Summer 2024 Transfer Window Discussion - Rumours and Links welcome

[CoolClaret]

I’d start JBG for his vision and dead ball delivery in the 10, with Brownhill coming on if we can get ourselves in a commanding position.

We should rightly let Brownhill leave if there’s a chance to sell with one year left on his contract. Would also like to see him stay though.

Yeah potentially. I do like Brownhill's pressing ability and recovery runs from the front though, I do believe that/playing as an '8' in a 4-3-3 is his best position.

I actually quite like JBG a bit deeper as well these days in the engine room of the midfield. He is just a tremendous footballer.

[Mattster]

I'd be happy to see the Ipswich keeper come in, bit of experience and height and played every game last season as they got promoted.

It would be a solid short term solution that makes financial sense.

For a 33 year old he actually hasn't played that many first team games, though obviously that didn't hold him back last season.

[NewClaret]

He can't. Simple as that. If a player wants to leave, then unless its in their contract that a certain fee has to be met, then it's in their interests and ours that they move on ASAP.

Imagine in your job the company is in a worse position than the previous year, you get a better offer from a company in a better situation and your boss tells you you have to be loyal to us? You'd tell them to do one and rightly so.

See, I just completely disagree with that (and the whole player power piece in general). I think it’s actually a really toxic thing to ‘give in’ to and can become self destructive if you do.

Let’s face it, there isn’t a single player in our squad who wouldn’t ’want to leave’ if an offer came in from a bigger club in a higher league paying bigger wages. Thats just part of life, but I just don’t think players should have all the power.

Berge is a good example of this actually - he got a £20m offer from Liverpool but Sheff U didn’t accept it. I’m sure he wanted to go, but and he got on with it and took them up. In the end he sold for £12m. So they lost £8m on one sale but went up and bagged £200m in guaranteed TV money and parachute payments. Credit to him, credit to Sheffield for standing their ground.

Obviously, I hope he does the same for us, but from my perspective that’s good management because it prioritised the club and team over an individual player.

Otherwise, what is the point of contracts? We sign Ramsey and he gets injured - we can’t say: “sorry Aaron, things have changed and you’re crocked so we want you to leave”.

Obviously there’s some nuances to all of this. We need to sell some players - how much we need to raise I’m not sure - but that creates a dynamic and maybe we’re seeing Muric and Trafford leave first because they’re the least happy for different reasons.

And I think you’re talking about players deeply unhappy here vs ones who would just make a move if it came along. But with those I would just say “We understand you want to leave but we would like you to stay, we really value you. We won’t turn down an excellent offer but we’re not selling you cheaply either. In the meantime we expect you to train hard and play”. If they refuse to, it’s training alone and constant fines. Given a lot of income is made up from bonus’, that’s not really in their interests either.

In summary, I don’t think we should bow to whims of players, especially those who were happy to sign for us less than 12 months ago and/or haven’t really earned the right to move on (Pope, Mee, Tarks, Dwight all had through good service).

[Quickenthetempo]

Berge didn't take them up straight away though did he.

[Rumpelstiltskin]

Wolves are skint do that's more of a problem

If they’re skint then that’s their problem not ours.If they can’t afford the price we want he stays.

[NewClaret]

Berge didn't take them up straight away though did he.

Had forgotten that, but he did eventually and proves even more how that strategy of retaining your best talent until you get promoted is vital if you do want to get back at it.

Plus if we have any true aspirations of “belonging” in the premier league, we just have to keep hold of the premier league quality players.

[claretonthecoast1882]

See, I just completely disagree with that (and the whole player power piece in general). I think it’s actually a really toxic thing to ‘give in’ to and can become self destructive if you do.

Let’s face it, there isn’t a single player in our squad who wouldn’t ’want to leave’ if an offer came in from a bigger club in a higher league paying bigger wages. Thats just part of life, but I just don’t think players should have all the power.

Berge is a good example of this actually - he got a £20m offer from Liverpool but Sheff U didn’t accept it. I’m sure he wanted to go, but and he got on with it and took them up. In the end he sold for £12m. So they lost £8m on one sale but went up and bagged £200m in guaranteed TV money and parachute payments. Credit to him, credit to Sheffield for standing their ground.

Obviously, I hope he does the same for us, but from my perspective that’s good management because it prioritised the club and team over an individual player.

Otherwise, what is the point of contracts? We sign Ramsey and he gets injured - we can’t say: “sorry Aaron, things have changed and you’re crocked so we want you to leave”.

Obviously there’s some nuances to all of this. We need to sell some players - how much we need to raise I’m not sure - but that creates a dynamic and maybe we’re seeing Muric and Trafford leave first because they’re the least happy for different reasons.

And I think you’re talking about players deeply unhappy here vs ones who would just make a move if it came along. But with those I would just say “We understand you want to leave but we would like you to stay, we really value you. We won’t turn down an excellent offer but we’re not selling you cheaply either. In the meantime we expect you to train hard and play”. If they refuse to, it’s training alone and constant fines. Given a lot of income is made up from bonus’, that’s not really in their interests either.

In summary, I don’t think we should bow to whims of players, especially those who were happy to sign for us less than 12 months ago and/or haven’t really earned the right to move on (Pope, Mee, Tarks, Dwight all had through good service).

Works both ways though, fans are happy enough to say get rid of (insert players name deemed not wanted) and clubs happy enough to move players on who may not want to leave. Everyone wants loyalty in football but if Parker lost his first 8 games some would want him gone despite almost 3 years on his contract.

If a player indicates he wants out it is far better for everyone else at the club that the best deal is got for that player and he is gone.

[Quickenthetempo]

Had forgotten that, but he did eventually and proves even more how that strategy of retaining your best talent until you get promoted is vital if you do want to get back at it.

Plus if we have any true aspirations of “belonging” in the premier league, we just have to keep hold of the premier league quality players.

Oh I agree with you about keeping talent. It's the only way your club can be successful.

[quoonbeatz]

See, I just completely disagree with that (and the whole player power piece in general). I think it’s actually a really toxic thing to ‘give in’ to and can become self destructive if you do.

Let’s face it, there isn’t a single player in our squad who wouldn’t ’want to leave’ if an offer came in from a bigger club in a higher league paying bigger wages. Thats just part of life, but I just don’t think players should have all the power.

Berge is a good example of this actually - he got a £20m offer from Liverpool but Sheff U didn’t accept it. I’m sure he wanted to go, but and he got on with it and took them up. In the end he sold for £12m. So they lost £8m on one sale but went up and bagged £200m in guaranteed TV money and parachute payments. Credit to him, credit to Sheffield for standing their ground.

Obviously, I hope he does the same for us, but from my perspective that’s good management because it prioritised the club and team over an individual player.

Otherwise, what is the point of contracts? We sign Ramsey and he gets injured - we can’t say: “sorry Aaron, things have changed and you’re crocked so we want you to leave”.

Obviously there’s some nuances to all of this. We need to sell some players - how much we need to raise I’m not sure - but that creates a dynamic and maybe we’re seeing Muric and Trafford leave first because they’re the least happy for different reasons.

And I think you’re talking about players deeply unhappy here vs ones who would just make a move if it came along. But with those I would just say “We understand you want to leave but we would like you to stay, we really value you. We won’t turn down an excellent offer but we’re not selling you cheaply either. In the meantime we expect you to train hard and play”. If they refuse to, it’s training alone and constant fines. Given a lot of income is made up from bonus’, that’s not really in their interests either.

In summary, I don’t think we should bow to whims of players, especially those who were happy to sign for us less than 12 months ago and/or haven’t really earned the right to move on (Pope, Mee, Tarks, Dwight all had through good service).

I think you probably just have to follow employment laws.

[NewClaret]

Works both ways though, fans are happy enough to say get rid of (insert players name deemed not wanted) and clubs happy enough to move players on who may not want to leave. Everyone wants loyalty in football but if Parker lost his first 8 games some would want him gone despite almost 3 years on his contract.

If a player indicates he wants out it is far better for everyone else at the club that the best deal is got for that player and he is gone.

Do you really think any player in our current squad wouldn’t want to join a premier league club (or other top European league) if an offer came in?

Where do you draw the line when relegated? Allow them all to leave? Start again and hire a new squad?

And what does this approach say to existing players? Kick up a fuss and you’ll be allowed to leave?

Sets an awful precedent that has corroded many a relegated side in my view. Which is a very dangerous game.

The club have to show leadership and that occasionally means being tough and putting the clubs interests above anything else, in my view.

[NewClaret]

I think you probably just have to follow employment laws.

Not sure I understand your point?

[quoonbeatz]

Not sure I understand your point?

That you can't make an employee stay if they want to leave.

(Unless there something in the contract)

[claretonthecoast1882]

Do you really think any player in our current squad wouldn’t want to join a premier league club (or other top European league) if an offer came in?

Where do you draw the line when relegated? Allow them all to leave? Start again and hire a new squad?

And what does this approach say to existing players? Kick up a fuss and you’ll be allowed to leave?

Sets an awful precedent that has corroded many a relegated side in my view. Which is a very dangerous game.

The club have to show leadership and that occasionally means being tough and putting the clubs interests above anything else, in my view.

Of course they would, I wouldn't want a squad of players who didn't want to play at the highest level. But you are going to extremes because no club has ever had every player say I want out, following relegation there is normally up to 3 players who you know will not be here. Do you think we would have benefitted in keeping Weghorst around the squad while in the Championship ? The world you seem to want football to exists in doesn't exist. Your comments also mean you can't ever hold a view that a manager should never be sacked or player be sold while under contract.

[RVclaret]

Do you really think any player in our current squad wouldn’t want to join a premier league club (or other top European league) if an offer came in?

Where do you draw the line when relegated? Allow them all to leave? Start again and hire a new squad?

And what does this approach say to existing players? Kick up a fuss and you’ll be allowed to leave?

Sets an awful precedent that has corroded many a relegated side in my view. Which is a very dangerous game.

The club have to show leadership and that occasionally means being tough and putting the clubs interests above anything else, in my view.

All this is kinda what went on at Leeds last season at the start. Gnonto and Sinesterra refused to play in games and it caused a bit of chaos, they started the season quite slowly with some of that attributable to this. Gnonto eventually got re-integrated with the team but Sinesterra was sold to Bournemouth. So I guess you either take the players on and risk that happening (rightly or wrongly) or don’t.

I will just add here that we don’t know what conversations were like when signing for us. If we had ‘soft agreements’ with players that we wouldn’t be unrealistic on transfer fees if we were relegated (and that was a persuasive factor for them to join us over, say Lazio in Amdouni’s case) then you can’t really go against that now.

[ksrclaret]

Do you really think any player in our current squad wouldn’t want to join a premier league club (or other top European league) if an offer came in?

Where do you draw the line when relegated? Allow them all to leave? Start again and hire a new squad?

And what does this approach say to existing players? Kick up a fuss and you’ll be allowed to leave?

Sets an awful precedent that has corroded many a relegated side in my view. Which is a very dangerous game.

The club have to show leadership and that occasionally means being tough and putting the clubs interests above anything else, in my view.

You draw the line at those players who have offers made for them that are sensible and acceptable to the club.

We will need to sell our better players and it's far more likely than not that Berge and Odobert will be sold. You'll be disappointed if you think the club can just "demand loyalty" and that will make the situation go away.

[Row x]

It does seem to be dragging on, if the rumours were true. It will be one hell of an intro video .

He's said his goodbyes in Brazil, photos in Manchester etc etc so must be happening, not easy dealing with Brazilian clubs though

[NewClaret]

All this is kinda what went on at Leeds last season at the start. Gnonto and Sinesterra refused to play in games and it caused a bit of chaos, they started the season quite slowly with some of that attributable to this. Gnonto eventually got re-integrated with the team but Sinesterra was sold to Bournemouth. So I guess you either take the players on and risk that happening (rightly or wrongly) or don’t.

I will just add here that we don’t know what conversations were like when signing for us. If we had ‘soft agreements’ with players that we wouldn’t be unrealistic on transfer fees if we were relegated (and that was a persuasive factor for them to join us over, say Lazio in Amdouni’s case) then you can’t really go against that now.

Fair point about Leeds - they stuck to their guns on a few.

Also agree that we don’t know the agreements that were held at the time, but I would also disagree with us making any such commitments before they’ve even played for us because it immediately sets the expectation and so they’re inevitably less invested. Plus it’s open to interpretation - who knows if Amdouni had bagged 20 and we’d been relegated… our view and the agents view on a soft fee might be very different then. On the plus side we don’t appear to have had any buy out clauses this time, which I also disagree with.

[NewClaret]

You draw the line at those players who have offers made for them that are sensible and acceptable to the club.

We will need to sell our better players and it's far more likely than not that Berge and Odobert will be sold. You'll be disappointed if you think the club can just "demand loyalty" and that will make the situation go away.

I agree it’s more likely than not that they will do, because they’re good players, but if I were Pace I wouldn’t allow it with those who signed a year ago.

Odobert for example is 19, came from a relegated French side and we gave him a shot at the premier league where his value has inevitably shot up - good for him, his agent and us. We’ve presumably looked after him well behind the scenes too and helped him settle in the country. I think there’s a case there to be asking for one more season.

Berge I can make more of a case for as he’s a bit older, but again has demonstrated loyalty before so no reason not to expect the same for us.

It’s surprising though that so many of these awful players that Kompany signed are attracting such interest.

[ksrclaret]

I agree it’s more likely than not that they will do, because they’re good players, but if I were Pace I wouldn’t allow it with those who signed a year ago.

Odobert for example is 19, came from a relegated French side and we gave him a shot at the premier league where his value has inevitably shot up - good for him, his agent and us. We’ve presumably looked after him well behind the scenes too and helped him settle in the country. I think there’s a case there to be asking for one more season.

Berge I can make more of a case for as he’s a bit older, but again has demonstrated loyalty before so no reason not to expect the same for us.

It’s surprising though that so many of these awful players that Kompany signed are attracting such interest.

You're setting yourself up for disappointment here. They will be sold if a sensible offer comes along for them.

As for your last point, Berge and Odobert aren't awful. Who else is attracting interest for you to describe it as "so many"?

[NewClaret]

That you can't make an employee stay if they want to leave.

(Unless there something in the contract)

Employment law would suggest they’re under contract unless the club accepts an offer for their transfer. They can’t move unless the club agrees to it.

[JarrowClaret]

For me I would agree that there is no harm keeping a player that clearly wants to move if your valuation isn’t met as long as you are clear and honest with them and they are professional. Maybe ask them to give you until January or whatever.

[NewClaret]

You're setting yourself up for disappointment here. They will be sold if a sensible offer comes along for them.

As for your last point, Berge and Odobert aren't awful. Who else is attracting interest for you to describe it as "so many"?

I’m honestly not going to be disappointed, it’s what I expect to happen, not what I want to happen or what I would do though. The disappointment will only come next year if we’re uncompetitive or stumbling.

Muric and Trafford to start, that’s four.

O’Shea linked with Celtic. Rumoured interest in Foster (Villa) and Esteve had links earlier in the season. JBL linked with Fulham. Assignon linked to Roma. A lot of last years players are getting links to big clubs.

[Pearcey]

Pires confirmed

[Ric_C]

Even if we sold Berge, Muric, Trafford, Odobert and Foster

We would need to bring in a couple of GKs and a few strikers (which we knew anyway)

We would still have Koleosho, Cullen, JBG, Brownhill, Benson, Zaroury, Tresor, Redmond etc

Berge would be the biggest shame if we sold him, as he is a joy to watch. Any of the others going wouldn't be the end of the world

[NewClaret]

Pires signed.

[ksrclaret]

I’m honestly not going to be disappointed, it’s what I expect to happen, not what I want to happen or what I would do though. The disappointment will only come next year if we’re uncompetitive or stumbling.

Muric and Trafford to start, that’s four.

O’Shea linked with Celtic. Rumoured interest in Foster (Villa) and Esteve had links earlier in the season. JBL linked with Fulham. Assignon linked to Roma. A lot of last years players are getting links to big clubs.

Well given that, not even including loans, Kompany brought in 27 first team players and not one has been sold to date (although Muric becoming the first seems imminent), I think you're getting a little overly excited there. Let's see how much this interest turns into sales first.

Not that I think Kompany brought in a load of awful players, mind. Aside from a handful, they're mostly fine, they were just part of a team that was awfully managed and in which there was no discipline, but that's another matter I'm sure that nobody wants me to rehash on this transfers thread.

[NewClaret]

Of course they would, I wouldn't want a squad of players who didn't want to play at the highest level. But you are going to extremes because no club has ever had every player say I want out, following relegation there is normally up to 3 players who you know will not be here. Do you think we would have benefitted in keeping Weghorst around the squad while in the Championship ? The world you seem to want football to exists in doesn't exist. Your comments also mean you can't ever hold a view that a manager should never be sacked or player be sold while under contract.

But you have to consider the extremes because if you set an a standard with one player you can’t treat another player differently so you have to consider the ‘what ifs’. And there’s a scenario where we receive a lot of offers this summer.

My comments don’t mean you can’t hold a view that manager cannot be sacked or a player sold. Fans can hold whatever opinion they like, they’re not relevant because the only two parties involved in the contract are the player and club. If we sign a player or manager I believe the club should fulfil their obligations and act professionally at all times until the contract ends. So, for instance, they should not be ‘frozen out’ to force a move unless they’d done something wrong. I wouldn’t support that. And if a manager is let go for poor performance they should receive the full compensation they’re entitled to as part of their contract.

Likewise, if the club decide not to sell the player should remain professional, train hard, and have the right attitude until the club does get the right offer at the right time. Which for me wouldn’t be this summer (especially for those signed last summer).

Obviously there’s individual circumstances you can understand. Muric, Trafford and Tresor seem to be the most ****ed off and understandably to varying degrees linked to playing time, so in my view they should be moved on first, but I feel differently about the players who were entrusted a lot, played lots of games and took us down.

On Weghorst I could also understand his position re: WC but if we’d asked him to stay I’d have expected him to be professional about it, stayed and done his talking on the pitch.

[NewClaret]

Well given that, not even including loans, Kompany brought in 27 first team players and not one has been sold to date (although Muric becoming the first seems imminent), I think you're getting a little overly excited there. Let's see how much this interest turns into sales first.

Not that I think Kompany brought in a load of awful players, mind. Aside from a handful, they're mostly fine, they were just part of a team that was awfully managed and in which there was no discipline, but that's another matter I'm sure that nobody wants me to rehash on this transfers thread.

Well I hope you’re right because bar maybe Muric/Trafford/Tresor I hope we don’t receive any offers.

[Row x]

It does seem to be dragging on, if the rumours were true. It will be one hell of an intro video .

Not dragging any more

[Commy]

Not dragging any more

It was a while since the rumours said he had signed.

[NewClaret]

According to talkbfc the medical I mentioned earlier was for Hountondji.

[Murger]

Surprised we haven’t been linked with Parker’s keeper at Fulham Marek Rodak, especially as he has no club.

[burnley007]

Surprised we haven’t been linked with Parker’s keeper at Fulham Marek Rodak, especially as he has no club.

Never heard of him, but he was at Fulham for 10 years.

If Parker likes him, would make sense.

[NickBFC]

Surprised we haven’t been linked with Parker’s keeper at Fulham Marek Rodak, especially as he has no club.

Agree, would have seemed a decent and sensible signing in our current circumstances. Mainstay of Fulham's promotion season.

[randomclaret2]

According to talkbfc the medical I mentioned earlier was for Hountondji.

They were quoting Andy Jones, who now says the club have told him there was no Hountondji medical today. He does still expect the deal to go ahead however

[gandhisflipflop]

I know you can’t go off the YouTube videos but from what I’ve seen he looks a bit clumsy to me. Still, he gets my full support should he sign!

[mdd2]

Well I hope you’re right because bar maybe Muric/Trafford/Tresor I hope we don’t receive any offers.

We need lots of offers. Our first team squad aged over 21 is currently 32 meaning at least 7 need to leave or go out on loan and if we want to sign other players then that number of 7 becomes 8, 9 etc

[NewClaret]

They were quoting Andy Jones, who now says the club have told him there was no Hountondji medical today. He does still expect the deal to go ahead however

Ah, sorry, didn’t see that.

Might’ve been for the Ipswich GK then.

[BigGaz]

Hearing from a source that is respected that the agent of a player that we don't necessarily want to leave is getting on the 'ends' of some of the suits and theyre considering shifting him because of this.

Also hearing that you'll begin to see some fairly significant movement begin to take place from this week. I did get told this earlier today so assume he means that winger we're close to and Pires, but also fringe players heading out, of which Twine and McNally have things lined up.

Also hinted that a certain club interested in Berge baulked at the price and have enquired about the availability of another midfielder beginning with B instead....

[summitclaret]

Bastian I hope.

[123EasyasBFC]

Hearing from a source that is respected that the agent of a player that we don't necessarily want to leave is getting on the 'ends' of some of the suits and theyre considering shifting him because of this.

Also hearing that you'll begin to see some fairly significant movement begin to take place from this week. I did get told this earlier today so assume he means that winger we're close to and Pires, but also fringe players heading out, of which Twine and McNally have things lined up.

Also hinted that a certain club interested in Berge baulked at the price and have enquired about the availability of another midfielder beginning with B instead....

Getting on the end of some of the suits?

I’d image the other b being brownhill to wolves

[BigGaz]

Yes, a diplomatic way of saying getting on the boob ends..

[123EasyasBFC]

Yes, a diplomatic way of saying getting on the boob ends..

Really hope it’s not the agent of esteve or koleosho

[claret2018]

I wonder how you get started as a football agent. It seems like money for old rope

[ClaretTony]

They were quoting Andy Jones, who now says the club have told him there was no Hountondji medical today. He does still expect the deal to go ahead however

Maybe he had his medical yesterday

[Jakubs Tash]

Maybe he had his medical yesterday

So, was there no medical at all today or was it for a different player altogether…..?

[ClaretTony]

So, was there no medical at all today or was it for a different player altogether…..?

I was commenting on the suggestion that there was no medical for Hountondji today

[Jakubs Tash]

I was commenting on the suggestion that there was no medical for Hountondji today

Yes, I realise that.

Quite a number of other people (on this board and social media) suggested they had heard/been told there was a medical booked today.

I realise I quoted you but I wasn’t necessarily asking you directly (unless you know the answer…?).

[blatherwickstattoos]

Getting on the end of some of the suits?

I’d image the other b being brownhill to wolves

Know who I’d rather keep. I those the first one could be tresor with upsetting the boardroom with his awol antics.

[ClaretTony]

Yes, I realise that.

Quite a number of other people (on this board and social media) suggested they had heard/been told there was a medical booked today.

I realise I quoted you but I wasn’t necessarily asking you directly (unless you know the answer…?).

I didn’t say there wasn’t a medical today. I said if there wasn’t then maybe it was done on a previous day.