Summer transfer window 2024 (18 Viewers)

[Brighton Sky Blue]

Completely agree, our midfield is really lacking atm and I believe it’ll probably cost us promotion if it’s not improved by the end of the window.

I still think this season is our best shot at promotion, would only take around 2-3 signings to have a complete squad. I really worry what it’s going to be like next season if we don’t go up and we then inevitably lose Van Ewijk and maybe Simms and/or Haji. It wasn’t for those 3 we wouldn’t be half the team we are atm, okay we can replace them but it’s probably another season of gelling and it’s going to take a hell of a lot to replace MVE and Haji/Simms in the first place.

Those departures would have less impact if we had their ‘successors’ in the squad this season. Which is why all the talk of back up players is mistaken in my view, especially at right back.

 

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[fatso]

Completely agree, our midfield is really lacking atm and I believe it’ll probably cost us promotion if it’s not improved by the end of the window.

I still think this season is our best shot at promotion, would only take around 2-3 signings to have a complete squad. I really worry what it’s going to be like next season if we don’t go up and we then inevitably lose Van Ewijk and maybe Simms and/or Haji. It wasn’t for those 3 we wouldn’t be half the team we are atm, okay we can replace them but it’s probably another season of gelling and it’s going to take a hell of a lot to replace MVE and Haji/Simms in the first place.

We've already got BTA and EMC in the squad as cover/replacements for Wright and Simms, and the recruitment team will have all season to search across Europe and beyond to identify the talent needed for next season,
with the money we receive for our better players, we should be excited by the standard of players we are capable of attracting.

 

[KenilworthSkyBlue]

Completely agree, our midfield is really lacking atm and I believe it’ll probably cost us promotion if it’s not improved by the end of the window.

I still think this season is our best shot at promotion, would only take around 2-3 signings to have a complete squad. I really worry what it’s going to be like next season if we don’t go up and we then inevitably lose Van Ewijk and maybe Simms and/or Haji. It wasn’t for those 3 we wouldn’t be half the team we are atm, okay we can replace them but it’s probably another season of gelling and it’s going to take a hell of a lot to replace MVE and Haji/Simms in the first place.

To be honest while it would be a blow I'm much more confident that under the current regime we have the infrastructure and success-rate to be able to adequately replace any key exits. Maybe not like-for-like, but in terms of their output on the field we hopefully would be able to identify replacements which would offer something similar.

Selling Sheaf, Wright and MVE would probably see the club bring in around £50m. It's not like in the Thorn days where they're leaving for free or on penny on the pound deals.

 

[Mucca Mad Boys]

Those departures would have less impact if we had their ‘successors’ in the squad this season. Which is why all the talk of back up players is mistaken in my view, especially at right back.

Completely agree, our midfield is really lacking atm and I believe it’ll probably cost us promotion if it’s not improved by the end of the window.

I still think this season is our best shot at promotion, would only take around 2-3 signings to have a complete squad. I really worry what it’s going to be like next season if we don’t go up and we then inevitably lose Van Ewijk and maybe Simms and/or Haji. It wasn’t for those 3 we wouldn’t be half the team we are atm, okay we can replace them but it’s probably another season of gelling and it’s going to take a hell of a lot to replace MVE and Haji/Simms in the first place.

Agreed, at this point in the window, I can’t see us bringing in more than 2 players. One of those players will almost definitely be a CM and next would be defence, CB, RB or LB.

In terms of numbers, on paper we’re ‘well stocked’ as we have 4 CBs, 2 LBs and only one RB on the books. In an ideal world we’d get players in each position, but if we have to prioritise, CB is top. CB is the most important and some experience is needed there in particular. We’ve already conceded 3 preventable goals and it was an Achilles heel last season because we couldn’t keep a clean sheet. Lati is already the 2nd choice RB in the depth chart and he’s good enough defensively for it to work.

As for CM, a lot has been made that we’ve got the numbers, perhaps. The quality isn’t there, our midfield looks unconvincing without Sheaf as it did last season hence we tried to sign Browne, Stamenic and others. In particular, Allen is not at the standard required - he’s a useful rotational player at best imo.

It’s worth noting that Robins spent the tail end of last season stating how he needed more quality in midfield, to not sign anyone new in the transfer window would be strange if that was his choice.

 

[Brighton Sky Blue]

Agreed, at this point in the window, I can’t see us bringing in more than 2 players. One of those players will almost definitely be a CM and next would be defence, CB, RB or LB.

In terms of numbers, on paper we’re ‘well stocked’ as we have 4 CBs, 2 LBs and only one RB on the books. In an ideal world we’d get players in each position, but if we have to prioritise, CB is top. CB is the most important and some experience is needed there in particular. We’ve already conceded 3 preventable goals and it was an Achilles heel last season because we couldn’t keep a clean sheet. Lati is already the 2nd choice RB in the depth chart and he’s good enough defensively for it to work.

As for CM, a lot has been made that we’ve got the numbers, perhaps. The quality isn’t there, our midfield looks unconvincing without Sheaf as it did last season hence we tried to sign Browne, Stamenic and others. In particular, Allen is not at the standard required - he’s a useful rotational player at best imo.

It’s worth noting that Robins spent the tail end of last season stating how he needed more quality in midfield, to not sign anyone new in the transfer window would be strange if that was his choice.

If we’re limited to two players brought in I agree you should focus on the spine of the side. We do however need to decide what our best back 4 is at the end of this window and stick with it. Constantly changing the defence isn’t going to help with the clunky goals we keep giving away.

 

[Sky_Blue_Dreamer]

Those departures would have less impact if we had their ‘successors’ in the squad this season. Which is why all the talk of back up players is mistaken in my view, especially at right back.

I think it's a case of succession planning, with the player brought in starting as back-up.

 

[Brighton Sky Blue]

I think it's a case of succession planning, with the player brought in starting as back-up.

I would prefer ‘rotation’ or ‘competition’, but not arguing with the intention.

 

[SkyBlueGuy]

What is acceptable level in this context? We failed to make the playoffs last season so I’m struggling to see how we improve on last season’s defensive record without adding any new players. We kept 2 league clean sheets in 2024 so was a soft underbelly and will continue to be so on the goals we’ve conceded so far.

I mentioned it before, but we were only 2 conceded goals outside of a top 6 defence last season. We've brought in a new goalkeeper (many seem to have attributed a few goals to GK errors last season). We have a pretty young back line. Even Lati, one of our more experienced defenders at this level, is only 24. They've had a year to develope in the championship and we have a history of improving players.

With the money we've spent, I would not be surprised if we don't bring in any more out and out defenders. Besides anything else it would undermine the model we are going for. We've spent on these players and need to give them the chance to develop in order to be able to sell on for a profit.

 

[shmmeee]

I think we’ve got a problem in that the only outfield players we have over 27 are Allen and Bidwell at 29 and 31 and neither really are looking like first team players that command the respect of the squad.

There’s a real experienced pro shaped hole in the squad IMO, I think if we got an experience DM in who could organise those around him a bit we might get away without the CB.

 

[BlueSkiesForever]

I think we’ve got a problem in that the only outfield players we have over 27 are Allen and Bidwell at 29 and 31 and neither really are looking like first team players that command the respect of the squad.

There’s a real experienced pro shaped hole in the squad IMO, I think if we got an experience DM in who could organise those around him a bit we might get away without the CB.

Yeah this is exactly my thoughts, whilst I wouldn’t say no to a quality CB, I think a quality CM is much more important. We need to stop attacks in the midfield rather than let it get to a one-on-one situation with our defenders.

Also, I know it’s a cliche but the best form of defence is attack, if we can generate attack after attack then that’s less work our defenders have to do. If we’ve already scored 3 then I’m not arsed if we give away a sloppy goal towards the end of the game. Our midfield needs to be more aggressive and forward thinking at times.

 

[Terry_dactyl]

I think we’ve got a problem in that the only outfield players we have over 27 are Allen and Bidwell at 29 and 31 and neither really are looking like first team players that command the respect of the squad.

There’s a real experienced pro shaped hole in the squad IMO, I think if we got an experience DM in who could organise those around him a bit we might get away without the CB.

I never really understand this idea that we need an ‘experienced’ older head etc. Surely it just comes down to character/personality and ability.

 

[BlueSkiesForever]

Those departures would have less impact if we had their ‘successors’ in the squad this season. Which is why all the talk of back up players is mistaken in my view, especially at right back.

So you’re saying we should have back-ups in the squad? There’d be less impact to the squad if MVE leaves next season, say, if we had a RB back-up already in the squad this season? I agree with that, I’m just not sure which side of the argument you’re on, maybe it’s just the way I’m reading it

 

[Saddlebrains]

Obikwu going to Northampton should be announced today. Good move for all parties on loan

We still want Worrall

 

[Ccfcisparks]

Obikwu going to Northampton should be announced today. Good move for all parties on loan

We still want Worrall

would suggest lati will then move to rb cover

 

[rexo87]

Obikwu going to Northampton should be announced today. Good move for all parties on loan

We still want Worrall

would rather a CM than a CB if its one or the other - hopefully still both

 

[lord_garrincha]

would rather a CM than a CB if its one or the other - hopefully still both

Would it be CM perm & CB loan.

 

[shmmeee]

I never really understand this idea that we need an ‘experienced’ older head etc. Surely it just comes down to character/personality and ability.

Yeah sure, i think there’s value in experience especially defensively. You get the odd young player who plays beyond their years, but a lot of it only comes with games.

 

[Viktor17]

Obikwu going to Northampton should be announced today. Good move for all parties on loan

We still want Worrall

@Saddlebrains any midfielder crumbs of news? Thats the key. Would like Worrall if can work.

 

[SleepyGinger]

Obikwu going to Northampton should be announced today. Good move for all parties on loan

We still want Worrall

Glad to hear that re Worrall. Hopefully as the window draws to a close Forest will be happy to take say 20% wage contribution rather than let him sit in the reserves.

 

[junglej13]

Obikwu going to Northampton should be announced today. Good move for all parties on loan

We still want Worrall

I can sense we are on the verge of another George Smith exclusive...

 

[KenilworthSkyBlue]

Glad to hear that re Worrall. Hopefully as the window draws to a close Forest will be happy to take say 20% wage contribution rather than let him sit in the reserves.

I think that's probably our strategy. Forest keen for a permanent solution but if there's no takers they'll probably just want him off the wage bill for a season and look to loan him out.

 

[shmmeee]

Worrall would be perfect if we can make it work. Would still want a decent CM, but he’s fill that organisational hole well I reckon.

 

[Senior Vick from Alicante]

What is acceptable level in this context? We failed to make the playoffs last season so I’m struggling to see how we improve on last season’s defensive record without adding any new players. We kept 2 league clean sheets in 2024 so was a soft underbelly and will continue to be so on the goals we’ve conceded so far.

As for midfield, we’ve been after a few CMs which demonstrates it’s still a priority. Sheaf will miss 10-15 games a season and hasn’t managed 35+ games in his career to date. Torp’s injury record with us so far shows a similar trajectory. After those two, the depth is not looking good and we’re asking a lot from Eccles defensively playing with Allen/Rudoni in the CM role.

Look at how strong our attack was in the Oxford game. You had Tats, EMC, Simms, BTA and Wright playing. That’s the kind of depth you need to be pushing automatics. You don’t have that same depth in midfield or defence.

The paranoia part was in relation to the line about selling Sheaf and Wright because we bought in EMC and tried to get Stamenic.

As a counter to the defensive issues, do you think it might have come down to how the stats guys looked at it in depth? They went for a new first choice keeper rather than defenders as that was where they saw the biggest issue, sloppy goals can and should be able to be alleviated through coaching where as goalkeepers are judged on shot stopping and cross catching. If a keeper doesn't have the basics its a more critical position to replace with a new one with a better skillset that you don't think that the current ones can improve on.

 

[long way home]

I would imagine we will see Howley, Obikwu, Burroughs, Dausch, Tavares, Andrews and Collins out the door by the time the window closes. Some on loan others permanently. If that allows 1 to come in id take Worrall and be happy to work with the squad we have with additions of Sheaf and Rodriguez. But things can change quickly and we will just have to see on the 1st of sept on who we have in game day squads.

 

[dadgad]

?

 

[Brighton Sky Blue]

So you’re saying we should have back-ups in the squad? There’d be less impact to the squad if MVE leaves next season, say, if we had a RB back-up already in the squad this season? I agree with that, I’m just not sure which side of the argument you’re on, maybe it’s just the way I’m reading it

I think it’s crossed wires as to me a back up player is someone we would have on standby in case MVE is injured as opposed to someone closer to first team standard.

 

[edgy]

?

Viktor Yokers.

 

[KenilworthSkyBlue]

I would imagine we will see Howley, Obikwu, Burroughs, Dausch, Tavares, Andrews and Collins out the door by the time the window closes. Some on loan others permanently. If that allows 1 to come in id take Worrall and be happy to work with the squad we have with additions of Sheaf and Rodriguez. But things can change quickly and we will just have to see on the 1st of sept on who we have in game day squads.

Issue with Worrall is Forest want a permanent move. If there's no takers then they'll more than likely look at the next best option which obviously is a loan.

But then the added complication is he's on £40k pw. The wages of the above players collectively probably wouldn't even cover a 1/3 of his. I'd imagine we'd still be paying a chunk of those loan players' wages as well.

 

[Flying Fokker]

I would imagine we will see Howley, Obikwu, Burroughs, Dausch, Tavares, Andrews and Collins out the door by the time the window closes. Some on loan others permanently. If that allows 1 to come in id take Worrall and be happy to work with the squad we have with additions of Sheaf and Rodriguez. But things can change quickly and we will just have to see on the 1st of sept on who we have in game day squads.

I’d want a recall on Obikwu, Dauch and Tavares.

 

[Alkhen]

Sporting are about to drop €30m on Brazilian striker Vitor Roque. Could be a good sign that Vik is on the move...

 

[TwistAndShoutCCFC1987]

Obikwu going to Northampton should be announced today. Good move for all parties on loan

We still want Worrall

Would be happy with Worral. Has played around 170 champ. games and 37 pl games over the last 2 seasons

 

[Brighton Sky Blue]

Sporting are about to drop €30m on Brazilian striker Vitor Roque. Could be a good sign that Vik is on the move...

Roque is a pretty tidy player himself!

 

[rexo87]

I'd take Worrall permanently if he was sensible about wages. Only 27 so plenty of time left at this level and just want we need with our youngsters

 

[Jamesimus]

Sporting are about to drop €30m on Brazilian striker Vitor Roque. Could be a good sign that Vik is on the move...

That says a lot.

The consensus I’ve seen from Arsenal fans online seems to be they think Gyokeres isn’t worth the money Sporting want for him. Wasn’t that what Sporting fans thought when we sold him to them?

 

[Jamesimus]

Can fully understand the risk that Arsenal fans would be worried about, but most of them also seem to think Solanke is a better player.

I don’t think that’s the case at all.