Despite the concerns raised over our lack of activity in the transfer market, isn’t the reality that very few transfers, within the EPL, have actually been concluded and, might I add, none relating to players we might have an interest in or would be interested in joining us.
Should we be concerned? – not in my view; lots of ‘click bait’ rubbish much of which seems to be regurgitated window after window.
The fees being bandied around – mainly by the journos it has to be said – are bizarre in the extreme given the impact of COVID on the finances of pretty much every club in the EPL. Surely these daft numbers have to become more realistic over time even given the disproportionate amount of TV money being thrown around?
This window is arguably the most critical for Villa in many years. We survived against all the odds and now we have to take advantage of that. Purslow is on record as saying that promotion was a year ahead of the plan so, having survived, I might argue we are still a year ahead – but we are still several years behind the majority of the ‘new boys’ in the EPL. Looking around though, there are a number of teams no better than us in terms of ability but being able to draw on their EPL years of experience.
Are Palace, Brighton, West Ham, Newcastle et al that much better then us? More experienced, more savvy maybe – but better? Teams like Chelsea, Arsenal, Spurs and United are in transition – even City. So, it seems to me, that we have a great opportunity to cement and even advance on that year in hand – but to do so we have to get our transfer dealings spot on. No pressure on Lange, Mackenzie and Smith then!
One thing is certain, we can’t afford to be sentimental; something we have possibly all been guilty of in the past. When I say sentimental it’s about recognising that to improve we must buy new players that will challenge our existing squad – no matter who that might be. So, for instance, there is no point in buying a new midfielder that can’t challenge McGinn, Luiz or even Grealish – buying squad fillers or players that pay homage to ‘fan favourites’ is not the answer nor will it improve us as a team. Smith, Lange and Mackenzie have to demonstrate a ruthless streak in the market, both in selecting targets and negotiating the deals.
And that brings me nicely onto where we need to concentrate our recruitment efforts.
From a general point of view then we have to believe that our existing squad has improved through a year’s experience of playing in the EPL and any player that has clearly not responded to the challenge should be shown the door – Jota, Lansbury, El Ghazi are examples that readily spring to mind – I’m sure there are others.
Two key positions leap out – striker and goal keeper. Last season we left ourselves vulnerable in both positions for differing reasons – a surplus of average goal keepers and a lack of strikers – is it any wonder that we were found out? We cannot afford to make the same mistakes in this transfer window.
OLL has raised a perfectly valid question in asking why Dyche was prepared to let Heaton go for a relatively modest fee. Apart from OLL’s view that Heaton, statistically at least, makes far too many mistakes , he also has a poor fitness record as does Steer. We bought lots of goal keepers but our transfer dealings meant we were relying on Heaton staying fit otherwise we would fall back on the relatively inexperienced and injury prone Steer and after that Nyland and Kalinic – need I say more? In my view, we need to recruit a new and top quality No. 1 – if Heaton wants the shirt then he has to prove to be better.
Then there’s the absolutely key striker position. Having acquired the inexperienced Wesley for £22m we failed dismally to add to our strikers in the last window. In fact we either sold or loaned out all our other strikers apart for Davis – who, whilst good at holding up the ball, is both woeful at finishing and another sick note. Is it any surprise therefore when we ended up without a single striker to lead the line?
Had Trezegeut not suddenly found his shooting boots then all would have been lost.
The number of Championship strikers that have moved to the EPL on the back of big fees is extensive. What is also true is the majority have failed to live up to their billing. It’s one thing having scored 20+ goals in the Championship and another repeating that in the EPL.
We have an unenviable record in this regard, McCormack, Kodjia, Hogan all came for big fees and failed to live up to their billing. A prime example is Hogan; Smith was happy to let Hogan leave Brentford to join us for a large fee and having joined the club himself was quick to push Hogan out on loan.
So why would Watkins be any different – particularly at a mooted fee of £25m+? Or am I just being overly negative? I have no problem with Watkins joining to strengthen our striking options but not at £25m+ nor as our primary striker. Maybe alongside a cheap deal for Callum Wilson it might make sense?
And then there’s Benrahma – another player quoted at £25m+ – but is he really going to significantly improve on what we already have?
The challenge is for Lange et al to significantly improve the squad – not to just spend large bucks adding names. It remains to be seen whether the mistakes of last summer’s window are avoided this term.
So new announcements would be welcome but not at any price.
My first post without Badger acting as referee!
Bill is confident that we will see movement very soon – just hope it’s the addition of real quality.
Sorry Hitch, silly going on at Villa Park, I spoke to one of the staff a short while ago and his opinion was a signing was soon, I beginning to wonder if this is a ploy to fool other clubs. Nevertheless fans have to be sceptical to whether all that’s being said is happening or not. Good luck on your promotion, not a easy thing running a post but I know you’ll do a good job. Being a nosey sod and I am love to know what Badgers job is, he works unsocial hours and times to keep up with events.
I know this won’t happen but if grealish really wants to go to utd wouldn’t it be great if our billionaire owners said ok but we want greenwood and henderson or no deal. Up yours
Just for info people, I’ve got a lot on my plate over the next few weeks, where I might not be able to keep an eye on or post on the site as much as I’d like.
Hence I’ve asked Hitchens60 if he can help me out or maybe even take over for a while and he’s kindly agreed to do so.
I think this is a good move, as you’ll get to hear another opinion more often.
I hope you’ll give him a bit of encouragement, as the site is a bit overwhelming at first and this is the first post that he’s completed himself without my input.
Cheers Hitch, good job!
Anyway,
Absolutely agree with you that players bought in need to be challengers or ideally actual improvements on what we have. Very little room for squad fillers and we need quality.
Watkins is a good point, given our utterly appalling record with strikers lately.
I’m not convinced Championship strikers are the answer these days. But the trouble is proven top level strikers cost an absolute fortune, so we’re limited.
Hence it’s either Championship or total foreign unknowns like Wesley and Samatta.
That doesn’t feel good enough, because foreigners are basically gambles. And expensive with it.
Yes, you can find bargains occasionally, but the chances are probably one in ten of them coming good.
The mad thing is we’re in a much better financial position than most clubs this season, but a £100 mill striker is miles out of our range.
Shows how nuts the game is, yet again.
Not concerned – the window is a slow burner and apart from Chelsea nobody has done any major business.
Striker and wings clearly the key position to strengthen. I see a lot of talk about us chasing “championship” players. The point is outside of the top 6 buying / selling to the rest, PL clubs in mid table /bottom half don’t often sell to each any more as everyone has the TV money so there’s little interest in selling to a rival. Just look at Brighton rejecting 25m+ for Ben White – it’s good money but they can’t take the risk of strengthening Leeds
We couldn’t just for example rock up and bid for Ings or Chris Wood – neither would leave and the clubs would ask for well in excess of £40m.
So in many ways we are forced to look around the European leagues and the championship. That’s why our scouting network is the single most important piece of long term investment at the club. Our percentage of ‘hits’ simply has to improve with Johan Lange.
You’d think the birmingham mail being local would be a little more in the know than some other papers. However i am convinced they make it up as they go along and actually know nothing.
The only time we will find out about a transfer is when it happens not before.
Put it this way lads, if Villa not having a go for players
Aston Villa midfielder linked with shock exit as ‘agent offers services’ to other clubs
The 29-year-old still has one year left on his Villa Park deal.
Aston Villa midfielder Conor Hourihane has been linked with a shock summer exit by multiple reports in Turkey.
The 29-year-old made 34 appearances for Dean Smith’s side last season, scoring seven goals during his fourth year at Villa Park.
But now he could be heading for the exit door, if those reports are to be believed, with his agent said to have been in contact with Besiktas and Trabzonspor this summer to offer his player’s services.
Looks as though agents are forcing moves ,
Hourihane must have been told his chances will be more limited this season as more players coming in.
To improve the team i expect new signings to go straight into the first team.
Or his agent is trying to force a new contract with Villa? Hourihane is out of contract at the end of the season according to the Brum Mail.
Ah Trabzonspor – been there. Chuckle of the trip was the Villa diehard who did not like flying but never missed a game – he even made it to Sinferopol in the Crimea to a huge cheer from the flying squad. Well he missed this one. He got to Istanbul and got the Black Sea ferry to Trabzon, not realising it took 3 days.
The local kids had their banners ready as our plane touched down “Welcome to Hell” they weren’t far wrong. The bus to the hotel passed the “FUKU School of English”, I suspect the owner had not been here.
They play in claret and blue so Conor should feel at home. But the Turkish Lira is going thorugh one of its hyperinflation phases so he should buy a return air ticket because his wages might not fund it.
According to Sky Sports, Brentford have agreed a deal with Peterborough to sign striker Ivan Toney for £10m. Suggests we will now see movement on the sale of Ollie Watkins
All paper drivel with no foundation. Let’s face it, anyone of us could start a transfer rumour based on previous links, ie Smith ex Brentford = any of their star performers. As Steve said, we will only know when player is spotted at Bodymoor or when club announces it!
i know i have been moaning aloud for incoming transfer activity. we will have many targets, many fall backs just in case. i know its a slow process and i am really patient honestly
Heaton i really rate as number 1 goalie and wesley i think has been harshly assessed last year. but we need a striker cause his injury was a really bad one and will take loads of time to recuperate and returning to action will probably be longer than expected.
Watkins is perfect fit for villa. he can hold the ball up comfortable, he can drift out wide or run in behind, i do not doubt he will be more than able to step up and score goals in prem. the other brentford guy i have watched loads and he is also a premiership quality player . but if iam honest he is more of a dodgy option of the two. only cause he is a top gun player. (kodija ) type player, me first then team. he is very skilful and will tease lots of premiership defenders, but tracking back is a chore to him and he doesn’t do that side well. going forwards he is very very good and will score and create loads,
i think smith and his helpers will know what they want and its just a case of getting the right price for the club. for me thou a unprofessional wannabe manager. i think we need two forwards of quality, like the two mentioned that can play up top and the two wide options behind. then snagging other areas will do,
its a essential we have options upfront, davis needs to go out on loan and we need competition for trez and el ghazi plus samatta. wesley is good enough when he returns, but that might be after christmas, so this area is important to replenish, but it has to be quality to improve the competition up front.
best indication on transfers is at the bookmakers. i read the posts on here and other villa sites but i get the feel on the transfers with the bookmakers market.i just looked now and we are no closer today than we where weeks ago on the incoming front. but today grealish has been slashed to 2/1 to leave to utd.
i think this will be villa best business this window. keeping hold of jack could be crucial. jack might push through a move thinking / using the england none selection as the reason for pushing through a move.
end of the day i believe southgate is a numbty and doesnt matter to him if jack is at villa or utd. he thinks he is not good enough for his team. see southgate thinks jack will slow down his quick passing team. take on the defenders and that is not what southgate wants. man utd will use the national disappointment to get jack to move
If Grealish leaves after retaining our premiership status, what message does it send to the fans, to the squad and to players we are trying to sign?
It may enrich the owners but it doesn’t give the right message in terms of our ambition.
Southgate (with impunity) may well be guilty of encouraging Grealish to move to Manure but that doesn’t guarantee him an England call up – does it?
i am not endorsing grealish leaving especially to manure i hate them. if he leaves it would be a massive negative to our upcoming season. i also do not like the idea of utd trying to offer their rejects as part exchange. if our owners are serious about our club, then playing hard ball with manure is essential, grealish is worth 100 million not 80 mill its not what the market values a player its how much do we value grealish, we know if southgate put a valuue on him it would probably match that of manure.
how much do we think it would cost villa to find a worthy replacement ? i think it would cost us more than 80 mill and there is definitely no guarantee any replacements would be a success, i would simply refuse to meet utd on negotiations, jacks simply not for sale what ever the price. offer jack a new improved deal.
Nath, to me your right, its a club that’s prepared to undermine Villa, how do we know that Man Utd and Southgate haven’t had words over Grealish , sounds farfetched don’t it but things go on for money that we do know. Grealish has been the talk of genuine people and fans it stinks of double standards to me. If he’s good enough for Utd then he’s good enough for England.
you never know bill farfetched is my middle name lmao i loved x files and what was their motto trust nobody
Or trust no 1 wasn’t it
answering grealish call if he is at utd. i don’t think it will matter much, its the style of grealish games and how southgate england play which is the real issue.
england under southgate are not about wingers taking on fullbacks and providing width. they get their width with full/ wingbacks overlapping with quick passing one side to the other. southgate doesn’t think he needs grealish as he doesnt want his players to go past their opposite numbers rather them pass bal and create angles or use the ball to pass defences / players.
do i think grealish is england quality off course, any other manager in the england job would realise how important jack is, only downer for jack is probably the only manwho is not keen on him is the engalnd manager 🙁
Looks like another week without a signing, season is getting closer every day and we cannot afford a bad start! Grealish and Targett being linked with moves away. How’s the hell do we find replacements for them if we can’t even add to what we have. I’m starting to feel less and less confident
still no signings 🙁
looking at the bookmakers market grealish price has shortened by 1/2 a point now 7/4 to leave to utd. better news on Watkins his price has also shortened now 1/3 on joining us.
allegedly we had a bid rejected by forest for matty cash a tough tackling right sided full back sauce sky sports lmao
All up in the air again, what with Matty Cash, Rashica, Watkins, things don’t look to good. It’s becoming a joke lately thought we had experience negotiating people working at Villa. Slip them a drink then they might want to come.
Worry not Bill, it’s all under control 🙂
If you believe what’s written in the press, according to The Telegraph, Villa have already increased their opening offer for Cash (unintended pun!)
12 millions Hitch, I now think we have a man but the breaks have been put on by sky for some reason, I know not why, but nevertheless all will be revealed soon ..
If we sign cash it just goes to show the papers know nothing because surely we won’t be interested in utds right back in part ex for grealish.
very worrying indeed 🙁
bookmakers have lowered the odds on grealish to utd that means money is being put on him leaving. also odds on watkins has shortened now 1/5 odds on
watkins looks like its a done deal and grealish is a major concern. utd scum are probably working on him now to get him to demand the move, their fans are messaging their websites saying he should come to get into the england setup.
utd agent southgates full plan revealed. smith needs to get grealish to give us one more season to establish us as a premiership club. moving now will not immediately get him into the england set up but ripping up the premiership at villa will.
odds on brentford teammate benraham has also dropped was 15/8 now 13/8 not as strong but theirs movement in the right direction,
I wouldn’t worry too much about odds. The bookies are worse than the press for making stories up to get people betting. I think Solskjaer was 1/11 to be the next villa manager once. Nobody knows what is going in outside the clubs involved. The fact that every player has a bloody agent complicates all transfers. I mean they are not in it to make money are they.
Ps not that it means anything but Jack is still odds on to stay.
bookmakers are more of indications than the b/s posted by online experts. my mates dog walks with smiths dog they saw x player at Bodymoor Heath. being odds like you mentioned solskjaer just means he was hot to take over like henry was. they have experts who are on the subjects any subjects they have too be or they lose money.
also grealish is not odds on to stay at villa anymore. he was other day when i looked he is not evens or i av seen 5/4 which isnt odds on so bookmakers lower odds if ppl are laying money on bets. if they wanted to make money and they knew he was not leaving they would increase not decrease the odds.
true they do not know for certain i never said they did. but they will know more what is going on than most of us joe publics
Agree. But odds are determined by bets. The more money going on a bet the odds come down and vice versa
So betting is influenced by what Joe Public believe – hence the press.
Yesterday it was all over the media that villa wanted manures gk and rb as part ex for grealish. Today they are reporting we have bid for matty cash and arsenal keeper. We can’t be doing both so one is bullshit.
One i think could be interesting is Abraham. He wants to stay at chelsea. But it looks like chelsea will have 2 new strikers after spending a shed load of money which i expect they will want to try and recoup some. I can see lampard telling abraham he is not in his plans and if he wants to be in the euros next year he should move on. Abraham will not come to villa if grealish goes.
Just a thought.
odds on grealish came down, only slightly but two days running. not major move, but it is probably down to utd sniffing around. bookmakers have experts assessing the probabilities and they also know utd are interested and the player himself is undecided, what with southgate ignoring him, utd missing out on the bayern player. bookmakers have opened up betting and will increase and decrease odds on the strengths of it happening or not. so its a pretty good indication if you ask me
abraham will stay at chelsea his odds have stayed at 4/1 5/1 no movement and chelsea will need him cause of the english quota they need
wouldnt get upset about how we get our b/s, if you want solid leads best phone grealish. otherwise you sieve through the info and deem which to listen/ believe . i follow the same way i always done and it usually is more accurate than papers and online gossips or hearsays lmao
i reckon we will sign watkins and benraham from brentford, maybe their left back too and cash from forest. i reckon we will sign a#bout 5 /6 in total. we are definitely in for a goalie. cause we are in lots of goalie markets. but the arsenal one seems most likely, they are after a new goalie too in brentford one