Summer transfer window 2023 - rumours, links and discussion.

[123EasyasBFC]

A lot of people on here suggesting Tresor can play as an advanced midfielder/ten - Transfermarkt says he played every single game last season as a left winger? In that position we already have Zaroury, Koleosho, Ramsey (and probably possible for Benson, Odobert and Foster - he did against City anyway) who could play there?

Ok, I’m sure he’s a good player - is he what this team really needs right now though? The centre of midfield feels crucial to me (i.e, Brownhill or a replacement for Brownhill).

(Caveat - Obviously we don’t know the budget and multiple signings of significant cost may still be possible)

Tresor also played right wing against us in the friendly, not sure he’s the number 10 at all.

CM and LB crucial

[Anthonini]

A lot of people on here suggesting Tresor can play as an advanced midfielder/ten - Transfermarkt says he played every single game last season as a left winger? In that position we already have Zaroury, Koleosho, Ramsey (and probably possible for Benson, Odobert and Foster - he did against City anyway) who could play there?

Ok, I’m sure he’s a good player - is he what this team really needs right now though? The centre of midfield feels crucial to me (i.e, Brownhill or a replacement for Brownhill).

(Caveat - Obviously we don’t know the budget and multiple signings of significant cost may still be possible)

Tresor has played mostly as a number 10, playmaker all his career. He broke through at willem II where he played most games as a 10 or right winger. At Genk they used him more on the left and less right wing.. Depends on where the coach sees him.

[Father Jack]

If Brownhill is going to leave, could that be why Aster Vranckx’s expected move to Fiorentina has got complicated according to Sascha?

[northeastclaret]

If Brownhill is going to leave, could that be why Aster Vranckx’s expected move to Fiorentina has got complicated according to Sascha?

Hopefully, sounds like the sort of player we need in midfield

[Firthy]

Basically we need a Joey Barton. He'd thrive in this team.

[agreenwood]

Linked with Isaak Toure. He’s a 6’9” Marseille centre half..

[AGENT_CLARET]

Tresor ??????? Do we need another winger

Isaak Toure ??????? Do we need another CB

[Goody1975]

Linked with Isaak Toure. He’s a 6’9” Marseille centre half..

Imagine him marking Diaby today.

[123EasyasBFC]

Linked with Isaak Toure. He’s a 6’9” Marseille centre half..

Don’t understand this at all, this transfer window is getting more and more like football manager meets Nottingham Forest every day.

Really don’t understand the theory and thinking behind it all role on 11pm on friday

[NewClaret]

Don’t understand this at all, this transfer window is getting more and more like football manager meets Nottingham Forest every day.

Really don’t understand the theory and thinking behind it all role on 11pm on friday

As things stand I think we’ve recruited some very talented looking players but have:

a) a lack of experience (I can handle that if this is our new model but it is risky, I’d say) and
b) an unbalanced squad. LB and CM would be priorities for me now over CB/attacking players.

So I’m really hoping the next few days spring some surprises and remedies those issues.

[123EasyasBFC]

As things stand I think we’ve recruited some very talented looking players but have:

a) a lack of experience (I can handle that if this is our new model but it is risky, I’d say) and
b) an unbalanced squad. LB and CM would be priorities for me now over CB/attacking players.

So I’m really hoping the next few days spring some surprises and remedies those issues.

The talent with promise is fine but they have to play minutes to improve and you don’t have enough games to risk getting playing them, almost feels like these first 2 games have been treated as extra pre season games trying out new players and system.

Against genk, benfica, betis and Mainz we didn’t play the system we have in the last 2 games

[ClaretFelix]

https://www.getfootballnewsfrance.com/2 ... ke-tresor/

Not had time to scroll through, but rumour is we want Tresor on loan with option to buy, which is almost as if it is obligatory with the clauses they are to insert

[Woodleyclaret]

We urgently need a ball wining midfielder.Why Josh Brownhill and Ekdal weren't included today is beyond me.Berge was dire.

[Holtyclaret]

Brownhill is still carrying a niggle and ekdal injured. Berge just finding his feet

[arise_sir_charge]

We urgently need a ball wining midfielder.Why Josh Brownhill and Ekdal weren't included today is beyond me.Berge was dire.

Berge wasn’t dire. Give your head a wobble.

[AGENT_CLARET]

We urgently need a ball wining midfielder.Why Josh Brownhill and Ekdal weren't included today is beyond me.Berge was dire.

Looks like Berge is going to be the next Muric, Hendrick ect ect ect We have to have one for every season, UNBELIEVABLE

[123EasyasBFC]

I think people thought berge was our box to box powerhouse and he’s not he’s more of an attack minded player that drifts into space, is clear he needs to be in a midfield 3

[Tricky Trevor]

I find Berge like Bastien last season, he plays at a slower pace than the side. More suited for European football. I’m willing to give him time* as he did have some excellent games for Blades when he was at it.

*= VK might want to give him more.

[Woodleyclaret]

So a non tackling midfielder is OK?

[123EasyasBFC]

So a non tackling midfielder is OK?

I think if berge had Cullen and brownhill with him he would actually look more like the midfielder we know he is

[ervi34]

I think we focus too much on the players instead of the system. For example, Odobert is certainly talented and if he realizes his potential he will be able to make a difference on the pitch and later be sold for more than he was brought in for. However, the question is whether we need such a player at this moment and whether it was wise to pay 10 million for him. Another example from the beginning of the transfer window is Coulibaly. Since the deal fell, we have not been connected with new CB's at all, nor did it seem that we were looking for an alternative for similar money. The focus was on him as a player, not the position.

I won't analyze each player now, but there are still a few things that don't make much sense. Berge had the most memorable games for Sheffield United when he played closer to the opponent's goal. In yesterday's game, it was obvious that he struggles if he has only one CM next to him. He was better in the second half when playing more advanced. If the plan was for him to play high, then what is the point of Amdouni and Ramsey who prefer the same position?

I won't even mention the wingers. We have six players competing for two wide positions (not including Foster or Amdouni who can play there if necessary) and we are still seriously linked with Tresor. On the other hand, we didn't have a single left back in the squad this season.

[Blyclaret]

Just an observation from watching on tv. We looked very similar to last year except the opposition was at least 20 times better than any championship side. Faster slicker more technical ability. A completely different animal this premier league. We must adapt to the difference as soon possible. I’m sure VK knows that too.

[RVclaret]

HLN reporter just now on Tresor

‘UPDATE Trésor-Burnley: Genk is not opposed to a lease with a mandatory purchase option. Ball is in the player's camp, who must first agree with Burnley before negotiations can continue at club level. More explanation‘

https://x.com/bobfaesen/status/1696071057747087681?s=46

[sjb]

We urgently need a ball wining midfielder.Why Josh Brownhill and Ekdal weren't included today is beyond me.Berge was dire.

Berge was poor in the first half and for someone his size was knocked off the ball far too easily. However he was much more effective when he was pushed forward after the break. Definitely needs to play as part of a midfield 3.

[Hedontplayforyou]

Looks like Berge is going to be the next Muric, Hendrick ect ect ect We have to have one for every season, UNBELIEVABLE

I don’t think after two games against the best in the world and a potential champions league side in the making , that you can say this. However Berge was especially poor in the first half. I’m not sure the tactics helped but he certainly wasn’t good.

I don’t think anyone is making him the scapegoat , just pointing out that he should have done better.

It will be interesting to see how we lineup midweek.

[Firthy]

I think we need a Barton/Marney type midfielder, a pure striker who can take those half chances and a left back. The obsession with CH's and wingers is a bit concerning.

[AGENT_CLARET]

I don’t think after two games against the best in the world and a potential champions league side in the making , that you can say this. However Berge was especially poor in the first half. I’m not sure the tactics helped but he certainly wasn’t good.

I don’t think anyone is making him the scapegoat , just pointing out that he should have done better.

It will be interesting to see how we lineup midweek.

Going off all the crap on here and all over Facebook and twitter 1 million percent Berge is this season's scapegoat because we always have one.

[Pickles]

We need our version of Viera or Keane and have needed it for the best part of a decade, other than the Barton years.

[Hedontplayforyou]

Going off all the crap on here and all over Facebook and twitter 1 million percent Berge is this season's scapegoat because we always have one.

The first half he was horrendous you can’t escape that. People have formed an opinion on that performance. Let it lie until a few more games have gone by . See what’s being said then.

[PremierLeagueClass]

It feels very much like a big club will come in for Tresor before Friday. Kompany clearly sees this additional winger as a priority so i’d imagine we’re working on backups should Tresor and Bakayoko fail.

Think I read this morning PSG are in for Bakayoko.

[claretspice]

I think people thought berge was our box to box powerhouse and he’s not he’s more of an attack minded player that drifts into space, is clear he needs to be in a midfield 3

I'm yet to see evidence to support this theory. I didn't see him play as far forward as he did yesterday for Sheffield United, and that certainly wasn't the role he came to prominence playing in Belgium - where everything I've read, seen and heard suggests he played as a conventional central midfielder, picking the ball up deep and carrying it/distributing it. Yesterday's evidence, if it is sufficient for conclusions to be drawn, is that he's better suited to the role than playing as a sort of number 10 role ahead of the ball and ending up with his back to goal, as he frequently did yesterday (particularly first half).

[warksclaret]

I followed this Board intensely yesterday and lots of criticisms were raised about players. My observation now however are that Trafford played well on the whole and stopped the score being 5 or 6. Croix looked rusty and exposed, got caught out of position a number of times, and lacked the understanding with his team, but he has not played much this season and only been with us a few days, plus he was not in his natural position. We have realised Berge is not a CDM and hopefully VK know appreciates this. While Jay missed two good chances he was at least in the right position for both and probably warrants more game time. Our defense looked exposed on the turn and other teams will exploit this. Yes a defeat and at times painful but it gives VK lots to work on now that some of our weaknesses have been amplified and a few more days to fine tune any new arrivals. Yes we could have lost 5-1 but on another day it could have been 3-3. This Villa team is much, much better than the one we played 15 months ago

[123EasyasBFC]

I'm yet to see evidence to support this theory. I didn't see him play as far forward as he did yesterday for Sheffield United, and that certainly wasn't the role he came to prominence playing in Belgium - where everything I've read, seen and heard suggests he played as a conventional central midfielder, picking the ball up deep and carrying it/distributing it. Yesterday's evidence, if it is sufficient for conclusions to be drawn, is that he's better suited to the role than playing as a sort of number 10 role ahead of the ball and ending up with his back to goal, as he frequently did yesterday (particularly first half).

He played further forward then Norwood and fleck last season

[AGENT_CLARET]

The first half he was horrendous you can’t escape that. People have formed an opinion on that performance. Let it lie until a few more games have gone by . See what’s being said then.

First of all we were 2 down at half time yet he's the only one being slagged off not much about how bad Trafford was for the first goal but like you say let's see after a few more games but he's this season's scapegoat already and with the small minded fans and that won't chance

[timscoot]

Happy with Tresor but we desperately need a LB and another defensive midfielder to take the load off Cullen.
Hopefully some lined up

[AGENT_CLARET]

I'm surprised we've not been linked with Yari Verschaeren he looks a very good ball winning midfielder

[RVclaret]

I'm surprised we've not been linked with Yari Verschaeren he looks a very good ball winning midfielder

- Verschaeren is the opposite of a ball winning midfielder
- he did his ACL

[claretandy]

I'm yet to see evidence to support this theory. I didn't see him play as far forward as he did yesterday for Sheffield United, and that certainly wasn't the role he came to prominence playing in Belgium - where everything I've read, seen and heard suggests he played as a conventional central midfielder, picking the ball up deep and carrying it/distributing it. Yesterday's evidence, if it is sufficient for conclusions to be drawn, is that he's better suited to the role than playing as a sort of number 10 role ahead of the ball and ending up with his back to goal, as he frequently did yesterday (particularly first half).

Sheff Utd played 532, he played on the right of the 3, there fans say he was best in the inside right channel, bursting into the box or putting crosses in, similar to how Brownhill played for us last season.

[AGENT_CLARET]

- Verschaeren is the opposite of a ball winning midfielder
- he did his ACL

Screenshot_20230828-102407_Chrome.jpg (143.49 KiB) Viewed 1623 times

[colne-claret]

I fully expect to see us utilise our two prem loans. Think Maatsen may be one of them, would still also like to see THB back.

[CrosspoolClarets]

In the interests of discussing if another central midfielder is needed this was a good scouting report on Berge about the time he moved from Genk to Sheffield.

https://www.scoutedftbl.com/best-young- ... der-berge/

It tallies with my own thoughts that he is mainly deep lying but is an effective ball carrier, hard to get off the ball when he has it, and will advance it up the pitch to get it to his more offensive teammates. Yesterday for 20 minutes Roberts moving into midfield in possession allowed him to advance, that is clearly Kompany / City style which won’t change, but in the first half Cullen was left on his own too often so Berge was exposed by either the tactics or the execution of them.

So I think he is fine, but we are probably a man short in that position still, if we get injuries.

I also have the benefit of just living around the corner from him for the last couple of years and I know lots of people who either know him or watch the Blades every game. They confirm that sense of his role, in essence also what Claretspice is writing above (though I sense spice is not a fan of the Roberts in midfield bit). I do think the Blades weird formation in the Premier League under Wilder with the advancing centre backs gave him a bit more space to operate.

[RVclaret]

Screenshot_20230828-102407_Chrome.jpg

That’s nonsense. The guy is the same size of Benson and plays attacking midfield.

[Spijed]

Kante certainly proved you didn't need to be big to be strong in midfield.

[Anthonini]

Verschaeren is a vision lacking playmaker with not enough pace to play as a proper winger. Naturally very gifted fluent player. Can dribble and do lovely things on the ball. Not enough for the Premier League so far but if he can stay fit for a long period and get a bit better he would be a good option for us. He's injured too often unfortunately.

Not a defensive midfielder at all. He even struggled as a central midfielder. Biggest assets are dribbling, strong at tight spaces, can score or assist. Very much comparable to a slower less classy version than E.Hazard. Not as strong on his legs either. He's technically very good though and nice to watch. Maybe something for next seasons depending on his personal level.

[Anthonini]

As a holding midfielder I'd look at Bryan Heynen from Genk and Arthur Vermeeren from Antwerp. Both are very good responsible hard working midfielders with a great passing ability that can score and assist too. Vermeeren is dubbed to be the next big thing, compared to De Bruyne. He played all season being 18 years old and they even won the championship. Praised for his mature playing style and great volume, great decision making. Doesn't look like much at first glance but he's an impressive midfielder.

Maybe out of our league. Heynen would be less expensive and also a very useful player. He's 26 already.

[quoonbeatz]

Expectng half the Belgian league to step up to PL level isn't a good strategy.

[Cap]

Tresor has great stars for last season but can he produce inbthe prem?
Has anyone on here seen much of him other than on YouTube?
How did he play against us in the friendly?

[ClaretAL]

He was a handful against us in the friendly, but it was a friendly.

[Anthonini]

He has a very good vision of the game and great technique to go past a player and play a lovely ball in. He's not as fast as Bakayoko and Lukebakio, hopefully fast enough for the Premier League. I'd say his technique and vision of the game is already above average. Especially in our team. I rate him higher than Zaroury and Benson. Apparently so does Tedesco. So he would definitely strengthen our team and make us way more efficient.

> https://youtu.be/Iek5Ce2eKgk?si=Tdo8GKPiUiBSuWOF

Here he is vs West Ham.

[StayingDown4Ever]

Is anyone else worried that Muric might be away this week?