Summer 2023 squad discussion

[14/04/91]

I’m surprised there has been so little movement this week. At least with the outs.

I’m not. Outside of PEH we have very little in the way of ‘attractive’ players up for sale and I fear our outgoings will happen nearer the end of the window, especially if we start with unrealistic prices.
It’s the massive downside of having a bloated squad with too many average players; there won’t be many takers and those that do show interest know we want rid and will try to take advantage. Something Levy loves doing himself but won’t see the other side of the coin.

 

[Dashy]

So when's "operation Kane" happening?
You know, the one where we had players lined up to sign if he left.

 

[yawa]

So when's "operation Kane" happening?
You know, the one where we had players lined up to sign if he left.

I guess they all just increased in cost by 50% because everyone now knows we‘re sitting on a load of cash.

 

[yido_number1]

So when's "operation Kane" happening?
You know, the one where we had players lined up to sign if he left.

Deadline day no doubt, wheel barrow is getting the tyres pumped and the rust painted up

 

[SpursSince1980]

I’m not. Outside of PEH we have very little in the way of ‘attractive’ players up for sale and I fear our outgoings will happen nearer the end of the window, especially if we start with unrealistic prices.
It’s the massive downside of having a bloated squad with too many average players; there won’t be many takers and those that do show interest know we want rid and will try to take advantage. Something Levy loves doing himself but won’t see the other side of the coin.

That is contrary to what I think some of the ITK folks said about being ruthless with outgoings. IE: tearing up contracts, if needed. The sluggishness so far is worrisome. And I don't think we have a bunch of 'average' players with no sell on value. There are some decent players in the squad, who can be moved on quickly, if we are willing to sell for pennies on the dollar. But with them continuing to fester around, it's an impediment to bringing in new players. It also creates an unsettled environment for the whole squad.

Levy has had months to get rid of these players. I understand Ange wanted a look at a few, but there were more than a few obvious players that needed to be forced out, one way or the other. So, now we find ourselves, yet again, at a disadvantage due to a self-inflicted handicap. A familiar routine of half hearted commitment from the powers that be. Either swallow your pride and throw the baby out with the bathwater, or stick to a policy that continues to stymie the evolution of our team.

 

[Ginola+Tonic]

Curious as to what’s happened to our big week of ruthless sales?!?

Nothing seems even advanced.

The longer we wait the harder it’ll be to sign good players that we need, worried we get left short once again.

 

[GioW]

Curious as to what’s happened to our big week of ruthless sales?!?

Nothing seems even advanced.

The longer we wait the harder it’ll be to sign good players that we need, worried we get left short once again.

Not ideal is it.

It's only Tuesday so I'll hold off the criticism for now but things have to start moving this week.

 

[THOWIG]

I’ll say this quietly as know he’s popular, but Brentford really attacked our right side and Emerson was left for dust on several occasions. I don’t think we will this summer but honestly think a better right back would transform the defence or a centre back who plays on the right like Kounde, Pavard(I know we’re not signing them).

If Hojbjerg leaves he must be replaced. Lavia would have been ideal.
We need a right winger who has some pace.
Centre back and a striker.

We won’t sign all of those this window.

 

[jurgen]

That is contrary to what I think some of the ITK folks said about being ruthless with outgoings. IE: tearing up contracts, if needed. The sluggishness so far is worrisome. And I don't think we have a bunch of 'average' players with no sell on value. There are some decent players in the squad, who can be moved on quickly, if we are willing to sell for pennies on the dollar. But with them continuing to fester around, it's an impediment to bringing in new players. It also creates an unsettled environment for the whole squad.

Levy has had months to get rid of these players. I understand Ange wanted a look at a few, but there were more than a few obvious players that needed to be forced out, one way or the other. So, now we find ourselves, yet again, at a disadvantage due to a self-inflicted handicap. A familiar routine of half hearted commitment from the powers that be. Either swallow your pride and throw the baby out with the bathwater, or stick to a policy that continues to stymie the evolution of our team.

Same shit different window.

It sounds like some press are suggesting we’ve spent the Kane money already and that’s such a simple answer to the question of what’s going on, that it could well be correct.

Fully expect a letter from Daniel telling us proles that in fact we’ve actually spent loads and revamped the squad satisfactorily, probably give a shout-out to Porro and Kulu again, maybe even Richarlison as the Kane replacement..

 

[eddiebailey]

If Hojbjerg leaves he must be replaced.

Even with Bentacur injured we would have 5 midfielders for 3 slots. With no European football that seems sufficient to me. Let’s give Ange a chance to work with we’ve got before splashing the cash.

 

[WiganSpur]

I'd still like to see the following outs:

Hugo
Dier - deserves better than he is getting, but also time to turn the page
Reguilon
Hojbjerg
Ndombele

I'd keep Sanchez (assuming Dier goes). And, if my numbers are correct, that would leave us with room for 2 non-HG players.

But, we still need a F, a CB, and a CM (ideally a 6)

if Gil is healthy enough to move prior to the deadline, I could go for a loan/option with him - if we need the spot to bring in another non-HG forward/winger.


Either way - it looks like at least 1 of our key remaining signings will have to be HG.

We can get away without signing a midfielder this summer for sure. Even without PEH we've got 4 players who can theoretically play number 6, and 5/6 that can play the 8 role.

We should be spending a lot. But focus it on the real areas of need. Forward line and defence.

 

[WiganSpur]

Even with Bentacur injured we would have 5 midfielders for 3 slots. With no European football that seems sufficient to me. Let’s give Ange a chance to work with we’ve got before splashing the cash.

Yeah and that doesn't include Devine who I would actually be quite confident in giving a few minutes to.

 

[fishhhandaricecake]

Yeah and that doesn't include Devine who I would actually be quite confident in giving a few minutes to.

He's been playing Devine RW pre-season not as one of the 8's so not sure he can really be counted in the CM stock list.

 

[eddiebailey]

He's been playing Devine RW pre-season not as one of the 8's so not sure he can really be counted in the CM stock list.

That can probably be put down to necessity, but hopefully he will be going on loan in any case.

 

[SandroClegane]

That is contrary to what I think some of the ITK folks said about being ruthless with outgoings. IE: tearing up contracts, if needed. The sluggishness so far is worrisome. And I don't think we have a bunch of 'average' players with no sell on value. There are some decent players in the squad, who can be moved on quickly, if we are willing to sell for pennies on the dollar. But with them continuing to fester around, it's an impediment to bringing in new players. It also creates an unsettled environment for the whole squad.

Levy has had months to get rid of these players. I understand Ange wanted a look at a few, but there were more than a few obvious players that needed to be forced out, one way or the other. So, now we find ourselves, yet again, at a disadvantage due to a self-inflicted handicap. A familiar routine of half hearted commitment from the powers that be. Either swallow your pride and throw the baby out with the bathwater, or stick to a policy that continues to stymie the evolution of our team.

Once again, why would you tear up a contract before the window closes? If someone is willing to pay a transfer fee, take what you can get, no?

Just because it's quiet doesn't mean things aren't in motion.

 

[bubble07]

I think we need to start shamefully hijacking genuine brighton targets

They are after this attacking left back from Boca, Valentin Barco aged 19 who has an 8m release clause. He wants to stay till the copa libertadores which ends in December

We need someone to back up Udogie. He looks very quick and very skillful

They are also after 20 year old defensive midfielder Lucas Gourna-Douath to replace Caicedo. Rumours that Liverpool have since expressed an interest once brightons interest became public...

We need such a major squad overhaul I think only way be do it is buying young unproven players as back ups and hope Ange can get a tune out of them

 

[Snarfalicious]

If it were up to me I’d do everything within my power to buddy up with the Saudi clubs and offer some BOGO deals to my new friends.

 

[gibbospurs]

Quietly confident Ange will get us playing well. But I think the squad just needs too much work on it this summer. Without Kane we need a few months to see how Ange wants to set up and who he needs. Won’t happen overnight. Especially as Kane was playing and training. I think Van was only done as the Kane money was a cert. I reckon one more forward and the outs will be it. And I hope he gets some stick at every home game. But most won’t sing anything let alone levy out. Anyway, positive vibes x

 

[TommyGee]

He's been playing Devine RW pre-season not as one of the 8's so not sure he can really be counted in the CM stock list.

Wouldn't read much into that pre-season game at all tbh.

 

[Styopa]

It still feels like to me like we are a Maddison or Romero injury away from being a bit average. I hope we can address this one way or another during the remainder of the window.