weetee

The issue that paints the Ake transfer in a certain way is imho that we pay top dollar for a 7/10 backup CB who isn't really needed at City while also eventually standing at the sideline watching them signing a top CB as replacement on top of that. Might not happen but that's the picture many imagine - myself included. But I agree that Ake is a decent to good Christensen replacement and a huge upgrade over last season's Christensen who seemed totally unreliable. Nothing worse than having to improvise due long term injuries or suspensions just to lose out on your CB 1-2 hours before the match starts. The transfer window looks kinda grim, started already very frustrating with the whole Lukaku debacle, but signing Sterling and Ake is good business after all. They should work from the get go one would think which is important and also fit into the squad with their personalities.

Tolisso signed for Lyon a while back, didn't he? And I believe Isco unofficially retired from professional football some time ago.

Even the foul language can't hide a true Saint at heart. We love you nonetheless, Munkworth.

A closet Soton fan then, eh? GOTCHA!

with what? edit: I'm quarantined and infintely bored, what's your guys excuse for all of this?

Seems to be a deeper issue with you. Sometimes direct confrontation helps. I'm doing my best here atm but always remember: it's only for YOUR benefit! You asked for it.

Wait, is this some gif contest where I have to respond to you two with amazing footy gifs featuring world class Ajax players - each gif from a different player of course - or what? BTT:

I beg your pardon?

thx for the "heads up"

Like a tee I reckon. He's Havertz level of link up play up front while also a scoring machine. Too good to be true so I don't get onto that train for the time being.

Why would you denounce such a beautiful club with a vibrant and rich history? Internet tough guy much? Joking aside: since this FdJ thread has space for all kind of topics, I wonder why we aren't in for this Antony fella. Raphinha is a 40/60 at best now I reckon and since Ajax likes to sell their good players for good money, good club that they are, I wonder if he could be an alternative.

We should defo keep Hakim though then to tap into the Ajax crowd even more (or sign DeLigt but that could be more difficult).

I remember reading an article in the german press, no tabloid - think it was Sueddeutsche Zeitung, about the transfer back then, also regarding the commercial aspects of his transfer, and gotta say that to completely dismiss the marketing aspect of the one american talent that - of course - had the potential to become a great player because he did had (ultimately rather short lived because of his injury and Dembélé) some moments of brilliance at a very young stage of his career is a bit strange. America has a huge, I guess the biggest by quite some margin, market with the rather unique - at least compared to European behaviors - aspect that they avidly don't follow just one club and that's it but rather a multitude of clubs within different sports. And with avidly I mean that they actually spend a lot of dollars for that. With the American market on the rise, still untapped territories regarding their affiliations to European football clubs and an upcoming WC there on the horizon it'd be stupid not to factor that in. It would have been also stupid from Pulisic not to factor that in when discussing his deal. I'm not saying that's the main reason he was bought though obviously. edit: just noticed this is the FdJ thread..oh my

At least he's not 37 ! Would help us tremendously the next 1-2 years minimum.

The guy still played 125 games for you, most as a starter and most over 90 mins. And if he stays there will be more to come as well. And if you'd sell him right now you would still get a very decent fee for him. Hardly a failure if you ask me. It's mainly Kepa, Lukaku, Morata and Torres making this a horrendous list to read. And I'd say quite some of them were to quite an extent vanity signings because you could (add Sheva to that as well). Chelsea changing managers rather quickly and each with very different approaches / philosophies to the game hence needing different player profiles in the process isn't down on Jorginho.

Come to think of it I'd prefer Raphinha over Ous for Chelsea, so Barca making Dembele their priority signing of those two is ok for me. But I acknowledge that it's hardly worth ones time discussing newspaper articles regarding these transfer "dramas".

Agreed, that's what Ake gives us and what would eventually also mean some serious possibility for Colwill to get some minutes. But I also think that Emerson is still a decent emergency option. Just no long term back-up for a whole season, just like Alonso (and Sarr) weren't as well - despite Alonso's attacking output.

Best show ever. Love the detail that the hat is mega big.

IMO that's a very important point and what made us so incredibly hard to beat under TT for a long time: the group chemistry, dedication, relentless work rate and mentality combined with a tactical rather individual approach. Obviously paired with good to very good talent. Sterling (and I'd say Aké abut I don't know him too well) fits into that job desciption almost 100%.

Damning list but I‘d say that Kova, Ben and Jorgi were definitely good signings. As for Havertz, get your point but I‘d say he was unlucky (covid, no clear idea how to use him while being quite young&new to the PL, bringing in Lukaku the minute he made his breakthrough CL finale). I‘d argue if you would want to sell him you would get almost the same amount back that you‘ve invested. But 4/10 being good top dollar signings isn‘t good enough eirher.

A nice meal was enough it seems. Good deal! Eh, "meal" I meant

Same. Was following this a bit on Redcafe and was quite surprised at how unequivocally negative his trip to Barcelona was seen. Even if he was "just selling Alonso and Azpi" - what's wrong with being a new big player wanting to get to know personally the other big players? I mean I wouldn't be 100% sure whether he could explain the offside rule in football or not but I'm pretty sure he didn't accidentally became a super rich business man without knowing a thing or two about negotiations. Also Barcelona is almost always worth a trip on its own. 😄

Agreed. The "SIUUUUUUUUUUU" in this very thread title is extremely harsh on the eyes already as is.

But the player would have to agree to that. I guess Barca and the two clubs from Madrid can do that because those clubs aren't seen as a stop gap for most / all players but why would a talented youngster from any other mid-table club agree to a 500m release clause? Only if the club would offer a huge pay rise - which they ultimately can't afford.

Not sure what‘s the problem is other than Raphinha having Barca as his fav club to play at - which after all isn‘t surprising. What‘s humiliating about making a signing for a competitor max expensive? If we hadn‘t stepped in Barca would have likely gotten him way cheaper. Assuming he really ends up there. Making him more expensive makes it also harder to keep Dembele who we also had/have an eye on so there is that as well.