Summer transfer window

[dermotdermot]

IMG_4913.jpeg

“Keep him in the team for two years”? That can’t be right.

[boatshed bill]

Yes I criticised him during the premier league campaign and was correct he was way out of his depth.
I've admitted he improved last season but let's not forget it was in front of an impeccable defence in a lesser league.
I haven't got anything wrong I still don't think he's premier league ready this season. In 12 months if he's had a blinder I'll hold my hands up, your the only one jumping the gun too early.

Yes, an impeccable defence, admittedly in a lower league, rather than a dodgy defence in a superior league.
James Trafford wasn't terrible in the PL, a bit raw but anyone who wanted to could see the potential.

[Hibsclaret]

We got spanked at Brentford, as an example, and Trafford made some absolutely top drawer saves whilst getting beaten by a few worldies. He was not out of his depth in the prem but he was playing in a system and team that was out of its depth. Anyone suggesting him being so bad are blissfully unaware of the fact that he was let down by his manager first and foremost along with some of his outfield colleagues. That said, he improved again last season which is why he is going up the food chain.

[Darnhill Claret]

Why would anyone think that a 20 year old footballer didn't have tons of improvement to come, especially down the spine of the team, where it is much tougher.
Some young footballers serve an apprenticeship in the first team. Trafford is still learning and still developing, both physically and his game awareness. That comes with more mistakes and misjudgements, than will happen in years to come, although mistakes will still happen.
During this time we need to accept those mistakes and still offer our support as supporters.
Happier atmosphere in the ground means that those players can keep their confidence at a higher level than if they are unfairly criticised.

Win/win.

[mybloodisclaret]

Exactly and a £40 million gamble on a player that flopped in the premier league last time is a big ask.
City know him better than anyone and clearly aren't confident he's worth that sort of money

Yes of course Bumba, when negotiating always ensure you approach the seller offering the very highest price.

City are always going to say they don't think he's at 40 mill value at present. They are trying to save a few quid.

[MeeActon1]

“Keep him in the team for two years”? That can’t be right.

Lost in translation probably. It was translated from Turkish, think it means they will keep him at the club rather than in the team itself.

[bumba]

We got spanked at Brentford, as an example, and Trafford made some absolutely top drawer saves whilst getting beaten by a few worldies. He was not out of his depth in the prem but he was playing in a system and team that was out of its depth. Anyone suggesting him being so bad are blissfully unaware of the fact that he was let down by his manager first and foremost along with some of his outfield colleagues. That said, he improved again last season which is why he is going up the food chain.

Wasn't he one of the lowest ranking players in the player ratings that season?
Everyone can see the potential but players develop at different ages and stages and he got pushed a step to far too soon

[Guller Bull]

A) Trafford is a great keeper and is getting better.
B) Confidence was knocked in a poorly performing Prem side and most people felt Kompany put him under the glare for way to long. Remains to be seen how he will fair at this level now but he is on a steep and quick learning curve. Self confidence has been restored.
C) He is worth a lot of money for many reasons. Ability, Potential, Age, English etc etc

As for the rest it's pretty much just about you're own opinions.

If he goes he will be a hard act to follow but will put some cash in the pot. If he stays we will find the answer to number 2.

[TheFamilyCat]

Wasn't he one of the lowest ranking players in the player ratings that season?
Everyone can see the potential but players develop at different ages and stages and he got pushed a step to far too soon

Player ratings count for **** all. Loads of fans, most of whom were smarting over Muric not getting picked, never gave him a fair ride and some blamed him for pretty much every goal we conceded.

[claretonthecoast1882]

Player ratings count for **** all. Loads of fans, most of whom were smarting over Muric not getting picked, never gave him a fair ride and some blamed him for pretty much every goal we conceded.

As perfectly displayed when he had a brilliant game away at Brighton and earned us a point and the Muric cheer leaders still marked him down claiming every save were saves any goalkeeper would make.

[jojomk1]

From SSN
Leeds sign Stach from Hoffenheim
Leeds United have signed defensive midfielder Anton Stach from Hoffenheim.

The initial fee is £17.4m plus add-ons.

The 26-year-old played 30 times in the Bundesliga last season as Hoffenheim finished 11th, scoring once and registering two assists.

He has been capped twice by Germany, and becomes the sixth summer addition for Daniel Farke’s side.

Haven't they also signed Longstaff

[Woodleyclaret]

It's bad enough reading about media darlings DL without this getting posted on here Please post on Leeds forum.

[Ric_C]

It's bad enough reading about media darlings DL without this getting posted on here Please post on Leeds forum.

Yeah, don't be posting any of that actual transfer window information in this thread, stick to discussing James Trafford v Muric and whether it is a training camp or not.

Consider yourself scolded jojomk1

[nil_desperandum]

It's bad enough reading about media darlings DL without this getting posted on here Please post on Leeds forum.

This thread is for updates on summer transfer activity.
Many of the posts are off topic, but this one - at least - is relevant.

[Grimsdale]

Article in the Manchester Evening News saying we aren't interested in signing Stefan Ortega from City.

Also saying that Newcastle are still interested in Trafford, but if they meet our asking price, we have to inform City, who would then have three days to match it.

https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk ... s-32108361

[BigChaCha]

I'm impressed with Sunderland and Leeds buys so far, us, not so much!... Not necessary with the buys we've made so far; they look okay for the most part, but for the purchases we haven't made in critical areas...

Just three and a bit weeks until our first game, and we have the same strikeforce that is nowhere near good enough and a weaker central midfield than we had last year. We don't even have a Berge level of player in there like last time, and a slightly improved defence in terms of quality, especially in terms of numbers, but like at the same time last time, we are failing to fill those areas that needed improving the most...

I am not sure we have fully learnt from our last experience... I warned about 3 weeks before the last Prem season, and I was mocked and called a clown for doing so by everyone in here when I said we had a poor transfer window, and I was proven right as always and then everyone else agreed after 4 or 5 games... I like Laurent and Barnes for the Championship, but the fact that they are so prominent in training videos on social media for a team about to play in the Premier League should send shudders down your spine! Worrying times

[dandeclaret]

I'm impressed with Sunderland and Leeds buys so far, us, not so much!... Not necessary with the buys we've made so far; they look okay for the most part, but for the purchases we haven't made in critical areas...

Just three and a bit weeks until our first game, and we have the same strikeforce that is nowhere near good enough and a weaker central midfield than we had last year. We don't even have a Berge level of player in there like last time, and a slightly improved defence in terms of quality, especially in terms of numbers, but like at the same time last time, we are failing to fill those areas that needed improving the most...

I am not sure we have fully learnt from our last experience... I warned about 3 weeks before the last Prem season, and I was mocked and called a clown for doing so by everyone in here when I said we had a poor transfer window, and I was proven right as always and then everyone else agreed after 4 or 5 games... I like Laurent and Barnes for the Championship, but the fact that they are so prominent in training videos on social media for a team about to play in the Premier League should send shudders down your spine! Worrying times

I was proven right as always…….. how’s your ego?

[randomclaret2]

I'm impressed with Sunderland and Leeds buys so far, us, not so much!... Not necessary with the buys we've made so far; they look okay for the most part, but for the purchases we haven't made in critical areas...

Just three and a bit weeks until our first game, and we have the same strikeforce that is nowhere near good enough and a weaker central midfield than we had last year. We don't even have a Berge level of player in there like last time, and a slightly improved defence in terms of quality, especially in terms of numbers, but like at the same time last time, we are failing to fill those areas that needed improving the most...

I am not sure we have fully learnt from our last experience... I warned about 3 weeks before the last Prem season, and I was mocked and called a clown for doing so by everyone in here when I said we had a poor transfer window, and I was proven right as always and then everyone else agreed after 4 or 5 games... I like Laurent and Barnes for the Championship, but the fact that they are so prominent in training videos on social media for a team about to play in the Premier League should send shudders down your spine! Worrying times

Having done it twice now , maybe the owners are happy with the Relegation / Promotion cycle, and besides they have a shiny new project to be focussing on..

[martin_p]

Article in the Manchester Evening News saying we aren't interested in signing Stefan Ortega from City.

Also saying that Newcastle are still interested in Trafford, but if they meet our asking price, we have to inform City, who would then have three days to match it.

https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk ... s-32108361

The quicker Ederson goes the better, might accelerate the Trafford situation and it’s getting to the point where it needs sorting quickly.

[jedi_master]

I'm impressed with Sunderland and Leeds buys so far, us, not so much!... Not necessary with the buys we've made so far; they look okay for the most part, but for the purchases we haven't made in critical areas...

Just three and a bit weeks until our first game, and we have the same strikeforce that is nowhere near good enough and a weaker central midfield than we had last year. We don't even have a Berge level of player in there like last time, and a slightly improved defence in terms of quality, especially in terms of numbers, but like at the same time last time, we are failing to fill those areas that needed improving the most...

I am not sure we have fully learnt from our last experience... I warned about 3 weeks before the last Prem season, and I was mocked and called a clown for doing so by everyone in here when I said we had a poor transfer window, and I was proven right as always and then everyone else agreed after 4 or 5 games... I like Laurent and Barnes for the Championship, but the fact that they are so prominent in training videos on social media for a team about to play in the Premier League should send shudders down your spine! Worrying times

I think this would all be accurate and fair, if it was the day before Spurs. We're about three big signings off and it needs to be proper money or proper loans (2 X Central Midfield, 1 X Centre Forward) but from the links to the likes of Diouf, Soucek, Sargent etc it is clear to me the club are working on it. Clearly it now needs to happen but I am sure it will.

[Spijed]

I am not sure we have fully learnt from our last experience... I warned about 3 weeks before the last Prem season, and I was mocked and called a clown for doing so by everyone in here when I said we had a poor transfer window, and I was proven right as always and then everyone else agreed after 4 or 5 games...

Considering you've no more knowledge or information than anyone else on here what makes you say that?

[Big Vinny K]

I'm impressed with Sunderland and Leeds buys so far, us, not so much!... Not necessary with the buys we've made so far; they look okay for the most part, but for the purchases we haven't made in critical areas...

Just three and a bit weeks until our first game, and we have the same strikeforce that is nowhere near good enough and a weaker central midfield than we had last year. We don't even have a Berge level of player in there like last time, and a slightly improved defence in terms of quality, especially in terms of numbers, but like at the same time last time, we are failing to fill those areas that needed improving the most...

I am not sure we have fully learnt from our last experience... I warned about 3 weeks before the last Prem season, and I was mocked and called a clown for doing so by everyone in here when I said we had a poor transfer window, and I was proven right as always and then everyone else agreed after 4 or 5 games... I like Laurent and Barnes for the Championship, but the fact that they are so prominent in training videos on social media for a team about to play in the Premier League should send shudders down your spine! Worrying times

Just started a crowd funding page for your statue

Early days - we are on minus three quid right now

[Dark Cloud]

Looking from the outside it SEEMS that the club are resigned to Trafford going, not least because the lad wants his big money move and to improve his chances of getting the England gig. The club also, quite rightly, know they've got quite an in demand asset there and are holding out for big bucks. The problem could well be that after a flurry of pretty decent early transfer business, the protracted, yet inevitable sale of Trafford is now causing something of a log jam and preventing funds coming in. He's 99% certain to be going, so we need to just get it done I feel.

[ksrclaret]

It was clear to everyone almost immediately that the 2023 summer window left us with a bloated but totally unbalanced squad that wouldn't be experienced or robust enough for the challenge ahead. I don't think it took a genius to comment on it and BigChaCha certainly wasn't the lone voice as he claims to be.

The recruitment so far has pointed to lessons learned with everyone looking up to the challenge physically and some experience brought in as well. The problem is most of it improves the periphery of the pitch whilst we've lost big players from the spine and not replaced them yet. The challenge now is to make sure we get a minimum of 1 GK, 1 CM, and 1 CF who are all top end in the next few weeks. That will be what determines if we complete this season or struggle to get to 20 points.

[willsclarets]

Can't pay too much attention in terms of comparison to what Leeds, Sunderland or anyone else is doing. No one knows how signings will pan out, what injuries will beset which teams, who will unexpectedly shine at a higher level from existing squad members. We've no idea who is currently done the best business or otherwise. Especially as others have said, that the season is yet to start

[ollieclarets8]

Looking from the outside it SEEMS that the club are resigned to Trafford going, not least because the lad wants his big money move and to improve his chances of getting the England gig. The club also, quite rightly, know they've got quite an in demand asset there and are holding out for big bucks. The problem could well be that after a flurry of pretty decent early transfer business, the protracted, yet inevitable sale of Trafford is now causing something of a log jam and preventing funds coming in. He's 99% certain to be going, so we need to just get it done I feel.

I imagine the club knew he was going 12 months ago and have been planning ahead. Personally I think he's replaceable and losing someone such as Esteve would be a much bigger loss.

[Goliath]

Signing Aaron Ramsdale on loan with a permanent option if we stay up seems like the really obvious option and allows us to spend money elsewhere as well.

[NL Claret]

UTC players ratings are really not a good gauge to use.

Some scored Muric 7s or higher when he lost the points against Everton and BHA. Those who scored him appropriately with a 3 were then scrutinised by the Muric fan club.

UTC player ratings are an opportunity for posters to give their faves a high score and the players they don’t like with lower scores.

Example, Charlie Taylor - not at his best today 8.

[ecc]

All transfers are a gamble, to some extent

One of the few footballing "truisms" that can't be denied.

I'd throw in contract extensions as well in quite a few cases.

[ecc]

It’s really about time that agents were reigned in. Why should a club pay a player’s agent, he should pay his agents, nobody else should be expected to.

Whilst I agree with you, clubs do commission agents to help offload players. And he's not an easy one to shed.

[summitclaret]

It was clear to everyone almost immediately that the 2023 summer window left us with a bloated but totally unbalanced squad that wouldn't be experienced or robust enough for the challenge ahead. I don't think it took a genius to comment on it and BigChaCha certainly wasn't the lone voice as he claims to be.

The recruitment so far has pointed to lessons learned with everyone looking up to the challenge physically and some experience brought in as well. The problem is most of it improves the periphery of the pitch whilst we've lost big players from the spine and not replaced them yet. The challenge now is to make sure we get a minimum of 1 GK, 1 CM, and 1 CF who are all top end in the next few weeks. That will be what determines if we complete this season or struggle to get to 20 points.

Agree. I think we also need a massive cb that can score from our corners as well. The other 3 need to be big lads as well. We still have too many medium/small players that are likely to be in our matchday 20 as things stand.

[Jakubs Tash]

I would suggest, at the very minimum, we still need:

2x central midfielders - with ability a level or two above what we currently have.

2x centre forwards - one physical presence and one with some pace.

Whether they’re buys, loans or a mixture of both remains to be seen. But if we don’t make those additions then it’ll make competing even more difficult than it already looks.

(And obviously a number one keeper if/when Trafford leaves)

[RVclaret]

Watched the first half of Sunderland v Sporting CP last night, their new midfield of Sadiki - Diarra - Le Fee looks pretty good. For context, Dan Neil, someone who I thought, along with Jobe, ran the game at the Turf for large parts, probably won’t be starting. So yeah, I think fans should definitely be concerned if we still haven’t strengthened midfield in the next week or two (I think we will).

[Commy]

Espanyol keen on Dolan?

That would upset those down the road .

https://the72.co.uk/2025/07/22/blackbur ... ol-switch/

[RVclaret]

Watched the first half of Sunderland v Sporting CP last night, their new midfield of Sadiki - Diarra - Le Fee looks pretty good. For context, Dan Neil, someone who I thought, along with Jobe, ran the game at the Turf for large parts, probably won’t be starting. So yeah, I think fans should definitely be concerned if we still haven’t strengthened midfield in the next week or two (I think we will).

Sounds like they are closing in on Granit Xhaka now too.

[agreenwood]

We arguably need a couple of midfielders.

I can see the argument that we already have a few players to play in the Brownhill role, but we need depth too. We’re probably a Cullen or Hannibal injury from Laurent being a starter. I like the fella, but that would not be ideal.

[Goliath]

We arguably need a couple of midfielders.

I can see the argument that we already have a few players to play in the Brownhill role, but we need depth too. We’re probably a Cullen or Hannibal injury from Laurent being a starter. I like the fella, but that would not be ideal.

We've also lost probably 5 goals from Brownhill at least if we were playing the shape from last season which suited him perfectly.

Hannibal isn't a goal threat really so I'm not sure how we replace those goals without having to change to having a genuine number 10 with 2 sitters. At the moment we don't have enough goals in the side so we'd need to be ridiculously good defensively again to have any chance

[agreenwood]

We've also lost probably 5 goals from Brownhill at least if we were playing the shape from last season which suited him perfectly.

Hannibal isn't a goal threat really so I'm not sure how we replace those goals without having to change to having a genuine number 10 with 2 sitters. At the moment we don't have enough goals in the side so we'd need to be ridiculously good defensively again to have any chance

Goals are a problem for any promoted side. I can see JBL or Ramsey getting the nod to play at the top of the midfield.

Ignoring the likely need to upgrade a bit on quality, the lack of depth is something that needs sorting.

[summitclaret]

We arguably need a couple of midfielders.

I can see the argument that we already have a few players to play in the Brownhill role, but we need depth too. We’re probably a Cullen or Hannibal injury from Laurent being a starter. I like the fella, but that would not be ideal.

Problem is Hannibal is better further up the pitch and probably the same for Ramsey. So the absolute minimum is 1 new dcm, but 2 would be preferable.

[boyyanno]

We arguably need a couple of midfielders.

I can see the argument that we already have a few players to play in the Brownhill role, but we need depth too. We’re probably a Cullen or Hannibal injury from Laurent being a starter. I like the fella, but that would not be ideal.

I agree i think we need two. I'd like to see us sign a combatative midfielder and a technical type that can evade pressure well.

The buisness has been better this time around but there's a familiar feeling at the moment of gathering a lot of talent in the wide areas, we need to strengthen the spine 100 percent.

[Tricky Trevor]

Saw Laurent and Sunderland mentioned above. If that should be Armand Lauriente from Sassuolo that deal has collapsed and is unlikely to be revived.

[Stproc]

Whilst I agree with you, clubs do commission agents to help offload players. And he's not an easy one to shed.

Then they would be the club’s agents & that is more acceptable. It seems to be a growing trend that these multi-millionaire footballers just expect everything to be done for them & somebody else to pay for it.

[willsclarets]

We've also lost probably 5 goals from Brownhill at least if we were playing the shape from last season which suited him perfectly.

Hannibal isn't a goal threat really so I'm not sure how we replace those goals without having to change to having a genuine number 10 with 2 sitters. At the moment we don't have enough goals in the side so we'd need to be ridiculously good defensively again to have any chance

If we are blessed with anything I guess, it's attacking midfielders who can play in that 10 spot or wider. Especially if Ramsey is fit and Tresor stays. But it's who we have in behind that makes us solid without the ball that's the worry. I think Hannibal does have the ability to be that ball-winning midfielder in next to Cullen. His pressing is fantastic. But as a pair you still feel it's lacking some physicality, and Laurent is not the answer at this level.

As well as his goals, perhaps what's underestimated a tad with Brownhill is his ability as an athlete. He might not have always impressed on the ball, but to do his defensive duties as he did, and arrive in the box to score that many goals - well you can see why Parker valued him so much.

[Goliath]

If we are blessed with anything I guess, it's attacking midfielders who can play in that 10 spot or wider. Especially if Ramsey is fit and Tresor stays. But it's who we have in behind that makes us solid without the ball that's the worry. I think Hannibal does have the ability to be that ball-winning midfielder in next to Cullen. His pressing is fantastic. But as a pair you still feel it's lacking some physicality, and Laurent is not the answer at this level.

As well as his goals, perhaps what's underestimated a tad with Brownhill is his ability as an athlete. He might not have always impressed on the ball, but to do his defensive duties as he did, and arrive in the box to score that many goals - well you can see why Parker valued him so much.

Yep we lose solidarity by going with a real number 10. Especially if it's someone like Tresor or Ramsey.

In fact the Ramsey shout baffles me a bit, he was god awful last time round in a shape and system that should have suited him down to the ground.
So after missing about 18 months of football, I don't know why he would suddenly be able to nail down a spot in the starting 11 at this level.

If anything he needs to go out on loan and play consistent football at a good Champ club IMO which frees up a bit of room in the squad.

[JarrowClaret]

I'm impressed with Sunderland and Leeds buys so far, us, not so much!... Not necessary with the buys we've made so far; they look okay for the most part, but for the purchases we haven't made in critical areas...

Just three and a bit weeks until our first game, and we have the same strikeforce that is nowhere near good enough and a weaker central midfield than we had last year. We don't even have a Berge level of player in there like last time, and a slightly improved defence in terms of quality, especially in terms of numbers, but like at the same time last time, we are failing to fill those areas that needed improving the most...

I am not sure we have fully learnt from our last experience... I warned about 3 weeks before the last Prem season, and I was mocked and called a clown for doing so by everyone in here when I said we had a poor transfer window, and I was proven right as always and then everyone else agreed after 4 or 5 games... I like Laurent and Barnes for the Championship, but the fact that they are so prominent in training videos on social media for a team about to play in the Premier League should send shudders down your spine! Worrying times

What is so good about Leeds and Sunderland’s business so far when you compare it to ours?

In my opinion all 3 have started well getting some business in nice and early if I was a Sunderland fan I would be slightly concerned about how much we were throwing around on unproven players (unproven in the English leagues I mean)

We have a log jam at the minute I would say we need to shift around 10-15 players before the end of the window. I imagine we have something like 3 more players to buy/loan I would say GK, CM and a Striker

[gandhisflipflop]

I wish this Trafford saga would be put to bed. Getting boring now.

[jlup1980]

If we are blessed with anything I guess, it's attacking midfielders who can play in that 10 spot or wider. Especially if Ramsey is fit and Tresor stays. But it's who we have in behind that makes us solid without the ball that's the worry. I think Hannibal does have the ability to be that ball-winning midfielder in next to Cullen. His pressing is fantastic. But as a pair you still feel it's lacking some physicality, and Laurent is not the answer at this level.

As well as his goals, perhaps what's underestimated a tad with Brownhill is his ability as an athlete. He might not have always impressed on the ball, but to do his defensive duties as he did, and arrive in the box to score that many goals - well you can see why Parker valued him so much.

I wonder whether JBL could move inside and play as a no.10. For me, he was a workmanlike winger with a goal threat. I don't like moving players out of position but I think he could press in the no.10, and have that bit of quality on the ball we need.

[IanMcL]

Article in the Manchester Evening News saying we aren't interested in signing Stefan Ortega from City.

Also saying that Newcastle are still interested in Trafford, but if they meet our asking price, we have to inform City, who would then have three days to match it.

https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk ... s-32108361

I feel sorry for James Trafford. Burnley has agreed he can move on, so he is in nomansland at Tuef Moor. However, Newcastle, who have been 'wanting' him for 2 seasons, are not ready to pay a just fee for the next England keeper. Their messing him about has led to City turning his head, however, it appears they don't want to pay the right price, either.

It must be distressing for the young lad, who just gets a 'you are nor worth it' message from 2 big clubs.

[willsclarets]

I feel sorry for James Trafford. Burnley has agreed he can move on, so he is in nomansland at Tuef Moor. However, Newcastle, who have been 'wanting' him for 2 seasons, are not ready to pay a just fee for the next England keeper. Their messing him about has led to City turning his head, however, it appears they don't want to pay the right price, either.

It must be distressing for the young lad, who just gets a 'you are nor worth it' message from 2 big clubs.

Hardly! He'll be playing premier league football this season no matter what. Very likely for a bigger team on bigger money. I'm sure he wants it finalised, but the fact man city and/or Newcastle or willing to pay a top10 fee for a keeper, ever, for someone with so little experience is hardly a "you're not worth it" message.

[RVclaret]

Callum Wilson linked by Mike McGrath. Has options in US and Saudi though. Proven goalscorer at this level but fitness has to be a worry, surely?