ToreSF Posted 23 May, 2012 Share Posted 23 May, 2012 Based on our transfer history, and statements from club staff, I think we can say one or two things about our transfer policy and what kind of players we can expect to see arrive at St. Marys this summer. First of all: I don't think we'll be spending big bucks on single players. Correct me if Im wrong, but Billy Sharp is our most expensive signing so far during the swiss era, and he cost us about 1.8 mill. Also, it's been pointed out many times by club staff, (lately by Les Reed), that Southampton strive to be sustainable. Therefore, I'll be surprised if we sign players more expensive than about 3.5 - 4 mill, or players on big payrolls. Second: we'll be looking for value for money. And as the price tag on english players often doesn't correlate with their quality, I think we'll be signing players from abroad. In the 2011/2012 season, half of the purchases were foreign players, and I believe we're going to see that trend this season to. Third: I don't think we'll be signing many players. We bought 4 players last summer, and the year before that only two (if I remember right). Although the step from Championship to Premier League is huge, I think our management trust that the players we have will handle the challenge. My bet is 4-5 new players. Fourth: Personality is as important as skills. Adkins has been clear on this since he came to the club. Sorry chaps, Barton will not sign. Fifth: We'll be signing players for the future. The aim, according to the five year plan, is to be an established Premier League club in two years. I think it's included in the calculation that we could be relegated this year, then move up again next year. Buying players that'll be over the top in two years would be pointless under this plan. My guess is we'll look for players aged 21-26. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Matthew Le God Posted 23 May, 2012 Share Posted 23 May, 2012 (edited) I'll be surprised if we sign players more expensive than about 3.5 - 4 mill. I'll be equally surprised if the £4m (Rory Delap) barrier isn't broken. It appears Saints made bids bigger than that whilst still in the Championship (without Premier League revenue) for Rodriguez and Hooper in January. Edited 23 May, 2012 by Matthew Le God Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Raging Bull Posted 23 May, 2012 Share Posted 23 May, 2012 (edited) Firstly if we're looking at signing players like Jarvis then its nailed on we will break our previous transfer record, secondly if all the rumours are to be believed we're aiming a lot higher, as in stature/caliber of player than we as saints fans are used to. I asked a couple of agents via twitter if players like Snodgrass are a realistic target for us and they both said yes, but we're aiming a lot higher than that kind of standard. I also think we'll be seeing 5/6 new players considering we need a GK RB CB CM & RM. That's before you take into account Nigels apparent love of strikers. Edited 23 May, 2012 by Raging Bull Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ToreSF Posted 23 May, 2012 Author Share Posted 23 May, 2012 I'll be equally surprised if the £4m (Rory Delap) barrier isn't broken. It appears Saints made bids bigger than that whilst still in the Championship (without Premier League revenue) for Rodriguez and Hooper in January. 3.5m - 4m is perhaps a bit too cautious estimate, I agree. That aside, I wouldn't make to many assumptions based on media/agents. According to some of them, Peter Reid and Rohan Rickets were about to arrive not to long ago. Signing Jarvis for 7m - 10m just doesn't fit into our recent transfer history. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Matthew Le God Posted 23 May, 2012 Share Posted 23 May, 2012 Doesn't fit into our recent transfer history. "Our recent transfer history" since the Liebherr takeover has been as a League One and Championship club - without Premier League revenue streams. Saints are now back in the top flight. As I said earlier, even as a Championship club, Saints were making bids in excess of their record transfer from the Premier League days. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
richardc Posted 23 May, 2012 Share Posted 23 May, 2012 I expect our new transfer policy wont be bringing in Emile Heskey Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Turkish Posted 23 May, 2012 Share Posted 23 May, 2012 "Our recent transfer history" since the Liebherr takeover has been as a League One and Championship club - without Premier League revenue streams. Saints are now back in the top flight. As I said earlier, even as a Championship club, Saints were making bids in excess of their record transfer from the Premier League days. Anyone can make a bid for a player. We didn't sign any though did we. So ToreSF is right, talk of Jarvis for £7-£10m doesnt fit with our recent transfer history. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Matthew Le God Posted 23 May, 2012 Share Posted 23 May, 2012 Anyone can make a bid for a player. We didn't sign any though did we. So you think Saints made bids for them with no intention of completing if the bid was accepted? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dibden Purlieu Saint Posted 23 May, 2012 Share Posted 23 May, 2012 Is this transfer policy circa 2004? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Turkish Posted 23 May, 2012 Share Posted 23 May, 2012 So you think Saints made bids for them with no intention of completing if the bid was accepted? I didn't say that did I. We didn't sign them so obviously didn't bid enough. If as rumoured we value Jarvis at £4m then if they want £7-£10m he wont fit in with our recent transfer policy. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Avenue Saint Posted 23 May, 2012 Share Posted 23 May, 2012 Reckon we'll buy 5-6 players and honestly believe we have a budget of around £20m If we're after hooper alone at around £7m, you can see how the remaining others rumoured to cost in the regions of £4m? (Jarvis) Clyne: 2m?, Davies 3m? Etc... The budget for players identified and their projected costs clearly identifies a healthy honey pot... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MOSaint Posted 23 May, 2012 Share Posted 23 May, 2012 While not revealing much about the budget here is a tweet from some guy who writes for the mirror that suggests where Saints might be looking. James Nursey @JamesNursey @dankiz1 Adkins was v keen on Hooper in January but apparently #Saintsfc Italian chairman Cortese fancies more targets from Europe now in PL Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rooney Posted 23 May, 2012 Share Posted 23 May, 2012 At this stage, I would think someone like Jarvis would be our most expensive player. The rest may be made up of cheap Africans that Jaidi knows. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mesaint Posted 23 May, 2012 Share Posted 23 May, 2012 Based on our transfer history, and statements from club staff, I think we can say one or two things about our transfer policy and what kind of players we can expect to see arrive at St. Marys this summer. First of all: I don't think we'll be spending big bucks on single players. Correct me if Im wrong, but Billy Sharp is our most expensive signing so far during the swiss era, and he cost us about 1.8 mill. Also, it's been pointed out many times by club staff, (lately by Les Reed), that Southampton strive to be sustainable. Therefore, I'll be surprised if we sign players more expensive than about 3.5 - 4 mill, or players on big payrolls. Second: we'll be looking for value for money. And as the price tag on english players often doesn't correlate with their quality, I think we'll be signing players from abroad. In the 2011/2012 season, half of the purchases were foreign players, and I believe we're going to see that trend this season to. Third: I don't think we'll be signing many players. We bought 4 players last summer, and the year before that only two (if I remember right). Although the step from Championship to Premier League is huge, I think our management trust that the players we have will handle the challenge. My bet is 4-5 new players. Fourth: Personality is as important as skills. Adkins has been clear on this since he came to the club. Sorry chaps, Barton will not sign. Fifth: We'll be signing players for the future. The aim, according to the five year plan, is to be an established Premier League club in two years. I think it's included in the calculation that we could be relegated this year, then move up again next year. Buying players that'll be over the top in two years would be pointless under this plan. My guess is we'll look for players aged 21-26. Forth: Don't take this personally but you can stuff joey barton up your A"£e Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
up and away Posted 23 May, 2012 Share Posted 23 May, 2012 Firstly if we're looking at signing players like Jarvis then its nailed on we will break our previous transfer record, secondly if all the rumours are to be believed we're aiming a lot higher, as in stature/caliber of player than we as saints fans are used to. I asked a couple of agents via twitter if players like Snodgrass are a realistic target for us and they both said yes, but we're aiming a lot higher than that kind of standard. I also think we'll be seeing 5/6 new players considering we need a GK RB CB CM & RM. That's before you take into account Nigels apparent love of strikers. I think you have that about right and there will be one over riding factor that separates the Premier, pace. It would not surprise me to see us shell out £8M for the right striker as long as the whole package was right. Even high wages if the player was on a free. I expect we will trawl though the relegated clubs, championship and come up with players to improve the squad with the value coming from abroad. Les Reed made the comment that we had to be self sustaining once we reached the Premier and I believe that task is too difficult without additional help during our first season. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
david in sweden Posted 23 May, 2012 Share Posted 23 May, 2012 with some of the names being bandied around we may break the club record for a player like Hooper or Rodrigues, but TBH I don't see either of them signing. There are a lot of good players OOC /On free/ which doesn't mean they aren't any good, but either want a change or their clubs can't afford to keep them. I expect to sign 4 or 5 players, but maybe only paying a bigger fee for one, or at most two. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rebel Posted 23 May, 2012 Share Posted 23 May, 2012 Given the ticket prices we will paying I would expect some big signings and to smash the £4 million record fee we paid for Delap at least once if not twice! I'm expecting young hungry players in the 21-24 age bracket with potential to improve to be the big signings. Both Rodriguez and Hooper would fit that model. Guidetti and Castaignos would also fit that description. I also think we'll sign some slightly older players with experience for small fees or free transfers. Barnetta and Guthrie would fit in here. Possibly Surman as he's has a connection to Saints. If we are clever we'll bring in some outstanding young players on loan from the big 5 or 6 to add depth to our squad as they'll be outside the 25 man rule - Shelvey, Miyachi, McCreachan - and on the understanding they'll feature more for us than their Parent clubs. I also think we'll see more players leave than people expect due to the 25 man squad rule. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chez Posted 23 May, 2012 Share Posted 23 May, 2012 low fees and high wages seems to have been the order of the day up till now. Worked to date. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
saintant Posted 24 May, 2012 Share Posted 24 May, 2012 One thing we mustn't do and that is put a strict low level cap on a maximum wage. That was Lowe's policy and got us relegated as we bought a succession of players who were not good enough but were all we could get because of his wage ceiling. Result - an over bloated squad filled with ordinary players and not enough of the quality needed to compete in the Premier League. Big mistake from a bloke many still claim was an astute businessman. Budget for the Championship (or lower) and that's where you'll end up. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dune Posted 24 May, 2012 Share Posted 24 May, 2012 It'll be interesting to see if we can keep fee's undisclosed now we're in the spotlight. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chez Posted 24 May, 2012 Share Posted 24 May, 2012 One thing we mustn't do and that is put a strict low level cap on a maximum wage. That was Lowe's policy and got us relegated as we bought a succession of players who were not good enough but were all we could get because of his wage ceiling. Result - an over bloated squad filled with ordinary players and not enough of the quality needed to compete in the Premier League. Big mistake from a bloke many still claim was an astute businessman. Budget for the Championship (or lower) and that's where you'll end up. was that wage policy not in place when we finished 8th in the league and got to cup final? Unlike other clubs, Lowe and SFC could only spend what came in as we were a PLC and couldn't continue to trade at a loss. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
skintsaint Posted 24 May, 2012 Share Posted 24 May, 2012 Can see us getting a few euro players in rather than English based ones with the prices banded about. Sent from my HTC One X using Tapatalk 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
david in sweden Posted 24 May, 2012 Share Posted 24 May, 2012 It'll be interesting to see if we can keep fee's undisclosed now we're in the spotlight. I'm sure Cortese won't allow us to brag about a fee (except if it's a free), but other " selling clubs" Chairmen have to placate their fans when they sell their star players and will certainly go public with a fee (right or wrong) just to keep the heat off them. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ToreSF Posted 24 May, 2012 Author Share Posted 24 May, 2012 Even as a championship club targeting promotion I would say our spending was cautious last season. Cork, Lee, Jos and De Ridder probably didn't cost us more than 1.5m-2m, and everyone expected someone more expensive to arrive. Who knows how much we bid for Hooper, or if we even did. Point is, we didn't sign him, which probably was because he was to expensive. We ended up with Sharp for 1.8m, how much more do you reckon we bid for Hooper? It just doesn't seem like our current management are eager to splash around big bucks, which in my opinion is rational. Especially when it comes to English players. How pleased are QPR fans with their signings of Zamora and Cisse? Cost respectively 6m and 4m, haven't scored many goals, old, and value and skills will decrease. I think the focus on scouting abroad is a certain proof that we'll look for cheaper options. And who knows, maybe the next Drogba (cost Marseilles 3m when they bought him, and Guingamp 80k before that) will be playing for us next season. Fingers crossed. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Flyer Posted 24 May, 2012 Share Posted 24 May, 2012 It just doesn't seem like our current management are eager to splash around big bucks, which in my opinion is rational. Especially when it comes to English players. How pleased are QPR fans with their signings of Zamora and Cisse? Cost respectively 6m and 4m, haven't scored many goals, old, and value and skills will decrease. Cisse has scored 6 goals in 8 games (was sent off in the other 2) and has been amazing and Zamora does the hold up work like a Kevin Davies role so hes not just judged on goals and he was £4m too. Fans are ok with Zamora but delighted with Cisse as hes a genuine world class finisher. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MarkSFC Posted 24 May, 2012 Share Posted 24 May, 2012 If you look at the teams at the bottom, they all spent small sums and it can easily be argued that is a big part of why they went down or nearly did. Wolves spent about 5m plus two undis.(R Johnson and Jonsson) Bolton spent about 6m plus 1 undis. (Ngog) Blackburn spent about 10m plus 4 undis. (Orr, Yakubu and 2 unknowns) Villa spent about 10m plus 2 undis.(Given and Hutton) QPR spent about 10m plus 4 undisc. (Traore, Ferdinand, Young, and DJ Campbell) A few free ones were thrown in the mix at most clubs which aren't as free as they sound so my point is that it is realistic and quite possibly very necessary to spend 15-20 million. I would expect this to contain 2 or maybe 3 players that beat our record...2 or 3 players in the 1-3 million bracket and 2 or 3 "freebies". I would expect the "fee breakers" to be young and english - JRod/Hooper/Jarvis types The "1-3million" players to be foreigners, playing abroad And the "freebies" to be quite well experienced - Gordon/Cuellar types (not that I would want Cuellar but cant think of any more!) The big money (for us) will go on players who are still not at their full potential but are certainly developing quickly. It's interesting when you start talking fees on here how us spending possibly 6-8 million on JRod is regarde by many as too much but it was perfectly ok for us to squeeze Arsenal for every last penny for Chamberlain!! IF we do end up buying 2 or 3 "youngsters" it would show a massive sign of intent and how far things have actually changed. We may not shop at the top table but perhaps we are at the level below.... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
david in sweden Posted 25 May, 2012 Share Posted 25 May, 2012 (edited) If you look at the teams at the bottom, they all spent small sums and it can easily be argued that is a big part of why they went down or nearly did. Wolves spent about 5m plus two undis.(R Johnson and Jonsson) Bolton spent about 6m plus 1 undis. (Ngog) Blackburn spent about 10m plus 4 undis. (Orr, Yakubu and 2 unknowns) Villa spent about 10m plus 2 undis.(Given and Hutton) QPR spent about 10m plus 4 undisc. (Traore, Ferdinand, Young, and DJ Campbell) A few free ones were thrown in the mix at most clubs which aren't as free as they sound so my point is that it is realistic and quite possibly very necessary to spend 15-20 million. I would expect this to contain 2 or maybe 3 players that beat our record...2 or 3 players in the 1-3 million bracket and 2 or 3 "freebies". I would expect the "fee breakers" to be young and english - JRod/Hooper/Jarvis types The "1-3million" players to be foreigners, playing abroad And the "freebies" to be quite well experienced - Gordon/Cuellar types (not that I would want Cuellar but cant think of any more!) The big money (for us) will go on players who are still not at their full potential but are certainly developing quickly. It's interesting when you start talking fees on here how us spending possibly 6-8 million on JRod is regarde by many as too much but it was perfectly ok for us to squeeze Arsenal for every last penny for Chamberlain!! IF we do end up buying 2 or 3 "youngsters" it would show a massive sign of intent and how far things have actually changed. We may not shop at the top table but perhaps we are at the level below.... Good analyis Marks, but I think your opening para. is a bit adrift. You suggest (the bottom end / relegated sides) didn't spend enough money, but half of that list were undisclosed, which could mean they spent considerably more than the 10 million (average) you quoted. In my estimation the undisclosed fees often means clubs spent more than they wanted to admit for a player, either that or a big agent fee is included. I think most of the clubs mentioned were pretty disorganised because of; multiple managerial changes, key players injured, poor form or low team morale. One club you didn't mention, was Wigan. I saw them play Swindon in the FA Cup in January (they were appauling and lost 1-2) and Swindon hadn't hit their late season promotion form at that time. (Wigan's) incredible last gasp efforts saw their best players back from injury and hitting good form, and I don't think they did it by big January spending, either. Spending big money does not guarantee good results, as many clubs have found to their cost. Certainly in Saints case, very few of our " big buys" in the last 40 years have been real successes...on the contrary, many larger transfers have been a flop. However, I do expect a new club record fee..but perhaps several others, who like T.Lee, will come for a very small investment...or even on a "free". Better to pay the player more money, than give it to an opposing club if you don't have to. Edited 25 May, 2012 by david in sweden Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Professor Posted 30 May, 2012 Share Posted 30 May, 2012 With Jay-Rod on his way, barring unforeseem obstacles, its more interesting to discuss the other areas that need strengthening rather than to respond to paper talk linking just about about every player in the market with the Prem new boys, West Ham, Reading and Saints. One striker will surely be enough, so that should rule out a lot of names still being bandied about. Two players in midfield would seem to make sense an attcking MF and a winger. If one of those is Tom Ince for Jason Puncheon plus cash, that would be a good improvement. All that leaves is the defence where one extra CB would help, perhaps letting Dan Seaborne go. So, if Jay-Rod comes, very well done, and now lets have 3 more please. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
david in sweden Posted 30 May, 2012 Share Posted 30 May, 2012 With Jay-Rod on his way, barring unforeseem obstacles, its more interesting to discuss the other areas that need strengthening rather than to respond to paper talk linking just about about every player in the market with the Prem new boys, West Ham, Reading and Saints. One striker will surely be enough, so that should rule out a lot of names still being bandied about. Two players in midfield would seem to make sense an attcking MF and a winger. If one of those is Tom Ince for Jason Puncheon plus cash, that would be a good improvement. All that leaves is the defence where one extra CB would help, perhaps letting Dan Seaborne go. So, if Jay-Rod comes, very well done, and now lets have 3 more please. I certainly agree with that part...but no-one seems to be writing about anything else.! Other transfers, fairly logically are likely to be TWO goalies (one to replace Bart and another to avoid us ever having to select Tommy F.) one right back..as it seems most people don't like Butters' age, or trust Richardson...but then again we do have Stephens !! Jaidi has retired and so expect another CB. If the JayRod...and /or...Phillips /Ince deals comes off we'll likely see the departure of Chaplow and Puncheon in exchange deals...so that still leaves room to sign another new midfielder. IMHO ..even if we sign Jay Rod, we'll get yet another striker too, but I don't know who we would choose.! other than that I have no inside info, read the same threads everyone else does and have no personal favourites to sign. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MarkSFC Posted 30 May, 2012 Share Posted 30 May, 2012 It is essential that we sign at least one CB - would be happy with either Dann, C Davies or Mariappa. I wouldn't expect another one as Martin could/should be enough at number 4 but if worst comes to worst there is the loan system. Central Midfield is my main concern. I like Morgan and think he will definitely become the deep sitting play-maker type. Cork still has a little improvement to make I think and is probably closer to Morgan than an attacking mid-fielder. We definitely need one real quality player here - which sort probably depends on whether we stick mainly to 442 or maybe go 433. I think the reason Swansea were so good last year is down to their mid-field so if we can match them there we will certainly be better. Right wing is certainly a spot that is up for grabs. SDR has not yet shone, and nor did Guly there. some players bizarrely do get better as they come up against better players, and also play with better ones. If we mainly go 442 I would like to see Matt Phillips added - raw pace, certainly improving (despite his sluggish end of season) and could be very good, very soon. Right-back is interesting too - how far is Stephens away? Even if "good enough" wont be ready for the whole season. I'm not convinced by Richardson but has played in the Prem before so that may help but I fear that against pace he will be done. Maybe a loan signing here or maybe an investment in Trippier or Clyne. I like Fox, the only thing for me is that he does not get beyond Adam enough- maybe that's instructions, who know. I doubt we will see any addition here. Up front I really hope JRod signs - massive potential - and well worth the investment. I would not be surprised if we sign another striker either. Lee will potentially be a useful (if not firing them in anyway!) sub as can play up anywhere across the front so may well act as a "back up" to Adam as well as striker. Barnard should leave. Guly I think is a good one to keep because can play on the right, in the hole or up top. Remember 7 subs in the prem. Finally we obviously need a GK. I hope to see one who is better than KD and possibly just coming into his prim, late 20's early 30's. Gordon springs to mind, especially for no fee! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Matthew Le God Posted 1 June, 2012 Share Posted 1 June, 2012 Alan Nixon of the Daily Mirror thinks Saints will spend between "£20-£25m this window". + He adds... "Ambition is very real. U will spend. More than most in your 'sector.' " He defines Southampton's "sector" as... "From last season's middle down. Swansea and south in the table." If true, some of you need to reassess your ambitions for the transfer window. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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