southernmag

One further frustrating element of this whole summer has been some people's insistence on deriding anyone who dared to have a negative opinion. I saw the writing on the wall in mid to late July about how our window seemed to be going and was shot down for pointing it out. I take zero satisfaction in being right now.

The concern for me is that it happened at all. I've lost some trust and we're kind of asking for trouble now.

Chiesa not good enough for us apparently but Liverpool snap him up for 10 mill. Another potential bargain we have to hope doesn't come off.

I'm in NZ and have news - we signed another training goalkeeper. And Guehi for 90m. Plus add ons.

Maybe. I hope so 🤞

I admit, I'm a fretter. One of my many flaws. I guess I'm just countering the view that all will be perfectly fine and there's 100% certainty of that. I think there are reasons for optimism but also concern.

The amount of the window already passed, and the number/quality of players being snapped up by other teams. Off the top of my head, just seen Huijsen going to Bournemouth for 12 odd million. Iheanacho to Sevilla for free. Not saying they're perfect fits for us, but viable options are being snapped up in decent deals.

People are going to rip me out for this, but I'm worried. The longer we go without incomings or outgoings, the more concerned I get. I'm not saying this window won't work out for us - I'm aware there's over a month to go. But I also think you're in lala land if you think things are running smoothly behind the scenes in regards to transfers. Contrary to what some people are saying, many teams around us are making key signings, a number of which would do well for us. I'm hoping/trusting things will work out, but I really think we need to prepare for a reality in which the window shuts with our squad barely having been improved. Just my opinion. I'll be the first to hold my hand up and apologise for doubting if we sign 2-3 quality players and offload a bunch too. I'm not sure I'm ready to trust the club yet - too many years of hurt and frustration have been had.

Starting to look like our transfer window has been compromised by the PSR debacle, then maybe the ownership and staff changes as well. Not saying the window can't still be a good one, but the fact we haven't signed or sold anyone of note most of the way through July is telling.

Fair point, I can recall Barnes' strength being cutting in from the left onto his right foot. Perhaps I still need convincing that Gordon has to be on the left too.

Am I the only one not fully convinced we have such a gaping chasm quality to fill at RW? I'm not saying we wouldn't be improved by an Olmo or Williams, and I'd welcome them with open arms. I'm more advocating for Harvey Barnes and the quality he possesses. Are the doubts about him purely due to his injury hit one season with us? He got 8 goal involvements in 21 games, only 7 of which were starts. That West Ham game where he got the double, how many players can turn a game like that? Injury wise, he's missed an average of about 8 games in each of the previous three seasons (which isn't great, but in the realms of acceptability imo). Maybe we could live with getting a more economical replacement for Miggy such as a Gnonto, freeing up more funds for a CB and the like.

Rumours that Bayern could be willing to offload De Ligt and/or Upamecano with the signings of Jonathan Tah (pending) and the Japanese bloke from Stuttgart. Unsure what they'd cost but both players barely mid 20s so they fit the age profile at least. Thoughts?