The “where are we up to” thread

[Vegas Claret]

I was thinking what Josh Laurent must be thinking, this time last season he was preparing for a nothing season with Stoke and now he's in the Premier League in the same side as Kyle Walker ! He must be pinching himself !

[Guller Bull]

Updated Squad list courtesy of CT

https://www.uptheclarets.com/players/squad-list

[fidelcastro]

Trafford ( Weiss/Hladky)

Walker ------ Humphreys -----------Steve -------- Hartmann
Edwards ----- Cullen -----(Mejbri) --- Anthony
Flemming
Foster

Subs from- Pope/Weiss, Worrall, Pires, Roberts, Laurent,Ramsey, Tchaouna, Koleosho, Tuanzebe, Ekdal, Barnes


The "who knows" pile - Presently. Tresor, Benson , Green, Hladký Banel, Beyer, Hountondji ,Dodgson, Casper, Bauress, Massengo , Delcroix,
Obafemi, Agyei, McDermott, Amdouni, Sonne

Pope is coming back?

Who knew?

[agreenwood]

Two of the biggest concerns coming into the PL was whether we’d be able to significantly upgrade the centre of midfield and strike force.

We’ve touched neither so far.

[Guller Bull]

Pope is coming back?

Who knew?

Yeah that was remnant from when it was looking possible of some kind of Trafford / Pope swap deal. Still might happen

[Guller Bull]

Two of the biggest concerns coming into the PL was whether we’d be able to significantly upgrade the centre of midfield and strike force.

We’ve touched neither so far.

Surely something has got to happen in those departments soon (and also outgoings!)

[Woodleyclaret]

I hope we have a decent sell.on clause on Dara Costelloe because he will be a star in Div 1 this year.

[Guller Bull]

I think this were we at? Guessing at first 11 and possible sub bench but so much to happen yet.

In t’others list Rumours are that Massengo in talks and Agyei (injured) Is Churlinov still with us?

Trafford ( Weiss/Hladky)

Walker ------ Humphreys -----------Steve -------- Hartmann ----
——JBL —-- Cullen -----(Mejbri) --- Anthony
Flemming
Foster

Subs from- Weiss,Hladky Worrall, Pires, Roberts, Laurent,Ramsey, Tchaouna,, Tuanzebe,, Barnes Beyer Edwards


The "who knows" pile - Presently. Tresor, Benson , Green, Hladký Banel ,Dodgson, Casper, Bauress, Massengo (in talks?), Delcroix,
Obafemi,, McDermott, Amdouni, Sonne, Ekdal, Koleosho Agyei (injured ?) Sambo Churlinov (is he still with us?)

[Guller Bull]

Amdouni out for a while.
Agyei likewise?

Massengo gone


One player we haven’t considered is Adewumi. I know he is U21s but spent the season very successfully at Dundee. Will he go out on loan again or will he get a slot?

[jrgbfc]

You don't need to be a football expert to see we look incredibly weak in centre mid and upfront. Probably need another 10 out of the door as well. Busy few weeks ahead...

[ClaretPete001]

The irony is we could probably field a Burnley A and Burnley B that would do well in the Championship but it's hard to look at the first 11 and think it has any chance in the PL as it stands.

Mind you it looks better than last time when 98 per cent on here thought we would survive in the PL.

[Guller Bull]

Weiss/Hladky

Walker ------ Humphreys -----------Steve -------- Hartmann ----
——JBL —-- Cullen -----Mejbri --- Anthony
Flemming
Foster

Subs from- Weiss,Hladky Worrall, Pires, Roberts, Laurent,Ramsey, Tchaouna,, Tuanzebe,, Barnes Beyer Edwards


The "who knows" pile - Presently. Tresor, Benson , Green, Hladký Banel ,Dodgson, Casper, Bauress,, Delcroix,
Obafemi(looks to be going somewhere),, McDermott, Sonne, Ekdal, Koleosho (Espanyol ?) Sambo Churlinov (is he still with us?)Adewumyi, Trafford (looks to be going by rumours)

Injured:
Amdouni
Agyei

[Guller Bull]

Just out of Interest form the "who knows" pile , how many of them were definitely there/not there at the training camp?

Tresor, Benson , Green, Hladký Banel ,Dodgson, Casper, Bauress,, Delcroix,
Obafemi(looks to be going somewhere),, McDermott, Sonne, Ekdal, Koleosho (Espanyol ?) Sambo Churlinov (is he still with us?)Adewumyi, Trafford (looks to be going by rumours)

[morninbob]

Just out of Interest form the "who knows" pile , how many of them were definitely there/not there at the training camp?

Tresor, Benson , Green, Hladký Banel ,Dodgson, Casper, Bauress,, Delcroix,
Obafemi(looks to be going somewhere),, McDermott, Sonne, Ekdal, Koleosho (Espanyol ?) Sambo Churlinov (is he still with us?)Adewumyi, Trafford (looks to be going by rumours)

Tresor, yes Benson , no Green, yesHladký yes Banel ,yes Dodgson, noCasper, yes Bauress,yes Delcroix,yes
Obafemi(looks to be going somewhere),no McDermott, no Sonne, yes Ekdal, yes Koleosho (Espanyol ?) yes Sambo noChurlinov (is he still with us?)no Adewumyi, yes Trafford no.

[jrgbfc]

Churlinov is still our player, pretty sure we gave him a 4 year deal, mental.
Surely Bauress and McDermott need to be out on loan this year, at the stage they need to be playing.

[Claretnick]

Churlinov is still our player, pretty sure we gave him a 4 year deal, mental.
Surely Bauress and McDermott need to be out on loan this year, at the stage they need to be playing.

McDermott was training with Dundee with a view to a loan until he was recalled a few weeks ago

[Guller Bull]

McDermott was training with Dundee with a view to a loan until he was recalled a few weeks ago

Was that the tail end of last season or whilst back at training?

[Claretnick]

Was that the tail end of last season or whilst back at training?

There was a thread on here started on 28th June 2025, saying he had been involved in a pre season game for Dundee against Arbroath and was then recalled. Think some posters were linking it with Brownhill's departure.
I tried to copy the link but it wasn't working for me

[Guller Bull]

Interesting. You would have thought Dundee for a season would have been good for the lad?

[Claretnick]

Interesting. You would have thought Dundee for a season would have been good for the lad?

Yeah you would think so but maybe the gaffer has other plans. Tommy, Joe Bauress and Chris Casper went to the Portugal training camp with the first team squad rather than Poland with the U21's.
Can't imagine they were making up the numbers in view of the large squad size we have at the moment.
Time will tell.

[Mattster]

Yeah you would think so but maybe the gaffer has other plans. Tommy, Joe Bauress and Chris Casper went to the Portugal training camp with the first team squad rather than Poland with the U21's.
Can't imagine they were making up the numbers in view of the large squad size we have at the moment.
Time will tell.

Did McDermott go to Portugal? Think the club only reported Bauress, Campbell and Casper.

[Claretnick]

Did McDermott go to Portugal? Think the club only reported Bauress, Campbell and Casper.

Apologies my mistake

[jrgbfc]

You have to think we're in the market for at least 2 centre mids. Maybe we're waiting till they're in the door before the young lads can go out on loan.

[ollieclarets8]

You have to think we're in the market for at least 2 centre mids. Maybe we're waiting till they're in the door before the young lads can go out on loan.

I think because we did business so early, fans are becoming a bit inpatient. Overall, we've still had a very good window and have plenty of time to bring in 2-3 new faces. We can also bring in loans.

[Guller Bull]

Yesterday friendlies threw up a few questions.Some of the young lads opened a few eyes for either squad or strong loans.
The "new goalie chat" is interesting and what happens to Hladkey\Green - looks like it's going to be busy.

Weiss/Johnstone

Walker ------ Humphreys -----------Steve -------- Hartmann ----
——JBL —-- Cullen -----Mejbri --- Anthony
Flemming
Foster

Subs from- Worrall, Pires, Roberts, Laurent,Ramsey, Tchaouna,, Tuanzebe,, Barnes Beyer Edwards, Tresor


The "who knows" pile - Presently. Tresor, Benson , Green, Hladký Banel ,Dodgson, Casper, Bauress,, Delcroix,
Obafemi(looks to be going somewhere), McDermott, Sonne, Ekdal, Koleosho (Espanyol ?) Sambo Churlinov (is he still with us?)Adewumyi,

Injured:
Amdouni
Agyei

[Ric_C]

If we get Johnstone and Cajuste over the line, then I think we are sorted for GKs, defence and central midfield. Maybe another CB will come in, but don't think it is vital.

Still think we need a number 8 or 10 to replace Brownhill, especially as Amdouni is out now. And I still feel we need 2 more strikers. One definitely, but one more and maybe a season long loan would be perfect, as starting the season with Barnes, Flemming and Foster as our only no 9 options would be not great.

I'm not too fussed about Koleosho going, I think the lad needs a load somewhere to regain his confidence. Same with Ramsey and Beyer tbh

I think Ekdal will stay now looking at how prominent he's been in pre-season (which I'm very happy about)

Tresor - Who knows what shape he's in? But we can't pin any hopes on him at this stage.

Obafemi, Benson, Sambo, Churlinov - all need shipping out for cash if possible.

[Mattster]

At this stage I think we need 2 CMs, a CB and a striker.

All need to be athletic/physically dominant as I think on the whole as a team we're a bit too lightweight and slow by PL standards. I don't think we have a PL level middle CB for if we're playing 3 CBs (if we're not entertaining 3 CBs then this signing is unnecessary).

[Spijed]

At this stage I think we need 2 CMs, a CB and a striker.

All need to be athletic/physically dominant as I think on the whole as a team we're a bit too lightweight and slow by PL standards. I don't think we have a PL level middle CB for if we're playing 3 CBs (if we're not entertaining 3 CBs then this signing is unnecessary).

Can we really improve on Walker, Humpreys & Esteve if we play three centre backs?

That's as good as we could ever realistically expect to have, unless we get very lucky and unearth another Mee & Tarkowski for next to nothing.

[RVclaret]

Can we really improve on Walker, Humpreys & Esteve if we play three centre backs?

That's as good as we could ever realistically expect to have, unless we get very lucky and unearth another Mee & Tarkowski for next to nothing.

None of them are the right profile for a central cb in a 3. Ekdal & Worrall probably the best fit at the min.

[claretspice]

I would think we the squad currently looks like this:

Inked in -

Goalkeepers - VACANCY, Weiss, Hladcky/Green (one to be loaned out)

Defenders - Tuanzebe, Esteve, Walker, Humphreys, Roberts, Hartmann, Pires, Worrall

Midfielders - Cullen, VACANCY, Laurent, Hannibal, Ramsey
Attacking midfielders - Anthony, Edwards, Tchouna, Brunn Larsen
Strikers - Foster, Flemming, VACANCY

That's 23, of which I think Weiss doesn't count so we'd have 3 more spaces subject to any other U23 options, of which:

- I would have thought we'd want 1 more defender to take our total to 9. That could include either Ekdal or Sonne.

- I would want one more genuine central midfield option. I'm not sure we have any candidates in house unless Brownhill returns.

- I think we need at least one and provably two attacking midfield options. That could include Tresor and/or Koleosho.

- We have Barnes who will also presumably be part of the 25 man squad.

What does this mean? Firstly there's still a bit to do, as you'd expect at this stage, but theres pethaps a greater need than is ideal to focus on reinforcing the spine. There's a couple of priority areas to address before the season starts (goalkeeper, central midfield, centre forward) and then some padding to be done.

Secondly given our current lack of U21 players ready to add squad depth and the injury records of a few of our squad (Tuanzebe, Hartmann, Ramsey, Foster, Ekdal if selected), we could do with either a couple of players who can play in more than one position, or an U21 or two who don't count towards the 25 man squad - especially if Koleosho is leaving.

So whilst I think we've strengthen ok so far, I do think the hardest work is to come.

[BleedingClaret]

Ekdal in defence

[Ampth7]

Personally feel very underwhelmed by our transfer business to date tbh. Lacking serious quality in key areas including midfield and up front with a new keeper now needed and probably a centre back.

Most of our signings have been the obligation to buys from last season so the next few weeks will be vitally important!

[Mattster]

Can we really improve on Walker, Humpreys & Esteve if we play three centre backs?

That's as good as we could ever realistically expect to have, unless we get very lucky and unearth another Mee & Tarkowski for next to nothing.

Central CB in a back 3 needs to be a big, physical unit. None or those is particularly good in the air. All 3 wide CBs in a back 3 IMO. Only ones we have that could maybe be the central CB are Worrall and Ekdal and I don't think either is up to the required standard.

And personally, I wouldn't have Walker at CB for us, all his (limited) experience at CB has been for a dominant team against weaker opposition. We're going to be backs to the wall for most of every 90 minutes we play this season. He's not got the defensive ability or experience to play that in what is essentially out of position for him IMO.

[BleedingClaret]

Central CB in a back 3 needs to be a big, physical unit. None or those is particularly good in the air. All 3 wide CBs in a back 3 IMO. Only ones we have that could maybe be the central CB are Worrall and Ekdal and I don't think either is up to the required standard.

And personally, I wouldn't have Walker at CB for us, all his (limited) experience at CB has been for a dominant team against weaker opposition. We're going to be backs to the wall for most of every 90 minutes we play this season. He's not got the defensive ability or experience to play that in what is essentially out of position for him IMO.

Yep back 4 for me too

[summitclaret]

I would think we the squad currently looks like this:

Inked in -

Goalkeepers - VACANCY, Weiss, Hladcky/Green (one to be loaned out)

Defenders - Tuanzebe, Esteve, Walker, Humphreys, Roberts, Hartmann, Pires, Worrall

Midfielders - Cullen, VACANCY, Laurent, Hannibal, Ramsey
Attacking midfielders - Anthony, Edwards, Tchouna, Brunn Larsen
Strikers - Foster, Flemming, VACANCY

That's 23, of which I think Weiss doesn't count so we'd have 3 more spaces subject to any other U23 options, of which:

- I would have thought we'd want 1 more defender to take our total to 9. That could include either Ekdal or Sonne.

- I would want one more genuine central midfield option. I'm not sure we have any candidates in house unless Brownhill returns.

- I think we need at least one and provably two attacking midfield chounaoptions. That could include Tresor and/or Koleosho.

- We have Barnes who will also presumably be part of the 25 man squad.

What does this mean? Firstly there's still a bit to do, as you'd expect at this stage, but theres pethaps a greater need than is ideal to focus on reinforcing the spine. There's a couple of priority areas to address before the season starts (goalkeeper, central midfield, centre forward) and then some padding to be done.

Secondly given our current lack of U21 players ready to add squad depth and the injury records of a few of our squad (Tuanzebe, Hartmann, Ramsey, Foster, Ekdal if selected), we could do with either a couple of players who can play in more than one position, or an U21 or two who don't count towards the 25 man squad - especially if Koleosho is leaving.

So whilst I think we've strengthen ok so far, I do think the hardest work is to come.

My squad of 25 would be:-

Assuming Beyer and Tresor not likely to be fully fit for PL in 2025 and loaned out asap if possible.

New keeper, Hladcky Weiss*

Walker, Roberts, Hartmann, Pires

Ekdal, Tuanzebe, Esteve, Humphreys, New (commanding & experienced), Worrall

Cullen, Laurent, Ramsey, Hannibal, New (dcm & tall), New (loan*)

Edwards, JBL, Tchouna, Anthony, Koleosho*

Foster, Flemming, New (Tall), New (loan*), Barnes.

* Born after 1,Jan 2004 so 'under 21'

That makes a squad of 29, of which 4 would be under 21. 8 need to be homegrown.

[123EasyasBFC]

My squad of 25 would be:-

Assuming Beyer and Tresor not likely to be fully fit for PL in 2025 and loaned out asap if possible.

New keeper, Hladcky Weiss*

Walker, Roberts, Hartmann, Pires

Ekdal, Tuanzebe, Esteve, Humphreys, New (commanding & experienced), Worrall

Cullen, Laurent, Ramsey, Hannibal, New (dcm & tall), New (loan*)

Edwards, JBL, Tchouna, Anthony, Koleosho*

Foster, Flemming, New (Tall), New (loan*), Barnes.

* Born after 1,Jan 2004 so 'under 21'

That makes a squad of 29, of which 4 would be under 21. 8 need to be homegrown.

Under 21 loan signings have to be registered in the 25 man squad, only under 21 perm signings don’t

[summitclaret]

Yes I'd forgotten that. Maybe Barnes and Worrall don't make the 25 then and are used in cups only. Thanks.

[123EasyasBFC]

Yes I'd forgotten that. Maybe Barnes and Worrall don't make the 25 then and are used in cups only. Thanks.

I’d be keeping Ekdal over Worrall, no chance Barnes signed on for another year to not be in the 25 man squad. Tresor will get registered to.

[CaptainClaret]

Think we’re mostly missing a keeper, midfielder and striker… so if we land them, it might be that suggested 25, minus the new centre half and (I would assume) Worrall. Great character but probably not quite up to speed for this level.

Other possibility (depending on where he is upto) to miss out might be sending Ramsey on loan until January to get him playing regularly and fully fit.

[CoolClaret]

---------Hladky*
-----Walker-Worrall**-Estevé
Roberts-Cullen-Laurent***-Hartman
----Edwards---Anthony
----------Broja

Weiß
Ekdal
Tuanzebe
Humphreys
JBL
Ramsey
Tresor
Koleosho
Flemming
Foster

*s represent unsures or players likely to fall to the bench in the next week or two following expected signings.

[UTC01]

---------Hladky*
-----Walker-Worrall**-Estevé
Roberts-Cullen-Laurent***-Hartman
----Edwards---Anthony
----------Broja

Weiß
Ekdal
Tuanzebe
Humphreys
JBL
Ramsey
Tresor
Koleosho
Flemming
Foster

*s represent unsures or players likely to fall to the bench in the next week or two following expected signings.

Surely you'd play walker at wingback, tuanzebe and humphreys and steve at the back no?

[CoolClaret]

Surely you'd play walker at wingback, tuanzebe and humphreys and steve at the back no?

No, I wouldn't play Kyle a wing back at all - with him playing RCB it allows him to dictate a lot of our play and step into midfield when required.

People seem to think he was just all pace but he will show his class on the ball playing for us - he will be one of the best in recent years, imo.

Not to mention, SP played him there against Huddersfield.

As for Worrall, he got the #4 shirt and it's only really him and Ekdal who fit that central CB profile, and both of them started CB in the respective fixtures.

If it was four at the back, I'd assume it'd be:

Walker-Tuanzebe-Estevé-Hartman.

[Paddy1882]

---------Hladky*
-----Walker-Worrall**-Estevé
Roberts-Cullen-Laurent***-Hartman
----Edwards---Anthony
----------Broja

Weiß
Ekdal
Tuanzebe
Humphreys
JBL
Ramsey
Tresor
Koleosho
Flemming
Foster

*s represent unsures or players likely to fall to the bench in the next week or two following expected signings.

No Hannibal in the squad? Was one of our better players towards the back end of the season.

[CoolClaret]

No Hannibal in the squad? Was one of our better players towards the back end of the season.

Forgot all about him!

[Ampth7]

Assuming Broja signs then I think we will still need a GK and a CM (maybe 2) as a minimum!

Interesting to see Tresor’s name mentioned on here again. Will he remain a figment of my imagination or will he be akin to having a new signing?

[Tufty]

What a merry-go-round supporting a football team is. .

Enlightenment is knowing when to get off. Good luck for the season. I wish you all tranquility and happiness.

[Guller Bull]

What a merry-go-round supporting a football team is. .

Enlightenment is knowing when to get off. Good luck for the season. I wish you all tranquility and happiness.

Hey Tufty - Love and Peace man!

[Boss Hogg]

Central Midfield was always the key area to strengthen for me. If we don’t I think we will struggle. Ramsey should be loaned out to the Championship.

[Guller Bull]

Ramsey, Trésor, Sambo and Beyer out for six months to Europe, Championship or
League 1 for me.

Weiss/ Green also?

[Guller Bull]

-----------------------Dubravka/Johnstone

Roberts -----Walker -----------Steve -------- Hartmann --
------------------------Ugochukwu
—-- Cullen ----------- Mejbri
----------JBL ---------------------------- Anthony
-----------------Flemming
--------------------------------------Broja


Subs from- Worrall, Pires, Roberts, Laurent,Ramsey, Tchaouna,, Tuanzebe,, Barnes Beyer Edwards,Foster


The "who knows" pile - Presently. Tresor, Benson , Green, Hladký Banel ,Dodgson, Casper, Bauress,, Delcroix,
Obafemi(looks to be going somewhere), McDermott, Sonne, Ekdal, Koleosho Sambo Churlinov (is he still with us?)Adewumyi,

Injured:
Amdouni
Agyei
Humphries ?



Feel like I'm missing someone here but lost track a bit.