Lets try and breathe some life into this place Basically now silly season is upon us post any transfer stories, Ins or Outs regarding SAFC. http://www.twtd.co.uk/news.php?storyid=16349 Keane dismisses Wickham move http://www.mirrorfootball.co.uk/new...lion-move-for-Robbie-Keane-article404295.html SAFC linked with 8m Robbie Keane move.
Up top seems to be pretty solid thus far, between Bent, Campbell, and Jones. Although, Keane could be a nice fit if you were to make a decent profit from Jones moving on. What do you consider your weakest position that will need some strengthening come this Summer?
Id be mortified if Jones left but it seems Bruce doesnt quite fancy him. Priorities this season are to tie down Hutton who has been immense. Then we are crying out for a left winger, Riveros has been linked. We could also do with a left back and a centre half. A playmaking midfielder would be nice to but I think Bruce is happy with our centre midfield options.
Sunderland are set to renew their interest in Marseille's 25-year-old Nigerian left-back Taye Taiwo. Full story: Daily Mail
It would appear Bruce is keen to strengthen the back line as expected. In addition, the recent acquisition of Mignolet seems to only confirm the assumption that Fulop is on his way out. I really hope we can make it a full season with Gordon between the sticks, but based on the last year, we should probably be prepared for anything.
Taiwo would be an outstanding signing, but I find it hard to see him leaving the French Champions when you aren't in Europe, yet.
Lorik Cana did. I dont think we will sign him though as I think Bruce sees Richardson as a cheaper and more budget enhancement option. We need to strengthen the wing and central defense areas firstly and if Rico can do a job at lb it frees up money. Westermann to decide on Sunderland move: http://www.sunderlandecho.com/safc/Sunderland-wait-on-German-star.6374061.jp Also Cristian Riveros has already signed with Simon Mignolet with Estudiantes right back Marcos Angeleri also awaiting Italian paperwork.
I wonder if Brucey could work his magic and pick up another African on the cheap, Gervinho, perhaps? I have been very impressed with him thus far.
I haven't really heard anything pertaining to picking up another African player, but I too wouldn't be opposed. However, Bruce has already made a few signings this summer and I don't anticipate many more with the finances. Only time will tell though.
al-muhammadi in sunderland will be valuable we hope he signs this week as W.B.A fights to get his efforts
Hes already "signed" for Sunderland about 4 times in the last 12 months. I dont think its a true story and more his agent drumming up interest in the player. Just to let you know Westerman sadly reject a move, not a massive surprise with him playing at Schalke.
Obviously in a WC year, the rumors are a bit bare until the tournament is over. The papers are busy with their in-depth analysis of the WC so far With Hutton and Mensah both gone and likely not coming back, defense is definitely a priority. Rico wasn't a terrible LB, but he is injury-prone and still has a way to go before becoming an EPL starter in the back. He offers more going forward, but McCartney (ugh) will probably get another chance to hurt himself as well this season. I like PdS in the back (at least for Paraguay) and hoping he is one of the guys that "gets it" after a year in the Prem. With our apparent abundance of central midfielders, I'm wondering if Bruce is going to try Cana as a center half this season? He took to many cards and conceeded too many fouls in his first year as an EPL midfielder, he was much less volatile when he was in the back 4 on occasion. It is looking like Riveros might be one Bruce's best signings yet. The guy has had an awesome WC so far and let's hope it translates to the Wearside. If Cana does move to the back line, we might see this guy sooner than later. Up front, we're good. Bent and Campbell offer the speed and Jones gives us a finisher than can win some balls in the air. He is never going to be a guy who runs around balls to the wall, but he is effective and from all accounts, EPL defenders hate playing against this guy. I like what those 3 bring, and feel fairly comfortable in their ability when any of them are on the pitch. I wouldn't mind seeing one more solid striker being brought in for cover, as we know, injuries can really set us back!
We've got our Egyptian winger/wing-back (sorry his name is tough haha). Lost our captain Lorik Cana. Did a job for us, but that definitely gives Riveros a chance to start now. I'd love to see a guy like Michael Bradley come in and run the midfield. He is better going forward than Catts, and not nearly as likely to chase people around and get out of position as Catts sometimes does. I think together, they could be a great central midfield pairing.