Jota

[fishhhandaricecake]

Why was it nailed on ? I’m not ruling it out completely but a decision hasn’t been made on this and no talks have taken place at board level . We don’t want to start bloating areas of the squad when players are due to return soon barring Sonny and he hasn’t played any competitive football . His wages could pose a problem too ! A forward who can facilitate all 3 roles is ideally the player we require im not sure he’s of that profile

Shame as really like him but that’s sound reasoning from the club, I do think we need to bring in another attacking player though and one who could cover all 3 positions would be ideal.

 

[Mr Pink]

Reckon it will be the summer before we sign attacking players.

This window was always about that CB.

Fine by me, as long as we get that CB.

Got to be realistic, its January.

 

[talkshowhost86]

Reckon it will be the summer before we sign attacking players.

This window was always about that CB.

Fine by me, as long as we get that CB.

Got to be realistic, its January.

Yep January is rarely a time that we make huge moves.

Tend to focus on one area or look at shorter term deals.

Porro and Danjuma in 23

Deki and Lolo on 22

I think we're likely to get a centre back and then anything else will need to be balanced by outgoings.

Even with Reguilon back we've got 4 other players out on loan that we'll need to get rid of at some point so whether it's money or squad space it's tough to bring in many this month.

Plus...you know...Levy.

 

[HildoSpur]

If we expect Solomon to return soon then it makes sense why we wouldn't see Jota as a priority now.

 

[Ron Burgundy]

Not sure who would fit that bill mind.

...but this works for me. Bluntly, there are teams out there who know who will fit the bill for a certain slot, because those players are world stars, who will command world star fees.

I had never heard of Vicario
I knew little about Deki and Bentancur
I had seen Porro once
Udogie was a young unknown
An 18 year old Sarr might as well have been a total punt
VDV has genuine world class potential....that not many saw, otherwise he'd have had more offers

That's basically 7, excellent first team (more or less) players who would now start for most teams in the league, that all came in, all of who could be classified as anything from 'under the radar' to 'with clear questions/risks'. And that's before we talk about the likes of Maddison, Bissouma, Romero etc.

I'll take not knowing. The only qualification is that it seems to be a largely new team - which is a bit of a shame, but at least there's some continuity with Fab. I think we're better to strengthen where we really need it (CB) and if there are deals that make sense. Go for it. But no need to buy for the sake of buying.

 

[Luka Van der Bale]

...but this works for me. Bluntly, there are teams out there who know who will fit the bill for a certain slot, because those players are world stars, who will command world star fees.

I had never heard of Vicario
I knew little about Deki and Bentancur
I had seen Porro once
Udogie was a young unknown
An 18 year old Sarr might as well have been a total punt
VDV has genuine world class potential....that not many saw, otherwise he'd have had more offers

That's basically 7, excellent first team (more or less) players who would now start for most teams in the league, that all came in, all of who could be classified as anything from 'under the radar' to 'with clear questions/risks'. And that's before we talk about the likes of Maddison, Bissouma, Romero etc.

I'll take not knowing. The only qualification is that it seems to be a largely new team - which is a bit of a shame, but at least there's some continuity with Fab. I think we're better to strengthen where we really need it (CB) and if there are deals that make sense. Go for it. But no need to buy for the sake of buying.

Bentancur played nearly 200 games for Juventus - not sure how he fits in the first pot but Romero or Bissouma don't! Completely agree with the general premise though

 

[Nick-TopSpursMan]

I really think the club are making a big error if they are just targeting a player who can play across the 3. Generally that kind of player will be more of a forward than a winger and once again won’t have the specific 1v1 qualities we are absolutely desperate for.

We already have Son, Richarlison and even Johnson who can play across the front.

Yet we have absolutely no specialist 1v1 winger in our squad who is of elite potential or quality.

Jota may or may not be good enough but he’s exactly the profile of player we should be going for.

I also really don’t see how signing a winger bloats our squad. Perisic is out for the season and his contract is up, Gil is nowhere near good enough and not a viable option if we want to actually kick on.

That leaves us with:

Solomon
Son/Richarlison/Veliz
Johnson/Deki

A clear gap in both profile and squad space for a left winger to add the qualities we desperately need, consistent 1v1 threat and cutting edge from the left touchline.

Clubs often get 1/2 positions badly wrong when building a squad. I really hope this isn’t the area we make a bad mistake. If we get it right we could genuinely push for the title this season if we have some luck with injuries.

 

[FrankSpencer]

I really think the club are making a big error if they are just targeting a player who can play across the 3. Generally that kind of player will be more of a forward than a winger and once again won’t have the specific 1v1 qualities we are absolutely desperate for.

We already have Son, Richarlison and even Johnson who can play across the front.

Yet we have absolutely no specialist 1v1 winger in our squad who is of elite potential or quality.

Jota may or may not be good enough but he’s exactly the profile of player we should be going for.

I also really don’t see how signing a winger bloats our squad. Perisic is out for the season and his contract is up, Gil is nowhere near good enough and not a viable option if we want to actually kick on.

That leaves us with:

Solomon
Son/Richarlison/Veliz
Johnson/Deki

A clear gap in both profile and squad space for a left winger to add the qualities we desperately need, consistent 1v1 threat and cutting edge from the left touchline.

Clubs often get 1/2 positions badly wrong when building a squad. I really hope this isn’t the area we make a bad mistake. If we get it right we could genuinely push for the title this season if we have some luck with injuries.

The player that clearly stands out for the 1v1 role is Mitoma. He should be our focus in the summer.

 

[Nick-TopSpursMan]

The player that clearly stands out for the 1v1 role is Mitoma. He should be our focus in the summer.

Mitoma, Nico Williams, Antonio Nusa all stand out as the players we should go for.

For clarification, I’m not saying we should just target anyone (though I think Jota on a loan with option could be a very shrewd move to bolster our squad in the short term). What I’m saying is targeting a versatile front 3 forward is a huge error when what we need is an elite level or elite potential left winger with specific skills.

 

[SpartanSpur]

Shame as really like him but that’s sound reasoning from the club, I do think we need to bring in another attacking player though and one who could cover all 3 positions would be ideal.

For me getting this LW signing right is crucial for us (I think Son has to be our 9 now) so I understand that, especially if Jota ended up being a free transfer rather than a loan. We could also be looking at someone like Chiesa who, whilst a gamble, if it came off would be the extra piece needed for us to truly compete.

The dream for me would be Kvara at Napoli. Such a shame Ange wasn't here when we were linked before. He'd have snapped him up!

Mitoma, Nico Williams, Antonio Nusa all stand out as the players we should go for.

For clarification, I’m not saying we should just target anyone (though I think Jota on a loan with option could be a very shrewd move to bolster our squad in the short term). What I’m saying is targeting a versatile front 3 forward is a huge error when what we need is an elite level or elite potential left winger with specific skills.

It's huge. Genuinely think elite quality in the forward line, and specifically LW, will be our biggest challenge in the overall squad build for Ange and our biggest potential inhibitor to major success. Everywhere else in the squad I'm confident we'll achieve what we need in 2-3 windows.

 

[Wig]

The player that clearly stands out for the 1v1 role is Mitoma. He should be our focus in the summer.

3.5 years left on his contract and Brighton would probably ask close to 100M for him. I'd expect there to be younger and better value prospects that we would be targeting.

 

[olithfc]

I love the Jota on the wing chant. If he doesn't come we can use it for johnson

 

[fishhhandaricecake]

For me getting this LW signing right is crucial for us (I think Son has to be our 9 now) so I understand that, especially if Jota ended up being a free transfer rather than a loan. We could also be looking at someone like Chiesa who, whilst a gamble, if it came off would be the extra piece needed for us to truly compete.

The dream for me would be Kvara at Napoli. Such a shame Ange wasn't here when we were linked before. He'd have snapped him up!



It's huge. Genuinely think elite quality in the forward line, and specifically LW, will be our biggest challenge in the overall squad build for Ange and our biggest potential inhibitor to major success. Everywhere else in the squad I'm confident we'll achieve what we need in 2-3 windows.

Spot on mate

 

[fishhhandaricecake]

3.5 years left on his contract and Brighton would probably ask close to 100M for him. I'd expect there to be younger and better value prospects that we would be targeting.

I’d rather Jota than Mitoma tbh.

 

[ajspurs]

...but this works for me. Bluntly, there are teams out there who know who will fit the bill for a certain slot, because those players are world stars, who will command world star fees.

I had never heard of Vicario
I knew little about Deki and Bentancur
I had seen Porro once
Udogie was a young unknown
An 18 year old Sarr might as well have been a total punt
VDV has genuine world class potential....that not many saw, otherwise he'd have had more offers

That's basically 7, excellent first team (more or less) players who would now start for most teams in the league, that all came in, all of who could be classified as anything from 'under the radar' to 'with clear questions/risks'. And that's before we talk about the likes of Maddison, Bissouma, Romero etc.

I'll take not knowing. The only qualification is that it seems to be a largely new team - which is a bit of a shame, but at least there's some continuity with Fab. I think we're better to strengthen where we really need it (CB) and if there are deals that make sense. Go for it. But no need to buy for the sake of buying.

Oh I fully agree. All in all It's all about player suitability to me really, whether that's someone known or unknown. Someone known doesn't necessarily have to be someone who's really well regarded in the world of football, it could just be someone who may just have potential as of now and it being a case of who will take the punt and pay a little over the odds for potential. The good thing is that it seems we have the right people making the decisions.

 

[Nick-TopSpursMan]

It's huge. Genuinely think elite quality in the forward line, and specifically LW, will be our biggest challenge in the overall squad build for Ange and our biggest potential inhibitor to major success. Everywhere else in the squad I'm confident we'll achieve what we need in 2-3 windows.

I completely agree with you. I feel like quite a few of us keep repeating ourselves but for good reason. It’s the position that imo raises our ceiling and potentially makes us title challengers and even CL challengers if we get it right. You look at the way Ange has coached us and how well we are doing even with a decimated squad and you just know this guy can do something special.

I know he signed a new contract but I’d knock straight on Bilbao’s door, activate Nico Williams release clause and get Ange to speak with him.

Other than that it’s either a superstar like Kvara as you say or we go for Jota and we gamble he can step up to PL level. Alternatively we go for a talent like Nusa and hope he develops quickly.

 

[Dunc2610]

I really think the club are making a big error if they are just targeting a player who can play across the 3. Generally that kind of player will be more of a forward than a winger and once again won’t have the specific 1v1 qualities we are absolutely desperate for.

I'm sure they'll take your superior opinion under advisement and pull out all the stops to do as you wish!

 

[Trix]

I really think the club are making a big error if they are just targeting a player who can play across the 3. Generally that kind of player will be more of a forward than a winger and once again won’t have the specific 1v1 qualities we are absolutely desperate for.

We already have Son, Richarlison and even Johnson who can play across the front.

Yet we have absolutely no specialist 1v1 winger in our squad who is of elite potential or quality.

Jota may or may not be good enough but he’s exactly the profile of player we should be going for.

I also really don’t see how signing a winger bloats our squad. Perisic is out for the season and his contract is up, Gil is nowhere near good enough and not a viable option if we want to actually kick on.

That leaves us with:

Solomon
Son/Richarlison/Veliz
Johnson/Deki

A clear gap in both profile and squad space for a left winger to add the qualities we desperately need, consistent 1v1 threat and cutting edge from the left touchline.

Clubs often get 1/2 positions badly wrong when building a squad. I really hope this isn’t the area we make a bad mistake. If we get it right we could genuinely push for the title this season if we have some luck with injuries.

Maybe Ange has no interest in having one? I mean we are only assuming that would be the profile of player he wants because it's what we want. Maybe the end game plan is that they are all interchangeable in both selection and during the game.

As far as Jota is concerned I've never thought this was a goer, and I've personally heard nothing at all to say we have any interest. I still think he'll end up at Newcastle if he comes back to England.

 

[fishhhandaricecake]

Maybe Ange has no interest in having one? I mean we are only assuming that would be the profile of player he wants because it's what we want. Maybe the end game plan is that they are all interchangeable in both selection and during the game.

As far as Jota is concerned I've never thought this was a goer, and I've personally heard nothing at all to say we have any interest. I still think he'll end up at Newcastle if he comes back to England.

I think you're right here.

Ange has been quoted saying that he doesn't usually look for a specific type of attacking player but likes to have a lot of different options to use within a framework because then it gives the opponents more to think about if each player brings different qualities.

That being said Ange will know what characteristics need to be added to the mix which we lack currently.

Another player to cover the front 3 makes a lot of sense as Sonny is mostly playing LW, Richy is our only real striker option and even he isn't 100% a boneafied n.o9, Veliz is still raw but right now we have a lot of flexible players so signing a top out and out specific left winger would disrupt the balance and morale of the attacking players whereas a player who could play across all 3 positions would get much more gametime.

Son : LW/ST
Richy : ST/LW
Johnson : RW/LW (possibly ST but maybe not in this system)
Kulu : RW/n.o8/10
Solomon: LW/RW
Veliz: ST
Perisic (if he plays for us again): LW

So we actually when all are fit have the following amount of players who can cover each position:
ST: 2-3
LW: 4-5
RW: 3

So I can see why another out and out left winger might not be the ideal profile given we have 4-5 players who can already cover that position whereas a player who can cover all 3 would be more valuble right now.

Jota can cover LW or RW but not ST.

 

[Nick-TopSpursMan]

Maybe Ange has no interest in having one? I mean we are only assuming that would be the profile of player he wants because it's what we want. Maybe the end game plan is that they are all interchangeable in both selection and during the game.

As far as Jota is concerned I've never thought this was a goer, and I've personally heard nothing at all to say we have any interest. I still think he'll end up at Newcastle if he comes back to England.

I would be surprised looking at his Celtic team profiles, his general recent history and the tactical approach he has if he doesn’t want someone with a high level of 1v1 ability.

In our system, despite positional rotations being key, it’s quite clear the wide players are integral and they are the ones who hold the width and provide the outlets to beat players and carve out chances/score goals. Look at how often we move the ball through teams in to those wide areas in attack, isolating the opposition fullbacks.

I’m not saying the player we sign has to just stand out wide all game either. They will of course rotate and end up in central areas at times but they have to have the capability to beat players 1v1 and carve out chances for others in a wide area with pace.

Perhaps Ange is looking for a player who can positionally rotate across the 3 as you say but I do think we’re looking for an incredibly specific player if that’s the case. I’m not sure I can think of a single player who is superb 1v1, quick, good technically, comfortable wide or narrow and can genuinely play across the entire front 3? The only player I can think of is probably Mbappe haha.