Summer Transfer Wish List

[cliff jones]

I wouldn't be surprised if we just brought in Berahino/Batshuayi type as we have excellent cover in other areas,

Pritchard would be like another signing, Carter Vickers will play a more prominant role in the first team squad.

We may bring forward a few of our exciting youngsters, the likes of Edwards, Shay Harrison etc to bolster the first team squad.

You never know but expecting the academy supply line to meet any more than half the squads needs is optimistic.

We need to buy in the areas where we have no one near ready coming through. I'm all for buying young and developing as opposed to spending big fees and wages on someone who might get injured or moan when rotated. In fact Wenger seemed to do better with this model than when he started spunKing tens of millions.

I don't want four players, not even three, just the ultra mobile dm and young cf who can bring something slightly different to the party. But certainly not on deadline fkin day.

 

[cliff jones]

For me it has to be....

1 good quality striker, ready to rotate/partner with Kane. Example: Batshuayi/Berahino

1 good quality, experienced CDM/CM to rotate/partner with Dier. Example: Witsel/Xhaka

Less essential would be....

1 good quality attacking midfielder/winger to rotate in with Son, Chadli, Lamela. Example: Insigne/Dembele (Rennes) /Boufal

After that I'd like to see a young striker that we can develop and who will occasionally play in domestic cups, europe and sub appearances in league. Such as Dembele from Fulham.

We have the three you mention at acm plus Alli, Eriksen, Onomah and Pritchard, with Dembele and Mason also able to step further forward. surely that enough.

I'm ok with Chad, but might take a good offer if we think we can land a replacement first. A similar type, who can head it, but a bit more dynamic...

 

[Hercules]

We have young players who we expect to develop with experience though. There would be no point stopping them getting that experience by bringing in another player to block their path.

Our strategy is not about constantly buying to improve, it's about buying or bringing through young players to develop over time.

Let me name some in my own opinion who are not at the grade and decisions needs to be made to bring through players like Winks and Onomah if I may; Bentaleb, Carroll, Yedlin, Fazio (last two on loan at present). Dury is out for me if Davies is worth keeping on due to his severe lack of pace.

That in itself opens up a lot of spaces both for bringing through our own and adding 3-4 quality experienced players at the right age.

 

[whitelanefever]

50 mil....Lol, we won't be spending that sort of money in total in the Summer let alone on one player.

I think Journalists have a hard time identifying between Dollars Euros & Sterling...

 

[Hercules]

Don't forget the likes of Onomah, Pritchard and CCV will also be a season further down the line. Domestic cups would be perfect for them mixed in to a few more experienced heads.

Those behind the scenes have taken years to implement our development system and it has come at considerable cost too. It was always the plan, that along with the new stadium, we could achieve a sustainable squad able to repeatedly challenge the financially superior teams. You don't just drop that plan when it is clearly paying dividends. This was always a long term development and we need to stay focused on the fact it is clearly working.

I fully support that. However, there are some players you look at and make decisions as you progress, and I have given explanations elsewhere so the names will suffice for now; Chiriches, Yedlin, Carroll, Bentaleb, Davies is 5 players in my own opinion needs moving on as they are good players but not now at the required level, noting three of those are out on loan. Winks replaces Carroll, Vickers replaces Chiriches, and Pritchard you make key decisions against present squad as who he replaces. You still need to bring in the very minimum a DM, with another striker, and offensive pacey and creative midfielder. Then a Moussa Dembele along with that. To me that is out minimal requirement in summer,

We want to keep room for the youngsters coming through, and after a couple of seasons if they are not hitting the levels one expects you then make decisions on them.

 

[Trix]

Let me name some in my own opinion who are not at the grade and decisions needs to be made to bring through players like Winks and Onomah if I may; Bentaleb, Carroll, Yedlin, Chiriches, Fazio (last three on loan at present). Dury is out for me if Davies is worth keeping on due to his severe lack of pace.

That in itself opens up a lot of spaces both for bringing through our own and adding 3-4 quality experienced players at the right age.

There can be no disputing Levy as the greatest negotiator in the history of football if he can sell Vlad two Summers running.

 

[Hercules]

There can be no disputing Levy as the greatest negotiator in the history of football if he can sell Vlad two Summers running.

Oops! Am I bad...

 

[JUSTINSIGNAL]

Let me name some in my own opinion who are not at the grade and decisions needs to be made to bring through players like Winks and Onomah if I may; Bentaleb, Carroll, Yedlin, Chiriches, Fazio (last three on loan at present). Dury is out for me if Davies is worth keeping on due to his severe lack of pace.

That in itself opens up a lot of spaces both for bringing through our own and adding 3-4 quality experienced players at the right age.

Apart from Carroll(and Onomah/Bentaleb when we have injuries) none of the others are regulars in the squad. Davies has made progress this season so he won't be going anywhere. Chriches has already been sold btw

Yedlin and Fazio will probably be sold but they were no where near the squad anyway, so why do we need to replace them? Especially when we're trying to provide a pathway to the first team for our academy players. Poch has stated numerous times that he likes working with a smaller squad. Apart from the need for a back up to Kane I don't see any massive holes in a squad that is currently second in the league and up until very recently was still competing in another two competitions. With already having the youngest squad in the league we're only going to improve so I don't see this sudden need to stockpile more players.

 

[Hercules]

Apart from Carroll(and Onomah/Bentaleb when we have injuries) none of the others are regulars in the squad. Davies has made progress this season so he won't be going anywhere. Chriches has already been sold btw

Yedlin and Fazio will probably be sold but they were no where near the squad anyway, so why do we need to replace them? Especially when we're trying to provide a pathway to the first team for our academy players. Poch has stated numerous times that he likes working with a smaller squad. Apart from the need for a back up to Kane I don't see any massive holes in a squad that is currently second in the league and up until very recently was still competing in another two competitions. With already having the youngest squad in the league we're only going to improve so I don't see this sudden need to stockpile more players.

I have corrected Chiriches as Trix highlighted lol. I hear what you are saying, but take with players I feel just lack that little extra but know they are likely to still be here. Chadli offers goals, and goals wins matches, but does not really offer enough on s consistent basis to warrant staying, though more than likely won't be going anywhere. You then have Carroll and Bentaleb from this present stock who needs to move on. Onomah is already within so space/s available. Pritchard coming back in, and you could say he takes Carfills spot. But! Carroll was already here do available space still. You can argue the same for Bentaleb, but again Onomah is already here.

I therefore cannot see the 'stock pilling argument' as I support you in that. The players we have had to be of the required quality, and if they are not you cannot keep them because they came through our academy. It is about balanced improvement which is a skill in its own right.

 

[Everlasting Seconds]

The interesting thing about the comments from those who refute any transfer needs by pointing to various abbreviations from the youth set up is that the very same point was repeated endlessly last summer. But looking at our present squad, new signings in 2015 (Wimmer, Trippier, Alderweireld, and Alli) are making an immensely stronger impact now than any kiddo from the youth set up. In the broader perspective, our present best 11 players include one youth graduate and 10 purchases.

Transfer plans and youth players strategies must proceed simultaneously, one simply can't put the other on hold. Thus far, history shows that good transfer dealings are too valuable to be replaced by three-lettered codes amongst youth players.

 

[bceej]

Versatile DM if young - Leander Dendoncker, Riechedly Bazoer
DM if senior - Axel Witsel (even though more of a central midfielder)

Striker/forward - Alexandre Lacazette, Lorenzo Insigne, Sebastien Haller, Breel Embolo

 

[tooey]

There is definitely a middle ground between promoting academy and buying players in. When you look at the Academy players that have made first team appearances how many are currently good enough for our first XI? Only Kane. Mason, Bentaleb, Carroll are decent enough squad players but could be improved upon without substantial cost. We absolutely must give our young guys a chance but if they aren't up to scratch then sentiment can't get in the way of success. Without doubt we need a ST and CDM, we don't have anybody in the youth system capable of coming in, in those positions without a massive drop in quality. In my opinion we sell Yedlin, Fazio, Carroll, Bentaleb, Chadli, promote Edwards, CCV, keep Onomah and Winks around the first team and use the money from sales to fund a young ST and CDM.

*edit, forgot about Pritchard who I think will have a part to play next season, in spite of the dreadful loan we gave him.

 

[tooey]

Versatile DM if young - Leander Dendoncker, Riechedly Bazoer
DM if senior - Axel Witsel (even though more of a central midfielder)

Striker/forward - Alexandre Lacazette, Lorenzo Insigne, Sebastien Haller, Breel Embolo

The issue I have with Insigne is that the guy is about 5'3", tiny. While you don't need to be massive as a lone ST, some physical presence is necessary. I always thought he was more of a inside forward or CAM to be honest.

 

[nightgoat]

Our coefficient is ok, I understand, so we might not get a group of death assuming we do qualify?

Anyway, the goal has to be get out of the group, then put on a better and braver performance against the really big boys we run into. As for winning it one day, well they did, riding the biggest luck wave you've ever seen. Lightning might strike again but one step at a time eh.

As things stand if all CL qualification places remain as they are now, and Barca/Bayern/PSG win it this season we would be the 9th highest ranked non-champions in the group stage and as such would be the top ranked team in the third pot. That also assumes Porto and Man City would make it through the playoff round.

If Real or Man City were to win the CL, based on those standings we'd currently scrape into the second pot.

 

[bceej]

The issue I have with Insigne is that the guy is about 5'3", tiny. While you don't need to be massive as a lone ST, some physical presence is necessary. I always thought he was more of a inside forward or CAM to be honest.

I saw him as a player that can play off Kane as well as other positions.

 

[kauniitverhot]

There can be no disputing Levy as the greatest negotiator in the history of football if he can sell Vlad two Summers running.

Vlad Chiriches - so bad they sold him twice

 

[Japhet]

There is definitely a middle ground between promoting academy and buying players in. When you look at the Academy players that have made first team appearances how many are currently good enough for our first XI? Only Kane. Mason, Bentaleb, Carroll are decent enough squad players but could be improved upon without substantial cost. We absolutely must give our young guys a chance but if they aren't up to scratch then sentiment can't get in the way of success. Without doubt we need a ST and CDM, we don't have anybody in the youth system capable of coming in, in those positions without a massive drop in quality. In my opinion we sell Yedlin, Fazio, Carroll, Bentaleb, Chadli, promote Edwards, CCV, keep Onomah and Winks around the first team and use the money from sales to fund a young ST and CDM.

*edit, forgot about Pritchard who I think will have a part to play next season, in spite of the dreadful loan we gave him.

Dominic Ball is doing well at Rangers and getting some rave reviews. I know they're playing at a much lower level but he's worth keeping an eye on.

 

[GetSpurredOn]

We need a RCB replacement for Fazio as an understudy for Alderweireld.
We need a DM cover for Dier.
We need a genuine CF cover for Kane.

Carter-Vickers for me can be the RCB cover, no point buying for the sake of it and blocking the path of a highly rated young player.

I believe the DM needs to be a CB/DM player like Dier, due to the fact our system seems quite reliant on his ability to drop in between the CB's and form a back 3 as the fullbacks push on. Tricky one. Ball is playing that role for Rangers, started the season playing well at CB but has been used as DM more recently. The DM's linked appear more DM/CM type players, which for me, alters our system.

As for CF, I think there's two schools of thought here (basing this on January's links). Dembele as a more physical CF option to give us a Kane(esque) presence up top. Alternatively, there is Berahino, as a different type of CF option to give us a plan B. Berahino could also cover WF. Could there be room for both if we sold Chadli, as he's the one who I feel is at risk.

There are some who feel we need another AM option, someone to open up defences. This I feel is less critical, as Son should well go up a level with a full year under his belt, Njie will return from injury and likewise has had a year to settle (albeit without being able to play so much), plus Pritchard will be back. A full preseason for Son and Njie should help as they didn't have that last year.

 

[GetSpurredOn]

The issue I have with Insigne is that the guy is about 5'3", tiny. While you don't need to be massive as a lone ST, some physical presence is necessary. I always thought he was more of a inside forward or CAM to be honest.

Ben Yedder was linked in January, 5ft 7in, so no giant, but only an inch shorter than Carlos Tevez and Sergio Aguero as an example of how his height shouldn't rule him out. Could be a decent option as a different type of CF to Kane, given the prices quoted in January, and there were strong media links suggesting we went for him but his club weren't prepared to sell until the summer.
£7.5m for Ben Yedder
£5m for Dembele

Could the sale of Chadli cover that?
Instead of Berahino, Ben Yedder could be the one to give us a stylistic alternative to Kane, as he could also operate deeper or wider. Dembele could give us a more similar physical option to Kane.

 

[THFCSPURS19]

I think the 'wanted' list is as short as
RCB cover for Alderweireld
CB/DM cover for Dier
CF cover for Kane.

I think the inhouse prospects like Carter-Vickers and Ball may/will be given chance to step up for RCB, with Ball also being able to cover DM. Also, Bentaleb seems to be being moulded by Poch into a legitimate DM, so between those three, they may see us just needing a CF.
As others have said, I can't see us signing a stellar CF when game time for a CF in a on up top system is tricky. So, either a young hungry player with potential like Dembele, or someone capable of grabbing minutes as a WF as well as CF like Berahino.

Pretty much job done. Maybe a couple of development level signings in the background.

Three key positions to address.
RCB - someone to take the workload off Toby, like for like in the way Wimmer has stepped in for Jan.
DM - someone to share the load with Dier, like for like stylistically, able to drop deep as an auxiliary CB when the fullbacks go up.
CF - someone to share the load with Kane, maybe not so much like for like, so they could indeed play together if required.

Up until now, I believed Bentaleb was the understudy to Dier in the DM role, but to see Mason and Carroll together Thursday was less than sturdy, and also changes the dynamic of the usual tactics. I think we missed that shielding player, who also drops between the CB's to allow the fullbacks to get upfield, that's key to our game and with Mason and Carroll there, that wasn't going to happen. So, if Bentaleb isn't seen as the straight swap for Dier, then we need to be looking for one. Wanyama has been linked before, and obviously has played under Pochettino before.

Higher up the park, we are perhaps overloaded with AM/WF, so maybe there's room to move one out in order to bring another CF in, and realistically despite his decent goals output, I do wonder if Chadli really has the dynamism to go to the next level. With Eriksen, Lamela, Son, Njie also in the mix, Alli often played up there, along with the returning Pritchard, and then Onomah on the fringes. Dembele on a bosman would give us a physical option as backup, then maybe go back and look again at someone like Ben Yedder, as an alternative style CF, both could be got for a relatively modest outlay I'd guess. I just can't see us going for the likes of Berahino, Lacazette or Batshuayi, too big an outlay based on recent windows.

There is some suggestion Carter-Vickers will be Toby's understudy, and the return of Dominic Ball after a decent loan at Rangers, capable of being like for like with Dier as a CB/DM option. Question is, with the CL on the horizon, does selling Bentaleb to buy Wanyama as a closer Dier option at a higher level than Ball, become a more desirable route? As good potentially as Bentaleb could be, if he isn't the Dier role, then we would be overloaded in the other CM role and is he above or below Mason and Carroll in Poch's eyes?

So,
Fazio out, Carter-Vickers step up.
Bentaleb cover Dier.
Ball to cover both roles.
Or Bentaleb out and Wanyama in.
Chadli out, Dembele and Ben Yedder in.

Lloris, Vorm
Walker, Trippier
Rose, Davies
Alderweireld, Carter-Vickers, Ball
Vertonghen, Wimmer
Dier, Bentaleb/Wanyama
Dembele, Mason, Carroll
Lamela, Son
Eriksen, Alli
Njie, Pritchard
Kane, Ben Yedder, Dembele

Then the likes of McGee, Walker-Peters, Winks, Onomah etc.

We need a RCB replacement for Fazio as an understudy for Alderweireld.
We need a DM cover for Dier.
We need a genuine CF cover for Kane.

Carter-Vickers for me can be the RCB cover, no point buying for the sake of it and blocking the path of a highly rated young player.

I believe the DM needs to be a CB/DM player like Dier, due to the fact our system seems quite reliant on his ability to drop in between the CB's and form a back 3 as the fullbacks push on. Tricky one. Ball is playing that role for Rangers, started the season playing well at CB but has been used as DM more recently. The DM's linked appear more DM/CM type players, which for me, alters our system.

As for CF, I think there's two schools of thought here (basing this on January's links). Dembele as a more physical CF option to give us a Kane(esque) presence up top. Alternatively, there is Berahino, as a different type of CF option to give us a plan B. Berahino could also cover WF. Could there be room for both if we sold Chadli, as he's the one who I feel is at risk.

There are some who feel we need another AM option, someone to open up defences. This I feel is less critical, as Son should well go up a level with a full year under his belt, Njie will return from injury and likewise has had a year to settle (albeit without being able to play so much), plus Pritchard will be back. A full preseason for Son and Njie should help as they didn't have that last year.

It's like you keep forgetting you've already posted in the thread