It's never too early...Summer Transfer Thread

To be expected. He fits the bill.

Doubt this one. He's seemingly done reasonably well at Dortmund in his first season, and expect him to flourish from now henceforth.

 

Konoplyanka seems like it should be done and dusted relatively early. I don't like the idea of negotiating w/ their owner after what happened in January, but with an expiring contract (IIRC) we should have a lot more leverage.

Can't see Mkhitaryan happening, even though he's a player I really like. Doesn't make sense to move so soon after he just arrived in Dortmund. I know some fans have been a little frustrated with him, but he will settle in. There was so much turnover in that team, with lots of new players coming in and he's only had a season under Klopp.

The only way I could see Mkh wanting to leave is if Klopp leaves for Barca. It wouldn't shock me, despite everything he's said to the contrary. While it's a good fit for him at Dortmund, I could see him being a little frustrated, as he's pretty much maxed out their potential. I don't see him leaving for any other club but turning down the opportunity to coach at arguably the biggest club in the world, with virtually unlimited resources, a huge pay increase, and one of the greatest players to ever play the game, would be tough to do. Obviously the transfer ban might discourage him but he might only get one shot at managing the Catalans.

 

With Barcelona having their ban suspended I have a bad feeling about the number of players they will buy to safeguard themselves incase the ban is put in place 2015 onwards.

 

Just saw reports they are signing Hummels from Dortmond and Delfeou (sp?) is extending his loan with the Ev for another season.

 

Mario Balotelli? You're havin' a laugh...

http://www.caughtoffside.com/2014/0...balotelli-their-number-one-transfer-priority/

 

I read somewhere that Reina would be going back to Barca.

 

They'd better get players in while they can. Need a CB and a keeper at the very least, I'd imagine.

 

@ what sort of fee? 8-10m? 10-12m?

 

Biased as I am I'd love to see Buck do a move on Inter's Mateo Kovačić. Seeing another Croatian amongst Redmen after Biščan, would be a dream for me! The lad's gonna be 20 in a week, but he's an amazing player, smart, technically strong (with a better shot than Coutinho) and puts in hard effort and doesn't think he's bigger than the club. He had a weak season, not given enough opportunity to play, but he's handled the media well. He's been playing during this month, but I doubt it he's happy. At the beginning of the month, there were rumors that he could cost 8M quid, and I honestly believe that he would pay off.



Pay attention to both kits' colours at 1:34

 

Unfortunately, I would imagine they're going to want 18-22.

 

I think if Suso comes back, Aberto will be gone and we'll get that high quality attacker

 

Not really arsed about the price, but he looks to be the type of player who would fit right in to the way we play. Only 25 so just entering his prime.

Bring Borini, Ibe and Suso back, add Lallana and Kono for a combined 35m and our attack looks to be settled for the foreseeable future. We'd have options on the bench and little or no drop off if we rotate.

Still leaves 30 - 40m to address the outside backs/central midfield. I'd be focusing on the LB over right. Keep Johnson for another year and we have plenty of young alternatives in the pipeline ready to make the step.

Be interesting what, if anything we do in CM. SG, Hendo, Lucas, Allen are 4 players for what is really 2 positions, considering we have Coutinho, Sterling, (Suso, Lallana) who are 3rd midfielder most of the time. Lucas seems to be a great guy to have around the team, but certainly we can get improvement in production on the pitch. Unfortunately, he's lost a step and just isn't going to get it back. Not sure Rossiter is ready for the first team squad (he's not far off though), but Coady perhaps? Wouldn't be surprise if we strengthened elsewhere in the summer, with an eye to making a move in January if none of the academy kids have shown they are ready to step up.

 

Adam Lallana isn't worth 15m, let alone 20m. He's had one excellent season and that makes him an attractive prospect, but Sturridge was only 12m. Let's get some perspective. I can see paying 10-12m for Lallana since he's home-grown, but no more than that.

 

He's definitely worth 15, maybe 20. He's skillful, works hard, and is professional. We'll see his real worth this summer, because he's got talent in spades but it will be important to see how he behaves when he's courted by top clubs. He strikes me as the type to keep his head down and stay out of the media, which I think shows good character.

He first caught my eye a year ago or so vs. Norwich (I think) and I posted on this board about him being tidy and impressive. I still think so. He's versatile, confident, and would be a good addition.

 

Actually, he's had 1 relatively average season, last year when he was adjusting to the PL, but his play and production this season is in line with what he had done in the seasons before that. Granted, he's developed primarily at a lower level, but that doesn't mean he won't be a 10 goal, 5 assist per year player for us for the next 5 years.

Not sure I'd be stretching to 25m to bring him in, but 15 - 20m seems a fair value to me.

 

so, half again what Sturridge cost? really? i guess i'm totally out of touch.

 

Yeah. Look at him as a Henderson-type investment. Henderson was good in his own right, but that 16 mil was because he had the technical ability, workrate, and intelligence to perform in our system. I think Lallana has that, as well. I can see him developing into a Maxi Rodriguez type player: someone who combines well, is technically gifted, and uses intelligence and good positioning.

 

gotcha.