ratio_decidendi

Have you got this on copy/paste or something?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ah9AHU1EQno Looks very much like someone we used to know... Younes Belhanda, makes Messi look...?

We've had Gazzaniga for extended periods over the past two seasons. I think we know exactly what it's like to have a goalie that doesn't command the penalty box let alone inspire confidence in his team mates.

Crumbs ...Schelotto?

S'got to be Forster. Good signing if you ask me.

I think Southampton looks an excellent proposition to a player like Rojo. Perform well, increase your value, and use the club as a platform to a bigger club in the future. And there's no reason the club can't benefit from this in terms of transfer fee and output on the field. Arguably Rojo could potentially get into a big team now, but it looks like no-one's come calling..

I get the feeling we'll make four more signings: Rojo - Les Reed making waves in Portugal, this signing would show ambition from the club. Forster - Being reported everywhere and not convinced that Celtic will make it through. Ings - To get the #7 shirt, good solid signing with bags of potential Schelotto - will provide competition on the wings and backup to Clyne at right back This is just my gut feeling and I also what I realistically hope happens. Who knows though, eh?

Good shout! Had completely forgot that he was at Norwich around then, but I don't think my priority was to form an opinion upon their left back

I've been reading it as 'Tie-der', but after hearing a commentator I think it might be 'Tie-ee-der'?

Well, I guess like yourself I haven't seen much of Bertrand play in the flesh, but value judgements like those tend to be extremely subjective. Neither do I know much about his playing statistics, not that I would be able to effectively interpret them anyway. All I can do (like everyone else on this forum) is merely form an opinion based on the known facts. Without running through those facts, my opinion is that Bertrand has been acquired with the view to provide competition for Matt Targett who isn't ready for the Premier League yet. I would also hazard that the club are at the stage where they are unsure whether or not Targett will fulfil his potential to the stage that Shaw did (but that's a guess). Anyway, the acquisition is "excellent" because it provides the club with a low-risk player who, should he claim a consistent position in the squad, can be purchased permanently or, if he pales in Targett's progression, can be let go for no substantial amount of money. Importantly, Bertrand has a strong incentive to perform for Southampton. Many think, "Oh, he's a loanee so he therefore won't show commitment like a full-on purchase will", but I beg to differ. Southampton has a strong track record in producing world class left backs and Bertrand, should he step up to the plate, might be able to up his value (and wage) by several million. He might go to a 'better' club if that happens, but then at least Southampton has benefited from his services for the season (which is enough, in my opinion). I understand this is a long post, but I really do think Bertrand has the chance to achieve something with the club. As we know with football however, there are just too many factors involved to make a firm prediction. The guy might fail for all I know.

:eek::eek:

So who's going to be #7?

Sure, I get that, but why are we looking at another AM full stop? Surely a combination of Tadic, Taider, Davis and JWP fulfil that role already? Seems a bit ridiculous to me. If he plays on the wings however, it'd be a different story.

Looks... genuine? But why are we looking at another AM?

I'm not sure about you but Bertrand, in my opinion, is an excellent acquisition.

Ignore the OP's title because this article is actually extremely positive. Consider the benefits of having a self sustaining club that doesn't rely upon continuous investment from the owner to survive. Would you rather support Everton or QPR? Is it a risk? Yes, but it's a risk that will pay incredible dividends should it succeed. It's great to see the board stand strong with contractual situations and try and attain the best position for the club with regards to transfer fees. It's also good to see Krueger spell it out in words: the board are there for the long term and are trying to make themselves as accountable as possible. Again, there's risk and uncertainty involved at the moment, but I'd much rather support Southampton in its attempts to achieve something substantial than be negative and defeatist.

Brilliant

When did this Bartosz guy suddenly become ITK? Genuine inquiry...

Precisely. If we hadn't already invested millions into Tadic then Kagawa would be an absolute no brainer.

Would much prefer the first two. Surprised to see that Nani is only 27...!

I'm with you and Ralph on this one - definitely an exciting addition. Here's a more recent highlights video for those interested:

I think there was a joke article and he's taken it seriously.

Ralph Krueger has just confirmed the Taider deal according to Adam Blackmore: "#saintsfc chairman Ralph Krueger "excited" at the prospect of Saphir Taider joining the club from Inter Milan - announcement expected later"

Meanwhile, Simon Peach: "Expecting Saphir Taïder to #SaintsFC & Dani Osvaldo to #Inter to be confirmed later this afternoon." Brilliant news, if somewhat expected.

Made that argument already but got accused of merely voicing the opinions of the 'mongboard'. Seems sensible enough to me.