Where are we best looking for signings ?

[s6t9a2f3f]

There's not many premiership clubs we can poach players from unless there 2 or 3rd choice but it is a option I suppose, but recent times with Drinkwater and Chalobah it is a risk.


Championship - probably mixed bag - outside the likes of West Brom, Sheff Utd and Fulham I think we have the clout to buy the best players at the likes of Reading, Forest, Stoke, Middlesbrough etc etc - I know we have had mixed results with the likes of Gibson and until this season Vid but still a good option.


Europe ? not sure how better or expansive our network has improved TBH - If just going by recent years not confident but a option.


Within ? there's promise and quality in green shoots but to blood them in premiership ? doubtful for me.


It's not going to be easy for any club recruiting, but the likes of us, Newcastle, Palace, possibly Wolves (although their super agent might throw them a few bones) need quite a lot of surgery.

[Newcastleclaret93]

It all depends how much money we have available.

I would say it’s almost a guarantee our signings come from the championship as that’s where they have practically all come from. However, will we be priced out of the market? It’s rumoured Stoke want 20m for the CB we were chasing. Toney is rumoured to be on the market for 30-35m. I just don’t see how our club can afford a signing of this calibre anymore.

Probably go for a few free agents this summer in Mowatt, Bryan, Lundstram.

That should tide us over for another season whilst the new owners increase revenue.

[superdimitri]

Hopefully we don't wait until we're at the checkout and shop last min in the bargain bin this time.

[ClaretAndJew]

Considering we've not increased our spending budget with this takeover, we'll see more of the same.

So, Stoke.

[SalisburyClaret]

Barnsley - should be relatively cheap and used to tactics based on long passes and pressing

[Elbarad]

I hope we take some chances on some young USA players. More and more are going to play in European leagues. With our new owners of cuorse from the USA I would like to see us take a few chances there.

[Darthlaw]

Ideal world would see us taking on the talent which the bigger teams overlook, with a view to offering them PL football and moving them on when they make the grade.

The likes of Trippier, Mee, Keane, Ings (to a lesser extent) and now Dwight should be cited as examples of what we can offer. Whilst the likes of Jadon Sancho are unlikely, you'd imagine we could do something to achieve a good standard of player, with a mentality of working hard to get their move to boot.

It looks like we're trying that. We'll just have to see if it comes off.

[Vegas Claret]

down the back of the sofa

[ClaretTony]

I hope we take some chances on some young USA players. More and more are going to play in European leagues. With our new owners of cuorse from the USA I would like to see us take a few chances there.

Issues bringing in players from outside of the UK with work permits

[Vegas Claret]

Eastern European leagues would possibly give the best value

[tiger76]

Given the dire financial situation at many Championship clubs there should be some bargains to be had this window I'd hope, obviously a lot depends on our own finances, and who goes out the door to generate funds, but assuming we get a fair amount for Gibson & Tarks then we should be looking at a couple of £5-7m signings from the Champ surely.

[GodIsADeeJay81]

Eastern European leagues would possibly give the best value

We have to factor in visa/brexit now, makes it a little more difficult.

[Vegas Claret]

We have to factor in visa/brexit now, makes it a little more difficult.

yeah for sure, living over here in the US I haven't over followed it (got sick of hearing about it!!) so not sure where that currently stands

[Chester Perry]

yeah for sure, living over here in the US I haven't over followed it (got sick of hearing about it!!) so not sure where that currently stands

basically means that 80% of the foreign players that have played in British football would never have been allowed in when they were - includes the lives of a young Virgil Van Dyke and many many other star names - I suspect Chris Wood would be in the same boast as would JBG when he went to Charlton. English football would certainly look a lot different, as the rules cover managers/coaches as well

[Vegas Claret]

basically means that 80% of the foreign players that have played in British football would never have been allowed in when they were - includes the lives of a young Virgil Van Dyke and many many other star names - I suspect Chris Wood would be in the same boast as would JBG when he went to Charlton. English football would certainly look a lot different, as the rules cover managers/coaches as well

Yeah I understand that but how does it affect it going forward ? I know there used to be rules about "international" players having to have played games for their countries - does that still exist ? Are they making exceptions for "elite" people however that is judged ? (not just football but across all occupations)

[brexit]

Xavi's got a shopping list

[jurek]

Quite a few clubs have brought in players from overseas in the past
who have made an impact for their clubs and not cost the earth.
And subsequently been sold on for big money.
Notably Leicester with Kante and Mahrez.
Brentford have done the same but with lower league players.

We haven't managed to do either but seem to have concentrated on the Championship
albeit fees for players from the Championship seem to have rocketed over the last few seasons.

The AISCOUT system has brought in a few at youth level but will probably need more time
before it can unearth gems who can compete for a first team place.

So it seems we'll have to seek players in the bargain basement in terms of transfer fees
as can't see us competing for those who are 15m or above.
Unless there's one or two departing (Tarks, McNeil and'or Pope?) who may command
20m+ and give us more to spend on incoming.

A mixed approach may be the best. A few out (Brady, JBG?), possibly one or two on loan and a few others?

We certainly need to strengthen the squad and try and find one or two
who can challenge for a start.

[Transpennine]

Ceefax p312.

[Chester Perry]

Yeah I understand that but how does it affect it going forward ? I know there used to be rules about "international" players having to have played games for their countries - does that still exist ? Are they making exceptions for "elite" people however that is judged ? (not just football but across all occupations)

points based system - the FA campaigned hard to make it difficult, easier if coming direct from the other big European Leagues and ones with recognised talent development historically, also if an international within FIFA's top 50 ranking - it is easier to get in from a number of South American countries than a quite a number of European nations now.

[aggi]

Yeah I understand that but how does it affect it going forward ? I know there used to be rules about "international" players having to have played games for their countries - does that still exist ? Are they making exceptions for "elite" people however that is judged ? (not just football but across all occupations)

Players get given points depending on what league they play in, what they've won, what nation they represent, how many games they've played, etc and a player needs a certain amount of points to get a work permit. You need to be pretty established to get enough points, players like Kante, Mahrez, etc wouldn't qualify now.

[randomclaret2]

Considering we've not increased our spending budget with this takeover, we'll see more of the same.

So, Stoke.

How do you know that ?

[Vegas Claret]

points based system - the FA campaigned hard to make it difficult, easier if coming direct from the other big European Leagues and ones with recognised talent development historically, also if an international within FIFA's top 50 ranking - it is easier to get in from a number of South American countries than a quite a number of European nations now.

you would expect that to drive the transfer fees even higher then

[GodIsADeeJay81]

you would expect that to drive the transfer fees even higher then

Quite possibly yes, so this summer could be interesting for everyone.

[Vegas Claret]

so what happens to all the foreign kids in the Chelsea, Man City, Man Utd (for example) academies ? None of those would meet the mentioned criteria for a work permit

[GodIsADeeJay81]

so what happens to all the foreign kids in the Chelsea, Man City, Man Utd (for example) academies ? None of those would meet the mentioned criteria for a work permit

They're already here, so I assume they've been given dispensation to stay.

[Vegas Claret]

They're already here, so I assume they've been given dispensation to stay.

well you imagine they are in the UK on a work permit that will have an expiry date. Maybe there is a clause in the Brexit rules to let them stay as you say - does the same rule (if it exists) apply to other professions ?

[GodIsADeeJay81]

well you imagine they are in the UK on a work permit that will have an expiry date. Maybe there is a clause in the Brexit rules to let them stay as you say - does the same rule (if it exists) apply to other professions ?

Screenshot_20210518_162617_com.android.chrome.jpg (342.89 KiB) Viewed 3325 times

For non-eu citizens not a lot changed.

[warksclaret]

Strengthening our squad does not necessarily involve huge outlays. The guys responsible for getting our players in could do worse than have a thorough investigation on how Peterborough, Brentford , WHU and a few other clubs manage to find the Souceks and Coufals and the Ivan Toveney's of this world. Maybe do a bit of networking with these clubs. We have lost that ability to be SMART in the market-we had it under Howe and Cotterill and to some degree under Stan. For example when WHU signed Soucek they asked him "if we could sign one player from your country who would it be?". He gave them Coufal's name who has been sensational. The pair cost a total of £10.5m which is probably what we paid in total for Rodriguez. While at it also ask the WHU guys how they managed to get both Dawson and Lingard on loan.

[Claret Toni]

In no particular order, I suggest:

Anderlecht
Brentford
Charlton Athletic

[Spijed]

Strengthening our squad does not necessarily involve huge outlays. The guys responsible for getting our players in could do worse than have a thorough investigation on how Peterborough, Brentford , WHU and a few other clubs manage to find the Souceks and Coufals and the Ivan Toveney's of this world. Maybe do a bit of networking with these clubs. We have lost that ability to be SMART in the market-we had it under Howe and Cotterill and to some degree under Stan. For example when WHU signed Soucek they asked him "if we could sign one player from your country who would it be?". He gave them Coufal's name who has been sensational. The pair cost a total of £10.5m which is probably what we paid in total for Rodriguez. While at it also ask the WHU guys how they managed to get both Dawson and Lingard on loan.

I notice you fail to mention any bad signings clubs make. For example, West Ham paid £30 million for Sébastien Haller who turned out to be a complete dud.

I presume they don't count in your world of perfect signings by other clubs.

[GodIsADeeJay81]

I notice you fail to mention any bad signings clubs make. For example, West Ham paid £30 million for Sébastien Haller who turned out to be a complete dud.

I presume they don't count in your world of perfect signings by other clubs.

They sold him to Ajax for £22 million too

West Ham have signed some right duffers over the years

[warksclaret]

SPIJED-There is no club in the land thats not made a bad signing. If you do your homework right then you will see how they made their mistakes and avoid doing the same. They probably never had the checks in place at the time. I tell you what though they may have made some poor signings in the past but making up for it now particularly since David Moyes has been there, and played us off the park recently. Tell me Soucek,Coufal, Lingard, Dawson,Jarred Bowen are poor buys or loans

Love to hear how you would strengthen the squad. All you do is criticise posts and never have any solutions-I guess you are from the school of "lets do nothing"

[KRBFC]

The French sides are broke, obviously aside from PSG before some smart arse comes along.

Lille have just sold one of their best players to Leicester for £15m and they're about to win the league title. I have no idea how Lille are so broke with some of the players they've sold recently.

I read recently the top goalscorer in the Eredivisie Giorgos Giakoumakis could be sold for £5M. He has 26 league goals, 7 ahead of the player in 2nd. Pretty sure he'll become the first ever player to win the golden boot with a relegated Eredivisie side.

[MrTopTier]

We have new football adviser, so hopefully the net will be widened a little.

[Hedontplayforyou]

We have new football adviser, so hopefully the net will be widened a little.

Who’s this then?

[MrTopTier]

Paul Jenkins

[MrTopTier]

https://www.gazettelive.co.uk/sport/foo ... 625018.amp

[Woodleyclaret]

Slavia Prague
West Ham looking for another Czech bargain
Maybe we should talk to Vyds about international colleagues who fancy a Premier league berth

[Quicknick]

Barnsley - should be relatively cheap and used to tactics based on long passes and pressing

They might come up, though.

[boatshed bill]

Netto?

[warksclaret]

Slavia Prague
West Ham looking for another Czech bargain
Maybe we should talk to Vyds about international colleagues who fancy a Premier league berth

You've got it Woodley-exactly what I was saying. I am sure we got players from Stoke in a similar way, once one had moved. The other areas is looking at the fringes of the top clubs-Jack Harrison is a great example-two seasons now at Leeds on loan. Wouldn't you mind the young winger James of Man Utd on loan-with pace to burn. Never gets a look in with more new young faces at Man Utd emerging to compete with him

[Dyched]

The French sides are broke, obviously aside from PSG before some smart arse comes along.

Lille have just sold one of their best players to Leicester for £15m and they're about to win the league title. I have no idea how Lille are so broke with some of the players they've sold recently.

I read recently the top goalscorer in the Eredivisie Giorgos Giakoumakis could be sold for £5M. He has 26 league goals, 7 ahead of the player in 2nd. Pretty sure he'll become the first ever player to win the golden boot with a relegated Eredivisie side.

I searched what team he plays for as I couldn’t understand how a relegated player could have so many. His team concedes almost 3 goals a game .

[jdrobbo]

For me, it’s the championship, but it will require us to stretch the envelope that little bit more. It’s a pool abundant with talented players. We have to go and get it!

[Dyched]

Players that come in and do the job. Same as we’ve been doing since Sean Dyche came in. A few more prospects would be perfect. But pros that come in and do a job for 2/3/4 years are perfect. There’s also no real danger of them leaving to better things. Think the likes of Ward, Westwood, Cork, Arfield etc etc. Those types plus a few younger, hungrier players would be perfect. The way we work as well would make the younger players earn the right to play. Look at Dwight, took his chance and the shirt is his.

Where to look? Championship/Lower Premier League for the ageing types and the top clubs for the youngsters. They’ll be lots of players knocking around.

[Herts Clarets]

Our best players in recent times have come from either:

Cast offs from top Premier League youth teams - Trippier, Mee, Keane, McNeil
Teams with good scouting networks like Brentford - Gray, Tarkowski

Sure there are plenty of other markets where good players can be found within our price range and the new leadership and recruitment teams can look beyond the likes of Dale Stephens who has been a waste of £1m in transfer fees and probably another £1-1.5m in wages for a grand total of 7 appearances. And yes i know other teams make bad signings, but apart from it saving us from having more than 2 keepers on the subs bench, there were no redeeming factors what so ever in that signing.

[JohnMac]

Surely AISCOUT brings with it the same problems regarding overseas candidates?

[warksclaret]

Our best players in recent times have come from either:

Cast offs from top Premier League youth teams - Trippier, Mee, Keane, McNeil
Teams with good scouting networks like Brentford - Gray, Tarkowski

Sure there are plenty of other markets where good players can be found within our price range and the new leadership and recruitment teams can look beyond the likes of Dale Stephens who has been a waste of £1m in transfer fees and probably another £1-1.5m in wages for a grand total of 7 appearances. And yes i know other teams make bad signings, but apart from it saving us from having more than 2 keepers on the subs bench, there were no redeeming factors what so ever in that signing.

..and I bet no-one will ever own up for being instrumental for getting Stephens over the line

[Dyched]

Our best players in recent times have come from either:

Cast offs from top Premier League youth teams - Trippier, Mee, Keane, McNeil
Teams with good scouting networks like Brentford - Gray, Tarkowski

Sure there are plenty of other markets where good players can be found within our price range and the new leadership and recruitment teams can look beyond the likes of Dale Stephens who has been a waste of £1m in transfer fees and probably another £1-1.5m in wages for a grand total of 7 appearances. And yes i know other teams make bad signings, but apart from it saving us from having more than 2 keepers on the subs bench, there were no redeeming factors what so ever in that signing.

The Stephens signing isn’t as bad as many make out.

How many years did we go without CM numbers? We brought him in as insurance for the more favourable CMs. If we went the other way and spent £10/15m there is no telling that they’d play ahead of Sean Dyches more favourable choices. Look at Mee/Tarkowski and Gibson and then Vydra (albeit given his chance after a while but only due to injuries). Had we suffered a few more injuries Stephens would have been used a few more times.

[warksclaret]

Yes there has been a resistance to "throw i " new signings in, or even after a considerable time-Vyds, Tarks, Gibson, Keane,Ward. Remember Vyds coming on v I think Olympiakos and thinking in the few minutes he was on, that this guy was everywhere and a handful. I think he may even have scored. Then he spent almost two seasons before he got a games

[claretgimmer]

It would help our finances if players like,Defour ( injury probs I know), Hendrick, Brady weren`t walking away without any transfer fees being involved given our initial outlay, hopefully this will be adressed under our new owners, not a sustainable policy.