell ASM and sign Diaby or a similar player I dont really see the point. Especially if its someone from that league. I LOVE watching the bundesliga and how free flowing, end end the football is. If we sell ASM for 30 which seems low to me by current standards..I hope its due to tactics and EH wanting a different kind of player for 30m. I doubt we could find someone who does what he can do for 30m. I think hes in the 98 or 99th percentile for dribbles completed etc in the top leagues in europe.

Why not have a team of cunts? Gordon and Maddison are a good start. Lets just allow the shit house vibes flow.

Just wanted to post in here for Mazzy. You spoke it into existence. The thread is back.

Predict our first transfer. My money is on Tierney or Maddison. Who do you have?

Thats surprising. 22?! Why not a loan with an option to recall him? I think it would do wonders for his development. I'd prefer that over him hugging the end of the bench for 90% of the season. Cant imagine he gets anywhere close to 22 matches next season with the reinforcements we are due to sign.

I'm playing devils advocate. I'd be happy with Szo for 42 million euros (initially) which is what we got Bruno for. I guess my point was if we can justify spending 70m (thats if the rumours are correct) on one position, especially from RBL. He looks like a mix of Bruno and Ben Arfa. I'd love him here. I think its valid to question the fee, league and team based the history of bundesliga players coming to the PL, specifically that club, our budget and on where we are as a club. Maybe its a luxury or a gamble we cant afford. Maybe it isnt. I dont have an issue with us signing him, I've been cumming all over my laptop watching his videos on youtube just like the rest of you. Maybe the bigger question here is how we can spend our 150m (or whatever it is) to minimalize risk, while still finding our next Botman, Isak or Bruno.

Sorry just looked at Szo's return in Salzburg. 60 goal contributions in 83 matches. Very very impressive. That nullifies my point about Isak doing it at AIK/Sociedad. Definitely passes the eye test as well. Its just the price and RBL players track record that scares me tbh.

Agree on both parts there. The only thing is Isak has done it in a few leagues now. Had like 15 europa league matches iirc. Performed ok in limited apps in dortmund, did well for AIK. Did well for Sociedad. Looks great against top opposition for Sweden. I would feel totally different if it was 40-50m for Szo.

I appreciate that it sounds silly. I'd feel different if it was a player from a different league, team and not for 70m. He looks fantastic but so did Naby Keita and a few others at RBL.

Sorry forgot to quote you in the above.

Hahaha. I promise brother I'm not here to be winding anyone up. Just playing devils advocate here. We cant afford a 70m from RBL who potentially flops or takes a year to get adjusted to EH and to England etc. So I guess I'm thinking of who we can sign that we know what we are getting. Less of a gamble. Lower ceiling but a higher floor. I think its a great year to scavenge off other teams in the prem. Those who are relegated, fallen on tough times etc. Lord knows it happened to us for decades. Another random but related question, what about the recent Chelsea model with long contracts and future funds involved. Risky? Tying up all that FFP money going forward.

Fair about Tierney with his health. Ok just looking now at the free transfers here. I kind of agree that Ward-Prowse is meh but hes proven and we know what we are getting. I think CM is the position thats probably most important that we get right. Tons of LBs who can do a job. https://www.transfermarkt.us/statistik/endendevertraege Guirreiro at LB? plays a few positions too. Asensio? Laimer? Skriniar? Dembele? Thuram? Now that I look I dont know if I've ever seen so many good free transfers available. Many of them in their prime as well.

Like what if I replace Tarkowski for Skriniar or something? hahah. Would that be good?

Thats very valid. I know its not a popular take on here. But we could also snag several free transfers on the continent? I'm curious who's on your wish-list.

I know its underwhelming for some of us who have spent months watching uber talented foreign players on youtube but how would you guys feel about Ward-Prowse, Tierney, Maddison and a good proven PL CB in his prime like Tarkovski? If we spend 130-140m on those 4 and fill out the rest with loans and free transfers. Maybe a youngster for the future like Guler. Personally I would be very very happy with that. Thoughts?

Ward-Prowse anyone? Proven, experienced, in his prime. Could push Bruno up a bit. Another set piece specialist. I'd be fine with 30m on him.

I prefer the hungarian but I'm not sure we are in a position to gamble away 70m of our transfer funds on a player from RB, no matter how good he does look. I'll take Tierney, Maddison and a proven CB like Pavard. Then we can look at free transfers and loans to fill out the squad and provide cover at CB and CM, maybe even a young winger for competition, a proven RB on loan to cover tripps and we can send Ashby on loan with option to recall. 3rd choice CF and a backup GK if dubravka leaves. Maybe 4-5 transfers for money. 1-2 free transfers and a further 1-2 loans of experienced players, preferable at 3rd CF and backup RB, id even be fine going the loan route for a backup GK. That leaves LB, CB, 2 CMs and a winger. Very do-able with 150m and 1-2 players in on a free. I find it terrifying that we could have our biggest season in club history approaching and spend 70m on one 22 year old player from RBL hahaha. I'd welcome him and be hype for it but its fucking scary to think what the consequences would be... I really want us to swing on young talented players from random leagues but with 150m to spend I think we need to be extremely careful on spending on players who will need time to adjust to a new league, players who are super young or play in a team with a unique system etc. Maybe 1 or 2 of those guys is fine. For 10-15m and another on a free. But 70m on Szo would be irresponsible use of our funds imo.

McTominay, Tierney and Maddison. The brexit bunch.

Just found out he was a striker until Mourinho showed up. Hahaha wtf. Scottish Joelinton. Its funny because united fans seem to think he would make a good ball playing CB. Imagine starting as a striker...moving to CDM and eventually to CB. Interesting career to say the least. We could do worse. I trust Eddie.

I'd like us to stay away from the sexy big money signings. I think we should go back into markets that have served us well. Namely France where we got 2 of our best players in Botman and Bruno. I think theres tons of value in that league. Germany scares me a bit just due to the fact that its a completely different style over there where every game seems to be end to end with no real defending. IF we didnt get Tierney..how would you guys feel about Theo Hernandez. Hes a captain at Milan. Hes such a fucking good player. Always getting stuck in, provides so much for his side. I doubt he would want to leave but I could see him being a legend for us.