Should saints break the bank in the summer for a striker ?

[killer fan]

don't know any good strikers who would come to us need to sign someone like diego costa that's what we need then get a centre back and a goalkeeper then we are sorted

[Lallana's Left Peg]

There is a dearth of good young strikers in Europe right now (at least at the elite level) so that is going to create issues as the bigger clubs snap up talent we may otherwise make a run at and then I am not too sure what that would leave us with. I suspect no matter who we sign there will be risks associated which we'd rather not have given the money we're likely to spend. A bit like Osvaldo again.

[Bucks Saint]

http://www.saintsweb.co.uk/showthread.php?49286-New-Striker-in-the-Summer#.Ux-DrmtYCSM

[pap]

I don't know whether its the way we're set up, but it looks like we're crying out for a killer touch. So much buzzing about the area with work created through short passing, and very little end result. Lallana is hitting magical form this year and is becoming the player that creates space for others. Rodriguez is capitalising on the mistakes; we're good at quick wing play and statistically very good on set pieces. Thing is, most of our final third opportunity is built up on short attacking play, and we're not converting enough of those.

 

All depends on what is coming through the youth team. If we've got a couple of prospects that can convert those chances, the job many of us were hoping Osvaldo would do, then put them in. Otherwise, I think we need to spend well, not necessarily big. Michu from a relegated/demoralised Swansea side might be ideal.

[Saint Garrett]

Swansea ain't going down. No chamce

[angelman]

I know that there is another thread, but I look at our 3 most expensive signings.....

 

Osvaldo - nuff said, but even when he was here, he wasn't really first choice.

Wanyama - I know he got injured and Cork took over, but if Cork had been given the starting role, then I am sure that we wouldn't be any worse off. Maybe with Davis stepping up and being a bit of an all round midfielder, this has added to the competition for midfield places.

Gaston - talented for sure, but can't get a regular start (or start for that matter).

 

I know that with Osvaldo we should be able to sell him, and maybe even make a profit, same with the other 2, but there is an initial £40m odd outlay and what is there to show for it?

 

So maybe the "Southampton Way" should be not to splash the cash too much, although Lovren is an undoubted success, and not look for a marquee signing. I would prefer to either go English from lower leagues or promote from within if good enough.

[Baird of the land]

It really is a shame osvaldo is a head case but yes we need to replace him with a quality striker to provide competition with Rickie. I'd like a keeper too. A fourth centre back would be dependent on if turnbull/Stephens can make the step up.

[DuncanRG]

If that's what it takes to get the right man. There's no sound way to argue that our expensive signings didn't work out *because* they were expensive, or that we should avoid spending big money for that reason.

 

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Edited 12 March, 2014 by DuncanRG

[Kingsbridge Saint]

We need a new striker - probably 2, but I am counting on Gallagher stepping up. I wouldn't be breaking the bank though. Leave that to the neighbours.

[Olallana]

Can we have Inzaghi in his prime??

 

A killer in the box with movements off defenders shoulders would suit fine imo. We can have Lallana working the space as the linkup player in the middle of the pitch...

[sandwichsaint]

Can we have Inzaghi in his prime??

 

A killer in the box with movements off defenders shoulders would suit fine imo. We can have Lallana working the space as the linkup player in the middle of the pitch...

 

 

I reckon the nipper Lineker at Leicester would do well in our side.

[Olallana]

I reckon the nipper Lineker at Leicester would do well in our side.

 

Would you bet a p(o)und it?

[Saint_Tony]

News today that United will let Hernandez leave in the summer. Realistic target?

[Lallana's Left Peg]

News today that United will let Hernandez leave in the summer. Realistic target?

 

Certainly has the characteristics of a player we need but the only thing that is a concern is his general build-up and team play. If we can still create lots of chances without needing the striker to come deep and get involved then he'd be good. But if one of the reasons we create chances is the striker getting involved in the build-up then he may not be as good for us.

[toofarnorth]

Bit left field, but if he's going cheap at the end of the season Darren Bent might be a shout. Obviously only if he's very cheap.

 

Can see him getting quite a few goals, but still being lambasted by fans for not working hard enough though. Bit like Rasiak.

[Olallana]

Bit left field, but if he's going cheap at the end of the season Darren Bent might be a shout. Obviously only if he's very cheap.

 

Can see him getting quite a few goals, but still being lambasted by fans for not working hard enough though. Bit like Rasiak.

 

But is he really scoring these days?

Should´ve bagged two against us when we visited them...

[stu0x]

don't know any good strikers who would come to us need to sign someone like diego costa that's what we need then get a centre back and a goalkeeper then we are sorted

So Diego Costa, Thiago Silva and Manuel Neuer then? Should be no problem, I don't know why they haven't thought of this before to be honest. Have you thought about applying to be on the transfer committee?

[toofarnorth]

But is he really scoring these days?

Should´ve bagged two against us when we visited them...

 

He's not getting too much of a chance though. My be a reason I suppose, but on a free or very cheap would be less of a gamble than another Osvaldo type. But yeah, could be ****e.

[Cabrone]

Lukaku would be my choice but we may have to dangle Shaw as a carrot.

 

How about looking at the champ for the likes of Ings\Vokes\Rhodes?

[Alanh]

No, we shouldn't break the bank on a striker this summer because there is no need to put the club in financial danger, but I can see that position being the one where we spend most money. As said above it's going to have to be either an emerging star who isn't considered quite ready by the CL clubs but who has the attributes that we need, or someone like Osvaldo who comes with baggage and will have to be persuaded with a big salary.

 

I'd like us to go for Bony from Swansea but doubt we'd be able to get him unless he's disillusioned with the managerial changes there.

[Evil Monkey]

I think Lukaku is a possibility, assuming the management are interested. I seem to recall reading that Jose would listen to offers for around £18m (roughly what they paid for him despite his stock rising IMO). Shift Dani out for £15m (or close) and our outlay is only £3m-£5m.

 

Would he come here? All comes down to whether he wants to stay in the prem. I can't see many other better destinations for him. Liverpool don't need him. Neither do City or utd. They all have a lot of options upfront. Arsenal and Spurs perhaps. Although I think Arsenal will go for Remy. Everton can't afford him surely? Unless maybe the sell Baines.

 

That leaves us or Spurs in my mind, so it is a possibility. Maybe.

[sandwichsaint]

Lukaku would be my choice but we may have to dangle Shaw as a carrot.

 

How about looking at the champ for the likes of Ings\Vokes\Rhodes?[/quote

 

When did we last make a domestic purchase? (sorry if that sounds like buying soap powder or carpets). We bought VW from Celtic, but our last purchase from an English club was JRod (possibly?). I think part of our strategy should be buying players of potential from the lower leagues. If we can get them young enough and with the right attitude then there's plenty of time to get them established in the group and get them schooled in the Southampton Way TM. Think we missed out on Redmond and Schmeichal, we could probably have signed both of those a couple of years ago. I'm sure we are looking (like every other club) but there must still be players of potential in the lower leagues, why do we seem to only sign foreigners?

[Saint Billy]

News today that United will let Hernandez leave in the summer. Realistic target?

 

Got to be surely. Will be loads of competition but this guy is proven.

[Manuel]

Yeah and is fast enough to cause problems right from the faceoff.

[JoeShmoe]

There's no way Lukaku comes here unless on another loan, he'll be wanted by a host of CL clubs if available, Arsenal and ManU would be interested as well

[igsey]

Lukaku will surely stay at Chelsea for next season? He's better than Torres or Eto'o.

 

Ings would be good if Burnley aren't promoted, but I'd imagine they won't be keen on selling their top scorer if they'll be playing us next season.

[gogo_saint]

First choice would be Lukaku but thing we have no chance. Next best thing would be Benteke but again I don't think we'd get him. Would certainly bid for Hernandez. I would bid for all of these, but doubt we'd get any of them. Same goes for Michu. Not many players who fit our bill and would be available. Time to pull out a gem from left field.

[david in sweden]

don't know any good strikers who would come to us need to sign someone like diego costa that's what we need then get a centre back and a goalkeeper then we are sorted

 

I don't think ANY fee would break the Liebherr bank though - would it ?

[TheCholulaKid]

I don't think ANY fee would break the Liebherr bank though - would it ?

 

Won't happen, but I'd love Wilfried Bony plus AN Other.

[swannymere]

If you look around the league not many of the mid range (£10M-£20M) foreign league signings seem to work out, look at Spurs they spunked loads on so called quality and they've not really stepped up. I think Defoe would have been a sensible signing but he's off to Canada, other than that i think there's as much risk importing a foreign player for £15M as spending £££'s on Jordan Rhodes or that Burnley fella.

[The9]

Given that we're shipping out Osvaldo and that'll give us about £15m, anything other than a like for like spend should start the alarm bells ringing for our ambition.

[offix]

I don't know whether its the way we're set up, but it looks like we're crying out for a killer touch. So much buzzing about the area with work created through short passing, and very little end result. Lallana is hitting magical form this year and is becoming the player that creates space for others. Rodriguez is capitalising on the mistakes; we're good at quick wing play and statistically very good on set pieces. Thing is, most of our final third opportunity is built up on short attacking play, and we're not converting enough of those.

 

All depends on what is coming through the youth team. If we've got a couple of prospects that can convert those chances, the job many of us were hoping Osvaldo would do, then put them in. Otherwise, I think we need to spend well, not necessarily big. Michu from a relegated/demoralised Swansea side might be ideal.

 

Totally agree with this

[Badger]

Given that we're shipping out Osvaldo and that'll give us about £15m, anything other than a like for like spend should start the alarm bells ringing for our ambition.

 

I would not bank on that, unless others enter the 'race' for him, Juventus really hold the cards, as we don't want the c^nt back and they know it. Not even peoples champion 'master manipulator' Cortese would be able to "squeeze" them in these circumstances.

[david in sweden]

Given that we're shipping out Osvaldo and that'll give us about £15m, anything other than a like for like spend should start the alarm bells ringing for our ambition.

 

well.....give or take a few £million, perhaps

[Cestrian Saint]

Absolutely not! Our track record with big purchases isn't very impressive at all.

 

Everybody seems to be talking about adding a striker to enhance what we already have. People seem to be forgetting that we may well be starting next season without 30-40% of our current first eleven. I'd be very surprised if Lallana, Schneiderlin and Shaw are still at Saints next season.

[dubai_phil]

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-2581696/THE-FOOTBALL-GRAPEVINE-Chelsea-sell-Lukaku-replace-Costa-Falcao-Tottenham-replace-Sherwood-Van-Gaal-Manchester-clubs-fancy-Barca-star-Alves.html

 

Lukaku may become available. Perhaps he doesn't get sent off enough for Jose?

[shurlock]

Berahino would be good although not as the main man yet. Him and a more established striker, unless Rodriguez starts to prove he can play as a striker.

 

The timing of Lambert's substitution was interesting. Obviously Poch was planning to bring him on - he didn't take part in the half-time warm-up with the subs till the very end. But Poch was visibly angry after Jrod failed to win and bring down an aerial ball for which he was favourite. Lambert was immediately signalled over and the rest is history.

 

If we do bring a player in, can see it'll be a player with good hold-up skills and slightly more mobility.

[DuncanRG]

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-2581696/THE-FOOTBALL-GRAPEVINE-Chelsea-sell-Lukaku-replace-Costa-Falcao-Tottenham-replace-Sherwood-Van-Gaal-Manchester-clubs-fancy-Barca-star-Alves.html

 

Lukaku may become available. Perhaps he doesn't get sent off enough for Jose?

 

Pinch of salt as always, but that does sound like Mourinho. Trading promising youth for established class. Costa would be an exceptional signing for them.

 

If Lukaku goes we'd be in a bidding war. That might work to our advantage if Everton get outpriced, but I could imagine almost every team in the league being interested. Wouldn't be easy!

[Batman]

Just cant see lukaku coming to Saints. Or any other club outside of the CL/Actual CL contenders

[Bermuda Saint]

Welbeck (23)I hope MU panic and try to buy their way back into the top 4, If they splash big on another world class striker I would like us to try to get Welbeck (23), If we can get him, Jrod (24) and Lallanna (25) playing together it will be a win for SFC and a win for England.

 

Lukaku (20) is a great shout if we could pull it off, it would mean loosing Shaw, but we have a ready made LB back up in Matt Targett.

 

Benteke (23) is also an excellent striker, but would take over 25 mil to get. I think if a CL club doesn't come in for him, we might be able to pry him away from Villa.

 

Ings (21) is a good shout as an investment for the near future, he has had one good season, and is now an England under 21, looks like a very promising player, one we will have to have patience with (like Jrod) as he adjust to the PL. But I think he has shown enough (possible Championship player of the year) to warrant a good looking over by the scouts. His back story also fits in well with Saints, he has played with JRod and is a Saints supporter, so i feel he would leave everything on the pitch. Has healed well from some pretty serious knee injuries but still has not lost any pace. If Burnley go up, they will not want to sell.

 

These are all good young Strikers playing in England, all have great work ethic, personalities and skill to fit SFC. But is this what MP wants? we have RL(34),JR(24) and SG (18). Our big money addition was Osvaldo (28), an International player in his prime, I think this is what he wants, the finished article that can add experience to our side. VERY hard to find, but not impossible.

[Bermuda Saint]

Welbeck (23)I hope MU panic and try to buy their way back into the top 4, If they splash big on another world class striker I would like us to try to get Welbeck (23), If we can get him, Jrod (24) and Lallanna (25) playing together it will be a win for SFC and a win for England.

 

Lukaku (20) is a great shout if we could pull it off, it would mean loosing Shaw, but we have a ready made LB back up in Matt Targett.

 

Benteke (23) is also an excellent striker, but would take over 25 mil to get. I think if a CL club doesn't come in for him, we might be able to pry him away from Villa.

 

Ings (21) is a good shout as an investment for the near future, he has had one good season, and is now an England under 21, looks like a very promising player, one we will have to have patience with (like Jrod) as he adjust to the PL. But I think he has shown enough (possible Championship player of the year) to warrant a good looking over by the scouts. His back story also fits in well with Saints, he has played with JRod and is a Saints supporter, so i feel he would leave everything on the pitch. Has healed well from some pretty serious knee injuries but still has not lost any pace. If Burnley go up, they will not want to sell.

 

These are all good young Strikers playing in England, all have great work ethic, personalities and skill to fit SFC. But is this what MP wants? we have RL(32),JR(24) and SG (18). Our big money addition was Osvaldo (28), an International player in his prime, I think this is what he wants, the finished article that can add experience to our side. VERY hard to find, but not impossible.

[Bearsy]

Like Bermuda says I would love wellbz! Wellbz is my favourite non saints player in the whole league! I think he's cool and he's athlete and he's skillz and he's hair! I think he would be crowd favourite, maybe not at first cos some people hate Man U & are angar bout England, but before long once everyone sees how great Wellbz is we would be seeing loads of high top fade in crowd at SMS!

[david in sweden]

Absolutely not! Our track record with big purchases isn't very impressive at all. .

 

How true!...it's hard to recall a striker who cost real money who really delivered in a big way.

 

Beattie (cost a little) and spent two seasons here before he found real form, and Raziak (despite some fans distaste for him) did manage 20 goals in his last full season. None others to mention.

 

Historically, the vast majority our best strikers.....have been signed as juniors, or cost a very low fee at the time.

 

The only exception that comes to mind was Ron Davies (club record fee in 1966)

[SW5 SAINT]

How true!...it's hard to recall a striker who cost real money who really delivered in a big way.

 

Beattie (cost a little) and spent two seasons here before he found real form, and Raziak (despite some fans distaste for him) did manage 20 goals in his last full season. None others to mention.

 

Historically, the vast majority our best strikers.....have been signed as juniors, or cost a very low fee at the time.

 

The only exception that comes to mind was Ron Davies (club record fee in 1966)

 

Don't forget Osvaldo

[Window Cleaner]

How true!...it's hard to recall a striker who cost real money who really delivered in a big way.

 

Beattie (cost a little) and spent two seasons here before he found real form, and Raziak (despite some fans distaste for him) did manage 20 goals in his last full season. None others to mention.

 

Historically, the vast majority our best strikers.....have been signed as juniors, or cost a very low fee at the time.

 

The only exception that comes to mind was Ron Davies (club record fee in 1966)

 

Ted McDougall and Phil Boyer cost a fair bit (in 1970's reckoning), but nothing compared to their scoring record for us.

[Bearsy]

Ted McDougall

 

i love it when you guise talk bout the old days i never know if ur making these names up!

[Window Cleaner]

i love it when you guise talk bout the old days i never know if ur making these names up!

 

 

Smash and Grab are Saint's legends, they should be in the banner. McDougall was with us for about 2 seasons, scored 42 goals,

Boyer 3 seasons scored 49.

[KelvinsRightGlove]

How true!...it's hard to recall a striker who cost real money who really delivered in a big way.

 

Beattie (cost a little) and spent two seasons here before he found real form, and Raziak (despite some fans distaste for him) did manage 20 goals in his last full season. None others to mention.

 

Historically, the vast majority our best strikers.....have been signed as juniors, or cost a very low fee at the time.

 

The only exception that comes to mind was Ron Davies (club record fee in 1966)

 

Rasiak @ £2m whilst in the Champ - I don't really consider that a 'low fee' to be honest.

[david in sweden]

Rasiak @ £2m whilst in the Champ - I don't really consider that a 'low fee' to be honest.

 

I didn't regard Rasiak as one of our best strikers, despite his goal tally, nor did I suggest it was a low fee, but we had already paid out £4 million for Delap and £3.5 million for Delgado some years before.

 

Looking at the all-time list of goalscorers ....Ron Davies was the only one who cost " big money " (at the time), most of the others ..." came through the ranks ".