Summer transfer window 2023 - rumours, links and discussion.

[Newcastleclaret93]

Seen an article this morning linking THB with a move to Newcastle.

That’s a bad move for THB not sure he will get any kind of regular minutes

[theonlywayisup]

THB was arguably our best player prior to his injury. He has come back well. Hope we keep him. You need to hold on to quality, possible loan.

[Lancasterclaret]

As has already been said, THB is absolutely quality, but we haven't got vacancies at CH

We don't have a bottomless pit of cash (or loan options) so have to be careful

[RicardoMontalban]

Given that we need to box a little smarter with our reduced loan numbers, and CH isn’t a spot we’re chronically short in, don’t imagine THB is a priority this summer.

[Sutton-Claret]

Seen an article this morning linking THB with a move to Newcastle.

They're trying to weaken us again like they did buying Wood..... they're scared.

[agreenwood]

The Sheraldo Becker (Union Berlin) links appear to be growing a little stronger, although other clubs are supposedly interested.

[NewClaret]

Given that we need to box a little smarter with our reduced loan numbers, and CH isn’t a spot we’re chronically short in, don’t imagine THB is a priority this summer.

No and his insta message did sound a bit like a goodbye to me.

I see him as a player with huge potential but also thought his passing was often pretty poor & conceded possession. I’d have liked to have signed him to develop but also would be very happy with Beyer, AlDakhil, Ekdal and McNally as our 4 CB’s next season.

McNally’s contribution to Covs miraculous form since he joined in Jan & possibly top clean sheets in the division shouldn’t be overlooked.

[HistoricalClaret]

Football insider said we are interested in a permanent deal for THB alongside Newcastle that was the article. If we get Trafford it would be a permanent but we have GK targets in front of him.

[RVclaret]

No and his insta message did sound a bit like a goodbye to me.

I see him as a player with huge potential but also thought his passing was often pretty poor & conceded possession. I’d have liked to have signed him to develop but also would be very happy with Beyer, AlDakhil, Ekdal and McNally as our 4 CB’s next season.

McNally’s contribution to Covs miraculous form since he joined in Jan & possibly top clean sheets in the division shouldn’t be overlooked.

Surprised you’ve said that, THB easily the best passing cb we have/had. One of the only ones who can accurately hit the distance passes whether it’s diags or vertical line breakers.

[Browntuba]

The Sheraldo Becker (Union Berlin) links appear to be growing a little stronger, although other clubs are supposedly interested.

Becker would be an ace signing

[NewClaret]

Surprised you’ve said that, THB easily the best passing cb we have/had. One of the only ones who can accurately hit the distance passes whether it’s diags or vertical line breakers.

He puts an awful lot out of play though RV (albeit because he puts the ball at risk more than the others). I count a lot that go for goal kicks/throw ins. But against Cardiff even his short passing was off, counted about 3 that didn’t reach their man/were passed out of play. Again can perhaps excuse in that he hasn’t been playing much recently.

[Lancasterclaret]

So we'd have Beckenbeyer and Beckenbecker?

[theonlywayisup]

RVclaret wrote

Surprised you’ve said that, THB easily the best passing cb we have/had. One of the only ones who can accurately hit the distance passes whether it’s diags or vertical line breakers.

We need to keep him.

[Quickenthetempo]

Surprised you’ve said that, THB easily the best passing cb we have/had. One of the only ones who can accurately hit the distance passes whether it’s diags or vertical line breakers.

I know you study the stats far more than me, but I read a headline from the stats thread posted on here yesterday, his passing wasn't very progressive.

Not sure if you have seen the thread.

[PremierLeagueClass]

I don’t think we’ve seen anything from THB that the other 3 can’t do. Obviously he’s very young and has a high ceiling, but If we can’t sign him permanently (getting a return on our investment) I’d look to bring in a bigger physical presence. Our loan allowances would be better utilised elsewhere.

[RVclaret]

I know you study the stats far more than me, but I read a headline from the stats thread posted on here yesterday, his passing wasn't very progressive.

Not sure if you have seen the thread.

Yes I saw that - it wasn’t showing it wasn’t progressive (he actually had the 2nd most in the league on that graphic), just that the progressive passes weren’t key progressive passes (eg leading to a chance).

I don’t think we’ve seen anything from THB that the other 3 can’t do. Obviously he’s very young and has a high ceiling, but If we can’t sign him permanently (getting a return on our investment) I’d look to bring in a bigger physical presence. Our loan allowances would be better utilised elsewhere.

I think this is a fair point. I think the emergence of Al-Dakhil in particular decreases the need to loan THB again, like you I’d rather we use that loan elsewhere. If we can get him permanently then yes I think we’d more than likely see an ROI down the track.

[claretspice]

THB may well prove in time a very good defender. He was excellent for us early in the season, although I think Beyer has overtaken him. If he's available to purchase at the right price he'd be a good addition to give us 4 front line centre backs (which we'll want).

However, his biggest attribute is his passing. That's been a huge feature for us this season because our defenders haven't had to defend too much and so breaking the lines has been really important. Equally, one of his weaknesses I think is pace - he's quick enough but not outright quick so can be exposed in transition. I can see that ability to scramble when our possession breaks down being a big deal next season. Al Dakhil's passing isnt as good as THB's and hes less experienced, but i can see his pace alongside Beyer being invaluable and it wouldn't surprise me if he started regularly as a result. That would make THB a sub and he'd be a hell of a luxury for that role.

[Tricky Trevor]

just that the progressive passes weren’t key progressive passes (eg leading to a chance).

What a ridiculous stat. So his pass got there but because the players in front of him didn’t make better use of it that is a negative. Mind blown.

[Gibbo]

Joel Piroe, its a yes from me.
Who is Joel Piroe? The Swansea City man wanted by Rangers and Burnley - http://newsnow.co.uk/share?u=https%3A// ... a4b5&sid=3 (Via NewsNow)

[RVclaret]

What a ridiculous stat. So his pass got there but because the players in front of him didn’t make better use of it that is a negative. Mind blown.

Not particularly a negative, he’s a cb so it’s expected his passes will be less ‘chance creating’, compared to a centre mid, for example.

[ArmchairDetective]

Sheraldo Becker is an interesting one, if it is true that we're interested. He's 28 years old and figures have been quoted of €15-20M. That price could be way off the mark with just one year remaining on his contract, but he doesn't exactly fit the mould with little resale value compared to others we've signed under VK.

If the price quoted is accurate I'd say it's either paper talk or it represents a shift in our approach to transfers this season.

[Colburn_Claret]

Surprised you’ve said that, THB easily the best passing cb we have/had. One of the only ones who can accurately hit the distance passes whether it’s diags or vertical line breakers.

That's just not true.
He can, and has, hit some champagne passes, but he has also hit some shockers. My biggest concern was that he got bullied by big physical apes.
He's still young and can grow/learn out of that, but he certainly isn't a priority for us.
That said I'd happily welcome him back if he should return.

[warksclaret]

Surprised you’ve said that, THB easily the best passing cb we have/had. One of the only ones who can accurately hit the distance passes whether it’s diags or vertical line breakers.

THB has pedigree and will be an appreciating asset. If he is captaining the England U-21's this Summer and there will be a number of scouts looking at him. He is already at the Nathan Collins level, if not better without having played in the PL, plus he looks a very good team player. McNally is well off his standard though improving

[Bigvince]

On Sheraldo Becker, could he be an alternative to Tella if we don’t get him?

[warksclaret]

Whilst Ekdal is one of our CH's with huge quality and skills, his pace will be seriously tested in the PL where there is a great amount of inter passing, one two's and getting to the bye line by some of the world's best attacking players including defenders. This results in our other CH having to keep this in the back of their mind and covering

[Firthy]

Not convinced about Becker, I think he'd put the ball over the net too often

[RicardoMontalban]

RVclaret wrote

Surprised you’ve said that, THB easily the best passing cb we have/had. One of the only ones who can accurately hit the distance passes whether it’s diags or vertical line breakers.

We need to keep him.

No doubt he’s had a good season for us before the injury, but given he’s not ours to keep and our resources are finite, is him either occupying a loan spot or taking a considerable fee to sign the best use of those resources?

Given the 4 CHs we have already are no slouches I’d say no.

[Foshiznik]

Whilst Ekdal is one of our CH's with huge quality and skills, his pace will be seriously tested in the PL where there is a great amount of inter passing, one two's and getting to the bye line by some of the world's best attacking players including defenders. This results in our other CH having to keep this in the back of their mind and covering

I don't think there are any question marks on his speed of awareness and reactions that would cause concerns with the pace of the game (imo of course). My only concern would be his running pace against the likes of speed demons like Salah, Saka, Haaland, etc.

[NewClaret]

Joel Piroe, its a yes from me.
Who is Joel Piroe? The Swansea City man wanted by Rangers and Burnley - http://newsnow.co.uk/share?u=https%3A// ... a4b5&sid=3 (Via NewsNow)

Seems a weak link but I’d be very happy with that one.

[Petersa]

Not convinced about Becker, I think he'd put the ball over the net too often

Dear dear Firthy ..that really deserves a double fault...new balls please

[RicardoMontalban]

Not convinced about Becker, I think he'd put the ball over the net too often

What the deuce?

[Firthy]

Dear dear Firthy ..that really deserves a double fault...new balls please

That was an ace reply

[KRBFC]

Whilst Ekdal is one of our CH's with huge quality and skills, his pace will be seriously tested in the PL where there is a great amount of inter passing, one two's and getting to the bye line by some of the world's best attacking players including defenders. This results in our other CH having to keep this in the back of their mind and covering

Ekdal got burnt by Teemu Pukki despite a five yard head start, has to be a concern. I also saw him start for Sweden and put in a proper shocker where his man Lukaku scored an easy hat trick

[davideyresleftear]

The Sheraldo Becker (Union Berlin) links appear to be growing a little stronger, although other clubs are supposedly interested.

Looks like he’s had a good season in the Bundesliga but I wouldn’t be surprised if the club are feeding links to drive Southampton’s price for Tella down by showing we have other targets. It would be effective if Tella is set on joining us above anyone else, since Southampton would already have little bargaining power.

[boyyanno]

Sheraldo Becker is an interesting one, if it is true that we're interested. He's 28 years old and figures have been quoted of €15-20M. That price could be way off the mark with just one year remaining on his contract, but he doesn't exactly fit the mould with little resale value compared to others we've signed under VK.

If the price quoted is accurate I'd say it's either paper talk or it represents a shift in our approach to transfers this season.

Hopefully we can include Weghorst in any deal and kill two birds with one stone.

[Guller Bull]

Wout the pawn star!

[Foshiznik]

Hopefully we can include Weghorst in any deal and kill two birds with one stone.

Probably have to pay them the £10-15m just to give them Weghorst before another fee for Becker on top.

[Vegas Claret]

if Newcastle want THB we can kiss that one goodbye on wages alone. Newcastle will now suffer from the famous 'Man Utd Tax' where a player automatically gets 10 million added to his price just because they have loads of money.

[bfcmik]

Looks like he’s had a good season in the Bundesliga but I wouldn’t be surprised if the club are feeding links to drive Southampton’s price for Tella down by showing we have other targets. It would be effective if Tella is set on joining us above anyone else, since Southampton would already have little bargaining power.

I think clubs like Palace, Brentford (with Tomey going), Leeds etc., may also be in the hunt once Southampton put it around that they would listen to offers.

[Stockbrokerbelt]

The same Ekdal that had not had a pre-season?

[arise_sir_charge]

Ekdal got burnt by Teemu Pukki despite a five yard head start, has to be a concern. I also saw him start for Sweden and put in a proper shocker where his man Lukaku scored an easy hat trick

Ekdal getting ‘burnt’ by Pukki is a myth.

He was essentially wrong footed by a pass that wasn’t actually aimed at Pukki. He recovered reasonably well.

I’m not saying Ekdal is lightening quick, he isn’t (Al Dhakil is by the way) but he’s certainly no slower than Mee or Tarks and they did fine.

[PremierLeagueClass]

if Newcastle want THB we can kiss that one goodbye on wages alone. Newcastle will now suffer from the famous 'Man Utd Tax' where a player automatically gets 10 million added to his price just because they have loads of money.

Ah the first “if (insert team) want (insert player) we’ve got no chance” of the summer

[Jakubs Tash]

Ekdal getting ‘burnt’ by Pukki is a myth.

He was essentially wrong footed by a pass that wasn’t actually aimed at Pukki. He recovered reasonably well.

I’m not saying Ekdal is lightening quick, he isn’t (Al Dhakil is by the way) but he’s certainly no slower than Mee or Tarks and they did fine.

Agreed. People are quickly forgetting that, not only was Ekdal thrown in at the deep end (in regards fitness/stage of the season), but also how he was actually utterly superb for us. A classy defender.

[NewClaret]

I think clubs like Palace, Brentford (with Tomey going), Leeds etc., may also be in the hunt once Southampton put it around that they would listen to offers.

The important thing, as with all transfers really, is where the player wants to be. Clubs can tout him around wherever but he doesn’t have to join.

If he loves the place as much as he seems to, I think we’ll stand a good chance. Hopefully signing his mate Obafemi could help.

[Ightenhill_Claret]

Agreed. People are quickly forgetting that, not only was Ekdal thrown in at the deep end (in regards fitness/stage of the season), but also how he was actually utterly superb for us. A classy defender.

Yeah and I think the debate the club had about signing him at the time he was signed was that he'd not played for a few weeks since the end of the Swedish season (late November).

I think with a full pre-season he's just going to keep getting better. And Jakubs right, he was superb for us when he played.

[claretspice]

Pretty sure our best period of the season defensively was when Ekdal was in the team. Don't think that was an accident and he might have been our most intelligent defender this season. I'm happy enough with him playing a role next season and agree with the point hes as quick as some defenders who have done well in the top flight. The only issue is the high line we will play against many teams, but I think he's smart enough to manage that. Him Al Dakhil and Beyer are 3 excellent options at centre back. Just need a 4th.

[trawlen]

Pretty sure our best period of the season defensively was when Ekdal was in the team. Don't think that was an accident and he might have been our most intelligent defender this season. I'm happy enough with him playing a role next season and agree with the point hes as quick as some defenders who have done well in the top flight. The only issue is the high line we will play against many teams, but I think he's smart enough to manage that. Him Al Dakhil and Beyer are 3 excellent options at centre back. Just need a 4th.

Charlie Taylor... Our fourth choice

[Elizabeth]

I'd go as far as saying if we signed the City loanee now I'd be disappointed. The other three excite me a lot and I'd like to see money go on other positions

[DCWat]

Pretty sure our best period of the season defensively was when Ekdal was in the team. Don't think that was an accident and he might have been our most intelligent defender this season. I'm happy enough with him playing a role next season and agree with the point hes as quick as some defenders who have done well in the top flight. The only issue is the high line we will play against many teams, but I think he's smart enough to manage that. Him Al Dakhil and Beyer are 3 excellent options at centre back. Just need a 4th.

Would you not include McNally as the fourth?

He looked to be a decent enough prospect from the little I saw of him and the way that he’s done at Coventry, since moving on loan, suggests he’d at least be worthwhile as back up.

[jedi_master]

Ekdal was beaten for pace a few times - but it didn't cost us because his intelligence and positional play was first rate. He is a very clever defender and I think actually was Beyer's best partner.