23 Jun 2026 19:54:17
If we are about to sign Palestra, I assume we are selling Gusto.

The rumours are that everything is agreed. We will see!

1.) 24 Jun 2026
23 Jun 2026 23:14:15
Yeah, looks like we've come in late and, financially, blown Inter out of the water. Can't imagine Gusto will be staying now, probably off to City - not a massive loss, in my opinion.

Palestra will take some time to settle, but is a player that can play FB or WB on either side, allowing Alonso to be tactically flexible.



I think we'll add Barco, Lacroix and a left sided 10, on top of Palestra. That'll pretty much be it.

2.) 24 Jun 2026
24 Jun 2026 00:15:12
I agree with that, J. Slim possibility of a GK in Maignan if we can find a suitor for Sanchez or if Penders is happy for another loan.

3.) 24 Jun 2026
24 Jun 2026 00:18:07
Haven't ever watched him play, but know there are high expectations and happy to see us through the checkbook at a deal to get it done.

If it also means we sell Gusto to a rival, it's the cherry on top.

4.) 24 Jun 2026
24 Jun 2026 09:20:47
So what has happened to the idea of buying experienced players, who are Premiership-ready with great talent & character?

To be fair, I have never seen Palestra play, but how many of those boxes does he tick?
Maybe just talent, but that's not what we currently need.

Once again, I think our transfer policy is confusing.

5.) 24 Jun 2026
24 Jun 2026 14:19:28
Swcfc, I had also wondered about this, as I had thought the Alonso appointment meant we were now more open again to buying seasoned
top-tier proven players.

6.) 24 Jun 2026
24 Jun 2026 14:21:42
Instead, it seems more likely that we will sell more than we bring in, starting with Cucurella. But the transfer window has a very long way to go, of course.

7.) 24 Jun 2026
24 Jun 2026 20:16:58
I think the change was that the manager now has more overall say, & I assume the age profile of players has been relaxed. It sounds like Palestra was an Alonso pick, though.

Just seen Chelsea apparently want £75m for Gusto. ? I think we'll probably ask/want around the £40m mark myself.

8.) 24 Jun 2026
24 Jun 2026 20:50:34
Why would you sell Gusto for less than we are paying for Palestra? He's playing in the Premier League already and Palestra is unproven.

9.) 24 Jun 2026
24 Jun 2026 21:50:39
Proven to be what. ?

Value is not just about ability, it's about contractual term, age, amortised valuation, wages... A £45m Palestra might be better value than getting £45m for Gusto.

A £75m Gusto?

It's hard to negotiate when the other side can't stop laughing.