Free agents

[Claret_tinted]

Now the retained and released list has been published I would expect the club to be after:

Izzy Brown
Josh King
Connor Wickham
Andy Carroll
Ryan Bertrand
Josh Sims
Kerion Gibbs
Grosiki
Patrick Van Aanholt
Yaya Sango

And of course

Henry Lansbury

[Steve1956]

22 at Palace...Dyche ain't going there for sure.

[CnBtruntru]

Grosiki, Imagine his gambling debts now after the lockdown.

[GodIsADeeJay81]

Love to be a fly on the wall when Ben Mee saw Andy Carroll at training...

[Steve1956]

Josh King...poor man's Chris Wood....fingers crossed this dosent happen

[Newcastleclaret93]

22 at Palace...Dyche ain't going there for sure.

Only 3 of the ten players featured more than 10 times last season.

The rebuild at Burnley is just as big. Except we don’t have the same finances.

[Newcastleclaret93]

Love to be a fly on the wall when Ben Mee saw Andy Carroll at training...

Must admit that would be a fascinating conversation, it looked like Carroll was going out of his way to elbow Mee.

[GodIsADeeJay81]

We don't know Palaces transfer kitty, if its the alleged £50 million I've seen mentioned, it ain't going far.

We don't need a large number of players.
Couple of wingers, couple of CB's and maybe a creative CM.
If Tarks goes for a reasonable amount then financially that helps.
We've already got room in the wage bill.

Our squad is already pretty settled, Palace's won't be if they under go wholesale changes to the squad

[CnBtruntru]

Brown or Sims as cover for wing and midfield others all to old

[jedi_master]

Robin Quaison out of contract at Mainz, another player we apparently tried to sign last summer on a free.

Knowing how Dyche operates, he does tend to return to old targets. I wouldn’t be shocked at all to see any of King, Quaison, Worrall or Davies come in.

[Spike]

Josh King...poor man's Chris Wood....fingers crossed this dosent happen

Joking more likely

[Steve1956]

Joking more likely

If Wood was to go....you could see this happening....well I could anyway...hope not though.

[Newcastleclaret93]

We don't know Palaces transfer kitty, if its the alleged £50 million I've seen mentioned, it ain't going far.

We don't need a large number of players.
Couple of wingers, couple of CB's and maybe a creative CM.
If Tarks goes for a reasonable amount then financially that helps.
We've already got room in the wage bill.

Our squad is already pretty settled, Palace's won't be if they under go wholesale changes to the squad

I get your point to an extent but there starting eleven is practically not going to change. This could very well be the starting eleven for them in august even after everyone leaves:

Guita
Mitchell, Tomkins, Kouyate, Ferguson
Riedelwald, milejovic,
Zaha, Ayew, Eze/Mateta
Benteke

That team is not a bad team at all to inherit. 50m to invest into that team would improve them.

As you said we need arguably 5 players, that’s going to be close to 50m.

[Steve1956]

I get your point to an extent but there starting eleven is practically not going to change. This could very well be the starting eleven for them in august even after everyone leaves:

Guita
Mitchell, Tomkins, Kouyate, Ferguson
Riedelwald, milejovic,
Zaha, Ayew, Eze/Mateta
Benteke

That team is not a bad team at all to inherit. 50m to invest into that team would improve them.

As you said we need arguably 5 players, that’s going to be close to 50m.

5 players 50 million???
5 decent ready out of the box players...more like 80 million,can't see us getting 3 new first teamers let alone 5

[bobinho]

Josh King...poor man's Chris Wood....fingers crossed this dosent happen

Look at the list again Steve.... he’s clearly messing about. A thinly disguised dig at our transfer policy no doubt.

[Funkydrummer]

According to the BBC the other day, Zaha wants away.

If that's true, that's them seriously weakened.

[Local cricketer]

I get your point to an extent but there starting eleven is practically not going to change. This could very well be the starting eleven for them in august even after everyone leaves:

Guita
Mitchell, Tomkins, Kouyate, Ferguson
Riedelwald, milejovic,
Zaha, Ayew, Eze/Mateta
Benteke

That team is not a bad team at all to inherit. 50m to invest into that team would improve them.

As you said we need arguably 5 players, that’s going to be close to 50m.

Think you need to change your name to NewcastleEagle93

[ClaretTony]

According to the BBC the other day, Zaha wants away.

If that's true, that's them seriously weakened.

How good is Zaha? I know Palace struggle without him but I’m not sure he’s as good as he thinks he is.

[Funkydrummer]

He's a legend in his own mind !!!

[CleggHall]

Agreed, Zara is a large fish in a small pond, fancies himself, constantly moans at officials and team-mates and must be a nightmare to play with. Hodgson has handled him well, Ferguson less so.

[ClaretTony]

Agreed, Zara is a large fish in a small pond, fancies himself, constantly moans at officials and team-mates and must be a nightmare to play with. Hodgson has handled him well, Ferguson less so.

Although Ferguson signed him, he was immediately loaned back to Palace. By the time he got to Man U it was Moyes in charge.

[Steve1956]

Look at the list again Steve.... he’s clearly messing about. A thinly disguised dig at our transfer policy no doubt.

I just think he's serious buddy

[Iloveyoubrady]

I’ve always thought van aanholt plays well against us. Not sure if he’s actually any good though.

[ClaretTony]

I’ve always thought van aanholt plays well against us. Not sure if he’s actually any good though.

I always remember the goal he scored against us for Leicester when they beat us 4-0. Ben Mee played for them that day.

He played for Allardyce at Sunderland and he went straight in to sign him when he took over at Palace. Good player I think and am surprised he’s only 30.

[djemba-djemba]

How good is Zaha? I know Palace struggle without him but I’m not sure he’s as good as he thinks he is.

He’s outstanding. I wish we had a player even half as good as Wilf.

[bobinho]

He’s a good player not a great one, who arguably would be better if he concentrated on the football instead of the theatrics, but also I think he’d be less effective if he did. Does that make sense? I knew what I meant anyway...

[Belgianclaret]

I wonder who’ll take a gamble on signing Grozsicky now...

[Conroysleftfoot]

How good is Zaha? I know Palace struggle without him but I’m not sure he’s as good as he thinks he is.

Don't think he's been brilliant in the season that's just finished.Eze has looked better than him in a lot of the games i watched.

[boatshed bill]

I wonder who’ll take a gamble on signing Grozsicky now...

i'd say the odds against him getting a decent deal in England are lengthening somewhat.

[ClaretTony]

i'd say the odds against him getting a decent deal in England are lengthening somewhat.

32 now and only 2 starts and 1 sub appearance last season in the Premier League. I doubt there will be a queue for him.

[ClaretTony]

Don't think he's been brilliant in the season that's just finished.Eze has looked better than him in a lot of the games i watched.

I’m not suggesting he’s poor or anything like that but I don’t think he’s as good as some would wish to make out.

[diamondpocket]

Ayew also out of contract at Swansea and leaving after missing out on promotion. Could he be a decent back up?

[Hedontplayforyou]

As far as free agents are concerned you’d probably say Quaison would be looked at again given previous links.

Jeff Schlupp perhaps.
Joel ward maybe to replace Bardsley if he was offered a coaching role instead ? That’s just an idea nothing more
I’d much prefer a younger right back to come in to take the reigns, the only right back I’d want in his 30s is Trippier (not happening)

Takuma Asano - Japan international without a club at present - formerly at Arsenal as a kid , would be worth taking on trial perhaps to see what he’s got , right footed and primarily plays or played from the left.

[NickBFC]

Ayew also out of contract at Swansea and leaving after missing out on promotion. Could he be a decent back up?

Think I read he was on 75k a week at Swansea so I'd pass.

[beddie]

How good is Zaha? I know Palace struggle without him but I’m not sure he’s as good as he thinks he is.

He didn’t cut it at Man U and I’m not sure which club would take the gamble bearing in mind he won’t be going on the cheap I wouldn’t imagine.

[GodIsADeeJay81]

Takuma Asano - Japan international without a club at present - formerly at Arsenal as a kid , would be worth taking on trial perhaps to see what he’s got , right footed and primarily plays or played from the left.

From a Brand expansion point of view, he's worth a look.

[Hedontplayforyou]

From a Brand expansion point of view, he's worth a look.

My thoughts entirely, if there’s a decent player there to push Dwight then 2 birds 1 stone

[COBBLE]

I have not got the stats but I seem to recall Zaha turning games on their head fairly regularly including at least once against us. If Palace lose Zaha I put them on the list of teams we can beat, like if West Ham lose Moyes and Lingard, Villa lose Grealish, Spurs lose Kane and Son and Saints lose Ings.

[Grimsdale]

I get your point to an extent but there starting eleven is practically not going to change. This could very well be the starting eleven for them in august even after everyone leaves:

Guita
Mitchell, Tomkins, Kouyate, Ferguson
Riedelwald, milejovic,
Zaha, Ayew, Eze/Mateta
Benteke

That team is not a bad team at all to inherit. 50m to invest into that team would improve them.

As you said we need arguably 5 players, that’s going to be close to 50m.

Eze and Ferguson are both expected to be out for at least 6 months so you won't be seeing them in August, plus if Zaha gets his transfer that looks like a very poor team to inherit.

[ecc]

Zaha is still one of the fastest players in the PL. The problem with him is he only makes an effort when he feels like it. Which, despite his perennial wanting away combined with Palace's demand in terms of a fee, is why he's still at SP.

[Jakubclaret]

Zaha is still one of the fastest players in the PL. The problem with him is he only makes an effort when he feels like it. Which, despite his perennial wanting away combined with Palace's demand in terms of a fee, is why he's still at SP.

From his point of view he's had the big move & failed, maybe he's just happy he's got an affinity with the club from his early days & all his family & friend's are probably from Croydon or nearby, it's where he's loved & wanted & that's more important than the move, it's only the media stirring it up he does want out, as zaha ever put a transfer request in if he's that unhappy that answers your question for you.

[Hanoverusaclaret]

I always laugh at those who like to say this or that player is terrible... Josh King being one such above. I know it is all a matter of opinions but seriously? King would more than add to our options. Maybe didn't make a splash at Everton, but would be more than an average player for us. It was noticeable how many said the same about Lingard... then had to take it all back when he was a world beater for West Ham.
Hopefully this window we actually get in whom Sean wants. It is time to back him or lose him. Without him we're in big trouble.

[timshorts]

I’ve always thought van aanholt plays well against us. Not sure if he’s actually any good though.

He used to be quality - even in a rubbish Sunderland side, but I expect he's showing his age now.

[warksclaret]

I always laugh at those who like to say this or that player is terrible... Josh King being one such above. I know it is all a matter of opinions but seriously? King would more than add to our options. Maybe didn't make a splash at Everton, but would be more than an average player for us. It was noticeable how many said the same about Lingard... then had to take it all back when he was a world beater for West Ham.
Hopefully this window we actually get in whom Sean wants. It is time to back him or lose him. Without him we're in big trouble.

I think Josh King is a better striker than the Ashley Barnes of this season, and miles quicker. Also based on this season better than Jay Rod too. More goals last season would have seen a higher finish, and I think with a pre-season he would fit into our team. I saw him play for Bournemouth before lockdown and he is quick and strong, and a handful. Never got the chance at Everton.Worth a gamble

[Jakubclaret]

He used to be quality - even in a rubbish Sunderland side, but I expect he's showing his age now.

Aren't we all, things you used to be able to do when you was younger become increasingly taxing the older you get & footballs no different.

[GodIsADeeJay81]

According to the BBC the other day, Zaha wants away.

If that's true, that's them seriously weakened.

Just read online that Utd have a 25-30% sell on clause after they sold Zaha back to Palace
That could be interesting.

[Jambounchained]

Asano would be a great signing.

Although, I’m not getting too excited about the prospects of signing someone from abroad.

[Long Time Lurker]

A lot of the interesting free agents have already gone. We still seem to be under the bizarre impression that we can only do our business when the transfer window is open. Other clubs are well aware that they can talk to players and put deals in place prior to the window opening. They just have to wait to complete the paper work. That is why the first day of the window is very busy for a lot of clubs and why a flurry of signings are announced immediately - especially foreign clubs.

Obviously, Brexit has thrown a very big and very predictable spanner in the works. Our ability to pick up any cheaper players from abroad or find hidden gems in foreign markets is now a lot more difficult. If a player isn't currently playing for their National team getting a work permit will represent a big hurdle. That applies to free agents as well.

Add in the Covid situation, which has increased the demand for cost effective free transfers, and we have a difficult job ahead of us.

None of the big name, big wage, veterans in the OP lit up my world. Signing David Roam on a free transfer instead of giving out a new contract to Pieters would have been a good move.

Timo Hubers of Hannover 96 and Daleho Irandust of Hacken are good players on their day. Both are available on free transfers, but they have chequered injury histories that are a cause for concern. Hubers has suffered from ongoing knee problems and Irandust has experienced a collection of recent hip and groin injuries. Irandust could qualify for a work permit, while Hubers probably has no chance.

David Gugganig of WSG Tirol is another interesting one. Not somebody that would immediately challenge for a first team birth, but the type of player we could develop. Sadly, I think he would fail the work permit cut as well. The same would apply to Lukas Muhl of FC Nuremberg as well.

Given the age and wage expectations of most domestic free agents, not to mention the competition for some of their signatures, I think we will probably end up scraping the barrel if we are reliant on not spending. That would bring players like Adam Reach who was with Sheffield Wednesday into play, along with Connor Ogilvie and Jordan Graham who just left Gillingham. None of them have Premier League quality, but the latter two are reasonably young and definitely have Championship potential - which is better than the league one potential that most of our development squad substitutes appear to have.

Like it or not we are a club that is sitting on the fine line between the Premier League and the Championship, with little to no cash to spend. We should currently have one eye on relegation ( because it is a very real possibility ) and what our team would look like a year down the line if that should happen. As things stand we would have some high wage earning veterans ( even with relegation wage reductions ), a bunch of players sold or out of contract and ( with the exception of one or two stand outs ) a small collection of league one hopefuls. A couple of Championship potential players might be very welcome in that scenario.

Wider afield we have Robin Quaison and Ryan Gauld. Quaison is a good player, but I'm not sure he fits our winger requirement and we have an abundance of striker ( unless we have it in mind to sell one ). Ryan Gauld is an okay technical player who had a good season last year. However, the Portuguese League is a lot weaker than the Premier League and it favours technical players. Given the probable competition for his signature, his position as an attacking midfielder, and his slight physicality I would probably give him a miss - unless it meant a big money saving that we could spend elsewhere.

[CharlieinNewMexico]

A lot of the interesting free agents have already gone. We still seem to be under the bizarre impression that we can only do our business when the transfer window is open. Other clubs are well aware that they can talk to players and put deals in place prior to the window opening. They just have to wait to complete the paper work. That is why the first day of the window is very busy for a lot of clubs and why a flurry of signings are announced immediately - especially foreign clubs.

Obviously, Brexit has thrown a very big and very predictable spanner in the works. Our ability to pick up any cheaper players from abroad or find hidden gems in foreign markets is now a lot more difficult. If a player isn't currently playing for their National team getting a work permit will represent a big hurdle. That applies to free agents as well.

Add in the Covid situation, which has increased the demand for cost effective free transfers, and we have a difficult job ahead of us.

None of the big name, big wage, veterans in the OP lit up my world. Signing David Roam on a free transfer instead of giving out a new contract to Pieters would have been a good move.

Timo Hubers of Hannover 96 and Daleho Irandust of Hacken are good players on their day. Both are available on free transfers, but they have chequered injury histories that are a cause for concern. Hubers has suffered from ongoing knee problems and Irandust has experienced a collection of recent hip and groin injuries. Irandust could qualify for a work permit, while Hubers probably has no chance.

David Gugganig of WSG Tirol is another interesting one. Not somebody that would immediately challenge for a first team birth, but the type of player we could develop. Sadly, I think he would fail the work permit cut as well. The same would apply to Lukas Muhl of FC Nuremberg as well.

Given the age and wage expectations of most domestic free agents, not to mention the competition for some of their signatures, I think we will probably end up scraping the barrel if we are reliant on not spending. That would bring players like Adam Reach who was with Sheffield Wednesday into play, along with Connor Ogilvie and Jordan Graham who just left Gillingham. None of them have Premier League quality, but the latter two are reasonably young and definitely have Championship potential - which is better than the league one potential that most of our development squad substitutes appear to have.

Like it or not we are a club that is sitting on the fine line between the Premier League and the Championship, with little to no cash to spend. We should currently have one eye on relegation ( because it is a very real possibility ) and what our team would look like a year down the line if that should happen. As things stand we would have some high wage earning veterans ( even with relegation wage reductions ), a bunch of players sold or out of contract and ( with the exception of one or two stand outs ) a small collection of league one hopefuls. A couple of Championship potential players might be very welcome in that scenario.

Wider afield we have Robin Quaison and Ryan Gauld. Quaison is a good player, but I'm not sure he fits our winger requirement and we have an abundance of striker ( unless we have it in mind to sell one ). Ryan Gauld is an okay technical player who had a good season last year. However, the Portuguese League is a lot weaker than the Premier League and it favours technical players. Given the probable competition for his signature, his position as an attacking midfielder, and his slight physicality I would probably give him a miss - unless it meant a big money saving that we could spend elsewhere.

Welcome back LTL!

[Foshiznik]

Brown or Sims as cover for wing and midfield others all to old

The same Josh Sims who played for Doncaster Rovers in League one this season? I hope we have bigger aspirations than that.