I would have thought that Ranieri has a few defenders in mind who could come in and improve the side because of his vast knowledge and connections within the game. Furthermore hopefully he can attract better quality players than our previous managers would have been able too. Therefore if Gino coughs up the money I have high hopes that we just might bring in 2 or 3 defenders of a much higher quality than we usually sign. Lets hope this will happen, because if it doesn't I fear for our survival in the PL.
Yep. Nunez hasn’t played too much this season and never really been able to cement his place in the Bilbao 11. Reports of Benfica and others interested in a loan and €12m option to buy. Can’t see Spurs willing to part ways with Rodon for that sort of arrangement.
I’d lower them. We’d all love that to happen no doubt but no point getting your hopes ‘high’ knowing our owner.
Not necessarily expecting permanent signings, but maybe a few loan signing with possibly an option to buy.
That’s fine - but I’d still implore anyone to enter the window with expectations set in line with what we usually do in January coupled with our owners past buying habits. Then anything that happens above that is a welcome positive! I wouldn’t be having high hopes straight off the bat as this owner will usually let you down in that regard.
Obviously you're entirely right, and theoretically I agree, but at the same time if this window isn't exceptional in at least some way (and I mean that in the more literal sense compared to previous windows, rather than just 'that window was great!') then we genuinely won't have a chance of staying up. It does, therefore, make some sense to expect more for once, as otherwise the conclusion is unavoidable that Gino is player trading above all and anything else and is not at this point capable of making decisions in the best interests of the club (and yes, I'm pretty sure you said basically the second part in a comment yesterday yourself, hah).
We have made *some* decent Jan signings in our PL seasons even though we didn’t in 2020. Niang and Deulofeu on loan both played pivotal roles when brought in. Cant think of many others but those were both critically important.
Niang was decent enough but I do think his impact is often overstated as time goes on - he certainly wasn’t universally praised at the time and was pretty hot and cold. 2 goals in 16 isn’t exactly flying form. Deulofeu I accept but I think we all know about him. There’s been far more misses than hits - and we often ignore what we need and instead get someone from Gino’s little book of favours. Who we have no real need for. Hence why I think it’s churlish for us to get out hopes up. I think there’s far more chance they use the players returning from injury as an excuse to not do what’s required purely because that’s what history dictates, let’s be honest.
Niang wasn’t great certainly but if I recall correctly he put in two match-winning performances in which he was unplayable (WBA at home was one of them I believe). Pozzos certainly do underwhelm in January definitely but they have shown themselves able to do a decent loan and option to buy deal every now and again. Also, and I know he was incredibly disappointing in the end, we spent a fair chunk of change and showed a fair amount of intent signing Mario Suarez in January too.
I mean, Jurado was played out of position but did at least look like a good footballer without any semblance of end product...
Remember when WDSport asked whether Jurado was the most talented footballer ever to play for Watford LOL
I'd quite like the Success that scored a rocket against Swansea or waltzed past the whole teak on his Udinese debut tbf lol
George Bello Atlanta United, 19 years, Nigerian born US international left back. More pace than any of ours, decent going forward although the final ball needs improvement. Go for a loan with option to buy. Could spell Rose occasionally - especially against pacy blokes like Zaha who will leave Rose for dead - and wouldn't moan if he's not starting every match. No problem with work permits as he's an international, and if he works out, wouldn't burst the budget. Still a bit raw, but with a Ranieri, that shouldn't be too large of an issue. US National team means no AFCON worries. Just a thought Gino.
Hi Rookery Refugee. Thank you for your suggestion but unfortunately to purchase this player we would have to break Gino Rule #1:- ‘Never spend money on a defender as there’s no profit in them.’ Come back to me when you have a sensible idea. Regards GP
Understood, but the programs over there started investing in academies a few years ago. They now have become a bit of a develop and sell league. Almiron from Atlanta United being one example (although he was purchased), Adams at RB Leipzig and Davies (Canadian) are further examples of where the academies are starting to produce young talent. If this were a 28 years old bloke who went through a university over there and has only played in MLS, I wouldn't suggest it. This is a 19 year old who's graduated from a proper academy, has played in some high pressure matches (Mexico, etc. in WC Qualifying and Gold Cup) who has a lot of upside.
LOL, not bothered at all. I've seen this movie several times through. The Fellowship of the Miserable exists in every fan base in every sport. They're not always wrong, but they are always miserable.
Considering my post was not remotely a dig at you but at our factually evidenced lack of spend on defenders over the years, I’m surprised you’ve taken it so personally. But then again, this place is mostly populated by the overly sensitive.
There’s a bunch more. Brandon Aaronson at Salzburg, Chris Richards at Bayern, and Weston McKennie (who was in the MLS youth system before joining Schalke) - there’s a lot of quality US talent these days.
A few defenders who could be available on loan, or possibly even on a permanent deal if we could afford them, in January... James Tarkowski Bolbaca Kamara Chris Smalling Nicolas Tagliafico Nathan Ake Diago Dalot Any thoughts?
Tarkowski won’t be coming here. If he leaves Burnley in Jan it will be to a West Ham/Everton level side. Boubacar Kamara - decent player. More of a DM though but would happily have him. Seems relatively plausible (certainly in comparison to the other lot) but I’d imagine he will have his pick of clubs and wage packets. Maybe Newcastle offer him big money; they’ve had interest in the past I believe. Chris Smalling - starting at Roma. Cant see him leaving to come here. He’s also 32 and had his fair share of injury problems. Would be too expensive (in transfer fee and wage anyway). Tagliafico and Ake - both good players but too expensive for us (and too good frankly). Not sure either will move in Jan. Ake started in the midweek for City and Pep likes to have two left footed CBs anyway. Dalot - also started in the midweek for United. Think they’ll rotate him with Wan-Bissaka. Don’t think he’ll be available and if he is will be too expensive and don’t think he’s what we need anyway.
Julian Chabot...you heard it here first. 23 years old, 4 caps for Germany, graduate of the RB Leipzig academy, left footed CB, can play DM, 6'4".
Something you’ve heard, then? Only played for Germany U21 not the senior team. Seemed to do fairly well at Spezia last season on loan from Ranieri’s Samp. Has returned to Samp but not getting much of a look in. Would imagine @reids would be familiar with his profile and qualities as he works for Spezia.
To be honest, I looked up left footed centre backs in Serie A, young and cheap. Saw he was at Samp under Ranieri and thought why not. We need a left footed CB for a bit more balance.
Haha. I think of Samp’s left footed CBs, Omar Colley would be a better choice. Probably not cheap but actually, you know, good and a mainstay under Ranieri.
Yeah Colley would be great bu Samp would want north of £20m for him and Gino doesn't go over £6m for defenders.
