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JBS's rumours posts with other poster's replies to JBS's rumours posts
01 Sep 2026 21:40:52
Strong rumour that we have just signed Camara on 6 yr deal for 47 million. Much hope it's true.
09 Feb 2026 17:40:42
Reports from ESPN Argentina suggesting that Chelsea is leading the race for Julian Alvarez. I would think he would be a great addition but not sure what others think? Could be great in combo with EF if EF stays -- and to be challengers for EPL surely we need him to?
Point though is that at 26 he may be seen as far too old by BlueCo plus on roughly same wages as Reece,
Would probably mean Jackson sold and Guiu or/and Delap sold or loaned?
1.) 09 Feb 2026 21:39:07
Dont think we’d pay the fee or the wages for him tbh and he's 10 years too old for BlueCo-
i would love him at the club tho think he's top class.
2.) 10 Feb 2026 00:55:49
Tris’ memory may be better on this but didn’t Alvarez say himself that he was hesitant on a return to England last year when Liverpool was reportedly interested? I was of the impression he didn’t settle very well when with Citeh.
Top class player so would be an awesome addition if he has warmed to the idea. Maybe the capital would be a better fit.
{Ed001's Note - it is his gf, she hated the weather and wanted to leave.}
3.) 10 Feb 2026 07:34:19
I honestly can’t remember seeing him play.
I can’t see us doing much business in the forward area in the summer, with the lad coming from Strasbourg. Anyway signing at centre half will probably depend on how Sarr and the lad now at Strasbourg do for the remainder of the season. I can see at least two CH’s being sold.
If they can get Lavia fit then I can only see us signing a midfielder if one of our current squad leaves.
4.) 10 Feb 2026 09:57:11
Tom
We can always get Kavia fit. The problem is he plays one game and then disappears for 6 months.
I agree some if the CH's need replacing but we also need to see how Colwill comes back first.
Like you, I think Guiu will leave which in my opinion will be a shame.
5.) 10 Feb 2026 12:07:45
Bill, I haven’t said that Guiu will leave but my guess is he will go on loan, maybe to Strasbourg.
6.) 10 Feb 2026 13:14:01
Tom
He might decide that he wants a permanent move to another club rather than a loan.
7.) 10 Feb 2026 14:29:47
Maybe Bill.
8.) 10 Feb 2026 17:04:43
Looking out of my window at the moment I can see where Alvarez' s girlfroend is coming from in terms of the weather! But London a bit better in this respect than the N/W of England perhaps.
9.) 10 Feb 2026 21:57:50
I'm in the north west of england and i really don't understand the weather thing. I got more rainfall a year in Brisbane Australia. Plus when it rained in aus, it actually rained. Here I can walk to work in the 'rain' and ill be dry. Makes no sense to me lol.
10.) 11 Feb 2026 16:33:21
Perhaps just a wee bit warmer in Brisbane even in heavy rain than in the N/W of England in light drizzle at this time of year Standard?! . Lol.
11.) 11 Feb 2026 17:02:28
Too hot, atleast for me JBS :)
12.) 12 Feb 2026 22:21:16
Statistically there is more rainfall in Paris than London; so that rules out a move to PSG for Alveraz. If I was him I would buy the girlfriend an umbrella and a raincoat and tell her to get a job.
11 Feb 2025 17:12:45
Does anyone - perghaps one of the Eds? - know whether there is any truth in the rumour that CFC may be wanting/ willing to sell Santos in the summer to the highest bidder for 'pure profit?
I hope it isn't true - and that is just paper news stiirring things up - given AS's great performances for Strasbourg and of course for Brazil youth teams. He seems to have worldy potential. Also because one fears that Lavia may never be fit for very long.
{Ed001's Note - I don't know about wanting, but they will sell him if the right offer comes along. You could probably say the same about any of the players to be honest, from what I have heard.}
1.) 11 Feb 2025 17:41:48
JBS, there was a rumour pre January window that a club (no name given) was prepared to offer £160m for Palmer.
I personally don’t like the term commodities to describe a person but that’s how I think they are considered.
2.) 11 Feb 2025 18:30:50
And that's why Tom, we will not be successful. We needed a settled squad to grow together.
If we wanted to sell players, I would put the ones who are forever injured, first.
3.) 11 Feb 2025 19:42:42
Bill, you may well be correct but it’s not as if we didn’t buy and sell players under the RA ownership.
All clubs get injuries but it’s when the same players keep getting injured it becomes a concern. As I said a few weeks ago, it’s a tough decision to draw stumps on a players Chelsea career but making those decisions is why they get paid the big bucks.
4.) 11 Feb 2025 20:46:50
Tom yes players have been commodities for a long time now in terms of being traded by clubs. What worries me with new owners is that this trading has not only been surcharged in terms of volume but also that it does not seem to have prioritised creating a winning side any time soon. Instead it's become as much if not more about trading for for bottom line accounting sake. We sell Gallagher and buy Felix to then loan him out. Maresca belatedly says he wanted to keep him and perhaps he did but then why give him so little EPL game time? We buy Veiga then sideline Chilwell then loan out Veiga removing cover for Cucurella at LB then spend money on bringing in a 16 yr old striker from Kazakhstan. An investment in the future? Vision 2030 again? Who knows but how about 2025?
I can just see so little logic in far too much of our transfer business.
Was loaning out Santos in CFC interest or other owners' club Strasbourg?
Is Sanchez who Poch didn't particularly rate better than Petrovich who he did but then gets loaned to Strasbourg where he shines?
Bottom line is do the new owners care as much about success on the pitch as Roman A. Or more about success with the bottom line in accounting terms itself
Yes but do they not know that GETTING ECL football would likely do more for bottom. line playersvhan tradingng in kids?
5.) 11 Feb 2025 21:16:08
Really good points JBS.
6.) 11 Feb 2025 22:07:58
JBS, I have said many times that in my opinion the owners have gone too quickly in taking on what is a complete rebuild of not only the first team squad but also the supporting structure but I will maintain that the club was overdue that restructuring.
I am absolutely convinced that our current owners not only care about success but also crave it. I cannot for one moment believe that they don’t want to increase the value of there investment and the best way to do that is to be consistent winners and habitual champions league qualifiers.
I’m not sure I like the idea of buying/ investing in 16 year old kids but that is a different subject. In the last window I think the spuds signed three (one from us) academy players from other clubs. As is often the case clubs act like sheep and it would appear that a significant percentage of clubs are looking more and more at youth as the way forward. Maybe it’s a PSR thing but as I said in a recent post how many premiership clubs have paid a transfer fee for a player over the age of 25 in this last window? I’m struggling to think of any!
Time will tell if the owners approach pays dividends but generally in the world of football ownership these are early days and remember they made a complete horlicks of virtually everything at the beginning of there tenure.
7.) 12 Feb 2025 10:05:38
Tom
I agree that we have sold youngsters in the past. However, we had a large number of experienced players as a nucleus of our first team.
Likewise, other teams are bringing in youth as you say., However, they have a number of experience in their first team squad, that is the difference.
8.) 12 Feb 2025 10:55:38
Bill. I’m not saying that the current trend is correct or that having a mixture of youth and experience wouldn’t be a better way to go. I’m just pointing out what appears to be a pattern.
9.) 12 Feb 2025 11:59:18
Spot on Bill we have got rid of all our experienced players bar James - and some sidelined on loan.
Belayted thanks Ed001 for your comment and Tom I am sure the owners want the club to succeed as they have made a huge investment in it but one is questioning whether they've got the right ideas about achieving this in last few seasons where we crying out to have experience in key -spine of team of you like - positions alongside youth. Look, with right decisions in the summer - and if we have qualified for ECL so we can attract the best we need eg top striker and retain the best we have - we could move faster in right direction.
Right now and with ECL v far from guaranteed my feeling is our medium term fate in the balance. It could all go well with ECL qualification and good summer transfer dealings. But if we don't get ECL qualification perhaps we will have to sell the likes of Santos or - as you have suggested - even Palmer and it will feel like a struggle all obver again to get back to chgallenging for big trophies and to have really got 'our Chelsea back' that we were singing lustily in the Southampton away game.
{Ed001's Note - very welcome JBS. I do think I should point out that you might have different ideas about what success is than the owners though. They are looking at it as an investment to make money, I am not so sure they see success on the pitch as all that vital. Which I disagree with personally, but it does seem that it is about trading players to make a profitable enterprise, rather than about putting the best players possible on the pitch to win trophies.}
10.) 12 Feb 2025 12:15:59
Good point to emphasise Ed001 and thanks for it. Yes if owners care more about trading to gain profit rather than success on the pitch - though you would think that they should realise success on the pitch would help with profits and dealings - then we have to be very worried as fans.
{Ed001's Note - these are not football people though JBS, they are investors who are new to the sport and see it from an American sports perspective. US sports franchises are money-making machines regardless of results.}
11.) 12 Feb 2025 12:16:55
JBS, I haven’t suggested we will sell Palmer, I have said there was “rumoured interest. ”
I keep saying and this is only my view that the players are a commodity and I believe we have to get used to our favourite players being available for sale.
I also assume that the club will make more revenue if it wins trophies and that’s why I think our current owners would also like to win competitions.
12.) 12 Feb 2025 14:14:17
Tom I think we all hope you are right. But what do you think of ED001's additional point - one it is hard to disagree with from myn perspective - that our woners are not footballing people ie so may not have the passion that owners who are have for success on the pitch above all?
13.) 12 Feb 2025 15:31:10
JBS, as usual us fans are only guessing but they are a very rich group of people who seem to have a passion for sports investments and making money.
I have no idea if they are truly in love with “soccer” but my guess is they are truly in love with money. Again just me guessing but if they win trophies with Chelsea for example the potential increases in revenues are huge. The club also becomes globally more appealing if it wins trophies and that again brings in more revenue.
14.) 15 Feb 2025 07:01:24
I have been screaming on here that boely and Co are not working to make Chelsea great again on the pitch winning games. I said that the club had been hijacked and might never be the same again but tomb and likes were there deceiving themselves with plenty talks.
The policy of buying only young players is just the profits from the sale and not to get the club back on top boely and Co were the worst possible owners from the bidders but the enemies of the club who taken the political advantage of the war in Ukraine chose them to Bury the club overtime. Roman was targeted and I still think he might return to the club again.
15.) 04 Mar 2025 11:43:24
Tussle, I have always assumed that if there is football success then the value of the owners investment will improve.
I have also assumed that any investment has been made to achieve a profit and that includes the buying and selling of players.
Pre our present owners I have also referred to players (same at most clubs) as commodities.
03 Feb 2025 17:12:48
Seems as though we may still be paying half of Chilly's wages at Palace (ie 100, 000 of the 200, 000 pounds per week) .
1.) 03 Feb 2025 17:54:04
I suppose the alternative was to pay him full wages and get splinters. Personally I would have kept him in the squad as Cucarella cover.
2.) 03 Feb 2025 18:13:03
Tom
Maresca would not have played him even if we only had nine players to choose from, that's how stubborn the man is.
3.) 03 Feb 2025 19:21:25
I'd have kept him in the squad and played him Tom. His experience surely useful to youngsters.
4.) 03 Feb 2025 20:15:23
It's just bad business imo. Surely at that point you'd just keep him? This is another thing that annoys me with the 7 year contracts. What happens when this happens and the player still has 5 years remaining on x wage? The bomb squad didn't work, just had adverse affects imo.
Sad to see chilly go, injury prone but when fit the best left back in the epl imo.
5.) 03 Feb 2025 23:16:16
I would have kept Chilly as cover only for Cucarella. I think fans should remember how bad Cucarella was when he joined our club and for whatever reason it took him time to find his feet. In my opinion he is now one of the best left sided defenders in Europe and a long way in front of Chilly.
6.) 04 Feb 2025 08:41:08
I agree tom. I think he put in some of the worst chelsea performances ever, worse than bakayoko. He's fantastic now.
7.) 04 Feb 2025 09:15:47
He is a very good example (me included) of why its beat not to rush to judge.
8.) 04 Feb 2025 17:55:58
Absolutely tom. And I do think you told me that when I was criticising his performances. Very glad he was able to find some performances, and he's exceeding my expectations.
9.) 06 Feb 2025 08:38:59
Cucurella was always a good player but did put in some bad performances as did many of the squad. However, I am a great believer in the saying “ You can’t make a silk purse out of a sow’s ear”.
10.) 06 Feb 2025 09:07:40
But you can make a sows ear out of a silk purse!
11.) 11 Feb 2025 09:09:09
I disagree that cucurella is a long way in front of Chilwell. Chilwell is better in offensive position, final third.
03 Feb 2025 15:24:14
Is Felix likely to be sold or loaned to AC Milan? Is Disasi likely now to stay at the Bridge?
1.) 03 Feb 2025 15:45:23
Loan with no buy option for Felix.
2.) 03 Feb 2025 16:52:22
While i liked felix, every man and his dog knew it wasn't going to work. A favour for his agent, I suspect.
3.) 03 Feb 2025 16:53:06
So with Felix and Veiga going to Italy on straight loans, if they do well, come the end of the season it will be 'they want to stay in Italy and play for us but we can't afford to buy them, how about another loan'.
Before we know it we have more littke Lukaku's running across Italy.
We never learn with Italian clubs, we are their charity organisation.
4.) 03 Feb 2025 17:09:43
The reports I’m reading on Felix seem to be so different. One is saying straight loan with full wages paid plus €6.5m loan fee. I would be happy with that.
5.) 03 Feb 2025 18:13:59
And another loan next year Tom?
6.) 03 Feb 2025 19:28:47
Talksport reporting 5 million loan fee for Felix but Milan paying his wages. I enjoyed watching him and wonder if we really gave him a chance. Suppose if he does well at Milan we will just sell him or indeed loan him out again.
7.) 03 Feb 2025 20:17:54
Unfortunately I don't think there's a way back for felix. There wasn't a spot for him 6 months ago and there won't be one 6 months from now. Great player on his day and I hope he reaches atleast half what his potential was.
8.) 03 Feb 2025 23:18:20
I think it depends what happens to Palmer. If a ridiculous offer comes in for CP, Felix would be a reasonable replacement.
9.) 04 Feb 2025 15:24:30
Bill, they’re paying £5m as a loan fee for 6 months so if they want a loan for the whole season next year it’s £10m. Easy money and would count as a profit for the year in the accounts as his amortisation fee is around £7-8m I believe.
With Veiga Chelsea only paid £12m for him and are getting £4m as a loan fee. Any Italian club could afford to buy him at the end of the season easily, but I’m sure the club would love to keep farming him out on loan if that’s the fee they’ll get for just 6 months given the massive profit.
10.) 04 Feb 2025 18:18:36
fuser, good point and good economics.
JBS's banter posts with other poster's replies to JBS's banter posts
13 Sep 2026 18:58:45
Which of our defenders really love to defend? And/or who really can right now?
Lacroix I think relishes a duel and perhaps Fofana. Both playing ok so far as generally has Josh. LC well below his best before his injury. Hato up and down. Our opponents to date have all had joy down our left side.
We miss Cucurella?
Then there is the matter of wanting a proper cover the ground shield in front of the...and Elliott Anderson type...we need to bring in on January if possible to help out Caicedo.
But think many also think we need to move to 4 at the back too?
1.) 13 Sep 2026 21:41:17
Or could we play James like the Gooners play Rice.
2.) 13 Sep 2026 22:39:48
Jbs, I'm not sure what is going wrong, our defenders look so lightweight and error prone at the present.
James can't play like Arsenal play Rice because Reece isn't a midfielder and shouldn't start as one. We have one of the weakest double pivots in the Premier League at the moment.
11 Sep 2026 14:21:44
Interesting Rest is Football podcast with Kieran Maguire - football finance expert - that included him giving his opinion to Gary and Alan on the 115 charges v Man City. He could only be sure that City would be found guilty of not co- operating. but that would just mean a fine.
The financial misdemeanour charges
Are potentially far more serious of course and according to Maguire could if proven amount to City being guilty of Corporate Fraud. He gave one. example which was that City had declated Mancini's salary at only 2 million - but Mancini had recieved a further 2 million for just 4 days coaching at a UAE academy with City links.
The problem is whether in absence of anyone at City willing to give evidence it may be difficult to reach level of supportive evidence required
to prove fraud. Though there are tens of thousands of documents already accumulated.
When asked how long it might take for verdict to eventually be given he said in fraud cases this usually can take '2 to 3 years'. If this process only started at end of 2024 it might mean the verdict cpuld come between Dec 2026 and 2027 perhaps?
1.) 11 Sep 2026 15:01:52
No doubt that total fraud of manager Pochetino will demand Spursy are given every title Man City won during this period. ?
09 Sep 2026 23:39:50
Still on. My way back from that match of two halves.
Alonso's 4 substitutions all. Perfect choices. First half revealed relative lack of strength in depth compared to. Some of pur top rivals. No. Mote Gusto in midfield. Gittens again well off quality required, LC not back to best by some margin and Estevso showing flashes of brilliance but Neto greatly better when on for him. Very glad indeed we didnt sell him!
Barco probably our best player first half and scores his first goal for us in second.
No brainer to say he should play in. Midfield ahead of Gusto. James. Made big difference when on alongside Barco too.
After the subs snd Leeds second pur attscking flair led by Palmer and Rogers especially but festuring Wellbeck on full display.
Atmosphere in the ground fumereal at half time became its bouncy noisy best during our spectaculour comeback. Madness!
1.) 10 Sep 2026 08:49:32
Jbs, in the press conference after the game, Alonso, refreshingly for a manager, admitted a mistake in making too many changes, and that it wasn't fair on the players in the first half. Another lesson learned.
I totally agree about Barco. Just one more thing, I think Gittens was unlucky to be hooked.
2.) 10 Sep 2026 09:35:52
A rollercoaster of a game. Positives: We won. Alonso was decisive, didn't wait to make subs until 60 minutes, and Barco gave a very tenacious performance and should start on Saturday.
3.) 10 Sep 2026 10:22:19
Will have to agree to disagree about Gittens, Tom. Neither he nor Estevao - who looked more likely to make an impact cos has more confidence and can beat opponents far more often than Gittens - may have had their moments, but were simply not making enough impact and giving the ball away too often... as Gusto was. In an ideal world, and if the opposition were not looking as strong as Leeds did in the first half, you might want to keep them on to get more minutes.
Rogers and Neto for those two made an enormous difference. As did James for Gusto and Palmer for Reggie W - though RW impressed us in Lower West for his fight and energy, stood out far more than Gittens may be cos Gittens was largely on the other side of the pitch - though Estevao is still v young and I know you have seen a player in Gittens.
There may be, but apart from that in that away cup game - against Lincoln I think - and literally just a couple of other moments, he has been very disappointing for most of us. Which is not to say he couldn't be pretty decent again in time playing in England - and you thought he was a baller in the Bundesliga? - but right now he doesnt look to be v close to the quality CFC needs and wants to challenge for top trophies. Part of the problem is his lack of getting his head up when running at speed at a defender to pick out team mate?
4.) 10 Sep 2026 10:40:41
JBS, I totally agree with your assessment. Watching the game on TV (not always the best), Gittens looked miles off in his decision-making and hunger. I'd also agree that he seems to be solely head down. You could see Estevao's frustration with him when he went for that near-post blast rather than passing him in. (Not that Estevao was necessarily in a hugely better position - and standing still and throwing your hands in the air, rather than attempting to make a different run, or being ready for a potential rebound, is not a good look at all.
More to be said on his attitude last night in relation to the rumours that have been coming out about his unhappiness at lack of game time thus far this season.) But Estevao perhaps could have passed the ball across the face of goal dangerously, and Gittens, to me, does seem very one-gear - he's either totally passive and weak, or intensely running with his head down. Reminds me a bit of Mudryk, actually (interesting that, given the same sporting directors fancied him), and a weaker Milan Baros.
5.) 10 Sep 2026 12:31:47
Interesting comparison with Mudryk, EdW, and I reckon you may have a point. Though for some reason I had more hope with MM - perhaps putting too much hope cos of his debut came v Liverpool?! Oh, and he did score that last minute equalise v Newcastle in Carabao Cup game!
6.) 10 Sep 2026 16:16:00
Jbs, I continue to have hope for Mudryk - perhaps because he looks like a lost puppy transformed into a gormless but very good-looking human by a witch's curse, doomed to chase a ball aimlessly at incredibly high speed whilst being pelted with abuse by angry men, and it all feels a little unfair. #freeMudryk.
7.) 10 Sep 2026 18:15:08
Well, so I still hope for the best for MM, and I know what you mean by feeling some sympathy for him cos the puppy-type look is rightly associated in one's mind with the fact of his separation from his Ukrainian family, and his country as a whole under brutal attack by Putin's forces.
I did think, as suggested, that I saw something in him at times as a player that I have yet to spot with Gittens, but perhaps both of them demonstrate that football, like any sport, is played best by those whose physical ability is matched by their mental strength.
8.) 11 Sep 2026 11:20:35
To my mind, Mudryk is miles above Gittens, both in ceiling and, as per the last few times I saw them both play. They both make terrible decisions, and I'm not sure either is a 'natural' player as such, but Mudryk's speed, strength and striking ability clinch it. If someone can just get him understanding when to sprint at full speed, when to dribble, and when to take a shot on, he'll be a monster.
But yes, I think the big issue with him is, as you've identified - general anxiety about his nation, his family and friends. No one would enjoy his situation.
01 Sep 2026 21:42:12
If true, signing Camara would really help re midfield strengthening after Fernandez departure.
01 Sep 2026 18:31:08
If we do not have a quality replacement for Enzo Fernandez pur transfer business this window will look seriously flawed. So can only hope we can still get one in. Worrying few hours ahead and may either get good news or resign ourselves to having perhaps weakest midfield in recent times... if particularly Caicedo fitness in doubt and/or Lavia breaks down again.
1.) 01 Sep 2026 19:25:56
Pogba's available on a free.
2.) 01 Sep 2026 19:29:04
I mean, that's a joke, obviously (Bissouma and Coutinho also available on frees. And Alaba as a cb, which might actually be quite a good deal for a short-term defensive signing, with his pedigree - certainly an upgrade on Tosin) - but I genuinely don't think we're going to get anyone at this late stage, unless the club really pulls it out of the bag.
Perhaps that's why there's no news. I'm hoping for Camavinga, but not holding my breath.
3.) 01 Sep 2026 19:31:30
Well, thanks for that definition of utterly desperate if we signed him! Plus added Hulk?
4.) 01 Sep 2026 19:44:44
Haha. It was like three or four summers in a row reading the rumours about Hulk.
5.) 01 Sep 2026 19:54:46
EdW, Hulk is still playing aged 40: 3 goals in 6 appearances so far - don't make him angry!
6.) 01 Sep 2026 21:15:46
What a legend! Thanks for the info, Jimbo.
7.) 01 Sep 2026 21:43:14
EdW, believe it or not, I would have loved to have seen Hulk at Chelsea. However it went, it would have been entertaining.
02 Sep 2026 10:29:55
Agree with you, swcfc.
02 Sep 2026 02:41:37
Very, very bad news. Why did this happen... Why did we leave it so late to try to do the deal? Left us so thin in midfield.
01 Sep 2026 18:17:51
Very worrying indeed if we can't bring in either Kone or Camara, given Lavia's and James' injury histories, plus Caicedo's recent injury. We all saw how we had absolutely no midfield control v either Fulham or, even more so, Brighton. And we have Arsenal on Sunday.
01 Sep 2026 16:45:59
Thanks CFC1221, presumably Fernandez deal has to be certain before any midfielder incoming is possible. But a tense finale to deadline day seems quite likely.
01 Sep 2026 11:35:18
Is that confirmed now about Gittens and KOne CFC1221?
swcfc thanks for that list but had thought - hoped - that Sanchez was a sale to Como? Disappointing if only a loan. But yes a very busy day already it seems. Obviously don't like doing any business with Spurs but given De Zerbi mamaged Mudryk at Shaktar Donetsk and got him to the standard where we were compeating with Arsenal to sign him it could be the right move for the las. Gather Spurs will have an option to buy for 75 million?
Just hope we can get both Kone and Camara deals done if EF to City one is. Essugo rumoutred to be goinng on loan to Hull which at 21 might be a good loan for him and they have made a good start.
13 Sep 2026 18:45:18
I think we still need to bring in a really superb DM to support Caicedo... someone who loves to defend like a Makalele or John Obi Mikel, or Elliot Anderson, who was superb today for 115 charges not cooperated with Enzo snakes City.
12 Sep 2026 12:06:00
Good point, E_b_w.
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.
11 Sep 2026 11:15:24
Largely agree with you, G8.
I have yet, though, to see Palestra in a competitive game, and he may need to be eased in a bit, first off the bench before starting. I am not sure.
I think Barco does provide a good option as starter with Lavia or James. If Caicedo is back, I would still think Xavi would start him with Lavia if both are fully fit, though Barco is making a strong claim for a starting role as well, and the case for him may be made stronger by the amount of turf he covers. But James made a big difference when on versus Leeds, and was not bad v Arsenal, except that glaring moment when he lost concentration before Overgaard's goal!
But RJ lent much-needed leadership and urgency to our counter-offensive v Leeds on Wednesday night. So I think Alonso might be right to start him v Hull, and, given Barco played the full 90 mins v Leeds, Barco could then come on for either Lavia or James at some stage. Caicedo may be given more time to get fully fit?
At the moment, I think our best three centre backs are Lacroix, Fofana and Josh, though the problem, I agree, is who plays LCB given the fact that all of these are predominantly right-footed.
So there is a case for Hato at LCB, though I am not sure that he and, eg, Chiavarra are a very good combo there defensively, and sides are targeting our left flank as the weaker one. Perhaps, when Palestra is fully fit, he will be used on that side by Xavi, and then Hato may be better aided/protected there?
Until then, and against Hull tomorrow, it may be safest that Fofana will play LCB again, as he did when taking over from LC on Wednesday night, with Lacroix in centre again and Josh on the right.
The front three pick themselves, though Danny W is proving to be v useful back up/assistant to JP up front.
I would have Neto as RWB and Chiavarra at LWB, assuming Palestra is not fit.
Then start with James and Lavia as D/CMs, with Barco to come on at some stage and Caicedo too perhaps, though Xavi may rightly want to ensure he doesn't aggravate injury yet again and wait until the Brentford game before using him.
10 Sep 2026 18:15:08
Well, so I still hope for the best for MM, and I know what you mean by feeling some sympathy for him cos the puppy-type look is rightly associated in one's mind with the fact of his separation from his Ukrainian family, and his country as a whole under brutal attack by Putin's forces.
I did think, as suggested, that I saw something in him at times as a player that I have yet to spot with Gittens, but perhaps both of them demonstrate that football, like any sport, is played best by those whose physical ability is matched by their mental strength.