Squad (8 Viewers)

[PUSB-We_are_going_up]

Coming into January obviously we (the forum) want a CB and a CM definitely and if possible a RB and LB. This may be a bit early but I think its an interesting topic to discuss. When it comes to the summer and if we fail to go up, this is how the squad will shape up:
(Positions and contracts based on transfermarkt and age as of August 1st 2025)
GK:
Dovin - 23 (cont:2028)
Collins - 28 (cont:2026)
RB:
van Ewijk - 24 (cont:2027)
CB:
Thomas - 24 (cont:2027)
Kitching - 25 (cont:2027)
Latibeaudiere - 25 (cont:2027)
Binks - 23 (cont:2028)
LB:
Dasilva - 27 (cont:2027)
CDM:
Sheaf - 27 (cont:2026)
Eccles - 25 (cont:2028)
CM:
Rudoni - 24 (cont:2028)
Torp - 26 (cont:2028)
Andrews - 19 (cont:2026)
RW:
Sakamoto - 28 (cont:2026)
ST:
Simms - 24 (cont:2027)
Thomas-Asante - 25 (cont:2028)
Bassette - 20 (cont:2028)
LW:
Wright - 27 (cont:2027)
Mason-Clark - 25 (cont:2028)
Rapha - 21 (cont:2028)

This is depending on if no more contracts are renewed, so we’d be losing Allen, Wilson, Tavares, Bidwell, Tyler.
Say we sign a CB, CM and RB in January and dont sell anyone that would give us enough depth at GK, RB, CB, ST, LW.

I think we will end up losing Sheaf and Haji, Milan has been too patchy in form for a team in the PL to want him so I think we can get another year out of him. I think Thomas could attract suitors from the lower PL as on his day he can easily play at that level but off his day he can become a liability but he’s still young at 23 so mistakes will happen to him being inexperienced.

Say we get 25m for Haji which we should easily get if he continues his scoring form this year as 2 good seasons in this tier for a forward makes them worth mega money, and he’s a US international so we could probably squeeze out a bit more. And potentially 10m for Sheaf (out of contract end of 25/26 season so definitely wont be able to demand a higher fee especially as Hamer only went for 15m). Would leave us with 35m to spend again, and with the big wages as Haji is our top earner and Sheaf will be up there and obviously Wilson, Allen and Bidwell will be on good chunks of money.

So from this we need a LB, RB, CDM and a RW guaranteed to have 2 players per position (also reliant on Rapha coming good to operate as EMC’s backup on the left)

Therefore, I’d probably sign:
- Michal Sadílek (26) CDM from Twente (10m/free)*
- Tuur Rommens (22) LB from Westerlo (3.75m)
- Shuto Nakano (25) RB from Hiroshima (1.5m)
- Kayky (22) RW from Man City (5m/loan)**

*dependent on if he signs a new deal
**dependent on if City are willing to let him go

This would leave us with:
2xGK
2xRB
5xCB
2xLB
2xCDM
4xCM
2xRW
3xST
2xLW
(A squad of 25)
14.75m left in the bank

From there it would be 1 in 1 out no need for a massive rebuild I think FL is happy with the squad he has inherited. Players like BTA and Lati are good Utility players to have around and fill in a couple positions if we have injuries. Kai Andrews could have his big break next year but if not then potentially send him out on loan and we’d be left with 1 less CM which means less depth in midfield however I think we should have enough cover there.
If possible I’d probably look at selling Kitching, Collins and Dasilva and obviously replace following the 1in1out rule.
Rest of the funds will probably be used on bonuses, new contracts, agent fees and general maintenance.

This by no means is what will happen just an idealist approach from myself based on only signing a CB and CM in January (I chose Jimmy Dunne and Majeed Ashimeru in the other thread obviously wont be them but again idealist approach)

 

---

[SAJ]

Coming into January obviously we (the forum) want a CB and a CM definitely and if possible a RB and LB. This may be a bit early but I think its an interesting topic to discuss. When it comes to the summer and if we fail to go up, this is how the squad will shape up:
(Positions and contracts based on transfermarkt and age as of August 1st 2025)
GK:
Dovin - 23 (cont:2028)
Collins - 28 (cont:2026)
RB:
van Ewijk - 24 (cont:2027)
CB:
Thomas - 24 (cont:2027)
Kitching - 25 (cont:2027)
Latibeaudiere - 25 (cont:2027)
Binks - 23 (cont:2028)
LB:
Dasilva - 27 (cont:2027)
CDM:
Sheaf - 27 (cont:2026)
Eccles - 25 (cont:2028)
CM:
Rudoni - 24 (cont:2028)
Torp - 26 (cont:2028)
Andrews - 19 (cont:2026)
RW:
Sakamoto - 28 (cont:2026)
ST:
Simms - 24 (cont:2027)
Thomas-Asante - 25 (cont:2028)
Bassette - 20 (cont:2028)
LW:
Wright - 27 (cont:2027)
Mason-Clark - 25 (cont:2028)
Rapha - 21 (cont:2028)

This is depending on if no more contracts are renewed, so we’d be losing Allen, Wilson, Tavares, Bidwell, Tyler.
Say we sign a CB, CM and RB in January and dont sell anyone that would give us enough depth at GK, RB, CB, ST, LW.

I think we will end up losing Sheaf and Haji, Milan has been too patchy in form for a team in the PL to want him so I think we can get another year out of him. I think Thomas could attract suitors from the lower PL as on his day he can easily play at that level but off his day he can become a liability but he’s still young at 23 so mistakes will happen to him being inexperienced.

Say we get 25m for Haji which we should easily get if he continues his scoring form this year as 2 good seasons in this tier for a forward makes them worth mega money, and he’s a US international so we could probably squeeze out a bit more. And potentially 10m for Sheaf (out of contract end of 25/26 season so definitely wont be able to demand a higher fee especially as Hamer only went for 15m). Would leave us with 35m to spend again, and with the big wages as Haji is our top earner and Sheaf will be up there and obviously Wilson, Allen and Bidwell will be on good chunks of money.

So from this we need a LB, RB, CDM and a RW guaranteed to have 2 players per position (also reliant on Rapha coming good to operate as EMC’s backup on the left)

Therefore, I’d probably sign:
- Michal Sadílek (26) CDM from Twente (10m/free)*
- Tuur Rommens (22) LB from Westerlo (3.75m)
- Shuto Nakano (25) RB from Hiroshima (1.5m)
- Kayky (22) RW from Man City (5m/loan)**

*dependent on if he signs a new deal
**dependent on if City are willing to let him go

This would leave us with:
2xGK
2xRB
5xCB
2xLB
2xCDM
4xCM
2xRW
3xST
2xLW
(A squad of 25)
14.75m left in the bank

From there it would be 1 in 1 out no need for a massive rebuild I think FL is happy with the squad he has inherited. Players like BTA and Lati are good Utility players to have around and fill in a couple positions if we have injuries. Kai Andrews could have his big break next year but if not then potentially send him out on loan and we’d be left with 1 less CM which means less depth in midfield however I think we should have enough cover there.
If possible I’d probably look at selling Kitching, Collins and Dasilva and obviously replace following the 1in1out rule.
Rest of the funds will probably be used on bonuses, new contracts, agent fees and general maintenance.

This by no means is what will happen just an idealist approach from myself based on only signing a CB and CM in January (I chose Jimmy Dunne and Majeed Ashimeru in the other thread obviously wont be them but again idealist approach)

Thomas play Premier league if only.

 

[Wyken Sky Blue]

What the hell is a squad? Don't you mean 'Deck'?

 

[skybluegod]

£25 million for Wright? Never in a million years will we get that Gyokeres was a much better player and younger.

 

[PUSB-We_are_going_up]

£25 million for Wright? Never in a million years will we get that Gyokeres was a much better player and younger.

But Vik only had 1 year left, Haji will have 2 years left

 

[PUSB-We_are_going_up]

Thomas play Premier league if only.

He’s by far our best CB (not a hard task) but on his day he is quality, he bullied Hojlund against Utd, and is a quality defender at this level on his day, he loses that inconsistency he makes the step up

 

[skybluecam]

But Vik only had 1 year left, Haji will have 2 years left

Who’s paying 25m for a 27 yo who hasn’t even managed 20 goals in the championship?

 

[PUSB-We_are_going_up]

Who’s paying 25m for a 27 yo who hasn’t even managed 20 goals in the championship?

16 goals and 7 assists last season (19+7 all comps) if he continues his rate of scoring when he comes back in January (say he comes back Jan 1) he’ll have 17 goals in the league and 3 assists, and he’s a USA international, under contract so we have no pressure to sell however if a couple teams are interested a bidding war commences. Not only can he play as a 9 but also as a winger and his underlying stats are insanely good for a striker at this level. Also he can go for 15m and my ideas still work.

 

[stupot07]

Tbf despite the numbers, he hasn't really proven himself as striker in the championship, most of his goals and assists have been from playing off the left. So he's proved himself as a quality goalscoring left winger.

 

[Perennial Lurker]

Coming into January obviously we (the forum) want a CB and a CM definitely and if possible a RB and LB. This may be a bit early but I think its an interesting topic to discuss. When it comes to the summer and if we fail to go up, this is how the squad will shape up:
(Positions and contracts based on transfermarkt and age as of August 1st 2025)
GK:
Dovin - 23 (cont:2028)
Collins - 28 (cont:2026)
RB:
van Ewijk - 24 (cont:2027)
CB:
Thomas - 24 (cont:2027)
Kitching - 25 (cont:2027)
Latibeaudiere - 25 (cont:2027)
Binks - 23 (cont:2028)
LB:
Dasilva - 27 (cont:2027)
CDM:
Sheaf - 27 (cont:2026)
Eccles - 25 (cont:2028)
CM:
Rudoni - 24 (cont:2028)
Torp - 26 (cont:2028)
Andrews - 19 (cont:2026)
RW:
Sakamoto - 28 (cont:2026)
ST:
Simms - 24 (cont:2027)
Thomas-Asante - 25 (cont:2028)
Bassette - 20 (cont:2028)
LW:
Wright - 27 (cont:2027)
Mason-Clark - 25 (cont:2028)
Rapha - 21 (cont:2028)

This is depending on if no more contracts are renewed, so we’d be losing Allen, Wilson, Tavares, Bidwell, Tyler.
Say we sign a CB, CM and RB in January and dont sell anyone that would give us enough depth at GK, RB, CB, ST, LW.

I think we will end up losing Sheaf and Haji, Milan has been too patchy in form for a team in the PL to want him so I think we can get another year out of him. I think Thomas could attract suitors from the lower PL as on his day he can easily play at that level but off his day he can become a liability but he’s still young at 23 so mistakes will happen to him being inexperienced.

Say we get 25m for Haji which we should easily get if he continues his scoring form this year as 2 good seasons in this tier for a forward makes them worth mega money, and he’s a US international so we could probably squeeze out a bit more. And potentially 10m for Sheaf (out of contract end of 25/26 season so definitely wont be able to demand a higher fee especially as Hamer only went for 15m). Would leave us with 35m to spend again, and with the big wages as Haji is our top earner and Sheaf will be up there and obviously Wilson, Allen and Bidwell will be on good chunks of money.

So from this we need a LB, RB, CDM and a RW guaranteed to have 2 players per position (also reliant on Rapha coming good to operate as EMC’s backup on the left)

Therefore, I’d probably sign:
- Michal Sadílek (26) CDM from Twente (10m/free)*
- Tuur Rommens (22) LB from Westerlo (3.75m)
- Shuto Nakano (25) RB from Hiroshima (1.5m)
- Kayky (22) RW from Man City (5m/loan)**

*dependent on if he signs a new deal
**dependent on if City are willing to let him go

This would leave us with:
2xGK
2xRB
5xCB
2xLB
2xCDM
4xCM
2xRW
3xST
2xLW
(A squad of 25)
14.75m left in the bank

From there it would be 1 in 1 out no need for a massive rebuild I think FL is happy with the squad he has inherited. Players like BTA and Lati are good Utility players to have around and fill in a couple positions if we have injuries. Kai Andrews could have his big break next year but if not then potentially send him out on loan and we’d be left with 1 less CM which means less depth in midfield however I think we should have enough cover there.
If possible I’d probably look at selling Kitching, Collins and Dasilva and obviously replace following the 1in1out rule.
Rest of the funds will probably be used on bonuses, new contracts, agent fees and general maintenance.

This by no means is what will happen just an idealist approach from myself based on only signing a CB and CM in January (I chose Jimmy Dunne and Majeed Ashimeru in the other thread obviously wont be them but again idealist approach)

Jesus !
You started drinking early

 

[PUSB-We_are_going_up]

Jesus !
You started drinking early

Havent stopped since Robins left mate

 

[SlowerThanPlatt]

You’ve got to admire someone trying to predict every single player we’ll sell and sign in the next 12 months

 

[KenilworthSkyBlue]

Pointless to make predictions regarding exits or incomings now for the summer.

Certainly regarding exits you could literally make a case for pretty much half of the squad leaving at this juncture of the season.

 

[Perennial Lurker]

Wilson ,Allen and Bidwell are unlikely to be big earners compared to the top end of the squad .
Thomas isn't PL class , nowhere near .
Wright isn't worth 25 million , maybe half that .
Apart from that it's a valid op

 

[PUSB-We_are_going_up]

Its not predictions its just my opinion on what I would do, and who I’d sign and sell. Im not FL, DA or DK so its not what will happen its just a bit of entertainment for myself

 

[Perennial Lurker]

My prediction for January .
Hopefully sign/loan a right back , one to compete not be back up .
Maybe go back in for James McConnell on loan , he was on the bench for Liverpool last night .
Can't see much else unless we have outgoings

 

[PUSB-We_are_going_up]

Wilson ,Allen and Bidwell are unlikely to be big earners compared to the top end of the squad .
Thomas isn't PL class , nowhere near .
Wright isn't worth 25 million , maybe half that .
Apart from that it's a valid op

Haji might not be worth 25 but he’s certainly worth more than half (12.5) he’s minimum 18m surely. I wasnt saying Thomas is PL class just can be if he cuts out the mistakes as he is a bruiser and bullies center forwards. Bidwell may be on about 8k a week, Allen 7.5k a week and Wilson 7.5k a week. As Bidwell signed as a season Championship player, Wilson signed a new contract after a cracking season and Allen signed a new deal in 2023 also after a good year. They may not seem high wages but to us they are and thats a good chunk of wage budget.

 

[Mucca Mad Boys]

Wilson ,Allen and Bidwell are unlikely to be big earners compared to the top end of the squad .
Thomas isn't PL class , nowhere near .
Wright isn't worth 25 million , maybe half that .
Apart from that it's a valid op

Bidwell probably is a big earner and is someone we probably want to replace in the summer. If these Wagner rumours persist, this is 3/4 LBs that we’ve linked with since the summer.

Fans need to let it go, JDS is probably a more suitable back up defender in any case.

 

[Perennial Lurker]

Bidwell probably is a big earner and is someone we probably want to replace in the summer. If these Wagner rumours persist, this is 3/4 LBs that we’ve linked with since the summer.

Fans need to let it go, JDS is probably a more suitable back up defender in any case.

I think we are looking at left back as a priority for the summer , if the right player becomes available before that who knows ?

 

[Sky Blue Goblin]

Agree with most of this outside of Haji. Will need to score quite a few more goals to gain that valuation. Transfer market got him as £7 million. Think we would be looking to £12.5 to £15 million plus add ons.

Bobby I think will play in the PL just needs to become more consistent.

Happy for the three to go but we will need to replace not just with potential but experience as is the case of Bidwell and Wilson.

Liam Lindsay on a free at the end of the year would be target as would also allow us to make a decision on Kitching since he plays on both the left and right.

Kai Yearn for £1.8 million sounds like a steal from what I’ve read from MLS websites.

Luke Cundle will still be a shout for me for CM but we could do with some more experience.

 

[PUSB-We_are_going_up]

I think we are looking at left back as a priority for the summer , if the right player becomes available before that who knows ?

Agreed, it’ll be like a Bassette situation where we’re looking at signing in the future but if an opportunity presents itself beforehand we’ll take it

 

[Mucca Mad Boys]

I think we are looking at left back as a priority for the summer , if the right player becomes available before that who knows ?

Priority is definitely for CB and CM for me. If the right player is available, happy to sign a LB because I do agree it’s more of an area to improve in summer 2025.

 

[Ccfcisparks]

I stopped reading at Thomas having Premier League interest, gave it a second chance and stopped again at Wright for £25m.

 

[Perennial Lurker]

Priority is definitely for CB and CM for me. If the right player is available, happy to sign a LB because I do agree it’s more of an area to improve in summer 2025.

CM and RB for me are the two areas we lack quality cover . We've seen last season that our CBs are good enough with the right coaching . Over to you FL

 

[PUSB-We_are_going_up]

Players that have been sold for high fees in the Championship:
Said Benhrama (23m) 30 goals 27 assists in 94 games (all comps) age at sale 25
Nathan Collins (15m) good CB but a lot of money for an unproven Premier league player
Ollie Watkins (34m) 49 goals 16 assists in 143 games (all comps) age at sale 24
Salomon Rondon (18m) 31 at age of sale and past his best, scoring record had declined
Christ even Oliver Burke cost 15m.
We can get at least 17m for Haji Wright and if he continues his ratio of a goal every other game and the fact he’s under contract so we’re under no pressure to sell we can squeeze more out of him

 

[KenilworthSkyBlue]

CM and RB for me are the two areas we lack quality cover . We've seen last season that our CBs are good enough with the right coaching . Over to you FL

I'm not so sure they are good enough, however DK will probably take your view on this, which will potentially make it difficult for FL to bring in yet another CB.

He ultimately believes the deck is good enough so without external investment from sell ons or player sales I very much doubt he'll be willing to write of players that cost millions and replace at the drop of a hat.

FL will need to attempt at getting the most out of them first before a more concrete decision is made.

 

[SlowerThanPlatt]

Haji Wright to Wolves is a fair bet if they come down

 

[stupot07]

I can't see a Premier League coming in for Haji Wright, maybe one of the relegated teams looking to bounce back but will probably be someone from Europe or back to America.

 

[Briles]

I can't see a Premier League coming in for Haji Wright, maybe one of the relegated teams looking to bounce back but will probably be someone from Europe or back to America.

He seems a Leeds type player, If they bid for him after promotion wouldn't suprise me

 

[napolimp]

I can't see a Premier League coming in for Haji Wright, maybe one of the relegated teams looking to bounce back but will probably be someone from Europe or back to America.

Insane.

 

[SAJ]

He’s by far our best CB (not a hard task) but on his day he is quality, he bullied Hojlund against Utd, and is a quality defender at this level on his day, he loses that inconsistency he makes the step up

Using that example Binks will also play at that standard. The only way I can see Thomas getting into that league at the moment is if we go up as he will be part of the squad. He is far too inconsistent, gives the ball away at least once a game and isn’t even in the top 10 defenders in the Championship.

 

[PUSB-We_are_going_up]

Using that example Binks will also play at that standard. The only way I can see Thomas getting into that league at the moment is if we go up as he will be part of the squad. He is far too inconsistent, gives the ball away at least once a game and isn’t even in the top 10 defenders in the Championship.

Binks certainly has potential, but Thomas is a class above Binks in terms of defending. Again I said if Thomas cuts the inconsistency out he has the potential to play in the PL, we all know he’s a monster on his day. A CBs first priority is to defend not be able to pass a ball or accurately ping a 60 yard pass every time.

 

[Perennial Lurker]

Binks certainly has potential, but Thomas is a class above Binks in terms of defending. Again I said if Thomas cuts the inconsistency out he has the potential to play in the PL, we all know he’s a monster on his day. A CBs first priority is to defend not be able to pass a ball or accurately ping a 60 yard pass every time.

He really isn't as good as you are portraying him .
He gets caught out of position too often , makes way too many rash tackles and struggles to pass consistently.
He is currently the best of our bad/out of form bunch but the bar isn't set too high

 

[napolimp]

He really isn't as good as you are portraying him .
He gets caught out of position too often , makes way too many rash tackles and struggles to pass consistently.
He is currently the best of our bad/out of form bunch but the bar isn't set too high

Thomas would be a great CB, and has the potential to become PL standard, if he had the opportunity to play alongside an experienced and dependable defender. There's too much pressure on him at the moment to take responsibility for everything at the back, and I don't think he can rely on his keeper or CB pairing.

 

[long way home]

Bidwell may get offered similar terms on a year with an option of 1 more triggered by the club. And be here as a genuine competition for the LB slot.

Tavares should want minutes and im not sure he will get them. So he could be offered a year with an option but at his age he may pick finding a club where he gets minutes more than money

Wilson, Allen, Howley and Burroughs will be released. And 1 or 2 could be sold come summer to fund FL ideas on how to be in and around play offs next season. Lets see how it goes but most important is 3 points on Saturday get them and all off the pitch will look after itself very nicely