There’s been loads of clamour for us to sign Tyrone Mings and quite rightly so.
He proved a confident, play-out type of defender that we know Dean Smith wants.
He was also vocal on the pitch, which is always important.
While I think at times he seems so relaxed he can be sloppy, which might find him caught out at Premier league level, he’ll improve.
There’s more to it for me though, in that he inspires confidence, with a seemingly never ending smile on his face and most importantly of all, the rapport he has developed with the fans, with his singing with us and even wearing the kit on his arrival home after the play-off victory.
It’s that last part that makes him a player we must sign.
So why haven’t we, yet?
It’s quite simple, really and it’s the fact that we have a matching clause, where if we match any incoming bid, we get him, simple. Well, depending on wages, of course.
And as far as I know, no-one else has bid for him yet.
We have to be clinical and wonder why if he’s that good, there’s been no other offers as yet?
We could go straight in and offer £15 million or so and get it done, but that would be really poor business.
Why do it, when there may be no other offers and we could buy him at the minimal fee that’s probably been set in the agreement (I’ll guess around £8 million)?
Not that it matters.
I’m totally convinced he wants to come to us and we’ll easily match any last minute offer that might come in.
I really wouldn’t expect Mings in before deadline day and suspect he half knows he’s coming to us, whatever happens.
We’re not just buying him for his ability.
We also want him for what he’s added to the positive feeling that we’re currently experiencing.
It’s being suggested that Axel Tuanzebe is going to sign a long term contract for Man Utd and I find it questionable, myself.
Why would he, if, as much as OGS promises to have a look at him and even hints he’ll play him, there’s nothing concrete behind it?
Man U are never going to guarantee that a young lad plays. They can’t afford too.
And I’d rate OGS as one of the favourites for the sack anyway, so his opinion possibly doesn’t count for much.
It’s probably more about trying to get the best price on Man U’s part, combined with the best wages on his agent’s part.
It all depends on Axel himself. He knows he’ll get a start for us, week in, week out.
If he doesn’t come to us, so be it. We move on and no doubt have other targets.
Phillips is a different kettle of fish and it reminds me of the Grealish situation last year.
We apparently seriously want him and it makes sense, as he’s a player I reckon could easily make the step up to the Prem. It’s an area we’re seriously light on too.
Yet, he admirably wants to stay at Leeds. You can’t fault any player for loyalty.
It would seem Leeds are going to offer him a better contract, but I very much doubt they could match the money that we could offer him and it’s the money that talks.
As much as it grates, I really hope he ignores his agent, signs that contract and stays at Leeds for another year, just as Jack did with us.
Then, if he and the team continue to do well, Leeds benefit from a higher sale price, the player gets a better offer and everyone’s a winner.
The difference from the Grealish situation though, is that Phillips is being offered the Premier league now, if we really are in for him.
Which makes it a little tricky.
A guaranteed step up in leagues has to be a tempter.
I think he’ll stay.
Whatever, I’m sure things are going on in the background and while it’s frustrating that not much is happening, things will happen.
I’m pretty sanguine about it all.
Can someone enlighten me, its great seeing us get the players that we’ve have, but who putting them up to get? Is it Dean Smith because he’s the one to put it all together, I know it sounds daft just thinking I cannot remember us in the past going Hell bent to find so many players.I just cannot wait to start our season.
i think smith has final say, but i guess its a group decision. players that smith has worked with before, must be his recommendations,also these players will not need loads of time to get used to the system. unlike the two brazilians who might take some time to adjust so its great to see us get them in early.
Nath, I agree that the key is getting the players in early. This gives them a real chance to get used to playing together.
i agree too pat. that was fulhams big mistake last year. they made too many signings too late. they never had any bedding in pre season. they got chucked in the deep end and they never managed to swim. that and they had a bad start and sacked their manager, who got them there.
lots have compared us to fulham, but i cant see anything remotely similar. except we both came up through the playoffs and had less time to draw up premiership plans, then the other two promoted teams.
fulham seemed to buy decent players but they were chucked together, where smith knows the players hes acquiring, knows their fit the system he wants to employ.
i dare not say this but i have a great feeling on the season ahead, i really do. there i said it shoot me if i am wrong lol
Nath – Fulham bought 5 players on deadline day which last year was a month into the season – smacks of panic buying.
According to the Star the Egyptian winger Trezeuget is on his way to the Villa for £9.6 million –
https://www.dailystar.co.uk/sport/football/791765/Aston-Villa-transfer-news-Trezeguet-Douglas-Luiz-Bjorn-Engels
My mind is boggling!
So Bruce has resigned from Wednesday presumably to join Newcastle.
The news gets better and better, that’s one of the relegation spots taken already!
I know it’s his home city, but a huge mistake by Bruce. Wednesday would’ve had a brilliant chance of promotion; he just had to pick up where he left off last season. Instead, he’s gone to a sinking ship with an apathetic fan-base, deteriorating squad, and an owner who’s seemingly impossible to get on with. He will surely live to regret it! Unless…nah, it can’t just be about the bottom line…can it?
He certainly likes a challenge does our Brucie.
Tbf he did a very good job at Villa until personal issues rather affected him (unsurprisingly). He may surprise a few at Newcastle.