Summer transfer window 2023 - rumours, links and discussion.

[Taffy on the wing]

Did you actually see any games last season?... Benson was very average from the start quite often and was dropped many times because of that when he was completely fit... He's a talent but if you think performing for 20 minutes at the end of a game against tired legs makes him our best player and a threat from the start of a game in the premiership, then you have not been watching him properly.

The new Bumba!

What a load of cobblers!

[mkmel]

Rumours please guys!

[spt_claret]

The point was his goal scoring indicates that he was a key player for us - and someone had to stick the ball in the back of the net…

It wasn’t to bash others in the squad and the comps with ZiZu to Lamps/Gerrard proves absolutely nothing. Different position for a start.

You’ve harped on about stats and underlying stats which are important but there’s on that you can’t quantify in the same way and that’s pressing ability and the ability to stretch the pitch.

Can you find any data anywhere about how many balls Tella nicked in transition to launch a counter attack vs Benson for example? Or how many sprints recorded per game, pressures on keeper etc etc

I don’t think posters want us to throw 20 mill at Tella, especially when we’ve already brought some widemen in… but say he was available for 15 and could be a key contributor in a pivotal season?… well I think fans have a right to question why we’d be happy to throw 14 mill on a young keeper (resale value aside) but not stretch a tiny bit to land someone that was pretty vital to our promotion last season, that also had unique qualities that are pretty hard to come by.

How many players have we had over the years that you could say have Tellas top end pace, fitness and finishing ability?

Zidane played a very similar position to Lampard and Gerrard for a lot of his career, he was an attack minded playmaker.

On FBRef Tellas interceptions, recoveries and tackles won were ahead of Benson, comparable to Zaroury (better on interceptions slightly, worse on tackles slightly, almost identical on ball recoveries). Sofascore has him ahead on tackles and interceptions per game, tied with Benson on possession won, marginally ahead of Zaroury.

Can't easily find free sprint or press stats. But for carries and duels/dribbles for every source Tella is the lowest on successful dribbles, carries, carry distance, carries into the final third, and ground and aerial duels won per 90, behind Benson on carries into the box, and worst for and dispossession per 90. He wins it more but he loses it more.

In my opinion we didn't need to shell out so much for Trafford either when we have other holes to fill, so I don't think that comparison matters.

Still not sure what's controversial about saying - Tellas good and I'd like to have him back at the right price, but he's not irreplaceable and I don't think he was our most important player so for the price touted I'd move on.

[Tricky Trevor]

If we could afford his wages I'd take Odoi over Tella.

I see Odoi mainly as a provider whereas Tella, although at a lower level, has shown goals and assists.

[boyyanno]

There is some very flawed logic on this thread.

Sarr only has a year left on his contract, hence the cheaper fee and Hudson Odoi is on a massive wage.

If Tella had less than a year on his contract or was on 120k a week then I'm sure the fee Saints want would be less. Whoever pulled out these comparisons is being a bit idiotic to be honest.

[Tricky Trevor]

This is also why I feel for Muric as I think from a club financial model POV Trafford is a locked on #1 for every game barring calamity. Muric has improved so much, really really impressed me (although I think part of it is also the defence in front of him, he looked shakier with THB which is why I wasn't clamouring for his return either) and the goalkeeper role wasn't one I felt in need of upgrading as much as other positions.

We aren't and will never be a club who can drop north of £14m for a backup keeper.

I’ll leave the decision to VK but if Muric keeps him out his own value is soaring. Trafford is looking so good, in the U21s, he would likely hold his value only playing cup games.

[spt_claret]

There is some very flawed logic on this thread.

Sarr only has a year left on his contract, hence the cheaper fee and Hudson Odoi is on a massive wage.

If Tella had less than a year on his contract or was on 120k a week then I'm sure the fee Saints want would be less. Whoever pulled out these comparisons is being a bit idiotic to be honest.

The point is about what's on the market within our remaining budget, especially when we have other positions to fill, and how that expense would improve us. I certainly wouldn't complain if he returned, I'd be very pleased, I just think we have bigger priorities right now and would rather we focus our transfer efforts there assuming we only have so much budget left. If we were a club with the transfer pot for him at 15-18m, and a quality CDM and LB then sure, get him in at the price asked but I'd be shocked if we spend that much given our outlay already. You'd be looking at another 30-40m and I can't see us spending that even with sales.
If Maatsen signs an extension and becomes available for loan, or Gomez is loaned, or Lokonga, that changes. But I'd rather we aim for permanents rather than loans to avoid this same dilemma next year, if possible.

[Big Vinny K]

Tella’s game was far more than his goals and assists.
His pressing ability was unbelievable - better than any other player and this was fundamental to how we played and how we wore teams down.
Of course Benson and Zaroury were also brilliant - an not surprisingly with injuries, new country, young age etc they both had spells when they struggled for form. Tella was arguably more consistent than both of these players.

Personally I think we need Tella or a player of his type if we are going to play the pressing game I think VK will want to adopt.

Would love to see a starting line up of Tella, Benson, Zaroury and one other up front when the season starts. And all 3 are also great options to come off the bench and our bench is going to be as important next season as it was last year.

[CoolClaret]

I think if we factored in pressures and sprints recorded/distance covered we’d see Tella as probably being one of the leaders in the entire champ tbh. Bloke ran his tail off.

Little fluctuations on stats that are all compatible doesn’t really mean too much - all three were brilliant for us last season and all offer something a bit different.

It’s pretty understandable that Tella would lose it more and I’m not particularly arsed about that (unless it was really high)- he was often carrying the ball with little support deep into the channels rather than against a fullback 1v1, for example.

I think factoring that in with his goal scoring record, and the fact that he was a key contributor to a team that racked up 101 points indicates that it isn’t as straightforward to replace him as some would let on.

I personally feel like we lost a bit of edge and looked a lot more static when he was out of the side towards the end of the season - imo we really missed his ability of keeping a defence honest.

[boyyanno]

The point is about what's on the market within our remaining budget, especially when we have other positions to fill, and how that expense would improve us. I certainly wouldn't complain if he returned, I'd be very pleased, I just think we have bigger priorities right now and would rather we focus our transfer efforts there assuming we only have so much budget left. If we were a club with the transfer pot for him at 15-18m, and a quality CDM and LB then sure, get him in at the price asked but I'd be shocked if we spend that much given our outlay already. You'd be looking at another 30-40m and I can't see us spending that even with sales.
If Maatsen signs an extension and becomes available for loan, or Gomez is loaned, or Lokonga, that changes. But I'd rather we aim for permanents rather than loans to avoid this same dilemma next year, if possible.

That might be your point but it isn't mine. Mine is very simple.

You can't work out Tella's value based on the moves of Sarr and Odoi given they both cost more (in terms of wages) and both have very little time left on their contract. Of course they will be cheaper. Posters on here have used that to say Tella is too expensive. Ridiculous logic. Completely different argument if you don't think he's worth the 15m that's fair enough. But you can't use other transfers like the two mentioned as an example given they don't reflect anything close to the situation with Tella.

[Colburn_Claret]

I just can’t see it, I would be a absolutely amazed if Trafford doesn’t start every single game he is fit

Why? There's no logic to that statement.
Teams are selected on form not price tag. Muric was excellent last season, excellent the other night. Why would you imagine VK would drop him, just to put Trafford in the shop window. Ridiculous.
Trafford is young enough to still be learning, and needs to practice VKs system. Time will come when he gets his chance, either Muric losing form, injury, or getting sold for a handsome profit, but at the moment Muric has to start.

[RVclaret]

There is some very flawed logic on this thread.

Sarr only has a year left on his contract, hence the cheaper fee and Hudson Odoi is on a massive wage.

If Tella had less than a year on his contract or was on 120k a week then I'm sure the fee Saints want would be less. Whoever pulled out these comparisons is being a bit idiotic to be honest.

You’re missing the point, so perhaps instead of calling it idiotic, try and understand it yourself?

Whether it’s a year left on contract or whatever, those are prices which are on the market right now. Gyokeres had a year left but Cov still got £20m for him btw.

[Boss Hogg]

Did you actually see any games last season?... Benson was very average from the start quite often and was dropped many times because of that when he was completely fit... He's a talent but if you think performing for 20 minutes at the end of a game against tired legs makes him our best player and a threat from the start of a game in the premiership, then you have not been watching him properly.

Looked like one of the players most likely to make the step up to me. One of the better performers against Man Utd in League Cup too.

[spt_claret]

Looked like one of the players most likely to make the step up to me. One of the better performers against Man Utd in League Cup too.

Fully agree.

Benson struggled against teams that just kicked lumps out of him. The strategy whenever he started was "hit him early and often, ball then man if you can". The reason he became a super sub was tired players found it harder to do that.

Yes he's up against better faster defenders in the Prem but he didn't struggle with that type of defending. Bristol double marked him and trained to stop his shooting and couldn't. You can't be as rough in the PL and most fullbacks aren't as physical.

[boyyanno]

You’re missing the point, so perhaps instead of calling it idiotic, try and understand it yourself?

Whether it’s a year left on contract or whatever, those are prices which are on the market right now. Gyokeres had a year left but Cov still got £20m for him btw.

I'm not missing the point, you are- clearly demonstrated by this comment "wether it's a year left on a contract or whatever". That year is relevant because it impacts the value of the player.

If you think the length of the contract is irrelevant then fair enough, but it is idiotic!

[LDNBFC87]

SO...

...any rumours or am I on the wrong thread?

[boyyanno]

You’re missing the point, so perhaps instead of calling it idiotic, try and understand it yourself?

Whether it’s a year left on contract or whatever, those are prices which are on the market right now. Gyokeres had a year left but Cov still got £20m for him btw.

And just to further add, by this same logic every player is overpriced because Messi moved on a free. It doesn't matter that he was out of contract (you've already said that doesn't matter) and for mahoosive wages, that was the market price.

You see why this logic is completely flawed surely?

[Rileybobs]

SO...

...any rumours or am I on the wrong thread?

No rumours, and yes it appears you’re on the wrong thread.

People discussing things doesn’t prevent transfer rumours from happening.

[Newcastleclaret93]

Did you actually see any games last season?... Benson was very average from the start quite often and was dropped many times because of that when he was completely fit... He's a talent but if you think performing for 20 minutes at the end of a game against tired legs makes him our best player and a threat from the start of a game in the premiership, then you have not been watching him properly.

Benson could play 10 minutes, he is still our best player. He’s a match winner

[Newcastleclaret93]

SO...

...any rumours or am I on the wrong thread?

Try the thread that is just for links

This one is for discussion as well

[dermotdermot]

It’s all gone quiet. Where’s everybody gone?

[Newcastleclaret93]

Twitter rumours that Townsend has signed

[Darnhill Claret]

No problem with that. Redmond and Townsend, the experienced heads, each of them likely to start or be an active bench member.

[gandhisflipflop]

Twitter rumours that Townsend has signed

Very happy with this if true. He looked the part on Tuesday

[Rowls]

Townsend looked very sharp. If he stays fit it'll be an amazing signing. Him and Redmond can shine under Kompany's tactics.

[Lancasterclaret]

I too thought Townsend played well, but I'd be wary about signing someone based on a friendly performance

I think I'd be happy enough with a one year deal though

[Kevwando]

Benson could play 10 minutes, he is still our best player. He’s a match winner

Good to see you’ve changed your opinion, beginning of last season you thought he would be loaned out.

[Swizzlestick]

More than happy with a deal for Townsend. Loads of experience, will work with the younger lads really well.

Hoping for some CM links to start coming to the fore again - Lokonga seems ideal but appears to have gone a bit quiet.

[Newcastleclaret93]

Very happy with this if true. He looked the part on Tuesday

Take with a pinch of salt but that seems to be the rumour

[agreenwood]

Twitter rumours that Townsend has signed

Feel free to post some, because I can’t see any.

[Vegas Claret]

I too thought Townsend played well, but I'd be wary about signing someone based on a friendly performance

I think I'd be happy enough with a one year deal though

I suspect they've signed him based on his history and the last 3 weeks seeing him in training more so than the Benfica game !!!!!!

[Lancasterclaret]

I suspect they've signed him based on his history and the last 3 weeks seeing him in training more so than the Benfica game !!!!!!

I'm sure they did, but it also won't have escaped their notice that he tends to start well and then decline over the length of his contract - which is why I'm happy enough with him having a 1 year one, but no longer

[Tricky Trevor]

I’d agree about not taking to much attention of friendlies but what can’t be denied was his energy and workrate. If he was playing for a deal that could fall away but we start by knowing it is there. VK and the battle for starting roles will keep him on his toes.

[Hedontplayforyou]

Back on topic - Lokonga has been offered to Roma apparently . Who haven’t taken up on said offer.

[123EasyasBFC]

I can’t find anything on twitter to suggest Townsend has signed, can anyone post

[Jakubs Tash]

Twitter rumours that Townsend has signed

No, there aren't.

[jojomk1]

Mahrez gone to Saudi
Maybe puts Palmer out of our (or anybody's) reach if he now features more at City

[Zom Zom]

No, there aren't.

I really do not understand why people make these claims without providing evidence. I can only assume they want to cause a stir, however all it will achieve is people paying absolutely no attention to whatever they say in the future.

[RVclaret]

We are interested in West Brom WINGER Grady Diangana according to the Mail.

[whiffa]

We are interested in West Brom WINGER Grady Diangana according to the Mail.

Good player but I'd heard he was injured and just had two surgeries - would be surprised to see us take a risk if that's the case unless we're confident he can pass a medical?

[Steddyman]

We must be signing someone today. We've only signed 2 players this week, so 1 more required.

[Vegas Claret]

Undav from Brighton who we have been linked with many times is off to Germany on loan with Stuttgart

[dermotdermot]

All gone quiet again.

[Vegas Claret]

Brentford have had a bid for Brennan Johnson of Forest turned down..................35 million !!!!! Brentford just bid 35 million for a player

[Guller Bull]

Probably already been posted but Ipswich showing an interest in McNally

https://c.newsnow.co.uk/A/1190352866?-919:978

[Stockbrokerbelt]

The Brentford owned by the richest man in Denmark?

[Guller Bull]

Trevor Lego?

[Pheonixknight]

Frank Carlsberg ?

[FeedTheArf]

Dave Bacon?

[Selby Claret]

Brian Jensen?