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J.'s rumours posts with other poster's replies to J.'s rumours posts
05 Aug 2026 09:38:44
Rumour has it we’ll sign another CB before the summer is out. Whilst I’d want the club to ensure the pathway for Acheampong is clearly marked out, there isn’t much top-end cover for who would be our starting CBs, especially on the left side if Hato is playing LB / LWB. Tosin may also be a really important character in the squad, but can he be relied upon on the pitch if Colwill or Lacroix are out for an extended period of time. I think a backup option who can play in the middle of a three or left of a two is definitely needed.
We’re also looking to another CM. I’m less certain that we need to add another option here, unless Fernandez leaves. In the scenario where he does leave, we need a high-quality starting option. Guimaraes would have been perfect, but we’re continually linked, seem keen on Scott or Wharton, personally I prefer Wharton out of the two - even in an inflated CM market, I don’t see how Scott is close to a £100m player.
1.) 05 Aug 2026 10:31:48
Outgoings first J.
2.) 05 Aug 2026 10:46:26
J
Of all the positions to sort out next is the Gk position.
3.) 05 Aug 2026 10:51:23
I personally think Stones would have been a good interim solution as the extra CB, but ho hum.
I am not a massive fan of Scott. A Palace supporting mate of mine is convinced we are signing Wharton. I'm not too sure that will happen, or about him as a player.
4.) 09 Aug 2026 11:56:07
I think Wharton is a great player. I'd prefer him to Anderson of City.
17 Jul 2026 22:40:54
Lots of positive reports coming out about Reggie Walsh, bossed the bleep test and has physically developed. Such a technically gifted player, I can't see a world where Xabi Alonso doesn't like him. 100% one to watch for first team mins this season, if he doesn't go out on loan.
1.) 18 Jul 2026 12:50:06
Was he highly rated by Enzo Maresca J? Played a fair bit in the Conference League?
2.) 18 Jul 2026 17:33:41
Yeah, very highly rated, started under him in the Conference - I think he became our youngest starter that season.
03 Jul 2026 09:56:56
Real Madrid confirm the Athletic reports that they’re not planning to sign Fernandez.
I’m not sure I see another team paying the money this summer.
1.) 03 Jul 2026 16:49:38
I think you are correct, J.
2.) 03 Jul 2026 17:49:51
Given his agent's comments on liking Madrid, but also being happy in London, I fear Arsenal interest is the only one to worry about. I'd be very disappointed if we sold him to an EPL rival, especially a London one. It'd have to be for an inflated price, on top of what is already a high price.
3.) 06 Jul 2026 18:01:57
It would be dreadful to sell EF to Arsenal, and surely BlueCo should realise this.
4.) 07 Jul 2026 18:59:46
It would be awful. But Arsenal must be aware that it's a vast amount of money for a player who, in a year or two, will be re-engulfed in the Real Madrid circus again. It would certainly put me off.
27 Jun 2026 18:29:40
Granit Xhaka is the midfield signing. Club fully backing the new manager.
1.) 27 Jun 2026 20:42:37
Would be a very interesting signing. I mentioned the other day what had happened to the Premier League-ready and experienced idea; this certainly falls into that category, and he is a character / leader.
It does look like we are trying to add some physicality to the squad, with the players linked: Palestra, Lacroix, Xhaka.
A good thing, in my opinion, because we can look soft at times.
2.) 27 Jun 2026 21:04:17
Under most circumstances, Chelsea signing Xhaka would not have got me excited. But, the fact he was central to Alonso's Leverkusen side, alongside both how good he was for Sunderland last season and the fact it's the club swaying from their model to support the manager - it's another good bit of business this summer.
3.) 28 Jun 2026 01:15:07
Agreed. I think he will be one of our best signings come the end of the year. We haven't had an experienced leader since Tiago left, and it will be huge for the entire squad! Being able to show the lads in training what is expected from Xabi can't be understated either.
Really happy to see the model is shifting, and that Xabi seems to have a high level of say in what's going on.
4.) 28 Jun 2026 09:03:06
This is a completely different player than the one who left Arsenal. If we get it over the line, he'll be a standard setter and I get the impression that he'd be quick to let players know when the standards required aren't being met. Forget anything he does on the pitch. That's what's needed. I believe Alonso referred to him as a coach on the pitch.
5.) 28 Jun 2026 09:08:25
If Xhaka happens, it will be a very smart move by Alonso and the club. It tweaks the model nicely, and allows the very promising young players already signed up to both learn from an experienced player and have a clear pathway of their own.
I'm thinking of Andre Santos in particular. I far prefer this route as opposed to spending large on Adam Wharton and binning off Santos on some far away loan, only to lose him going forward.
6.) 29 Jun 2026 09:30:25
It was going to be hard to get him out of Sunderland, but even harder now we have pissed them off with an offer of £8mil.
7.) 29 Jun 2026 17:13:46
8m bid... They've said they won't entertain any more offers either... The clowns in charge strike again.
8.) 29 Jun 2026 19:07:19
Club puts in offer for player. The plates club says not enough. The buying club then gets pelters from its fans for low balling.
Club puts in offer for player. The players club says that will do nicely, thanks very much.
The fans then dish out pelters for paying over the odds.
It's a funny old world. I personally would rather the club put in a low offer to start with.
9.) 29 Jun 2026 20:21:23
Tom
There are low offers, then there are insulting offers. We have just done the latter.
It's always going to be a hard task to secure his services, based on the influence he has on the Sunderland squad.
10.) 29 Jun 2026 22:08:09
Tom, if you're serious about buying a player, it's good practice to not insult them and waste everyone's time. Once again, we seem rudderless at the SD level, but keep making excuses for them.
11.) 29 Jun 2026 22:23:00
I have no idea if we will put in another bid for the player, but I assume we have a maximum valuation. If Sunderland do not want to sell at whatever our max valuation is, then just walk away.
If that doesn't make some fans happy, then unlucky. For me that's the complete opposite to "rudderless."
12.) 29 Jun 2026 22:27:31
I should add, I admit to having an agenda. I think he is an ok player that could do a job for a couple of seasons, but I wouldn't pay much more than we have offered.
13.) 29 Jun 2026 22:43:17
It makes us rudderless when we splash cash on the likes of Mudryk, Gittens, Garnacho, Datro, Fofana, Lavia and 10s of others, but try and lowball and insult when it comes to a prem proven leader. That is exactly what we could do with.
14.) 30 Jun 2026 05:44:08
What was paid for any other player has absolutely zero to do with how the club values another player.
I personally believe that in this case the valuation is about right.
As I have said before, it's impossible for the club to make every fan happy. It's the same with how fans value a player in financial terms.
15.) 30 Jun 2026 08:17:22
Tom
I thought Alonso had more say in matters. Do we not want to make him happy, or will he walk out before pre-season?
16.) 30 Jun 2026 08:32:57
Bill, maybe the club and Alonso have an agreed financial budget for players coming in, and let's say, hypothetically, that budget is £200 million and they have already earmarked £45 million for a new RWB, £45 million for a new CB, and still plan to buy a LWB, GK and striker for x amount, which might only leave, say, £8 million for a CM.
I'm sure Alonso is pulling the strings, but will of course have some restrictions. I hope this helps explain things, mate.
17.) 30 Jun 2026 16:08:48
Bill, I'm sure the decision makers, including Alonso, have a valuation in mind for all our player targets.
18.) 30 Jun 2026 17:50:36
That's the issue, Tom... No one trusts the valuations or strategies of the SDs, as they have got us into a huge mess.
19.) 30 Jun 2026 22:19:52
I wouldn't have the confidence/arrogance to use a term such as "no one."
I can only give my opinion and that of my season ticket mates. We all recognise mistakes have been made, but we rarely agree about the quality of individual players.
I will leave sweeping generalisations to others.
20.) 01 Jul 2026 21:55:31
Your opinion aka club statements reworded with a few mentions of your 'season ticket mates'... Well done, Tom, you have match going friends. Proud of you.
21.) 01 Jul 2026 23:12:41
That's very kind but there's no need to be proud of me!!
24 Jun 2026 22:57:40
Lacroix deal is on! Very happy with that, generally happy with the business so far. Looking forward to seeing who they go for on the attacking right and who we get in if we need to replace Fernandez.
1.) 25 Jun 2026 06:04:19
*Attacking left.
2.) 25 Jun 2026 19:29:45
Can't say I've seen much of him. Ed001 what's your take on him? Should we be excited about the prospect of signing him?
{Ed001's Note - he looked very good for Palace, but hard to say how good as they played such a defensive low block that it did make it easier for a defender. However, he did stand out for them. Looked like he had the ability to step up a level that is for sure, so I would be cautiously optimistic if I was you.}
3.) 25 Jun 2026 20:20:58
Cheers Ed, that does sounds promising!
{Ed001's Note - he is one of the few centre-backs in the Prem that I would have said were worth looking at, if I had been asked by the club, so should be a good move.}
4.) 26 Jun 2026 01:58:03
Ed001, I keep seeing Juve need to raise money given they failed to qualify for the CL, is that true?
{Ed001's Note - yes. For some reason a lot of clubs set their budgets with the expectation of qualifying for Europe, so failure to do so causes them no end of problems.}
5.) 26 Jun 2026 12:19:04
Cheeky bid for Yildiz ed001? Or they going to make it up with selling others?
{Ed001's Note - they are not in a position to refuse good offers for anyone mate. Not unless they can flog a few fringe players.}
J.'s banter posts with other poster's replies to J.'s banter posts
12 Sep 2026 07:20:41
Interesting report from Matt Law on Fernandez's position in the squad being untenable, owing to a complete collapse in his relationship with the other players. Complete contrast to Pedro Neto, who was respected for remaining professional throughout the summer, whilst being linked with moves away. That, and a strong start to the season, have resulted in his new contract.
£125m looking like a better move than initially thought, with more news/context coming out. I think in a year or two, when inevitable links to Madrid start up again, City will find themselves in a similar position.
Fingers crossed the club can make a successful January move for Scott, who's started the season very well.
1.) 12 Sep 2026 08:17:54
Club did right thing J, paid £105 million and sold for £125 million, adding to the huge profits generated on almost all signings.
I like Scott, but would prefer Lamine Camara.
2.) 12 Sep 2026 09:22:04
Yes, J, that Matt Law report saying the EF put in 2 transfer requests, plus that EF said his relationships were broken with all others in the club (even Barco, his Argentinian teammate?!), banished any lasting doubts in my mind that we had no choice but to sell him.
And, yes, K, we did very well to get 125 million for him, i.e. a player who desperately wanted to leave.
I also think Camara may have a higher ceiling than Scott, but I probably have not watched either enough to be absolutely sure. Scott does have the advantage of EPL experience, but Camara looks like an excellent turf-gobbling (like Kante) defensive tackler, with goals in him, though playing in a weaker French league.
3.) 13 Sep 2026 07:43:13
JBS, take a look at Barco's stats last season, compared to Camara's.
4.) 14 Sep 2026 17:47:48
Will do, J.
03 Sep 2026 19:35:47
Interesting article on The Athletic titled ‘What is Enzo Fernandez’s legacy at Chelsea?’
For me, on the pitch, he doesn’t have one. His legacy is one of money, a legacy of deadline day drama.
The first player in history to be bought for over £100m and sold for a profit. On the pitch, just part of some pretty disappointing times at the club, which won’t be remembered fondly.
1.) 03 Sep 2026 20:33:05
I rated him as a player, but with about 10/12 games of last to go for me, it was goodbye. My feelings are, Fernandez who?
2.) 04 Sep 2026 08:57:19
Decent player, but no Frank Lampard.
3.) 04 Sep 2026 09:44:25
I've never been a big fan of his and have often asked the question - what is his best position?
My worst memory is the Carling Cup Final versus Liverpool's B team, a game in which he should have stood up but instead was bossed by Endo. (I think it was him?)
Like Tomb, I'm glad he's gone and the soap opera surrounding him is over.
4.) 04 Sep 2026 11:25:30
I don't know if any of you saw George Benson's podcast interview with John Terry that featured quite a lot of discussion about Enzo Fernandez. JT really rated him both as a player and a 'warrior', who he thought gave 100% plus when playing for us, unlike perhaps several other players last season. I believe it was Greenaway who said that he was a favourite among away fans in this respect. I could see why, and tend to agree with JT.
JT believed EF was, in his words, a 'winner'. Having been watching the Mourinho documentary on Netflix the last couple of nights, I understand what JT is getting at, and that Mourinho would probably have loved EF for this! I think JT also quite liked him personally.
The fact is that most of us fans obviously don't like the way he has left us, and probably want to believe that he will be no great loss. Like Tom, I didn't want him to leave cos I rated him as a player and indeed as a warrior with a Mourinho-like will to win.
So, I think he was one of our best players when with us, but he has now gone, and we all hope he can be replaced by an even better player and/or one that can suit Alonso's system better.
I also am hoping, as am sure most of us are, that Alonso, who of course played under Mourinho at Real Madrid, did so well in his playing career and, as a manager in the Bundesliga, will bring a winner mentality to all in our squad. What the JM doccie suggests is that JM's superpower was just this, and helps explain how he won so many major trophies, including with unfancied teams like Porto or Inter, or even in resuscitating Real Madrid against Barca dominance in La Liga, before that relationship went sour. Oh, and of course he did win the league with us again in his second stint before that relationship went sour.
So, I would say that EF has a winner's mentality and was getting better with us the longer he stayed. I think he gave his best more than most for most matches with us. But he has now defected to be with the other treacherous Enzo, so his CFC legacy is tainted by the way he departed.
5.) 04 Sep 2026 11:54:21
I bet JT did like him personally.... Birds of a very specific feather flock together, spring to mind.
6.) 04 Sep 2026 12:07:41
JBS, I found the Jose documentary intriguing/interesting. What a totally focused and somewhat complex individual Jose is.
JT can say he likes EF as a warrior, but let me ask you this: after watching the Jose documentary, do you think Jose would have picked EF for any game after his "I want to leave" comments with 10/12 games of a season to go? Also, remember he was, in effect, our vice captain.
If I remember correctly, Jose refused to speak to JT when he was injured. That's when JT showed he was a playing warrior.
7.) 04 Sep 2026 13:36:30
Good point, Tome, and one well taken by me, so thanks for it about when Jose likely, in fact certainly you'd think, had turned against EF. As he did even with Casillas at Real Madrid, when he thought he was too friendly with Barca players!
Yes, JM is an extraordinarily focused and complex person, capable of humour, affection (care for player families etc), and inspiration for his players - so many testifying to this - but also of what can be seen as ruthless nastiness to get what he wanted, eg in that JT incident.
Then there is that moment when, leaving Inter to further his ambitions by managing Real Madrid, he breaks into uncontrollable tears when hugging an Inter player goodbye after their ECL final win.
The doccie reminded me of how much goes on behind the scenes with staff and players at clubs that we have no idea about. And, simply, that complex humans are involved who we think we know by seeing them so much on tv, yet we don't know the half of it/them.
02 Sep 2026 07:59:28
What a mini saga the Camara and Balogun deals ended up being, with Monaco ending up with egg on their face.
In Fernandez, yes we've lost a starter and haven't replaced him with a genuine starter. But, we signed him for £100m and has he, at any point in his time with us, actually looked like a £100m midfielder? I think he's looked good, but not that good. City left it to the last minute in the hope of getting money off, threatening to walk away from the deal, whilst we stood firm. In the end they had to pay a British record fee and we couldn't turn that down.
I do feel like people are sleeping on Barco and how good he can be, he now has until at least January to get his mins up and show what he can do. I'm also not as low on James in midfield as some are, especially as we haven't seen much / any of him alongside Caicedo this season, in this system.
1.) 02 Sep 2026 10:47:55
J, I always enjoy your posts and thanks for them. Losing Fernandez without replacing him with quality was the problem. He, together with Cucurella and Joao Pedro, were surely our top 3 players last year, and two have left, and both could tackle and defend - even if EF, not very pacey, read the game quite well - and provide quite a few critical goals and assists. I had hoped we would get a replacement who could perhaps particularly offer defensive awareness and tackling strength. Camara's stats and physicality v impressive in these respects - and a bit of a Kante feel to him perhaps - and would have been hugely helpful, particularly as neither Rogers nor Palmer offer much defensively, and we need a very solid double pivot behind them to win the ball and keep some possession.
Kone very strong too in midfield. Either would have strengthened our strength in depth in the CM position, offering a lot both in defense and transition to our potent front three.
But yes, I did think Barco v Luton demonstrated a bit of what we need in this respect, though perhaps not quite the tackling strength, and he was dispossessed a couple of times. He may well be our best bet to fill in if one or other of Lavia or Caicedo not fit. James a better bet than Gusto. Yes, and possibility of planning to get in a reinforcement in January.
2.) 02 Sep 2026 11:04:51
Cucurella was definitely one of our better players, but where would he play in this system? I don't see him as either a WB or wide CB in a three. If Palestra plays LWB, there's an argument that he's an upgrade in this system over Cucurella. Some would argue that, as a WB, Pep Chavarria is an upgrade too.
Same with Fernandez, from a CM point of view he's at his best in a three. His lack of mobility is highlighted when playing the double pivot. He was at his best for us in a more advanced, inside left role, from which he picked up the important goals.
In that regard, you could almost consider Rogers as a replacement - personally I'd take that, especially as Rogers cost less than Fernandez.
We've upgraded at GK, CB, WB, AM, and Joao Pedro's ST support cast is much better. Yes, we need to find a top tier CM to partner Caicedo in the double pivot, but that shouldn't take the shine off a very positive window, at least not too much. We were never going to be the finished article after one window.
3.) 02 Sep 2026 11:40:19
You make some very good points, J, and I much look forward to seeing Palestra in the EPL as a wing back.
Do you/we know when he is likely to be fit?
One question to you is, who beyond Lavia and Caicedo - not sure when he will be fit, and we know Lavia's injury history, and Henderson not fit either - apart from Barco and James among our squad, who would you have play in that double pivot if, say, James has a recurrence of injury problems too? Would there be a CB who could do this if needs be in an emergency? If so, which one? Josh? Or...?
4.) 02 Sep 2026 12:08:26
Hato would probably be my first choice if I didn't want to bring a youth team option. One thing I don't want to see again is Gusto there.
5.) 02 Sep 2026 12:44:06
Would agree on all counts.
01 Sep 2026 23:16:27
Wow! Unprofessional behaviour from Monaco!
1.) 01 Sep 2026 23:59:29
J, very disappointing.
2.) 02 Sep 2026 00:20:46
We were played by City and Monaco, but we've only got ourselves to blame for leaving things so late. I don't know any injury updates, but if we go to Arsenal with James or Gusto in midfield, we will be overrun and will have little chance to move the ball forward.
Let's hope Caicedo and Lavia can stay fit until the next window. Very disappointing end to a good window, as it was obvious that we needed a replacement for EF, who was always going to go.
3.) 02 Sep 2026 00:39:55
Jimbo, I don't think us getting a replacement for Fernandez before selling him was a good tactic, and if Monaco had kept to their word, most of us would be happy-ish.
I am not a massive fan of our owners, but I don't think they have got a lot wrong in this window.
I think we will start with the so-called "double pivot" against the Gooners, and it will be Lavia and James. I'm more interested in who our wing backs will be, because that, in my opinion, will decide the game.
4.) 02 Sep 2026 01:21:55
Are we able to still loan players?
5.) 02 Sep 2026 03:24:44
Agreed, Jimbo... But yes, sorting out right wingbacks is also v important. Neto on the right, you'd think, but who on the left? Will Palestra be fit?
6.) 02 Sep 2026 08:24:39
Tom, all in all the club has done a good job in the window. However, the EF transfer has been a bit of a shambles, starting with the deadline. We should have just negotiated in the normal way (privately). I am convinced that if we had done so, the deal would have gone through earlier and given us time to sign a replacement.
I don't know when Caicedo and Henderson will be fit to play. The sooner the better.
As for wingbacks to decide the game, I hope you are not relying on Neto or Gusto.
The only small consolation is that the Balagun deal fell through. So now Monaco won't have the money they were relying on to keep Camara and possibly two unhappy players.
7.) 02 Sep 2026 14:52:39
Jimbo, your dislike for Neto has been long standing, but I think he has looked ok as a wing back, but I would pick him against Arsenal. For that game, I would love Palestra to be fit.
01 Sep 2026 19:15:57.
A joint British record fee for a player who doesn’t want to be at the club can’t be turned down, replacement coming in or not.
Caicedo, Lavia, James, Barco and Henderson are more than capable of holding down the fort and we happen to have a generational talent in the youth team right now. Although I don’t advocate for lads that age getting major mins.
1.) 01 Sep 2026 20:17:06
J, James is bang average in midfield, and Henderson was brought in to be on the bench and come on to steady a game. If Lavia and Caicedo don't stay fit, we are very weak in midfield. We probably needed to bring in 2 midfielders, if we are serious about challenging for trophies.
2.) 01 Sep 2026 20:32:11
J, I am with you, mate. The way Alonso sets his team up is with a solid double pivot. What we have is ok. Could we have accomplished one more? Yes.
The
problem is, if we get two or more injuries, then it looks like an unnecessary gamble, and the owners will undoubtedly get pelters.
3.) 01 Sep 2026 21:03:57
The problem is, Jimbo, we were looking at significantly overpaying for bang average midfielders, who don't necessarily replace Fernandez anyway. Zero point in bulking out the squad with mediocre players (again), right choice to sell Fernandez and stick, rather than twist.
I'd have been happy to pay big for a Wharton, Scott or the slightly more offensive Gibbs-White, but they're not available and can be re-visited in January or next summer.
This is just the start of the Alonso era, and we're heading in the right direction.
4.) 01 Sep 2026 21:18:09
J, I think I'm with you - no point in splurging for an average player. In terms of the generational talent, are you referring to Mahdi Nicoll-Jazuli?
5.) 01 Sep 2026 21:34:56
I don't think Kone or Camara are bang average players. If they are bang average midfielders, what does that say about James and Gusto in the midfield. Really.
6.) 01 Sep 2026 21:43:24
Jimbo, I think J meant an average midfielder if Camara, Kone, Gibbs-White etc. weren't available. Anyway, no need to worry now - apparently we've signed Camara!
7.) 01 Sep 2026 21:52:46
EdW, if it's true about Camara, it has been a very good window.
8.) 01 Sep 2026 22:02:28
Yes, I think Nicole-Jazuli is an unbelievable talent.
Looks like we've met Monaco in the middle for Lamine Camara (EUR55). Very interesting video / tactical breakdown by Pythagoras in Boots, on YouTube, for those who are interested.
9.) 01 Sep 2026 22:41:10
Bang average and mediocre may have been a tad harsh, but yes, I would have included Camara in that. The point was, love him or loath him, Fernandez was a nailed on starter. Camara is a good player, but he isn't necessarily that, he's more of a squad addition for us - this is why the club were keen to brief that he was in no way encompassed within the decision to sell Fernandez.
Monaco, however, were demanding top money for him, and I agreed with the club that we shouldn't be paying that kind of fee.
Monaco have then seemingly had a bit of a financial incomings panic when Balogun's move to Everton was in doubt over his medical, and were willing to negotiate at a lower fee. In the end, I believe we've signed a good player for the squad at the top end of a reasonable fee.
10.) 02 Sep 2026 03:32:58
Sadly, no such signing, of course, J, though we all thought we'd got him. Fernandez leaves a huge gap.
18 Jul 2026 17:33:41
Yeah, very highly rated, started under him in the Conference - I think he became our youngest starter that season.
07 Jul 2026 18:59:46
It would be awful. But Arsenal must be aware that it's a vast amount of money for a player who, in a year or two, will be re-engulfed in the Real Madrid circus again. It would certainly put me off.
03 Jul 2026 17:49:51
Given his agent's comments on liking Madrid, but also being happy in London, I fear Arsenal interest is the only one to worry about. I'd be very disappointed if we sold him to an EPL rival, especially a London one. It'd have to be for an inflated price, on top of what is already a high price.
01 Jul 2026 12:18:02
It was reported, at the time he was signed for Strasbourg, that Enciso had been told he was viewed by BlueCo as a longterm Chelsea player.
28 Jun 2026 09:03:06
This is a completely different player than the one who left Arsenal. If we get it over the line, he'll be a standard setter and I get the impression that he'd be quick to let players know when the standards required aren't being met. Forget anything he does on the pitch. That's what's needed. I believe Alonso referred to him as a coach on the pitch.
13 Sep 2026 07:43:13
JBS, take a look at Barco's stats last season, compared to Camara's.
09 Sep 2026 17:04:59
It’ll happen in some games, starting as a 4-2-3-1 and switching to a 3-2-5 in possession. One fb pushing on and another tucking in to make up the back 3.
Been a lot of noise about Estavao’s minutes, but he’s come back a lot quicker from a bad hamstring injury than most thought possible.
Really important Alonso manages his mins, make sure there’s no repeat injury.
Defensively, we still need to get used to the system, which wasn’t put into effect until the tail end of pre-season, and we need our key cm back in the side.
02 Sep 2026 12:08:26
Hato would probably be my first choice if I didn't want to bring a youth team option. One thing I don't want to see again is Gusto there.
02 Sep 2026 11:04:51
Cucurella was definitely one of our better players, but where would he play in this system? I don't see him as either a WB or wide CB in a three. If Palestra plays LWB, there's an argument that he's an upgrade in this system over Cucurella. Some would argue that, as a WB, Pep Chavarria is an upgrade too.
Same with Fernandez, from a CM point of view he's at his best in a three. His lack of mobility is highlighted when playing the double pivot. He was at his best for us in a more advanced, inside left role, from which he picked up the important goals.
In that regard, you could almost consider Rogers as a replacement - personally I'd take that, especially as Rogers cost less than Fernandez.
We've upgraded at GK, CB, WB, AM, and Joao Pedro's ST support cast is much better. Yes, we need to find a top tier CM to partner Caicedo in the double pivot, but that shouldn't take the shine off a very positive window, at least not too much. We were never going to be the finished article after one window.
01 Sep 2026 22:41:10
Bang average and mediocre may have been a tad harsh, but yes, I would have included Camara in that. The point was, love him or loath him, Fernandez was a nailed on starter. Camara is a good player, but he isn't necessarily that, he's more of a squad addition for us - this is why the club were keen to brief that he was in no way encompassed within the decision to sell Fernandez.
Monaco, however, were demanding top money for him, and I agreed with the club that we shouldn't be paying that kind of fee.
Monaco have then seemingly had a bit of a financial incomings panic when Balogun's move to Everton was in doubt over his medical, and were willing to negotiate at a lower fee. In the end, I believe we've signed a good player for the squad at the top end of a reasonable fee.