I’ve been waiting a week since my last post for something more solid to happen, but sadly I’m reduced to speculation again.
I’m sorry, but I find it difficult to wind myself up about speculation these days, as I’ve had my fill of it over the years.
But that said, some of the speculation raises some decent points for discussion.
The fist one is Hamburg have apparently bid £8 mill for Jordan Ayew, if you believe the Daily Mail.
I find this an interesting one, as although we can pretty much get our money back here (and get rid of more fat wages), Tony Xia has come out on Twitter and said the player is staying.
The report comments that Ayew has scored 3 goals in 2 games, but what does that mean, given the opposition played?
I suspect the only way Ayew will be leaving is if we have a seriously better prospect lined up, as his versatility in being able to play anywhere up front or just behind makes him quite valuable to us, given the supposed lesser opposition we’ll be facing this season.
I have a feeling he’ll be staying, unless he really, really wants out.
Then RDM is apparently willing to let Brad Guzan go on a freebie, to Middlesbrough.
This one makes much more sense, seeing as we’ve just signed Gollini, as although I fail to remember what sort of wages the former no 1 is on, you can bet it’s way too much.
So yes, I suspect there may be something in this story.
There’s other stuff, that talks about Vertout’s advisors not fancying his move to Marseilles.
Oh, what’s that agents?
A player wants to move for maybe less money, which doesn’t suit you?
What a shame and F*** you, is my opinion there.
If the lad isn’t happy, wants to move and thinks he has better opportunities elsewhere, even if it costs him money, then he has my blessing. Regardless of my opinion of him as a player.
I actually find this story quite refreshing and wish him all the best if he does leave. 100% fair play to the lad.
And then there’s the news that we’ve sold out our 2,000 ticket allocation and have asked for more, for the Sheffield Wednesday game.
I’d have asked for a boycott at £42 a ticket normally, but I also knew that it would be a waste of time.
I watched the Villa play there around 1979-80 and the ground is very high on my list of football experiences.
For those of you who have yet to experience Hilsborough, but are going, fill your boots; as no doubt while it’s not quite what it used to be 30 odd years ago, it’s still a brilliant ground, I’d guess.
Massive stands and nearly on a par with VP, in it’s heyday.
Only nearly, mind.
In the meantime, we might be in for some players, if you believe the rumours.
But we have to get rid of some first.
And I seriously think this might lead to a few unpleasant surprises.
Comments
127 responses to “Ayew to Hamburg, Guzan freebie to Boro, Villa sell out Sheff Weds and other stuff”
I never believe anything that the Daily Mail says so not too worried about the Hamburg report.
Hope Guzan going is right, never mind a free I’d have given green Shield stamps too.
Agree we have to get rid of some players and, whoever goes, I’m willing to trust RDM and Clarke. I’m hoping that they have a vision of where they want to go with the team and some players, even some fairly decent ones, just may not be a good fit.
Can’t wait for the Wednesday game!
The site is very highly rated by the Daily Mail, as it happens, so I do like to chuck the odd link in.
Not that I think they’re better than anyone else. Or worse, as it happens.
Heh, I posted this and then took the mutt for a walk, to mull things over and contemplate what comment I was going to make next.
I didn’t think anyone would beat me to it at this time of night!
Still, as I’ve suggested, I see the usual suspects as being very difficult to move on.
Which means RDM is going to have to let some very decent squad players go. Which will leave us scratching our heads at best, at a guess.
I think we’ll need to have some serious faith in the manager in the next month or so, as you suggest.
I’m talking the likes of Gardner, Clark and other similar type players possibly going.
I don’t see how he can retain any kids without getting rid of those intermediate or over-paid players.
Can’t see the Ayew deal happening, especially after Xia confirming he won’t go. Maybe for twice that amount, or at least 12-13m maybe. But 8m? Nah
I think it’ll be just as good for Guzan to go, as it is for Villa. He needs a fresh start, away from fans who despise him.
Be surprised if the likes of Clark or Gardner went. We’ll see the bigger names go, because they were far bigger disappointments. Hopefully Allardyce stays at Sunderland and takes Richards. Would love to see Hull go for Hutton now their first choice RB’s out. Can see us start shifting players out soon, which will be good.
Yeah agree about Guzan its time for him to go, it be best all round! I can’t see Ayew going unless there’s a ridiculous offer for him which imo is great news and I do hope Gardener gets his chance this season, would love it for him to shine.
As for the Wednesday game I won’t be paying £42 for an away game, they can sod right of!
It’s only a rip off if people pay it. Unfortunately there are thousands of fans happy to be ripped off
Yeah sod that, I’m not gonna be 1 of them that’s for sure!!
Think Gardner will get his chance, he’s shown he can do it in the Championship. He and Gana/Tshibola behind an Attacking mid would work well. Who that attacking mid is, is another question. Hopefully Grealish. Much prefer him as a number 10. Too bad Gil won’t stay. He’d work well at a number 10 too, more like Mata or Silva. Yes they can play as wingers but they need the freedom of the center to do what they do.
Yeah defo Grealish as the number 10, think that middle looks quality!
Its really beyond me why the club are haggling over the fee for sinclair, ffs snap their hands off & get rid.I want players who will wear the shirt with pride if not fuck off
100% agree with you there!
I think it’s sound business… it’s what spurs have done for years – make their players look desirable, even though they may not be behind closed doors, and then hike their value up and get top dollar for second rate players. I’d love to see Villa do more of this since we often seem to make a loss on players.
Certain players yes but SHITE like sinclair I’d cut my losses, celtic will eventually lose interest.would that be good business then????
Yes and No. While I’ve never liked him, he’ll rip the championship apart. Even if he’s not that interested, the difference in quality between the two leagues is vast and Sinclair while not that talented, is perfect for that.
Tbf Giddy, we were complaining about Villa’s lack of nous when it came to negotiating transfer deals so we shouldn’t really complain now if we’re playing hard ball. If RDM rates Sinclair at £4m (or wherever that is ) then we should not roll over for a much lesser amount. If Rodgers wants him then he can pay our valuation.
Again good move by Villa to offer Guzan a free, his relationship with the fans is completely shot and I would guess he’s on a decent package – with only a year left on his contract we don’t want another N’Zogbia Squad ripping us off.
On Richards, not bad return £5m when he came on a free for a totally past it player who has an overrated opinion of his own ability. Having said that Sam will probably get a lot more from him than our past managers. Has to go though, another who has lost the support of the fans.
I also hope RDM sees that he has to move Flabby out for the same reason as Richards and Guzan
Regarding shabby he’ll end up CNZ#2,we could try to offload him for free possibly no takers,he’d become our new non first teamer high earner.he’s going to milk us
Ps sinclair £4 Mil lol I wouldn’t pay £4.
I read somewhere that RDM wanted £6m – I tried to be a tad more realistic 🙂
the club probably will accept 3mill but if you ask for 3 celtic will offer 2, so you can understand us placing a higher demand. plus celtic are desperate for him so milk um for all they will pay.
That’s only if he can be bothered tho Andrew!
I see what your saying About Sinclair and if he had been any good maybe,but after he left Swansea what has he actually done? Maybe brief spells here and there but Na not for me thanks!
To me its all about how you’ve been treated, you play a face and show descent, managers retaliate in thier way, yes at the stage we are at, is get rid at any cost, he has at some part of his career been a player of some worth, but its gone for Villa, same with Gabby, get them out now.
big sam is new england manager, this might fook up the richards move to sunderland
Yep what a pisser :@
He’s the only English contender fit for the job, Southgate not wanting it I cannot think who would, to be honest.
stan petrov won’t be offered a playing contract. its a tough decision, one that iam glad, i never had to make.wot a player and wot a guy. hope he decides to take up a role at villa,
are we playing again tonight i thought we was
Away to Bristol Rovers no idea what the score is at the moment
i just been looking for a link. 🙁 its a no go .
1-0 villa Ayew scored
Villa 1 up Ayew 41 min
keep the updates coming lads, much appriecated
1-1
Apparently having a load of chances but keep missing
Any 1 getting da ja vu lol
“Loads of chances…” ? – we haven’t seen those for a few years, no wonder they don’t know what to do with them.
A new striker must be a priority, we’re still goal shy hopefully RDM can see this.goals win games
Have we put a bid in for Kodjia?
Any idea how much mate???
excellent point giddy we need a goalscorer. that is were i would focus all my efforts now. not right backs big questions on will ayew stay or leave. currently as we stand we have only two forwards in ayew and gestede. gabby and kojack are behind murphy in my eyes. but cant rely on a 17. would be wrong but he will break through this year.
Not sure, I read yesterday that apparently we have put a bid in mate👍
If it was the 5 Mil bid that was rejected
Oh right! Think we all can agree we need a proven championship striker, I think a good start to the season will breed confidence, just what the team need!
The whole transfer situation in and out has become completely chaotic with conflicting reports coming in from all directions. At the present time the only reliable information is likely to be posted on the OS.
It’s hard to achieve anything without a striker who scores goals. Last year Ayew was top scorer with 7 goals. If we had a striker who netted 20+ goals in the coming season we would probably be competing for promotion. Maybe Ayew will still be with us and do that. Maybe Gestede will do it given the right service. If Ayew or Gestede leave we need a replacement capable of that. £5m for someone who could supply the goals to get us into the Premiership? It’s worth an awful lot more than that. Ii have no idea if Kodjia is the right man but if he is he’s worth a lot more to us than £5m.
If we have offered £5m, maybe the intention is to unsettle the player and then negotiate a reasonable fee for him.
Good shout
Not sure why people care so much about price. Villa thought he was worth £5m to start with. Offering more doesn’t make him better than he is, and while yes he’s quality, and would get 20+ goals for us, Villa shouldn’t look to overspend on players still. Especially Championship players.
I see your point Andrew but I still think we need a proven championship striker to start the season. Even if we pay a little bit more we need to start winning from the kick off and try and put last seasons losing mentality behind us imo!
I don’t care about price at all. My point is that I wouldn’t expect any Championship club to sell their main 20 goals plus striker for £5M. If we think a striker is worth £5M at current prices then I suspect he wouldn’t be an improvement on what we have.
McCormack was being talked of as £12M. Kodija is younger. Not saying he is worth £12M or anything like that, but we have two choices (assuming we are in the market for a striker). Get someone proven at this level or take a punt on a lower league or foreign player. I think we need proven at this level, and my prediction is he (whoever he is) won’t be arriving for £5M.
Having said all that Bristol City say they haven’t had an offer for Kodija.
The thing is we can go on about the price and if it’s worth say 12mil but if that striker’s getting you the goals that get us promoted first time of asking,how much is that gonna be worth! I think it’s a no brainier imo
Kodija isn’t really experienced though. He was signed from France, and scored 19 goals in his one and only season in the Championship. Proving we don’t need experienced Championship players.
According to the BBC Gil is off on loan to Deportivo.
Was hoping to see some other players going before him but still got my fingers crossed.
Villa v Nantes live on AVTV free go to OS for more information.
@Dave67 Well that’s good news, I’ve been quite disappointed that the other games haven’t been on. Where exactly is the info on this?
Norwich citys third kit lmao beats Coventry citys chocolate effort.
Pat here is to link
https://www.avfc.co.uk/News/2016/07/22/fc-nantes-friendly-live-on-website
Hope it opens for you
@dave67
Great stuff! Thanks
Gil off to Deportivo on loan.
There are three areas that needed addressing – defensive solidity, midfield creativity and a reliable goal scorer. The first has, I think been addressed but with Vertout and Gil going (even given their limitations) and question marks over Ayew’s future neither of the other two have.
With the season just over two weeks away is it reason for concern?
I agree H60, the owner is saying be patient but as you said two weeks to kick off and I feel a lot of positions have not been addressed. I would like to see a RB, CM and a CF in before the league starts.
I think we have been let down over the last four years that we want to see change ASAP. Hopefully over the next two weeks we will see a lot of ins and outs.
I don’t know what to think on Gil going on loan for 12 months? He was never given a chance by previous managers, looking at the time the new managers been in has he been given that chance again? Is he thinking light weight for that league and giving away skill? I’m worried after the last game at 1-1 and games we thought might be easy and not showing ex premiership club I’m worrying.
GIl is not great loss, he is a lightweight that hasn’t got the speed to burn of the defenders, he turns into trouble all the time, by this i mean he always drifts inside never provides width.sorry this is my opinion on the guy, a loan away will free up wages good deal for all concerning.
was never gonna be easy selling players you don’t want. they are all on good wages and won’t want to rush into less lucrative contract. 2 weeks is enough time to move 4 or 5, i cant see us removing the long list of rejects, most want out. its not possible unless you waste your kitty paying up the contracts and not buy any players.
the rebuild will take windows not one summer window. but the foundations are down, rdm just needs to lose the unwanted numbers, they always said they wanted quality over quantity.
Nath, I understand that but I doing understand this wage excuse, its been agreed on buying but not been used. That’s my not understanding of the use of players, fans want to see players being played not I like you, no I don’t, play the player for us fans. Do you remember the goal he scored that sent fans thinking he was the man? never seen him again did we.
its just my opinion bill, loads will remember the volley and the goal against bournemouth.but other than them two he hasn’t produced. he hasn’t also made goals. theirs a player inside waiting to burst out, but how long do we wait for they butterfly to burst out. he like sanchez just don’t suit the english game. they want too much time to neatly thread the eye of the needle. you just don’t get that amount of time. but unlike sanchez hes too small to shrug off the challenges and he loses the ball, just like sanchez. again its only my opinion both are good players and both will flourish in a league with slower tempos
can you remember the Leicester game were we crumbled like a bunch of lightweights with victory in our grasps. i thought Gil and grealish both were on fire and best i saw of him. but my lasting memory of him will be flatter to deceive
p/s i think he will be replaced no problems green for one offers more end product
i think more players will follow Gil out the door, sanchez should be gone by weekend, guzan will be handed a free transfer. celtic are desperately after sinclair, so we might be able to drive a decent transfer, to fund our next signing with. 2 weeks is loads of time to tweak as the start draws closer more clubs will start panicking. then we will offload our disappointments
what is worrying me is big sam being england manager is confirmed. moyles touted as next black cat manager will this wreck our chances off dumping richards and another 5 mill towards our new striker
steve bruce quits at hull, only surprise was why he didn’t walk away after hulls last game. drink their champagne and leave on a high. strange he waited this long before quitting
Wanted the England job didn’t he? Better being employed when looking for another job.
Seems it has to do with the very few fit players they have, thought to be as little as like 14-17ish, and the fact they’re not buying anyone.
hey guys we can watch tonight’s friendly for FREE if we sign up. where do we sign on which dotted line. i am useless with this sort on thing online lol i will end up in a contract which takes readies out of my account for free lmao
Just follow the link on the AVFC website and put in your details. I’ve just registered and it says it’s free to watch from 6pm tonight. No contract or cash!!
Nath, if that’s the Villa site then it’s a yearly contract, I wonder if there might be a stream on fire stick we could pick up even on a foreign tv somewhere? some of the lads might know.
Morning Bill. The yearly contract is to access all content. The match tonight is a one off and free so just register to watch it.
Thanks DSVILLA,
I’ll let my lad know he normally pays and tells me the oops better not say. Thanks again.
thanxs dsvilla 🙂 i will check it out
i thought like bill that i would be swindled into hidden clauses and sign myself away to 12months on avtv lol but i will sign to see our friendly 🙂