So those of you who have been reading/contributing or whatever for a while will know that I’m not a fan of speculation because 95% of it is typically absolutely rubbish. But at the same time, I know some of you love it and given that I’ve just realised I haven’t written anything for over a fortnight and tomorrow is the start of the transfer window, it seems a good time to start this thread.
As per usual, we’re selling most of the team and buying a whole new premier league for our squad. Hmm.
It does seem though, that if you try and read in between the lines a couple of possible moves might prove to be reality. First is Douglas Luiz to leave at £50 million or whatever. While this is miles lower than the £80-100 million that has been talked about I think this might be a good deal for us.
I haven’t previously wanted him to go, but I now have a sneaky feeling that his agent and him have been trying to engineer a move. I know some have said his form dropped in the last couple of months, but I think it’s more than that. I think there’s been something very strange in his attitude and it was demonstrated by his sudden terrible disciplinary record. I’m going to go so far as to say that was some small form of a protest and demonstrative that he quite simply wants out.
I don’t think it’s a money thing. He wants a new challenge and his agent thinks Juventus is the place. Good. If you want to go that much, clear off. With my blessing. The club is bigger than you. I can’t say I’m particularly interested in Winston McKennie and the other lad coming our way, but we do need numbers in.
Second, is Jhon Duran to Chelsea for £50 million. That’s frankly laughable and half of that would be a good deal. I’m convinced the lad has a serious attitude problem, as much as I believe he actually has a somewhat valid reason for having it. The fact is Emery doesn’t yet deem him to be good enough to outdo Watkins and it’s as simple as that. And if he doesn’t have the patience to listen to the manager he can go. Particularly if he’s giving the manager a problem, which I think he is.
Having had another glance at the news, it appears Chelsea have agreed a £42 million fee. I’m inclined to think he could be a bargain signing for them, but if it isn’t working for him at the Villa, that’s a lovely amount of money in the pot to stave off this PSR rubbish.
Then, there’s Matty Cash. We’ve apparently slapped a £30 million price on his head. Where do these stories come from? I’d take half that if we have a replacement lined up.
And finally (although I’m sure there’s plenty of other stories) there’s Diegos Carlos, who cost us a fortune, given his age. I liked the look of him early on, but wouldn’t miss him now. That said, we need better defenders and I’m not convinced Mings is ever going to get back to where he was. Maybe we might do better keeping Carlos as a back up? No doubt he’s on big wages though, so I’ll trust the club’s judgement on that one.
Anyway, this is just a starting point. I’m sure many of you will be more interested in the speculation and chat about other rumours.
Me, I’m only interested in deals inked, whether in or out.
Comments
543 responses to “The transfer thread”
Just a few days before the start of the season, probably the biggest season ever for AVFC and we have a mystery. Where is Ollie? I have searched the internet and his absence is unreported on BBC, Sky, AVFC website, Birmingham Live, Here. It’s almost a news blackout similar to a kidnapping. A tiny mention of him and Duran returning from International Duty but Euro’s are well over and its not like he was used very much. Why doesn’t the Media care?
Maybe because there’s nothing to report? I think he’ll just be settling back in.
Considering all the games he’s played, he needs wrapping in cotton wool! Anyone seen if he’s at Bodymoor Heath?
There’s pictures of him returning to training on the official site a few days ago. It did look like he was training separately . As long as Ollie is fit, he plays from day one in my opinion, he is more clear on his position than anyone else and there is no need to get wiped out in a friendly and leave us striker less . I do hope we have a plan for a cover striker, an attacking midfield and ideally either first or second choice right back.
Cover striker is Archer, as things stand. I don’t think he’s an inferior option to Duran, despite perceptions and ‘market value.’
Sorry but I disagree. At this time of the year, nothing to report is really big news. Our CF has not played one minute of competitive football since the euro’s. This is the Golden Boy that is the replacement for Kane in the English Squad. This is the transfer target for Arsenal, Man Utd and goodness knows how many Euro clubs. Not a mention is big news. Where has he been since the Euro’s. It is disrespectful to the fans. Even Ming is being talked about as being available from Christmas.
Let’s hope he’s ‘merciless’ when we finally returns…
I’ll get my coat…
Especially if he comes up against Gordon at Newcastle…
Oh dear…
Tom, thats good news, if he is fit. But training separately seems worth an explanation. Will be chuffed if there is no problem.
Shouldn’t we be in for Guehi if he’s leaving Palace?
Love the (sort of) conspiracy theories about Watkins.
Not sure he really needs a pre-season given his time with England.
Emery’s approach to pre-season has been somewhat unconventional with almost none of the senior players being given 90 minutes. I think I’m right in saying only Torres (of the senior players) has played a full ninety minutes.
I’m assuming that Emery understands what each of the players need in terms of ‘match’ fitness and has designed their time on the pitch accordingly.
Notwithstanding, I wouldn’t be overly surprised if we make a slow start to the season – after all Citeh almost always start slowly but still win the league!
I anyone else feeling a bit nervy about the new season? A dreadful end to the last one (results wise) have been continued with poor results in pre-season. The lack of goals and the inability to keep clean sheets during these two periods is worrying. Can we expect the team to just ‘snap out of it’, come Sunday, especially with the turnover of playing staff? Not to mention we haven’t won at West Ham since Kyle Walker played for us. Sorry to sound negative. Genuinely concerned…
*Is anyone
100% agree… everyone can tell me pre-season is “just pre-season” but to me, the issues that we saw at the back end of last season (defense notably, and now throw in there MF) are still there. I’m worried we’ve not replaced Diaby, or shifted on trouble maker Duran, not replaced an unfit Mings, or moved on a shaky Cash. I hope we’ve got a CB, RW/CF, and potentially another RB to come in or I think not only will we struggle in the CL, but also I think top 10 would be our best best with what we have.
This time last year we were flying through the pre season games. We looked really sharp although a few here were worried about the transition from defence that we had not quite mastered. Then of course we went to Newcastle with high hopes and you know the rest. We can’t possibly know what side the hammers will put out but maybe they will need time to gel and it will be a good time to play them. At last a mention for Watkins in the media as he is nominated for PFA player of the year.
The nominees are:
Phil Foden (Manchester City)
Erling Haaland (Manchester City)
Martin Odegaard (Arsenal)
Cole Palmer (Chelsea)
Rodri (Manchester City)
Ollie Watkins (Aston Villa)
And the award for worst fringe goes to… (that’s your cue, RSS 🤣)
https://x.com/AVFCOfficial/status/1823385996425072901?ref_src=twsrc%5Egoogle%7Ctwcamp%5Eserp%7Ctwgr%5Etweet
For those of you worried!! I was one!!!
I’m becoming increasing concerned about the first few games of the new season.
Is our transfer strategy unravelling?
Through intransigence?
It’s all very well taking a strong negotiating stance but clubs have options so sometimes it’s better to take the deal on offer rather than trying to ‘screw’ the extra few quid out of the deal! Or are we in a PSR nightmare?