Describe this window in just 5 words

[austsaint]

The blindest Freddy can see.

[Roger]

Not very good at all.

[melmacian_saint]

We have gone backwards on the single, most important contributor to our progress in the PL of the last 4 years- the DM role.

 

A few of us will remember the first few games we had back in the PL in 2012, where even with a number of tough opponents in the first couple of months it became clear that we were completely out of balance playing with a single DM (Schneiderlin at the time). This changed when Jack Cork came back form injury and he then got immense praise for the partnership with Morgan. We finally looked like a team who could play like we wanted (attacking in numbers, with a massive involvement of our wing players).

 

The arrival of Wanyama was an improvement on this situation, and indeed we haven't let a DM (or defensive minded midfielder) leave on a free and always got money for the 3 that played in that role in the last 4 years.

 

We knew how important this was, and we have had two seasons to find an adequate replacement for two outbound players, whose exits we delayed as much as possible.

 

And yet all we got are Romeu and Clasie who don't really seem to be to different from each other, and we are playing in a formation that needs a true, physical holding midfielder as much as possible.

 

Our inability to find a replacement to the most crucial position of the "Southampton Way" is what will cost Puel and ultimately us.

[DuncanRG]

Win and we'll stop crying

[USA SaintsFan]

Could've been better or worse.

[niceandfriendly]

Disappointing considering the sales made

[RoswellSaint]

It's net spend that is relevant, not gross. Those two clubs have spent more than us this summer.

 

Why is net spend more relevant?

[Goatboy]

Money can't buy you love.

[Saint in Paradise]

For everyone expressing disapointment at the amount of money spent I would

ask them if they are as quick to overspend their own money ? It is very easy to

spend money, just look at how much is owed on credit cards etc, but the time

comes when it has to be paid back. That is when overspending comes back and

bites very very hard and that results in a nasty situation and causes lots of tears

and pain.

Saints were purchased by a Gentleman to whom such spending was abhorrent,

something which he no doubt fully ingrained into his family who are now still only

spending what they know they can afford.

As an O.A.P. with a fixed income I can fully understand Saints position because neither

of us want to end up in the crap moneywise.

[Gemmel]

Paying off Cortese Vibrac loans