09 Jul 2025 17:08:45
Talk now, Douglas Luis could be available on loan with obligation to buy. There are so many stories going around now it's hard to believe anything, even Mbeumo story is on/ off if Spurs sign Wissa. Jesus it reminds me of de Jong saga, dragged on all summer with no one signed in the end. Think we need another 10 hopefully Mbeumo, but it dragging on and if reports that Brenford are changing terms are true we should move on, if they're not, just pay the original price and get it done. Then for me a strong CDM, as both new signings can bring goals and maybe link with Zirkzee or Hojlund or even Bruno in the false 9 which should increase our scoring record. Midfield needs a player in the CDM role, two strong fit workers, providing for the front 3. If cash is still there get a new keeper and CF in that order. We can only hope.
09 Jul 2025 18:32:15
Ed Woodward is flying back from Australia as we speak. Hopefully we’ll have Cesc signed before the weekend.
09 Jul 2025 19:24:30
Haha Danny, that gives me flashbacks.
Redcon, we can’t go into another season with Zirkzee and Hojlund as our strikers. I get that Cunha will be a threat and hopefully chip in with his share. Likewise Mbuemo if he does arrive, but we desperately need a striker. Teams will be going into games with a psychological edge just knowing we’ve got a striker in Hojlund who’s confidence is shot to bits.
09 Jul 2025 20:48:54
Redcon, I agree, Zirkzee to be flanked by Cunha and Mbeumo will yield sufficient results for our target of top half. Give Rasmus a break or sell. Obi breakthrough season. We are not fighting for anything other than rise up the ladder, if a cup run eventuates great, but one of those cups doesn't start until Jan for us.
I feel we should have sold Bruno and gone a for a midfielder, but with Bruno staying, I'm not sure they will now. We have sufficient in the youth ranks to be pushing this area, this might be the year we allow them to kick on (fletcher, Moorhouse, Kone, Collyer etc)
GK is difficult, Vitek should be coming through to fill the number 2 spot and then maybe challenge Onana if he can't be sold. If Onana is sold then it is a new GK, and that would possibly suit a move for Martinez as he won't block the likes of Vitek.
CB, contrary to what others have stated about my opinions here, I believe we have yoro and Heaven as nailed on starters if fit, with MDL leading the current pack to play with them. The rest, in my opinion are not worth keeping (licha, Shaw, Maguire, Mazraoui - did I miss anyone? ) for the record, I also think MDL is not good enough, but there are 4 ahead of him that need replacing. Fredrickson and Kukonki will potentially break through, and definitely if a few of those aforementioned can be shifted on. Maybe we add another version of Heaven if some are moved.
Wingbacks, I think we have done our business there with Leon. On the right, Kamason is coming through but maybe a year too early for him to dislodge Dalot (who was actually quite reliable last year, although how long can you keep polishing turds before they disintegrate? )
In summary. a summer of Martinez, Cunha, Mbeumo and Leon elevates us to the top half of the table, and who knows, maybe higher.
We have to remember.
We aren't elite anymore and are not challenging for the title, we also are badly run and have little to no money to invest.
09 Jul 2025 20:54:48
I can see the Mbuemo deal collapsing. United will drag their feet and Brentford or the player will move on. It shouldn’t take this long to get a deal done. Other clubs manage to get it done far quicker.
Not seen any backup players mentioned anywhere if Mbuemo doesn’t join.
09 Jul 2025 22:41:21
If MBueno says he has had enough and from that we have let him down, goes to Spurs, heads must roll. No spin saying we were never interested would be believable.
10 Jul 2025 08:36:17
Zirkzee next season will be a survicable striker/ 10 when needed. I do not think he will be our main one but will work well with Cunha/ Mbeumo (assuming he comes in) . He will come short allowing those to push on past him linking up.
What we also need is a defence stretching striker who pushes them back leaving room for the 10's to move into. If we can get this I think we have a good double team to flex in games and styles depending on who we are playing.
Would then allow for Hojlund to either build and play as 3rd choice. give him the time he really needed when he came in. or sell/ loan. Chido then could get some games or maybe needs a loan.
I think we will go with Onana for this season and focus on other areas, again CB unless the main one we want is available I think we will stick with what we have and less injuries we should get through the season - Yoro - De Ligt - Heaven would be my start with Mazouri - Maguire - Martinez as rotation.
10 Jul 2025 16:31:15
Zirkee or Rasmus, if we have to start the season with either of these 2 playing number 9 we will be in same boat as last few seasons, I can’t believe anyone thinks either is good enough to play number 9 in the EPL…. that’s not being disrespectful to those two, but they just don’t possess what’s needed to play striker in EPL
Rasmus not great at anything, Zirkee, don’t possess no pace, little mobility and not a finisher…. Got good touch and that’s about it…. If we go into season with either in the team we be lucky to break into top 10, even with a decent striker top 6 would be good result.
10 Jul 2025 19:04:29
I don't think anyone is suggesting Zirkzee is 'leading the line' GSC. As you know, I've said many times he is more there to feed the 10's.