Summer transfer window

[123EasyasBFC]

Graeme Bailey says Tella returning to England this summer. Leeds and Forest mentioned

The article doesn’t say tella is returning to England, it’s says he could return to England and has 6 clubs in the article linked to him.

It’s a very much football insiders article.

[randomclaret2]

Apparently us , Leeds, Forrest and Brentford all had representatives at Stamford bridge watching tella. (Don’t think we need to scout him)

Is there anyone left on the Scouting/ Recrutment side of the club from when Tella signed 3 years ago ? Obviously he's remembered fondly by the fans .

[RVclaret]

Graeme Bailey has a success rate of below 1% I think. Genuinely think he just makes stuff up. Thought he was a bot for a while but then saw a real life pic of him. Weird.

[claretspice]

Hannibal starts in a midfield 3 for me. Ramsey is a 10 (which we don't really use) or wide player, he's not going to be coming in for a suspended/injured Cullen/Ugochukwu/Laurent and play as an 8 or a 6.



Whilst I advocated for him and Bauress to be involved last season I think the PL is a bit too much of an ask without having been blooded in the Championship last time out. He isn't a 6 either, more the Brownhill 10 / 8 type.



The point I'm making is that there isn't a reserve there to trust. Laurent is the extent of the depth if either of Cullen, Ugochukwu or Hannibal miss a game.

Not sure thats right. Ramsey certainly is more a central midfielder than other '10's' like Tresor, and indeed has already played as an 8 for Burnley (cup tie at Spurs for starters) and I think played a good deal of his age group football there for both England age groups and Villa. Certainly when I saw him play for England U21s two summers ago he was playing in a deep role. But either way the point stands that if we're playing a midfield 3 at least one of the 3 has slightly more licence so Ramsey isn't a massive leap as a second reserve - particularly as we have 4 other options who can all play more defensive roles.

As a more general point, there isn't now a position in which I think we lack quantity - we have a big and well distributed squad. There are a couple of areas where quality upgrades might still be helpful (notably centre back, and possibly right wing back if we're committed to a back 3) but id have thought we're now at the point of needing departures before mire arrive. As I say, I can certainly see an argument for another central midfielder, but I don't think it's a necessity or top priority right now.

[RVclaret]

Ramsey played his best game for Burnley (ok there’s been few to choose from) as a left sided 8 against United at home, in a midfield with Cullen and Brownhill. He had a really good game.

[It Is What It Is]

Is this the best summer transfer window ever for BFC?
Good incoming talented players with lots of PL experience,.Really good business with Trafford & Walker especially.
Soooo looking forward to seeing our starting XI today.

[Mattster]

Not sure thats right. Ramsey certainly is more a central midfielder than other '10's' like Tresor, and indeed has already played as an 8 for Burnley (cup tie at Spurs for starters) and I think played a good deal of his age group football there for both England age groups and Villa. Certainly when I saw him play for England U21s two summers ago he was playing in a deep role. But either way the point stands that if we're playing a midfield 3 at least one of the 3 has slightly more licence so Ramsey isn't a massive leap as a second reserve - particularly as we have 4 other options who can all play more defensive roles.

As a more general point, there isn't now a position in which I think we lack quantity - we have a big and well distributed squad. There are a couple of areas where quality upgrades might still be helpful (notably centre back, and possibly right wing back if we're committed to a back 3) but id have thought we're now at the point of needing departures before mire arrive. As I say, I can certainly see an argument for another central midfielder, but I don't think it's a necessity or top priority right now.

Ramsey's senior football has mostly been played out wide. The majority of his youth football, and his best performances in it, has been at 10.

In a Parker side he doesn't have the physicality to play as an 8 or a 6. Especially coming off the back of such a long injury. Do you seriously think he can come off the bench to replace an injured Cullen, Ugochukwu or Laurent?

[jrgbfc]

Agree with those saying we look really light in centre mid. One injury away from being down to the absolute bare bones. On Ramsey i wouldn't be surprised if him and Beyer ended up out on loan till January. They aren't going to get their fitness back by playing 10 minutes here and there for us.

[Jakubs Tash]

Just pulling your leg…. You were critical of our medical and recruitment teams with regard injured players.

I’m all good with that, DC….but not sure if you’re getting me mixed up with someone else? I’m happy to be corrected but can’t think of a time where I have posted anything critical on this message board about the medical or recruitment team.

[claretspice]

Ramsey's senior football has mostly been played out wide. The majority of his youth football, and his best performances in it, has been at 10.

In a Parker side he doesn't have the physicality to play as an 8 or a 6. Especially coming off the back of such a long injury. Do you seriously think he can come off the bench to replace an injured Cullen, Ugochukwu or Laurent?

He doesn't directly replace, no. But he's 2nd reserve and the other 4 cover those base positions. He can play as an 8 (and we disagree over how much football he has played there vs out wide - and interestingly Transfermarkt identifies him as an attacking midfielder first and a central midfielder second, and does not reference any other position). If we have the resources and squad space to bring in a further option, then great, but we have 5 credible options right now. Any squad involves some compromises below the first XI and first couple of bench options, particularly when the budget is limited like ours.

[Hedontplayforyou]

But we've also got last season's first choice striker, Flemming.

Personally I suspect he's actually the player we'll see most up front this season.

My point here being , if we ended up down to Barnes and Flemming we would be in trouble.

[TsarBomba]

I think we’re getting close to the realms of ripping up last seasons squad again, which was our downfall under VK.

There’s a balance to be had. There’s no point ‘strengthening’ if we’re simultaneously destroying morale.

No more signings for me now.

Edit- unless of course there are significant out goings or injuries.

[Big Vinny K]

Just pulling your leg…. You were critical of our medical and recruitment teams with regard injured players.

I think you are mistaking him for someone with a similar username

Personally given who that person is if I were Jukub’s Tash I’d have my lawyers all over this !!!

[UTC01]

Keep seeing on twitter that we were at the leverkusen game and were after tella with a handful of other clubs. Don't know if there's any truth to this but would love him back.

[Hedontplayforyou]

I think there’s an element of fantasy to bringing Tella back and it’s an easy link to fill a story, but it’s a definite yes from me and drop Barnes out the squad into a player/coach role.

[randomclaret2]

I think we’re getting close to the realms of ripping up last seasons squad again, which was our downfall under VK.

There’s a balance to be had. There’s no point ‘strengthening’ if we’re simultaneously destroying morale.

No more signings for me now.

Edit- unless of course there are significant out goings or injuries.

Its become apparent by now that large scale player trading is the owners' preferred way of doing business.

[Jakubs Tash]

I wonder if Tella could be an achievable loan deal…..

[Conroy92]

If there's one thing that Alan Pace has shown over his time here. He gets his man.

[ArmchairDetective]

Tella would be a real crowd pleaser. I do agree with the post above about being on the verge of too much change. By my reckoning it's quite possible that we'll have 6 new signings in the starting lineup against Spurs. Some of that being changes forced upon us of course. But I'd be very happy to see Tella back with the squad.

[RVclaret]

Can someone tell me which of Edwards, Larsen and Tchaouna you’d ship out, for Tella? Assuming we’d sign him, his position is inside right wing / forward like those above, and you’d think he’d have to play… so who goes? Obviously having 4 players for 1 position would be very silly, like it was last time we were promoted.

[claretspice]

Can someone tell me which of Edwards, Larsen and Tchaouna you’d ship out, for Tella? Assuming we’d sign him, his position is inside right wing / forward like those above, and you’d think he’d have to play… so who goes? Obviously having 4 players for 1 position would be very silly, like it was last time we were promoted.

Plus Broja who I think I read has played quite a bit off the right

[DCWat]

I think you are mistaking him for someone with a similar username

Personally given who that person is if I were Jukub’s Tash I’d have my lawyers all over this !!!

You’re right - my apologies to Jakubs Tash

[DCWat]

I’m all good with that, DC….but not sure if you’re getting me mixed up with someone else? I’m happy to be corrected but can’t think of a time where I have posted anything critical on this message board about the medical or recruitment team.

Apologies Julia Tash, you’re correct, my error

[CrosspoolClarets]

I think we’re getting close to the realms of ripping up last seasons squad again, which was our downfall under VK.

There’s a balance to be had. There’s no point ‘strengthening’ if we’re simultaneously destroying morale.

No more signings for me now.

Edit- unless of course there are significant out goings or injuries.

Agree with this, apart from the downfall bit. For me the downfall was replacing them with naive, inexperienced players coupled with naive, inexperienced tactics that work at a lower level or with elite players we could not afford. They wanted to keep Tella and Maatsen but missed out. Several of the others were no way good enough (incl. Muric in hindsight).

So I don’t think it is wrong for Parker to strengthen. But as you rightly say a balance has to be had, and we have it, with Esteve, Edwards, Cullen and Anthony (plus possibly Hannibal) likely to be starters.

[Jakubs Tash]

Can someone tell me which of Edwards, Larsen and Tchaouna you’d ship out, for Tella? Assuming we’d sign him, his position is inside right wing / forward like those above, and you’d think he’d have to play… so who goes? Obviously having 4 players for 1 position would be very silly, like it was last time we were promoted.

Nobody is ‘shipping’ anybody out. Tella would be an upgrade on the mentioned players. He’s versatile so can play across the front line, he presses with energy from the front, can finish and is already a huge fans favourite. His pace would be a huge asset playing on the break!

If it could be done on loan, what’s not to like about that?

[Elizabeth]

Our transfer business will be a big boost for Parker and he will now be working with a squad he's happy with unlike his PL experience with Bournemouth.
Now we have achieved our priority signings it's clear what is required now and I will be giving it a 10 / 10 if we can manage to sell 2-3 of the surplus.

[Goliath]

The pace and power of Foster, Tella, Broja and Tchuoana would be a nightmare defenders. With the touch and technique of Anthony, Edwards, Tresor and JBL, there'd be a nice blend of options there.

I think it would see the end of Koloesho though if Tella was to arrive.

[RVclaret]

Nobody is ‘shipping’ anybody out. Tella would be an upgrade on the mentioned players. He’s versatile so can play across the front line, he presses with energy from the front, can finish and is already a huge fans favourite. His pace would be a huge asset playing on the break!

If it could be done on loan, what’s not to like about that?

What’s not to like is the squad size and that area of the pitch, his strongest position (I don’t think he’s anywhere near as effective on the left) in particular, has 3 players, who just signed, already. Broja also plays there for country, so possibly 4. I think it would be absolutely mental adding another winger who’s strongest position is right there.

[Conroy92]

Tella would give us different options.

He enables us to deploy 3 up top if we should chose.
He enables us to drop Edwards into the 10. Somewhere he has previously looked effective.
He enables us to play Broja deeper, as a hold up man, with Tella running off him.

[RVclaret]

Tella would give us different options.

He enables us to deploy 3 up top if we should chose.
He enables us to drop Edwards into the 10. Somewhere he has previously looked effective.
He enables us to play Broja deeper, as a hold up man, with Tella running off him.

Those options already exist right now. Edwards is in no way shape or form a Premier League single number 10 under Parker (assuming it’s what you mean). Far too weak and small, and Parker doesn’t even play with this type of player there. He may operate as a dual 10 in a 5-2-2-1, but again that exists already.

[Spijed]

I'd be very surprised if we are still planning on spending any serious money on players before the transfer deadline.

I think as far as signing more players we are pretty much done in that respect.

Maybe get a couple of loans, or spending low fees, but our recruitment is finished I think.

[JLR81]

Those options already exist right now. Edwards is in no way shape or form a Premier League single number 10 under Parker (assuming it’s what you mean). Far too weak and small, and Parker doesn’t even play with this type of player there. He may operate as a dual 10 in a 5-2-2-1, but again that exists already.

When you're coming up with stuff like this, is there not even a quiet voice in your head saying 'hang on a second, i have absolutely no idea what i'm talking about yet i speak with such knowledge and authority.'?

it's the kind of post that gets referenced after a cple of games when Marco has been playing brilliantly and you announce that the player has either 'upped their game' or the coach has 'got something special out of him', rather and concede, like all of us really, that your opinion is complete nonsense and based on literally nothing.

[RVclaret]

When you're coming up with stuff like this, is there not even a quiet voice in your head saying 'hang on a second, i have absolutely no idea what i'm talking about yet i speak with such knowledge and authority.'?

it's the kind of post that gets referenced after a cple of games when Marco has been playing brilliantly and you announce that the player has either 'upped their game' or the coach has 'got something special out of him', rather and concede, like all of us really, that your opinion is complete nonsense and based on literally nothing.

It’s not based on literally nothing, is it?

Firstly, Parker likes physicality centrally for pressing, we saw that all last season.

Second, Edwards is small and weak, anyone with eyes can tell you that. I could provide data to back that up but hopefully we can agree without it.

Third, Edwards played as an inside right dual 10 at Shrewsbury in the recent friendly, showing Parker has thought about it.

Fourth (yes, not bad for literally nothing), a small, lightweight number 10 for a newly promoted team, who will have 30-50% of the ball, just doesn’t tick any box in the ‘How to survive in the Prem’ guide.

[Duffer_]

So I don’t think it is wrong for Parker to strengthen. But as you rightly say a balance has to be had, and we have it, with Esteve, Edwards, Cullen and Anthony (plus possibly Hannibal) likely to be starters.

Agree and think 4/5 starters represents reasonable continuity when you bear in mind that 3 nailed on starters from last season have left (largely for reasons beyond our control).

[Steddyman]

Is this the best summer transfer window ever for BFC?
Good incoming talented players with lots of PL experience,.Really good business with Trafford & Walker especially.
Soooo looking forward to seeing our starting XI today.

It will be if we sign Tella

[Conroy92]

Those options already exist right now. Edwards is in no way shape or form a Premier League single number 10 under Parker (assuming it’s what you mean). Far too weak and small, and Parker doesn’t even play with this type of player there. He may operate as a dual 10 in a 5-2-2-1, but again that exists already.

I would respectfully disagree with that.
Most number 10's across the landscape of football are in the small low centre of gravity, lightweight mold. There main job is to get in and out and play in the tight spaces. Currently we have no option who can play this way in the 10. Hannibal is all legs and your more aggressive option in there but less technical. Maybe Ramsey but I would suspect he's a long way off.
I would suggest that its the wingers job to be stronger and faster. Something which Edwards lacks.
In regards to it unlocking Broja as a hold up man, again, we only have Barnes currently who could sit in behind the striker and play the link job. And I think we all would concede should he be starting were in trouble. We could put Broja there and play Foster off him but again, were asking a lot for Lyle to suddenly be the answer.
In regards to your suggestion of a dual 10 i couldn't name one person in our squad right now who would comfortably fit a dual ten role outside of Edwards aside from Ramsey who I suspect will be a long way away. Sure people can say Hannibal but he's a long way off being a 'natural' and more similar to when Hendrick was deployed there, with an added bite.

All in all I think there's still room for a Tella and another CM this window. But I wouldn't be disappointed if we didn't get them.

Personally I'm happy with where we are and would just like to move a few on.

By the way. Don't take the above as I don't like Edward's. He's a fabulous player and he'll be key for us this season. I just can't help but watch him play and think he is more suited to an inside role.

[Jakubs Tash]

What’s not to like is the squad size and that area of the pitch, his strongest position (I don’t think he’s anywhere near as effective on the left) in particular, has 3 players, who just signed, already. Broja also plays there for country, so possibly 4. I think it would be absolutely mental adding another winger who’s strongest position is right there.

Tella is an upgrade….

He offers different qualities to some of the other players. We haven’t seen enough of Tchouana to know what Parker’s plans are with him.

Also, playing Devils Advocate, Anthony and Edwards were signed on obligations upon promotion. Who is to say these are seen as first choice this season? What if Edwards, for example, picks up frequent injuries? Just speculating…..

Whatever ‘issues’ Tella would bring would be welcomed by me.

And if it meant Koleosho and Tresor leaving then so be it. I’d rather have Tella every day of the week.

[northeastclaret]

I think we’re getting close to the realms of ripping up last seasons squad again, which was our downfall under VK.

There’s a balance to be had. There’s no point ‘strengthening’ if we’re simultaneously destroying morale.

No more signings for me now.

Edit- unless of course there are significant out goings or injuries.

You are right about VK ripping up the team , but the bigger mistake was largely replacing them with the wrong players unlike the way this window is looking.

[northeastclaret]

You are right about VK ripping up the team , but the bigger mistake was largely replacing them with the wrong players unlike the way this window is looking.

I would also add that Trafford, CJ and Josh have also
played their part in ‘ripping the team up’ rightly or wrongly.

[summitclaret]

Agree with those saying we look really light in centre mid. One injury away from being down to the absolute bare bones. On Ramsey i wouldn't be surprised if him and Beyer ended up out on loan till January. They aren't going to get their fitness back by playing 10 minutes here and there for us.

Tend to agree that we appear to be a cm player short, e.g. to cover Cullin. However, we don't yet know what some of the new signings offer. Looking at the you tube stuff Tuanzebe looks like he could cover dcm as back up to Les and Laurent. I also think Walker could in an emergency.

It's the Brownhill role that concerns me most. Ramsey should be the man, but is he fit enough and will he believe he can do it in the PL?

[TheFamilyCat]

Tend to agree that we appear to be a cm player short, e.g. to cover Cullin. However, we don't yet know what some of the new signings offer. Looking at the you tube stuff Tuanzebe looks like he could cover dcm as back up to Les and Laurent. I also think Walker could in an emergency.

It's the Brownhill role that concerns me most. Ramsey should be the man, but is he fit enough and will he believe he can do it in the PL?

We need to be looking to get Edgar and Tarks back to cover DCM.

Then stick Broja left and Dubravka in the 10.

[bpgburn]

I would respectfully disagree with that.
Most number 10's across the landscape of football are in the small low centre of gravity, lightweight mold. There main job is to get in and out and play in the tight spaces. Currently we have no option who can play this way in the 10. Hannibal is all legs and your more aggressive option in there but less technical. Maybe Ramsey but I would suspect he's a long way off.
I would suggest that its the wingers job to be stronger and faster. Something which Edwards lacks.
In regards to it unlocking Broja as a hold up man, again, we only have Barnes currently who could sit in behind the striker and play the link job. And I think we all would concede should he be starting were in trouble. We could put Broja there and play Foster off him but again, were asking a lot for Lyle to suddenly be the answer.
In regards to your suggestion of a dual 10 i couldn't name one person in our squad right now who would comfortably fit a dual ten role outside of Edwards aside from Ramsey who I suspect will be a long way away. Sure people can say Hannibal but he's a long way off being a 'natural' and more similar to when Hendrick was deployed there, with an added bite.

All in all I think there's still room for a Tella and another CM this window. But I wouldn't be disappointed if we didn't get them.

Personally I'm happy with where we are and would just like to move a few on.

By the way. Don't take the above as I don't like Edward's. He's a fabulous player and he'll be key for us this season. I just can't help but watch him play and think he is more suited to an inside role.

Some good points but to label Hannibal as all legs and less technical is off the mark. Hannibal is very good technically, strong on the ball and has a very quick footballing brain.... In my opinion of course.

[Tricky Trevor]

Can someone tell me which of Edwards, Larsen and Tchaouna you’d ship out, for Tella? Assuming we’d sign him, his position is inside right wing / forward like those above, and you’d think he’d have to play… so who goes? Obviously having 4 players for 1 position would be very silly, like it was last time we were promoted.

As I remember it, I am senile, Tella scored a lot of his goals cutting inside the FB from the left. I’d start him over Anthony every day.
Re:your first sentence all of them. He has shown in Germany he can cut it at this level.

[CaptainClaret]

I think our incoming business is done. We need to focus on trimming the fringe players and getting moves/loans for the players that need it. If we were trying to bring in loans they’d need to be of sufficient quality to give their parent clubs confidence they’ll get a significant amount of game time and experience here, and not just padding the squad in case of injury.

However, if we were still looking for a 6/8 option (and outgoings would be required to free up squad space) then maybe Lokonga from Arsenal or Barkley from Villa could be potential options.

I can’t think of any loanees in the forward area that would fit Parker’s likely style/system well. The Tella link seems like lazy journalism/speculation and much as we love him, doubtful he’s the type of player we might need. He’s also more regularly a starting player for Leverkusen these days.

[CrosspoolClarets]

As I remember it, I am senile, Tella scored a lot of his goals cutting inside the FB from the left. I’d start him over Anthony every day.
Re:your first sentence all of them. He has shown in Germany he can cut it at this level.

Germany isn’t this level.

Close, and improving, but still defences are porous (and smaller / slower) in comparison.

I’d buy Nathan for £15m max (he is 26 now so less growth than, e.g. Broja), but he is no more proven than Anthony, Edwards or Broja, to use three examples of likely starters in positions he can play in.

I’d suggest the exact tactics are key to which player works best. There will be a time for each of them over the season, or even within a single game. I do think though that fans in general understate the quality of Edwards, who for me has been only at 70% and coasting in the EFL and is now likely to step up to levels we saw in Lisbon, talent-wise I think he is the best of our attacking players and could be the key to unlocking defences.

[colne-claret]

I think our incoming business is done. We need to focus on trimming the fringe players and getting moves/loans for the players that need it. If we were trying to bring in loans they’d need to be of sufficient quality to give their parent clubs confidence they’ll get a significant amount of game time and experience here, and not just padding the squad in case of injury.

However, if we were still looking for a 6/8 option (and outgoings would be required to free up squad space) then maybe Lokonga from Arsenal or Barkley from Villa could be potential options.

I can’t think of any loanees in the forward area that would fit Parker’s likely style/system well. The Tella link seems like lazy journalism/speculation and much as we love him, doubtful he’s the type of player we might need. He’s also more regularly a starting player for Leverkusen these days.

Personally think we will use loans. Can’t help but feel we are still short in midfield and at centre half.

[Elizabeth]

I would only like to see us trying to make a loan signing
if we get a key long term injury before the transfer deadline.

[CoolClaret]

Some good points but to label Hannibal as all legs and less technical is off the mark. Hannibal is very good technically, strong on the ball and has a very quick footballing brain.... In my opinion of course.

Yeah — Hannibal is probably one of the most technically sound players in the squad. Brilliant dribbler, great touch and two-footed.

[Taffy on the wing]

Phil Bird was on commentary for an about 2 minutes there… back to the Italians now.
Penalty saved!

[Steddyman]

I know it is a BS account, but this a rumours thread after all:

https://x.com/kovacsagostontg/status/19 ... 6QKwfgixkA