Sibierski

But we do need two strikers if Isak goes? All the bidding is to get a 2nd striker so drop off isn't massive. Like we've loaded up on the wings so there's depth, why wouldn't striker be same? No way at start of window was Osula put down as 2nd choice.

Could be neither, and Mitchell left because he knew the club structure was fucking awful and deals would be hard / near impossible to do. Doesn't have to be one or the other with Howe/Mitchell dynamic. Been two DoF in a row that Howe has publically liked, so there's a clear break then from DoF and upstairs. Getting an actual CEO in will be a start. Fuck Earles off.

I just can't see a scenario of them paying £130m before add ons. Wirtz was £100m with add ons, then their bid other year for Caciedo was £110m, to leap another £20m+ for what is not a priority position I can't see happening.

God knows. Only taking a 2 year deal (Might be option for 3rd) when he's already contracted to 2028. Must just want to come back to Prem badly and Sunderland only club that will pay the fee for a 33yr old.

Xhaka is surely a walking red card when it comes to the derby? Him v Bruno/Joelinton is ending in a red for one of them

Jackson is also fine if it was signing him when Chelsea did in the first place. There's now no value in it for us to sign him now. Our scouts / data must indicate there's similar profile in Europe we can sign?

It's going to be one we revist end of August surely? Like sign a different striker anyway, and if worse happens and Isak goes, you then go back in for Wissa? Surely we don;t now sit back and wait it to end of August just for Wissa. Could theoretically only have Osula starting first 2 league games, or even worse, Gordon shoved up front again

Connor Gallagher to be wrapped up when Atletico come over for the SELA cup.

CM not far behind though. One injury / suspension, then there's just one option off the bench. Really hoping for a proper home run of a month for August, Isak tied down, ST/CB/CM all in for £140M Strong point away at Villa to settle us into the season before beating Liverpool on MNF and hear the Carragher tears. Topped of with a routine win away at Leeds as the boys head off to the International break in full confidence ready for the real action to kick start in September. Newcastle reality. Defeat away to Villa, Isak saga dragging on and not playing, one signing before Liverpool game where they're on bench, lose. One more signing as we then lose Isak, lose to Leeds, panic buy a striker on deadline day and then see that signing get injured on International Duty.

Wissa likely kicking off because it’s probably legit his only chance to play UCL football. No guarantees how future seasons go and potential moves, but right now he sees one that comes with UCL football.

Assume it’s one of those where you hope he impresses at that level, because you could squeeze £2m-£3m sale if they do.

Absolutely. Teams will know our weaknesses and play style from last two seasons, and we’ll have not really changed personal in those areas (at least from last season) so they can just use same data, training plans and refine it from where it didn’t work fully last time. New players at least keeps opposition guessing as the same approach can’t then adopted against us with minor tweaks their end.

Sesko would be fine if you are getting him for £100k wages, but if he’s wanting like £175k mark, it’s our top end for someone that hasn’t justified that (even if he potentially could). It’s just not how we operate.

It’s telling how when Liverpool are playing this out through their media mouth pieces, and we’re not even releasing any info. Just a standalone, not for sale. That’s all people have to go off for our end and it’s not moved for weeks now. Would expect more to be leaked from his agent to the media if Isak was really kicking off for a move, which may come this week, otherwise Isak is staying and a 1% increase on a MGW situation happening.

Who can we realistically pivot to for a striker that people are aware of would be a good deal? Only one on continent I was keen and saw some of before window started that was a good fee for the gamble was Barry, and he moved to Everton for just over £20m. In Prem, there’s only Watkins left for me. But that’s easily north of £50m with no resale, but if he somehow kept his levels going for next 4 years could be worth it. He’d at least for this season have a massive drive to do well with World Cup at stake (and subsequent 2 seasons after if he wants to play at a home euros).

This one we can chalk down won’t be happening and a tweet today to confirm we’re stepping away. No way we bid £25m, then take an age to raise to £30m when Brentford all along want at least £40m, for us to suddenly then jump up to that. Brentford likely can get £25m next season with 12 months left.

Assume means they won’t be involved. Any new signings now won’t be with the team till like Tuesday next week. Then it’s the SELA weekend, and focus will be on Aston Villa. To only have Elanga on this tour is nothing but an outright failure by the club, and a massive let down to Howe.

I can only see Liverpool doing a deal if we lower price, like we open the door for a fee that’s same to Wirtz (which we won’t nor should do). If Liverpool wanted to pay another record price, the bid would be in by now. As much as guys keep saying they have loads of PSR headroom, they haven’t to drop £130m+ on Isak (and all that comes with it) to then have to sign a CB too. Maybe someone else after selling Nunez / Elliot / Chiesa as their attack is suddenly light in numbers again. £250m+ on two players is not sensible squad building.

The journos have been briefed by Hughes, that’s why they’re all tweeting the same. Liverpool playing the transfer out through them, to see if Isak gets on the phone to our guys to entertain an offer.

And nothing has happened or changed for a week, so there’s no need to keep referencing it with 🤔🤔

Would hope new CEO is in place Monday and remit is, don’t sell Isak this window and let him and his agent know that.

Just had a look at Hopes tweets today so far. 27 tweets today, which considering we were playing and there was the press conference after, 9 of them include Isak. 33% ffs Guy is wanking himself off.

It can’t be understated how having an extra passing option for the defence can transform a side. Like Donarumma is not a ball playing keeper, but he’s still competent at it and PSG use him loads because it helps entice a press to then bypass, enabling their forwards to attack more often 1 v 1. Against the lesser sides, they don’t press us, able to confidently invite them on would help us more in those games than just having an attacking mid. Like Pope is great at saving, but he’s not even remotely competent with the ball at his feet.

Rodrygo feels the plan B option if the noise is anything to go by. Feel if they wanted to stay English, a move to rival Arsenal for Eze would be their pivot since he’s available for a lot less than Gordon would be.

What makes you think he will be a strop? Apparently based on some shite leaked about his contract being pulled, he’s been in a strop all season and that really held us back.