Summer transfer window 2023 - rumours, links and discussion.

[Vegas Claret]

I wouldn’t say they mean zero like and no because we know that right now we’re still deficient in two key areas of the pitch.

By the very nature of the signings (some playing the same position) it’s practically impossible to say they’ve improved the starting XI but have no doubt improved the depth.

I just get concerned when I see the large amounts money that we’ve been happy to spend on what are probably gonna be squad players and seemingly are still linked with players in positions that we have ample cover for.

Again, we’re Burnley we’re not Man City, we don’t have an unlimited budget.

i get you mate, what I would say is the fees reported will more than likely be utter crap. As just one example Nixon said we paid nowhere near the 'reported' price for Trafford. We know we didn't pay anything close to the reported price for Gibson a few years ago. We also don't know where the money has come from and how they are navigating FFP, It's all way too early to judge imho

[123EasyasBFC]

You do realise that so far we have signed more players than any other Premier League team?

We might of signed more players than anyone else but I don’t see where we have signed anyone who is stronger for the starting 11 than what we already had tbf

[taio]

We might of signed more players than anyone else but I don’t see where we have signed anyone who is stronger for the starting 11 than what we already had tbf

That's because some of the signings are largely unknown quantities. Equally we don't yet know how some of those who have left will fare this season and obviously comparing PL to the Championship is futile because of the vast difference in standard.

[123EasyasBFC]

That's because some of the signings are largely unknown quantities. Equally we don't yet know how some of those who have left will fare this season and obviously comparing PL to the Championship is futile because of the vast difference in standard.

I think the point cool claret was making was that we have spent 50m and realistically we still need a starting LB, CM, winger and you could argue striker especially if weghorst is going

[Nori1958]

Squad "togetherness"?
And who knows if they are injured?

Or stay back and get treatment....if it's an injury....I think the two in question are pretty well integrated into the squad without having to have a bonding session abroad

[CoolClaret]

I think the important thing to understand is VK's intention to have genuine competition for every position.

I appreciate that and I totally agree - we should!

Right now though we do have 0 competition at left back and our left back spent the majority of last season playing centre half in our new system.

[taio]

I think the point cool claret was making was that we have spent 50m and realistically we still need a starting LB, CM, winger and you could argue striker especially if weghorst is going

No, his original point was that our squad should be settled by now.

[CoolClaret]

No, his original point was that our squad should be settled by now.

Yeah no it wasn’t. It was that it’s a bit unbalanced after spending a large quantity with 6 days to go till the first game.


As for the large distance in quality between the two divisions - yeah but we were also far too good for the Champ last season.

[Goody1975]

i get you mate, what I would say is the fees reported will more than likely be utter crap. As just one example Nixon said we paid nowhere near the 'reported' price for Trafford. We know we didn't pay anything close to the reported price for Gibson a few years ago. We also don't know where the money has come from and how they are navigating FFP, It's all way too early to judge imho

The management and recruitment team aren't going to browse this board and go "oh ****, we've missed signing players in positions x, y & z, if only we'd had a proper plan "

They got most things correct last season and will know what is required this summer, they may have targets who they are aware that aren't available yet but maybe later in the window.

Not everything in life happens how you want, but the important thing is getting the right player at the right price, this is more important than when they arrive. If we get the decisions right again this summer, we'll be absolutely fine, there's nothing to suggest we won't do just that.

[CoolClaret]

Not everything in life happens how you want, but the important thing is getting the right player at the right price, this is more important than when they arrive. If we get the decisions right again this summer, we'll be absolutely fine, there's nothing to suggest we won't do just that.

I think slightly ‘overpaying’ on an absolute needs that definitely improves your starting XI is absolutely fair game.

[boatshed bill]

Or stay back and get treatment....if it's an injury....I think the two in question are pretty well integrated into the squad without having to have a bonding session abroad

They may be recovering with no need of further treatment.
Do you not think they might benefit from watching how we are playing?

[Vegas Claret]

The management and recruitment team aren't going to browse this board and go "oh ****, we've missed signing players in positions x, y & z, if only we'd had a proper plan "

They got most things correct last season and will know what is required this summer, they may have targets who they are aware that aren't available yet but maybe later in the window.

Not everything in life happens how you want, but the important thing is getting the right player at the right price, this is more important than when they arrive. If we get the decisions right again this summer, we'll be absolutely fine, there's nothing to suggest we won't do just that.

exactly

[taio]

Yeah no it wasn’t. It was that it’s a bit unbalanced after spending a large quantity with 6 days to go till the first game.


As for the large distance in quality between the two divisions - yeah but we were also far too good for the Champ last season.

You asked would people prefer to have a settled squad now or in another week or two. People responded to your question saying it's normal to not have everyone signed at this point.

We were streets ahead last season, yeah. We certainly won't be this season, which would further support the view that the standards of the two leagues are miles apart.

[Goody1975]

I think slightly ‘overpaying’ on an absolute needs that definitely improves your starting XI is absolutely fair game.

Unless by overpaying and possibly risking falling foul of FFP, we end up with less than we might have had by being patient.

The only way to be proved right or wrong is to see where we are at the beginning of September.

[roperclaret]

I think the point cool claret was making was that we have spent 50m and realistically we still need a starting LB, CM, winger and you could argue striker especially if weghorst is going

I think you and Cool need to stop obsessing about the money we have spent already. Although some people don’t seem to disagree with it, these owners will find the money when needed. Rightly or wrongly they don’t see us as ‘little old Burnley’ anymore.

[123EasyasBFC]

No, his original point was that our squad should be settled by now.

I think the club has found signing players harder than expected, I remember kompany mentioning in April after Boro away that it makes planning for next season a little easier, hence why we are yet to see what you would class as starting 11 signings yet

[roperclaret]

* agree * not disagree

[CoolClaret]

You asked would people prefer to have a settled squad now or in another week or two. People responded to your question saying it's normal to not have everyone signed at this point.

We were streets ahead last season, yeah. We certainly won't be this season, which would further support the view that the standards of the two leagues are miles apart.

No but it suggests that our main team was probably ready to handle the step up with just a few key additions - we battered Bournemouth away and also gave a really account of ourselves at Old Trafford.

[taio]

I think slightly ‘overpaying’ on an absolute needs that definitely improves your starting XI is absolutely fair game.

Surely VK is of the view that Trafford, Beyer and Amdouni will be key players for us. It's irrelevant whether you think that would definitely be the case. It's unrealistic for us to sign players knowing they will definitely improve our starting eleven, especially for the PL, otherwise signing players would be ridiculously easy.

[123EasyasBFC]

I think you and Cool need to stop obsessing about the money we have spent already. Although some people don’t seem to disagree with it, these owners will find the money when needed. Rightly or wrongly they don’t see us as ‘little old Burnley’ anymore.

Can you quote me where I said the money spent is a bad thing? Stating how much we have spent isn’t obsessing over it, think most people in may would of thought if we had of spent 50-60m by this point that we would have a starting LB and CM, personally don’t think that’s an unrealistic thing to suggest

[boatshed bill]

I think the club has found signing players harder than expected, I remember kompany mentioning in April after Boro away that it makes planning for next season a little easier, hence why we are yet to see what you would class as starting 11 signings yet

Probably true.
It must be easier to recruit for one of the favourites to win a division than for one of the likely bottom 5.

[CoolClaret]

Surely VK is of the view that Trafford, Beyer and Amdouni will be key players for us. It's irrelevant whether you think that would definitely be the case. It's unrealistic for us to sign players knowing they will definitely improve our starting eleven, especially for the PL, otherwise signing players would be ridiculously easy.

Beyer certainly and probably Amdouni (was a position of need)

Trafford? Think he’s miles off Muric’s current ability who is absolutely mustard and as cool as ice.

[roperclaret]

Can you quote me where I said the money spent is a bad thing? Stating how much we have spent isn’t obsessing over it, think most people in may would of thought if we had of spent 50-60m by this point that we would have a starting LB and CM, personally don’t think that’s an unrealistic thing to suggest

No , but you both seem to think that we need to spend the money in order of requirements. I’ve agreed we certainly need a starting left back and and central midfielder. But we haven’t run out of money to get them.

[boatshed bill]

Beyer certainly and probably Amdouni (was a position of need)

Trafford? Think he’s miles off Muric’s current ability who is absolutely mustard and as cool as ice.

Trafford will come good, I have no doubt.
And have you seen the fees for goalkeepers lately?

[colne-claret]

I think the club has found signing players harder than expected, I remember kompany mentioning in April after Boro away that it makes planning for next season a little easier, hence why we are yet to see what you would class as starting 11 signings yet

I would say that you are probably underestimating the signings we have made so far.

[123EasyasBFC]

No , but you both seem to think that we need to spend the money in order of requirements. I’ve agreed we certainly need a starting left back and and central midfielder. But we haven’t run out of money to get them.

So we aren’t obsessing about money spent then?

[CoolClaret]

I think you and Cool need to stop obsessing about the money we have spent already. Although some people don’t seem to disagree with it, these owners will find the money when needed. Rightly or wrongly they don’t see us as ‘little old Burnley’ anymore.

Still being fiscally responsible is extremely important.

People are acting like clubs haven’t paid over the odds for relative unknown quantities before that haven’t massively dropped in value.

Look at Leeds and who they signed in their last two seasons in the PL and what their valuations are right now - they’ve absolutely plummeted, not to mention that they have a lot wealthier backers than us and can afford to take more hits than we can.

There’s a balance to be had.

[123EasyasBFC]

I would say that you are probably underestimating the signings we have made so far.

Well the signings made so far would struggle to play left back and centre mid

And again I’ve not questioned the ability of the players we have signed, only one can start in each position

[Goody1975]

My mind might be playing tricks on me, weren't we heavily linked with Al-Dakhil last summer but an agreement couldn't be reached with Sint-Truiden, so we moved at the eleventh hour for Beyer, who worked out just fine.

If we end up with the right players, I can cope with them arriving on deadline day, not ideal but the preferable outcome.

[taio]

Beyer certainly and probably Amdouni (was a position of need)

Trafford? Think he’s miles off Muric’s current ability who is absolutely mustard and as cool as ice.

So to summarise, in terms of what we've paid out in fees this summer to date, and given at least three-quarters of what we've committed to pay relates only to those three players, your main gripe is about Trafford. I think it's fairer to cut him some slack given he's so young and it's far too early to judge him.

[123EasyasBFC]

If weghorst is to leave to go to Roma, do you think we might go in for akpom? Didn’t start for Boro today due to uncertainty about his future

[bobinho]

We might of signed more players than anyone else but I don’t see where we have signed anyone who is stronger for the starting 11 than what we already had tbf

That your opinion, or VK’s?

[CoolClaret]

So to summarise, in terms of what we've paid out in fees this summer to date, and given at least three-quarters of what we've committed to pay relates only to those three players, your main gripe is about Trafford. I think it's fairer to cut him some slack given he's so young and it's far too early to judge him.

Amdouni was still a big outlay for a relative unknown coming from a poor division, im hoping he will be a good one but I don’t know if he will necessarily be a nailed on name in the starting XI and may take time to flourish.

I’ll of course cut Trafford some slack but my questioning is why we signed him in the first place for such a fee when we have glaring holes elsewhere & a limited budget.

Southampton signed a City keeper from a loan period league one last year for similar money and was absolutely catastrophic for them.

This is an absolutely critical season. I think some are treating it as a formality that we will stay up but I don’t think it’ll be that simple.

I don’t think we can afford to have too many players that will take long to settle in or may not be big contributors straight away.

For me we had a formula - keep the squad together as much as possible (Tella, Maatsen, know the system, shown their quality, would hit the ground running) , pick up one or two frees and a loan or two and one or two more in key areas (centre mid for example).

[CoolClaret]

If weghorst is to leave to go to Roma, do you think we might go in for akpom? Didn’t start for Boro today due to uncertainty about his future

I don’t think we will but I’d be inclined to.

[DCWat]

If weghorst is to leave to go to Roma, do you think we might go in for akpom? Didn’t start for Boro today due to uncertainty about his future

I’d be reluctant to spend on Akpom.

Last season aside, his record is mediocre, and that’s being generous.

[123EasyasBFC]

That your opinion, or VK’s?

If you read the post it says ‘I don’t see’ so it’s clearly my opinion, that’s what having an open forum is about isn’t it

[Goody1975]

If weghorst is to leave to go to Roma, do you think we might go in for akpom? Didn’t start for Boro today due to uncertainty about his future

£8 Million?

28 in October and only one season that reflects that price tag. Not sure we'd be in for him but you never know.

[123EasyasBFC]

I’d be reluctant to spend on Akpom.

Last season aside, his record is mediocre, and that’s being generous.

Other than last season Tellas record wasn’t great but we still value him at 10+ million, akpom will still be playing with confidence and feel like he’s going to score every game, look at tella last night even though it was Armstrongs goal, he started off just as he left last season

[123EasyasBFC]

£8 Million?

28 in October and only one season that reflects that price tag. Not sure we'd be in for him but you never know.

Didn’t realise he were 28, that’s not something you’d imagine us doing then

[colne-claret]

Well the signings made so far would struggle to play left back and centre mid

And again I’ve not questioned the ability of the players we have signed, only one can start in each position

You said ‘hence why we are yet to see what you would class as starting 11 signings yet’

We have definitely signed players that will be starting 11. Yes still short in areas but that’s not clear in what you said.

[taio]

Amdouni was still a big outlay for a relative unknown coming from a poor division, im hoping he will be a good one but I don’t know if he will necessarily be a nailed on name in the starting XI and may take time to flourish.

I’ll of course cut Trafford some slack but my questioning is why we signed him in the first place for such a fee when we have glaring holes elsewhere & a limited budget.

Southampton signed a City keeper from a loan period league one last year for similar money and was absolutely catastrophic for them.

This is an absolutely critical season. I think some are treating it as a formality that we will stay up but I don’t think it’ll be that simple.

I don’t think we can afford to have too many players that will take long to settle in or may not be big contributors straight away.

For me we had a formula - keep the squad together as much as possible (Tella, Maatsen, know the system, shown their quality, would hit the ground running) , pick up one or two frees and a loan or two and one or two more in key areas (centre mid for example).

Trafford - VK clearly wanted another keeper and to invest heavily in one - we were interested in others. Trafford came as a surprise to me l too but I think VK should be trusted.

It certainly won't be simple staying in the PL - that's why I referred to the huge difference in standard of the two leagues and most people recognise that. Simplifying it, would be suggesting that, based on our performances against Bournemouth and Man United last season, we'd be fine this season if only we had the same squad as last season.

[CoolClaret]

Trafford - VK clearly wanted another keeper and to invest heavily in one - we were interested in others. Trafford came as a surprise to me l too but I think VK should be trusted.

It certainly won't be simple staying in the PL - that's why I referred to the huge difference in standard of the two leagues and most people recognise that. Simplifying it, would be suggesting that, based on our performances against Bournemouth and Man United last season, we'd be fine this season if only we had the same squad as last season.

Well we only have to be better than one team that remained in the PL from last season and the other two that we went up with…

Considering that we were basically light years ahead of Luton and Sheff United I’d argue that we really only needed to be better than one more.

I have lots of friends that are fans of neutral teams. Absolutely scratching their heads at our business considering our needs.

[willsclarets]

I'd have weghorst over akpom any day of the week

[roperclaret]

I don’t think we will but I’d be inclined to.

NOOOOOOO!

[dermotdermot]

Re Weghorst, I'll believe it when I see it. He was supposed to be 'wanted' by Everton but that came to nothing. I live in hope though.

[DCWat]

Well we only have to be better than one team that remained in the PL from last season and the other two that we went up with…

Considering that we were basically light years ahead of Luton and Sheff United I’d argue that we really only needed to be better than one more.

I have lots of friends that are fans of neutral teams. Absolutely scratching their heads at our business considering our needs.

What do you mean by “neutral teams” and in what way are said fans scratching their heads?

[Cooclaret]

*I am not CoolClaret*

I don’t want any confusion, he’s half way to Australia with the hole he’s dug/is digging.

I think we’re waiting for the first domino to fall. Benson or WW and then we’ll see the players come in.

[123EasyasBFC]

Re Weghorst, I'll believe it when I see it. He was supposed to be 'wanted' by Everton but that came to nothing. I live in hope though.

For him to be in the squad for genk benfica and betis and then suddenly not involved then something is happening, he’s either injured or leaving

[Swizzlestick]

Well we only have to be better than one team that remained in the PL from last season and the other two that we went up with…

Considering that we were basically light years ahead of Luton and Sheff United I’d argue that we really only needed to be better than one more.

I have lots of friends that are fans of neutral teams. Absolutely scratching their heads at our business considering our needs.

Ok, I'm just failing to see your point now. It would have more substance to it if our transfer business was done, but evidently it isn't. But how is us signing young, exciting talents, along with an experienced pro like Redmond, head scratching? We know we need a CM and LB, but sometimes these deals take time - agents are holding out, complicated contract arrangements, just finding the right player, especially for a very defined LB role. You appear to be alluding to some of the deals as if they were made on something of a whim, which is quite a detriment to VK and the backroom staff, especially considering the absolute gems we picked up out of the blue in previous windows. I'm not entirely sure what you're expecting from us. To get this many players over the line already is highly impressive. Look at West Ham - £100m burning a hole in their back pocket and struggling to get deals done.

[CoolClaret]

Ok, I'm just failing to see your point now. It would have more substance to it if our transfer business was done, but evidently it isn't. But how is us signing young, exciting talents, along with an experienced pro like Redmond, head scratching? We know we need a CM and LB, but sometimes these deals take time - agents are holding out, complicated contract arrangements, just finding the right player, especially for a very defined LB role. You appear to be alluding to some of the deals as if they were made on something of a whim, which is quite a detriment to VK and the backroom staff, especially considering the absolute gems we picked up out of the blue in previous windows. I'm not entirely sure what you're expecting from us. To get this many players over the line already is highly impressive. Look at West Ham - £100m burning a hole in their back pocket and struggling to get deals done.

My overriding point is that I’m concerned with the amount that we’ve seemingly spent and haven’t seemed to have particularly increased the strength of the starting XI

I’m not saying there isn’t more business to be done, I’m saying I’d have thought given the proximity to the start of the season we’d have had filled a few more holes than seemingly pulling straws to see who plays left back against City and if Corky can managed another PL campaign in DM.

There’s a fine line between being ambitious and daft and I still want to err on the side of caution by not betting the house on the side every season.

Remember we have also signed players with VK and the back room staff that didn’t/haven’t worked out, nothing is a given… with regards to the gems (which I agree with) I think you’re alluding to Cullen/Benson/Zaroury three players that Kompany had first hand knowledge about.

You look at peoples ‘teams for City’ and it looks extremely underwhelming for the position that I thought we’d be in at this point of the preseason, coming off of last season at least.