The potential relegation fire sale- 22/23

[Fabio Rochemback]

Maddison is class but he isn't better than Bruno and won't come here to be a rotation option.

 

[GledTheRed]

I would just love that our transfer guys actually meet someone agents before the window opens similar to most other top teams but we can only sit back and watch other clubs go bang bang bang. I haven't seen anything to suggest this summer will be any different. Especially with the sale fiasco.

Imagine one day we actually announce a signing before the window opens, I think my brain would explode.

 

[top1whoisman]

Imagine one day we actually announce a signing before the window opens, I think my brain would explode.

You mean like Shaw, Dalot, AWB, Lindelöf, Fred, Herrera, James, Bailly, Memphis etc.? That's 0.9 pre-window signings per year in the last 10 years.

 

[GledTheRed]

You mean like Shaw, Dalot, AWB, Lindelöf, Fred, Herrera, James, Bailly, Memphis etc.? That's 0.9 pre-window signings per year in the last 10 years.

The first one I checked seems wrong unless the transfer window opened really late that season.

https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.bbc.com/sport/football/28048866.amp

I was meaning more anounce signings now as if we know what we are doing and have been planning for a while, maybe even a free transfer?

Memphis signed in June too, which is after the season ended and pretty much in the transfer window.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/33114102

Herrera signed late June also -

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/27993874

 

[top1whoisman]

The first one I checked seems wrong unless the transfer window opened really late that season.

https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.bbc.com/sport/football/28048866.amp

I was meaning more anounce signings now as if we know what we are doing and have been planning for a while, maybe even a free transfer?

Memphis signed in June too, which is after the season ended and pretty much in the transfer window.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/33114102

Herrera signed late June also -

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/27993874

Yeah and the transfer window opens in 1 July every year.

I know you wanted to say we're shit a doing business early (as if all the other top clubs do theirs in May) and we don't have a clue what we're doing so I wanted to show you that we have made 0.9 signings per summer on avg for the last ten years. I know it doesn't suit the narrative but it is what it is. Which of our rivals have already announced some summer signings for 2023?

 

[lex talionis]

Maddison is class but he isn't better than Bruno and won't come here to be a rotation option.

We can't be sure of that.

Maddison could spend his entire career at Leicester City, but that seems doubtful. Just speculation though. Would Maddison prefer to move to, say, West Ham under the lure of a guaranteed starting role over playing for a top six club even if that meant being a squad player? Probably not if that top six club were Spurs or perhaps even Newcastle, but probably yes if that top six club were a realistic PL/CL contender such as City, Liverpool or United.

Maddison isn't quite the footballer who could pick his club. If a generous offer were to come in from United but not from City or Liverpool, he would be madd to refuse the offer from United.

 

[Fabio Rochemback]

We can't be sure of that.

Maddison could spend his entire career at Leicester City, but that seems doubtful. Just speculation though. Would Maddison prefer to move to, say, West Ham under the lure of a guaranteed starting role over playing for a top six club even if that meant being a squad player? Probably not if that top six club were Spurs or perhaps even Newcastle, but probably yes if that top six club were a realistic PL/CL contender such as City, Liverpool or United.

Maddison isn't quite the footballer who could pick his club. If a generous offer were to come in from United but not from City or Liverpool, he would be madd to refuse the offer from United.

The thing is though, he'd easily start for Spurs and Newcastle. He'd probably start for Chelsea and Liverpool at the moment too.

 

[GledTheRed]

Yeah and the transfer window opens in 1 July every year.

I know you wanted to say we're shit a doing business early (as if all the other top clubs do theirs in May) and we don't have a clue what we're doing so I wanted to show you that we have made 0.9 signings per summer on avg for the last ten years. I know it doesn't suit the narrative but it is what it is. Which of our rivals have already announced some summer signings for 2023?

Ideally you want your business done as early as possible in the window so new players can have a full pre season and folk can have their summer break in peace. We are usually scarathing around late in the window where any new players could have missed our opening few games, top clubs don't operate like that.

 

[lex talionis]

The thing is though, he'd easily start for Spurs and Newcastle. He'd probably start for Chelsea and Liverpool at the moment too.

Very true with respect to Spurs, but I'm not confident he walks into the starting XI for Newcastle next season. Newcastle have vast riches to spend and surely they'll go for a brighter prospect than Maddison for the attacking midfielder role. I'm not so sure Chelsea would go in for Maddison as a marquee signing. Perhaps Liverpool, though I'm somewhat doubtful of that as well.

If Newcastle, Chelsea and Liverpool are going to be looking for an attacking midfielder, they're probably going to shoot higher than Maddison. Spurs though would be a great fit for Maddison, but would he really want to walk into the hot mess that Tottenham have become? Maybe.

 

[top1whoisman]

Ideally you want your business done as early as possible in the window so new players can have a full pre season and folk can have their summer break in peace. We are usually scarathing around late in the window where any new players could have missed our opening few games, top clubs don't operate like that.

I'd like to see some evidence on that. I know it feels like that when we're still doing business in August, but 99% of clubs are doing exactly the same thing.

Man City
1 September 2022 Akanji
16 August 2022 Gómez
5 August 2021 Grealish
29 September 2020 Dias*
7 August 2019 Cancelo**
8 August 2019 Porro**

Real
31 August 2021 Camavinga

Liverpool
19 September 2020 Jota*
18 September 2020 Thiago*

Chelsea
31 August 2022 Fofana
5 August 2022 Cucurella
1 September 2022 Aubameyang
12 August 2021 Lukaku
1 September 2021 Saul
4 September 2020 Havertz*
24 September 2020 Mendy*

Arsenal
20 August 2021 Ødegaard
30 July 2021 White
24 August 2021 Ramsdale
31 August 2021 Tomiyasu
5 October 2020 Partey*
1 August 2019 Pépé**
8 August 2019 Tierney**
8 August 2019 Luiz**

Bayern
30 August 2021 Sabitzer
4 October 2020 Roca*
5 October 2020 Sarr*
5 October 2020 Costa*
19 August 2019 Coutinho
13 August 2019 Perišić

Barcelona
1 October 2020 Dest*
4 August 2019 Firpo
2 September 2019 Pedri

*2020 transfer window was open from 27 July until 5 October
**2019 PL transfer window was closed on 8 August

I didn't even include most of the late July signings, even though they effectively missed the pre season at their new clubs.

We've signed 9 players in the last 10 years before the window opens so well before pre season. Expecting us or any club to finish most of their business before June is unrealistic. Yes it'd be ideal, but that's not how the transfer market works. You could theoretically do that by overpaying but I'm sure you'd be criticising the higher-ups for that too.

I don't like doing deadline day business either but saying that signing one player in June every summer is not early enough is something I don't agree with. It would be nice to get them all through the door before the end of July, but not many clubs are able to do that.

 

[DOTA]

Who's jumping ship from Saints then?

I've seen Lavia talked about a lot and I imagine Ward-Prowse would attract interest.

 

[Plant0x84]

Who's jumping ship from Saints then?

I've seen Lavia talked about a lot and I imagine Ward-Prowse would attract interest.

I’d look at Livramento, Bazunu and maybe Salisu. (If that’s who I think it is)

 

[Lash]

I’d look at Livramento, Bazunu and maybe Salisu. (If that’s who I think it is)

Good lord, why?!

 

[Cutch]

What about Bella-Kotchap?

 

[Plant0x84]

Good lord, why?!

Is he not decent? I thought he was a prospect? He young and he’s Irish which always helps. Don’t think we have any Irish boys at the moment do we? Probably why were not winning anything much.

 

[DOTA]

Had forgotten Livramento existed. Out for over a year, poor kid.

 

[davidmichael]

Livramento and Lavia would be very good additions and potentially half the price of what they would be had they stayed up, both fix positions we need quality back up in but won’t break the bank.

 

[daba]

Think Livramento will surely stick around for a good season in the Championship. Assuming he stays, recovers well and we decide not to make any investments at RB this summer, he should be one to keep an eye on next season for sure.

Lavia is the one we need to be all over this summer. What he has been doing at his age in the Prem has been really impressive, would literally be perfect as the back up 6 we are crying out for and could also replace Fred's the energetic ball winner role in the squad too. Only reason I see to not to go for him is that we are going all out for Caicedo who is a couple years ahead in his development.

 

[Mainoldo]

I'd like to see some evidence on that. I know it feels like that when we're still doing business in August, but 99% of clubs are doing exactly the same thing.

Man City
1 September 2022 Akanji
16 August 2022 Gómez
5 August 2021 Grealish
29 September 2020 Dias*
7 August 2019 Cancelo**
8 August 2019 Porro**

Real
31 August 2021 Camavinga

Liverpool
19 September 2020 Jota*
18 September 2020 Thiago*

Chelsea
31 August 2022 Fofana
5 August 2022 Cucurella
1 September 2022 Aubameyang
12 August 2021 Lukaku
1 September 2021 Saul
4 September 2020 Havertz*
24 September 2020 Mendy*

Arsenal
20 August 2021 Ødegaard
30 July 2021 White
24 August 2021 Ramsdale
31 August 2021 Tomiyasu
5 October 2020 Partey*
1 August 2019 Pépé**
8 August 2019 Tierney**
8 August 2019 Luiz**

Bayern
30 August 2021 Sabitzer
4 October 2020 Roca*
5 October 2020 Sarr*
5 October 2020 Costa*
19 August 2019 Coutinho
13 August 2019 Perišić

Barcelona
1 October 2020 Dest*
4 August 2019 Firpo
2 September 2019 Pedri

*2020 transfer window was open from 27 July until 5 October
**2019 PL transfer window was closed on 8 August

I didn't even include most of the late July signings, even though they effectively missed the pre season at their new clubs.

We've signed 9 players in the last 10 years before the window opens so well before pre season. Expecting us or any club to finish most of their business before June is unrealistic. Yes it'd be ideal, but that's not how the transfer market works. You could theoretically do that by overpaying but I'm sure you'd be criticising the higher-ups for that too.

I don't like doing deadline day business either but saying that signing one player in June every summer is not early enough is something I don't agree with. It would be nice to get them all through the door before the end of July, but not many clubs are able to do that.

Don’t ever put logic to these statements. They are high topics every year. Especially the Fergie and Gill use to get business done early quotes.

 

[Dazzmondo]

Only players I'd be interested in from Southampton are Romeo Lavia and Kyle Walker-Peters if they're reasonably priced. Leicester is an interesting one. A few years ago I'd have loved all of Maddison, Tielemans and Ndidi at Utd. Their capitulation has been pretty crazy. I love Gnonto from Leeds but not sure lw is a position we should be focusing on. Tyler Adams and Weston McKenie are both pretty good players I'd be open to as squad players but neither would improve our first XI imo.

 

[Lash]

Is he not decent? I thought he was a prospect? He young and he’s Irish which always helps. Don’t think we have any Irish boys at the moment do we? Probably why were not winning anything much.

That's true, can't argue with that logic.

He's nowhere near ready for a big club, I'm sure he'll be good in the future, but has a long way to go. His save % is absolutely trash.

 

[Plant0x84]

That's true, can't argue with that logic.

He's nowhere near ready for a big club, I'm sure he'll be good in the future, but has a long way to go. His save % is absolutely trash.

Fair enough.

 

[UnitedSofa]

JWP!!

 

[Mr Smith]

We can't be sure of that.

Maddison could spend his entire career at Leicester City, but that seems doubtful. Just speculation though. Would Maddison prefer to move to, say, West Ham under the lure of a guaranteed starting role over playing for a top six club even if that meant being a squad player? Probably not if that top six club were Spurs or perhaps even Newcastle, but probably yes if that top six club were a realistic PL/CL contender such as City, Liverpool or United.

Maddison isn't quite the footballer who could pick his club. If a generous offer were to come in from United but not from City or Liverpool, he would be madd to refuse the offer from United.

He could probably be a starter at Spurs.

 

[CM]

Think Livramento will surely stick around for a good season in the Championship. Assuming he stays, recovers well and we decide not to make any investments at RB this summer, he should be one to keep an eye on next season for sure.

Lavia is the one we need to be all over this summer. What he has been doing at his age in the Prem has been really impressive, would literally be perfect as the back up 6 we are crying out for and could also replace Fred's the energetic ball winner role in the squad too. Only reason I see to not to go for him is that we are going all out for Caicedo who is a couple years ahead in his development.

Agreed on Livramento, I'd be very surprised if he gets a transfer off the back of being out for over a year. He'll probably want to get a season of consistent football in, even if it's in the Championship, before moving. Definitely a very good talent though.

Lavia and possibly Walker-Peters are the only ones I'd take from the relegation threatened teams. Most of the players in that mix are where they are for a reason. Players like Ward-Prowse and Maddison will get bigger moves but there's no space for either of them at United.

 

[lex talionis]

He could probably be a starter at Spurs.

Probably. Spurs will be going through a transition over the next 2-3 seasons and Maddison may want to be a big part of that transition. Proper wages, life in London and Europa League competition are more than enough reason for James to give it serious consideration.

 

[Plant0x84]

Agreed on Livramento, I'd be very surprised if he gets a transfer off the back of being out for over a year. He'll probably want to get a season of consistent football in, even if it's in the Championship, before moving. Definitely a very good talent though.

Lavia and possibly Walker-Peters are the only ones I'd take from the relegation threatened teams. Most of the players in that mix are where they are for a reason. Players like Ward-Prowse and Maddison will get bigger moves but there's no space for either of them at United.

I wondered about Walker-Peters too, I just wonder if he is a bit too AWB-esque?

 

[Wing Attack Plan R]

JWP is a one trick pony. It’s an incredible trick, but it’s only one trick.

Fred isn’t poor, but he is inconsistent. When he’s on he’s borderline insane, but when he’s off he is insane.

Having someone who can score from free kicks near the penalty area would be a game-changer for us. It's currently a part of our attack that is basically ignored. Winning a free kick "in a dangerous area" as they say means nothing because we can't hit a cow's arse with a banjo. It's a great trick, that one, but I do think JWP is a more rounded midfielder than any of our backup options.

 

[lex talionis]

Having someone who can score from free kicks near the penalty area would be a game-changer for us. It's currently a part of our attack that is basically ignored. Winning a free kick "in a dangerous area" as they say means nothing because we can't hit a cow's arse with a banjo. It's a great trick, that one, but I do think JWP is a more rounded midfielder than any of our backup options.

I've gone back and forth over the ages on specialty skills such as free kicks and throw-ins. Imagine if we had someone like Rory Delap to take or throw-ins. Check this guy out:

https://www.thesun.co.uk/sport/21910798/throw-in-rory-delap-iran-league/

You don't want to sacrifice normal play to bring in a free kick or throw-in specialist like Ward-Prowse or Delap. Delap was never MUQ but his throw-ins were a bitch to defend. JWP doesn't have much else to his game than free kicks, but maybe it would be worth it to be able to score on a free kick once every 6 or 7 games. I'm not sure that it would be, but maybe it is.

 

[Wing Attack Plan R]

I've gone back and forth over the ages on specialty skills such as free kicks and throw-ins. Imagine if we had someone like Rory Delap to take or throw-ins. Check this guy out:

https://www.thesun.co.uk/sport/21910798/throw-in-rory-delap-iran-league/

You don't want to sacrifice normal play to bring in a free kick or throw-in specialist like Ward-Prowse or Delap. Delap was never MUQ but his throw-ins were a bitch to defend. JWP doesn't have much else to his game than free kicks, but maybe it would be worth it to be able to score on a free kick once every 6 or 7 games. I'm not sure that it would be, but maybe it is.

Rory Delap is a good shout. I was the Rory D in my playing days. Anyway, free kicks that lead to goals were a regular feature of the Beckham and Ronaldo show. Rescuing points, pulling the biscuits out of the fire, or just providing awesome spectacle. In many of our recent games, our second half play is labored and predictable. Throwing on JWP in those situations would make the opponents wary of giving away a free kick. Right now, teams are happy letting Fred have the ball, such is his lack of goal threat.

If he's cheap, why not.

 

[Raoul]

No one in the OP appears vaguely realistic given what we already have imo.

 

[croadyman]

Think Livramento will surely stick around for a good season in the Championship. Assuming he stays, recovers well and we decide not to make any investments at RB this summer, he should be one to keep an eye on next season for sure.

Lavia is the one we need to be all over this summer. What he has been doing at his age in the Prem has been really impressive, would literally be perfect as the back up 6 we are crying out for and could also replace Fred's the energetic ball winner role in the squad too. Only reason I see to not to go for him is that we are going all out for Caicedo who is a couple years ahead in his development.

Yeah we simply have to sign either of those two because gives us quality on the ball along with mobility. I cannot comment on Lavia's physicality because don't watch him closely enough.

 

[DOTA]

Unless we can convince the league to bring in rolling subs we shouldn't be signing players mainly for their set pieces.

 

[croadyman]

Rory Delap is a good shout. I was the Rory D in my playing days. Anyway, free kicks that lead to goals were a regular feature of the Beckham and Ronaldo show. Rescuing points, pulling the biscuits out of the fire, or just providing awesome spectacle. In many of our recent games, our second half play is labored and predictable. Throwing on JWP in those situations would make the opponents wary of giving away a free kick. Right now, teams are happy letting Fred have the ball, such is his lack of goal threat.

If he's cheap, why not.

Yeah really depends how much they want

 

[Wing Attack Plan R]

Unless we can convince the league to bring in rolling subs we shouldn't be signing players mainly for their set pieces.

If you have the choice to bring on Fred, whose shooting is more of a threat to some dude in Row Z than to the goal, or JWP who passes better and could win the game with a free kick, who would you play? That’s how I’m thinking.

 

[Lash]

Fair enough.

For reference

https://fbref.com/en/players/c91441dc/Gavin-Bazunu

 

[UNITED ACADEMY]

JWP isn't good enough for United and we shouldn't add more deadwoods. He's just a player that has good work rate and world class set piece taker because he can cross and shoot. But he's not press resistant, no composure on the ball, below average tackler, he has no flair or dribbling skills, and his passing ain't that good. May be he can play as right back similar to Blind since JWP has great crossing ability and very slow like Blind, but that's a questionable because Blind is better than him defensively and has good composure and passing ability.

1. Lavia is the top of the list for this discussion because he has great potential, physically strong, quick, press resistant, can retain possession, and can take on players.
2. The next one will be Maddison, proven to have good end product, can pass, can play one touch pass, and can provide good services for striker, has good dribbling ability and flair to get away in tight spot, but only if he can be coached and developed to play the Eriksen's role because we need midfielder that can be play in Eriksen's role.
3. Another candidate is Livramento, he has lot of potential but he spent this season injured so that's bit too risky signing this summer.
4. Other names:
   • 2 years ago, I would put DCL in the list, not sure what's happening to him now. Under Ancelotti, he reminds me of Filippo Inzaghi.
   • Last one is KWP, I'm not too sure if he's good enough.

 

[ROFLUTION]

Livramento and Lavia would be very good additions and potentially half the price of what they would be had they stayed up, both fix positions we need quality back up in but won’t break the bank.

Yeah they're not bad shouts. 15m for Livramento? 25 for Lavia?

Those + Rabiot/Sabitzer and sell some to fund a big striker-signing or a talented striker + a decent goalkeeper

 

[ForeverRed1]

Maddison is class but he isn't better than Bruno and won't come here to be a rotation option.

There would be lots of game time for him, he would make a big difference to the squad. He also picks up a fair few injuries. He can play anywhere across the front also. ETH likes using Bruno all over the pitch so it’s possible he could switch them up a lot. I do however, think he’s Newcastle bound

 

[Himannv]

We should't really be signing any of these - they're not good enough for United or simply not better than what we already have in those positions.