Should they stay or should they go?

[Roosterbooster]

Looking at the current squad, who will stay, and who will go?
Here are my predictions

Muric Stay
BPF Loan
Franchi Loan-out/U21
Norris Leave

Roberts Stay
Vitinho Stay
Maatsen Sign
Taylor Leave
Lowton Leave
CJER Loan-out

THB Loan-in
Beyer Sign
Ekdal Stay
Al-Dakhil Stay
McNally Loan-out/Sell as part of Gyökeres deal

Cullen Stay
Cork Stay
Brownhill Stay
JBG Stay
Bastien Loan-out

Twine Stay
Zaroury Stay
Benson Stay
Tella Sign
Costelloe Loan-out
Churlinov Sell

Obafemi Stay
Foster Stay/Loan-out
Barnes Leave
JRod Stay
Dervişoğlu Leave

That's 18 or 19 staying
4 or 5 to sign

[JohnMac]

I can't see there being a Gyorkes deal with Coventry, he is valued at £25m according to the media and other Clubs are seemingly interested.

[fatboy47]

Foster won't be going anywhere.
Neither will BPF.

[agreenwood]

I think there might be a few surprises.

VK strikes me as pretty ruthless.

[RVclaret]

Foster won't be going anywhere.
Neither will BPF.

Agree on Foster, though I do think we will sign another keeper who’s at a level to challenge Muric for number 1. I don’t think BPF is that guy in the Prem. He’s done well this season though and you feel he will want regular first team footy now. Another Championship team should be all over it.

[Dark Cloud]

Although Barnes leaving has been extremely public, I suspect there will be certain others which have been agreed, but aren't yet common knowledge. Taylor, Cork and Jay could easily be on their way out from the "old guard" imo as we make space for incoming. I'm not saying that's exactly what I'd do or that I totally agree with it, but I just think VK will want those wages and squad spaces for people more likely to play every week, or at least challenge to.

[Herts Clarets]

We need upgrades in midfield. Both Cork and Brownhill were part of our team that were relegated last time round and one of our key weaknesses was lack of pace, creativity and physical presence in midfield. Neither Cullen nor Twine really address that issue so for me is a key area for upgrade. But as ever I trust VK to make the right move, he has got a hell of a lot more right than he has wrong.

[jedi_master]

I think there might be a few surprises.

VK strikes me as pretty ruthless.

I agree with this - and that's what marks out a winner. Sentimentality leads to players staying way past their sell by date (and we've had that a bit over the years). Kompany has signalled his intent and attitude to this with the very professional, but cutthroat, lack of an extension for fan favourite Ashley Barnes.

Wouldn't shock me in the slightest if we saw BPF, Taylor, Churlinov, Cork, Rodriguez all depart as a starter for ten. I have no doubt that he values the quality and experience of some of these players (particularly Cork and Jay) but it's just the feeling I get. Ferguson was the same, knowing when it was right to move players on is a crucial thing to do.

**Should add, personally I wouldn't lose too much experience from the squad unless it is adequately replaced by a few different experienced players.

[agreenwood]

Although Barnes leaving has been extremely public, I suspect there will be certain others which have been agreed, but aren't yet common knowledge. Taylor, Cork and Jay could easily be on their way out from the "old guard" imo as we make space for incoming. I'm not saying that's exactly what I'd do or that I totally agree with it, but I just think VK will want those wages and squad spaces for people more likely to play every week, or at least challenge to.

I think Cork will stay. There was an interview with him not long ago where he seemed accepting of his reduced role, but was happy to stick around to add some experience to the group.

[criminalclaret]

I'd be very likely to agree with that list above. I'd be shocked if we see Taylor again in a Burnley shirt. Cork will get one more year in the PL I expect, purely from a leadership perspective of the younger players which I can then see being passed onto Brownhill for the long term. JRod still a question mark, not sure at all which way Vinny will go with than.

One thing I will say is I think Twine need a full season of regular football and would like to see him on loan at a Championship club next season. I think he had bags of potential and was hampered with that hip injury so early on which cost him his place for 75% of the season. But just needs to breed his confidence a bit more and not ready for the PL just yet. Big step up from L1 > Champ, even bigger for Champ> - PL

[Pickles]

Almost impossible to predict this. Got a feeling about Gudmundsson leaving though.

[123EasyasBFC]

I can imagine similar conversations kompany had with lowton and long last summer will happen with a couple of the older players, likes of Taylor, Cork and Jay Rod

[Somethingfishy]

Almost impossible to predict this. Got a feeling about Gudmundsson leaving though.

Can't see that seeing as he only signed a contract extension in January.

[trawlen]

BPF and Brownhill have only 1 year left I think so we need to be selling them or getting new contracts signed.

I hope Brownhill stays but I do feel like if he got the right offer from an established Premier League team he could leave.

I think Taylor is a good player, always was in the prem but Maatsen won't sit on the bench for him so he will probably want to leave and we will cash in.

[RVclaret]

BPF and Brownhill have only 1 year left I think so we need to be selling them or getting new contracts signed.

I hope Brownhill stays but I do feel like if he got the right offer from an established Premier League team he could leave.

Reckon we see a new Brownhill deal announced over the coming weeks.

[ElectroClaret]

The experience of Jack Cork I feel will be valuable
next season. Got to stay for me for at least another season.
Not just on the pitch, but in and around the squad generally.

[BurnleyFC]

Jay isn’t leaving.

[Pickles]

Can't see that seeing as he only signed a contract extension in January.

Forgot about that!

[Ightenhill_Claret]

I can't see Jay leaving. Given he's a Burnley lad, I'm pretty sure when he goes he'll get the same fanfare as Barnesy got yesterday.

I know there was talk of a move to MLS earlier in the year but just can't see his exit being close season.

[Pickles]

Rodriguez will be useful to us next season. When fully fit he's still a very good player.

[Newcastleclaret93]

This is how I see it.

Muric Stay
BPF Leave
Franchi Loan-out/U21
Norris Leave

Roberts Stay
Vitinho Stay
Maatsen Sign
Taylor Leave
Lowton Leave
CJER Sell

THB Loan-in
Beyer Sign
Ekdal Stay
Al-Dakhil Stay
McNally Loan-out

Cullen Stay
Cork Stay
Brownhill Stay
JBG Stay
Bastien Loan-out

Twine Loan out
Zaroury Stay
Benson Stay
Tella leave
Costelloe Loan-out
Churlinov Leave

Obafemi Stay
Foster Stay
Barnes Leave
JRod Leave
Dervişoğlu Leave


That gives us a squad of 16 and plenty of space for VK to build a prem squad.

[criminalclaret]

This is how I see it.
...

Tella leave

LEAVE?

*heart palpitations*

[Clive 1960]

I can't see THB coming back as we have decent cover unless Byer doesn't get signed , think jay who as done well for us won't be here because of amount of injuries he's getting , I like to keep Twine if he can muscle out a little , Foster needs a good pre season, the one who has surprised me was Gunno thought he had a good season.

[Newcastleclaret93]

Tella - LEAVE?

*heart palpitations*

Not sure the club will want to spend so much of their budget on him. Unless they can get him on loan again?

[criminalclaret]

I would be building a team around Tella for the next 2 years. His pace, skill and speed for the game is just breathtaking for a young lad in his twenties. Bar injuries, he's only ever going to get better under Vin

[JohnDearyMe]

Noticed VK give Rodriguez a big hug before he was brought on yesterday and wondered if it might be to do with his last appearance? Could have been totally unrelated of course

[criminalclaret]

Noticed VK give Rodriguez a big hug before he was brought on yesterday and wondered if it might be to do with his last appearance? Could have been totally unrelated of course

We know Vinny is ruthless but part of me thinks as a Burnley lad who started his career here, he would have given him the courtesy of a big public send off at the Turf if he was to go this season. I think he has one more year as an impact sub.

[houseboy]

I can't see there being a Gyorkes deal with Coventry, he is valued at £25m according to the media and other Clubs are seemingly interested.

Plus if they go up they might want to keep him.

[eastcoastclaret]

There was some mention in the after match commentary about one or two of the loan signings being close to finalised as permanent.

[Lancasterclaret]

Impossible to predict isn't it?

I think the squad is already far too small (when you take out the loanees) so I'd be surprised to see anyone leave (bar Churlinov who seems to be off to Schalke)

Depends on who comes in I'd have thought

[Roosterbooster]

I can't see there being a Gyorkes deal with Coventry, he is valued at £25m according to the media and other Clubs are seemingly interested.

If we offered £15m (add ons making it £20m) plus McNally then it might sway it.
I think he's the best striker in the league. And only 24. So that's not bad business for a striker

If they go up though, then I don't think they will sell

[Ric_C]

First part of business:

Beyer on a permanent.

Maatsen, I'd see where we are at. If the price is too steep, we should look elsewhere, and although it pains me to say it, the same with Tella

THB.. it depends on if Kompany is looking for another CB like Kouyate with a bit more physicality

[Roosterbooster]

There was some mention in the after match commentary about one or two of the loan signings being close to finalised as permanent.

I've heard Beyer is being sorted, and Obafemi is a formality I think

Some talk a while back of THB wanting to stay and being happy at another loan move

Maatsen is OOC next year (but option of another year), so Chelsea have a decision to make. I think he's crucial to the way we play, and I can see him being top of the list

Tella is the biggest question mark for me. I can't see Southampton letting him go on loan again. They'll either want him to play for them into he Championship, or sell big

Dervişoğlu obviously not coming

The PL loan rules are quite interesting:
Max 2 loans at any one time
Max 4 loans in total per season
Max 1 loan from any PL club at any one time
But loans from non-English clubs (unless a Welsh club playing in English league) don't count to the quotas above - so we could go large on loans from abroad (some rumours of de Ketelaere at AC a while back)

[eastcoastclaret]

For me we should be looking to sign Beyer and Tella. I'm not sure Maatsen is strong enough defensively for the Prem just yet. THB is excellent, but is that money going to be better being spend on midfield.

[Guller Bull]

Muric Stay
BPF Sell
Franchi Loan-out/U21
Norris Leave

Roberts Stay
Vitinho Sell
Maatsen Sign
Taylor Sell


This what I think will happen not necessarily what I want to happen.

Lowton Leave
CJER Loan

THB Leave
Beyer Sign
Ekdal Stay
Al-Dakhil Stay
McNally Sell

Cullen Stay
Cork Stay
Brownhill Sell
JBG Stay
Bastien Sell

Twine Stay
Zaroury Stay
Benson Sell
Tella Sign
Costelloe Loan-out
Churlinov Sell

Obafemi Stay
Foster Stay/Loan-out
Barnes Leave
JRod Stay
Dervişoğlu Leave

[trawlen]

I read that THB will most likely come back on loan, somewhere

If we can do that I'd be happy but we'll need to loan one or two CBs out

[Roosterbooster]

Impossible to predict isn't it?

I think the squad is already far too small (when you take out the loanees) so I'd be surprised to see anyone leave (bar Churlinov who seems to be off to Schalke)

Depends on who comes in I'd have thought

The squad definitely needs bulking up, but we've a lot of fit lads in that squad who can manage the work load - Roberts, Brownhill and Maatsen must be topping 11km per game

Plus, we will have fewer games next season (although it'll be much harder, obviously)
We played 54 games this season
We can play a maximum of 51 next season (38 league, 6 FA Cup, 7 EFL Cup). Realistically it'll be a maximum of 48. A game every 5.8 days (compared to 5.2 days this season, or 4.7 days if you take out the WC break)

[Pickles]

Regardless who leaves centre midfield, striker and a left sided forward are important. Hasn't been enough options there, only Zaroury.

[Down_Rover]

If we sign Bayer I don’t see THB staying. It would not be progressive to keep him when we have three other CBs who are as good or better. THB will be too expensive to buy, better to look for a 3/4m youngster or call McNally back

[Down_Rover]

If Southampton want Tella we will have to look elsewhere

[criminalclaret]

There was some mention in the after match commentary about one or two of the loan signings being close to finalised as permanent.

Was it me or my hearing, but when they were doing the intros yesterday they said "Welcome Jack Cork.... Welcome Jay Rod...." etc but when they did Tella, they said "Welcome to Turf Moor, Nathan Tella" ?

Both me and my dad joking said to each other I wonder if that is their way of announcing it on the sly.

Take what you want from that. We defintely could have heard that wrong.

[ElectroClaret]

Regardless who leaves centre midfield, striker and a left sided forward are important. Hasn't been enough options there, only Zaroury.

Agreed.
The options in the goalkeeping position also need strengthening.

[eastcoastclaret]

If Southampton want Tella we will have to look elsewhere

I almost got the impression yesterday that Tella knew he wasn't coming back. Something in his body language.

[Pickles]

I almost got the impression yesterday that Tella knew he wasn't coming back. Something in his body language.

I know we can all read way too much into this stuff because it's pretty much all we have to go off but I did think the same.

[GetIntoEm]

Was it me or my hearing, but when they were doing the intros yesterday they said "Welcome Jack Cork.... Welcome Jay Rod...." etc but when they did Tella, they said "Welcome to Turf Moor, Nathan Tella" ?

Both me and my dad joking said to each other I wonder if that is their way of announcing it on the sly.

Take what you want from that. We defintely could have heard that wrong.

no he did say that, but with the mess ups with the announcements and PA system it may just have been a slip of the tongue

i think if Jay can get a deal somewhere else, potentially MLS then we will release him from his contract. thats my opinion. i'd like to see him for one last year however

[NorthIsCool]

Was it me or my hearing, but when they were doing the intros yesterday they said "Welcome Jack Cork.... Welcome Jay Rod...." etc but when they did Tella, they said "Welcome to Turf Moor, Nathan Tella" ?

Both me and my dad joking said to each other I wonder if that is their way of announcing it on the sly.

Take what you want from that. We defintely could have heard that wrong.

It was definitely announced as 'Welcome to Turf Moor Nathan Tella'

Maybe, just maybe he is on his way

[Stproc]

Was it me or my hearing, but when they were doing the intros yesterday they said "Welcome Jack Cork.... Welcome Jay Rod...." etc but when they did Tella, they said "Welcome to Turf Moor, Nathan Tella" ?

Both me and my dad joking said to each other I wonder if that is their way of announcing it on the sly.

Take what you want from that. We defintely could have heard that wrong.

Yea we heard that too, but they do like a signing video don’t 5hey to announce things

[Hedontplayforyou]

Tella will be back

[randomclaret2]

Tella is the best finisher we have

[buzzclarets79]

When Tella was being interviewed on the pitch, thought it was very interesting that he wasn’t asked about his future, if you ask me that was the burning question to be asked and made no reference at all to next season, it was almost like they were told not to ask or make any reference to it.
I do think Tella will be here next season.