03 Jul 2023 11:44:34
Good morning all, first time poster here so go easy.
I’ve been thinking through what the rest of the summer might look like and thought I’d share.
Firstly, I’m not sure we’ll be seeing several €40-€50m euro signing that the papers are talking about. We have to consider FFP and the impact on future windows even if we spread payments. Also squad size and home grown status has to be considered.
This is why I think we have to go for Barnes. If he is available for less than the Maddison fee then I don’t see another player out there for around that number that isn’t a risk.
I think that then opens up Ferran Torres on loan (if available) which gives good cover and also maybe leaves a budget for another midfield player.
Any money raised from sales (more on that later) can then fund a right back. A new backup keeper would be great but I’m not sure there's value in the market for a player who knows they will be number 2.
My squad for the season would be as below. Sales might bring in €25-€30m and around €420k per week wage savings. I’m not sure we’ll see much selling value from those we’re looking to move on.
Finally, keep the likes of Feeney and Patterson around and give then cup minutes.

Squad
Martinez
Olsen
Viniskajlo

Cash
? (Walker-Peters)
Torres
Carlos
Konsa
Mings
Digne
Moreno

Luis
Kamara
Tielemans
Iroegbenam
?
Mcginn
Ramsey
Buendia

Watkins
Archer
Duran
Barnes
Torres

Sell
Hause
Chambers
Dendoncker
Sanson
Nakamba
Traore
Bailey

1.) 03 Jul 2023
03 Jul 2023 12:56:07
Welcome to the site mate!

I think Coutinho, if he stays, will play a big role next season in Europe, he looks to have got himself into good shape over the break - If we can get him fit he'll do a job for us in my opinion.

I just don't see Barnes happening, not sure why, I think if we've wanted him he'd be in already, just a guy feeling! I think Brennan Johnson is much more likely, but agree on Ferran Torres, I think he'll end up at Villa for next season.

2.) 03 Jul 2023
03 Jul 2023 13:20:06
Good to have you practicalvillan, I agree with a lot of what you say, however in terms of your retain/sell list, I would add Coutinho Digne and Davies to the sales list, I wouldn’t pursue Ferran Torres either I think he flatters to deceive but I would keep Bailey and add Tierney and Schick to recruits. I like Barnes but I agree with BK I think he will probably end up elsewhere, probably at West Ham. If that’s the case I would try for Jack Harrison.

3.) 03 Jul 2023
03 Jul 2023 13:21:02
Maybe you’re right on Barnes but there are so many factors these days that go into when a deal takes place and I think it is telling that he hasn’t gone anywhere yet.
Clubs don’t bid these days until there is agreement through the agents that there might be a deal there. I’d suspect he has a few suitors and they’re teasing out the best deal.
I hope Coutinho comes good but I think he is a drain on wages for a bit part player.
This is the hardest jump to make for a club, needing to spend significant fees to improve the squad but not having Camps League income. This is why those slots 5th to 7th are a bit of a merry go round.

4.) 03 Jul 2023
03 Jul 2023 18:02:30
Completely forgot about Davis.
Yes, I would have him on the leave list too.

5.) 03 Jul 2023
03 Jul 2023 19:04:35
Welcome pv you also forgot wesley on the sell list and digne, bailey