January 2021 transfer window

[Matthew Le God]

  On 03/01/2021 at 14:06, Chez said:

I am far from convinced by Obafemi to date, so it will be interesting how he fairs in the Championship. I really hope he can get lots of games and scores for fun. At best he can carry that form across to the Prem, at worst he adds a few million to a possible fee.

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Wouldn't it be worse if he fails to perform and loses value? 🤔

[Harry_SFC]

  On 03/01/2021 at 14:43, Matthew Le God said:

Wouldn't it be worse if he fails to perform and loses value? 🤔

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Who cares? 😴 We all know what he means ffs. 

[East Kent Saint]

Saka and Tierney should be signed up ASAP , I’m sure a swap deal could be arranged. It would give us a bit more forward momentum.

Edited 3 January, 2021 by East Kent Saint

[Chez]

  On 03/01/2021 at 14:43, Matthew Le God said:

Wouldn't it be worse if he fails to perform and loses value? 🤔

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Admittedly I didn't write my post very well, but in the first part was hoping he will score lots of goals and the second part was me suggesting that if he did, we could keep him and could continue to scores goals in the higher league or we can sell him at an increased fee. 

Quite right, he could be shit and no one wants to buy him any more. Not sure there is a huge queue right now.

[Chez]

  On 03/01/2021 at 14:38, redkeith said:

I think that most players at his level or above  demand an much larger signing on fee when put of contract than if they were still in contract. The agents will argue that he would have cost 10 million if not for Bosman so give my client 5 Mill to sign for you .   

 

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sure, which it great motivation for the player to wait to be out of contract - all monies go to them and none to the selling club - but in that scenario, the buying club still saves £5m - so good for them to wait too. 

It may also depend if Leicester have a replacement lined up that they can sign in January.

[DT]

Our talks with Demarai Gray’s entourage have intensified apparently. Just wondering if Che played with him at Birmingham City?

[Chez]

  On 03/01/2021 at 16:04, DT said:

Our talks with Demarai Gray’s entourage have intensified apparently. Just wondering if Che played with him at Birmingham City?

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He joined Brum the season after Gray left

[DT]

  On 03/01/2021 at 16:10, Chez said:

He joined Brum the season after Gray left

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Cheers. Hope not anything to do with Leicester’s interest in Vestergard from a while back. Also same for Choudhury. 

[Chez]

  On 03/01/2021 at 16:10, Chez said:

He joined Brum the season after Gray left

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Gray was in the Brum youth team when Redmond was there though.

[Master Bates]

  On 03/01/2021 at 16:04, DT said:

Our talks with Demarai Gray’s entourage have intensified apparently. Just wondering if Che played with him at Birmingham City?

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I read the same yesterday.

[DT]

Quite like the sound of this deal. Looks a Ralph kind of signing

[bangkoksaint]

Gray is a 24 year old Premier League winner with around 130 appearances. Benfica and Roma are also very interested.  We’re probably financially better placed than those two which is lucky because for standard of living and life opportunities we couldn’t match them

[Matthew Le God]

  On 03/01/2021 at 16:41, bangkoksaint said:

Gray is a 24 year old Premier League winner with around 130 appearances. Benfica and Roma are also very interested.  We’re probably financially better placed than those two which is lucky because for standard of living and life opportunities we couldn’t match them

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How have you come to that conclusion?

[Turkish]

  On 03/01/2021 at 16:52, Matthew Le God said:

How have you come to that conclusion?

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Lisbon, Rome or Southampton?

[Matthew Le God]

  On 03/01/2021 at 17:00, Turkish said:

Lisbon, Rome or Southampton?

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Can Southampton players only live in Southampton? 🤔

What 'life opportunities' would be unavailable to them?

Edited 3 January, 2021 by Matthew Le God

[Turkish]

  On 03/01/2021 at 17:07, Matthew Le God said:

Can Southampton players only live in Southampton? 🤔

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There’s always Winchester, Eastleigh or Romsey I guess. If Martines was still open that might swing it for us.

Edited 3 January, 2021 by Turkish

[Chez]

  On 03/01/2021 at 16:41, bangkoksaint said:

Gray is a 24 year old Premier League winner with around 130 appearances. Benfica and Roma are also very interested.  We’re probably financially better placed than those two which is lucky because for standard of living and life opportunities we couldn’t match them

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he's played 18 minutes in the Prem this season. He started just three Prem games last season. I guess that means nothing more than Leicester have better options, but I just wonder if we see him in a very different light to Foxes fans. I suggested we sign him from Brum back in 2015, and I still think he is an exciting player, but for those who get frustrated by Redmond, I think he may offer similar end product. He certainly couldn't hit a barn door with a banjo against us on occasion, all be it after dribbling past numerous defenders.

[northam soul]

  On 03/01/2021 at 17:11, Turkish said:

There’s always Winchester, Eastleigh or Romsey I guess. If Martines was still open that might swing it for us.

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Now you’re talking, Martines my old local late night haunt.

[Matthew Le God]

  On 03/01/2021 at 17:11, Turkish said:

There’s always Winchester, Eastleigh or Romsey I guess. If Martines was still open that might swing it for us.

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You could live close to or even in London and play for Saints if you really wanted.

Edited 3 January, 2021 by Matthew Le God

[Turkish]

  On 03/01/2021 at 17:31, Matthew Le God said:

You could live close to or even in London and play for Saintsif you really wanted.

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Or you could live in Rome or Lisbon and play for Roma or Benfica without a 2 hour commute to training every day.

[Toadhall Saint]

Lisbon for me.

[Turkish]

  On 03/01/2021 at 17:58, Toadhall Saint said:

Lisbon for me.

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I’m pretty sure they do Sagres in Vodka Revs mate

[goodymatt]

Gray would be a decent signing, especially for nothing. He’s very fast and has a good shot from distance too. Has been hot and cold for Leicester but that may be due to being in and out of the team in recent seasons. I do remember us being interested historically.

Eze would have been perfect, another we were linked with but either failed to sign or decided not to pursue. If we do sign Gray we would be overly stocked in that department unless Theo is then seen as a forward.

[Dan Johnson]

  On 03/01/2021 at 17:20, Chez said:

for those who get frustrated by Redmond, I think he may offer similar end product. He certainly couldn't hit a barn door with a banjo against us on occasion, all be it after dribbling past numerous defenders.

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Thing is, with players like Gray/Redmond if they were more consistent they’d be playing for Bigger clubs, yes he will frustrate but he’ll also likely win us games 

[SNSUN]

  On 03/01/2021 at 16:31, DT said:

Quite like the sound of this deal. Looks a Ralph kind of signing

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Agree, I'm quite happy with this signing if it goes ahead. Yes it's a freebie and people will be questioning why we aren't splashing the cash on better players (#skint) but he's the right age to still progress his career, he has pace which I like in an attacker, technically decent and all for wages and a signing on fee. It seems a smart signing to strengthen a position, much as the Walcott signing did, without investing much cash. If anyone can get the best out of him, Ralph can. I assume signing Gray means we can play Walcott up front more if needed, especially as Obafemi may be leaving on loan?

 

My only concern is it shows the lack of trust we currently have in the younger players like Tella, Smallbone etc. Bad batch or just not ready yet?

[saintwbu]

I’ve always liked Demarai Gray, but yeah he’s probably not shown his quality regularly enough at Leicester. They have been a good team for almost all of his time there though, and he’s had good spells. I’ll be really happy if we can get him in, if it’s as well as fullback cover (Brandon Williams would be nice) then I think we’d have a really strong squad for the second half of the season. 

[Convict Colony]

  On 03/01/2021 at 16:04, DT said:

Our talks with Demarai Gray’s entourage have intensified apparently. Just wondering if Che played with him at Birmingham City?

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This is probably his agent when we call

 

[Convict Colony]

Generic link of us with celtics ryan christie on a free.

Article says similar player as maddison and hard working.

https://www.90min.com/posts/arsenal-premier-league-clubs-transfer-celtic-ryan-christie-leicester-southampton

obligatory

 

Edited 4 January, 2021 by Convict Colony

[tajjuk]

Not sure about Gray, not seeing how is an upgrade to what we have got, he's basically another inconsistent winger, and I'd rather stick with the younger Djenepo who I think will come good with more experience and training under Ralph.

Christie is more interesting because he's more like a No. 10, so would be more likely challenging for Armstrong's role and having more options there would be good, especially a bit more creativity to unlock deep defences. 

[itchen]

Not directly Saints-related but funny; this is from The Guardian's Football Rumour mill:

And finally, having once described Brexit Party leader Nigel Farage as a “forthright, forward-speaking, intelligent man”, the West Brom manager Sam Allardyce has fallen victim to karmic irony and new regulations that came into force following the UK’s recent exit from the European Union. “I have found three players already who were capable of coming here and they’re not allowed,” he said of his January recruitment drive. “It’s a shame.”

 

[VectisSaint]

  On 03/01/2021 at 14:38, redkeith said:

I think that most players at his level or above  demand an much larger signing on fee when put of contract than if they were still in contract. The agents will argue that he would have cost 10 million if not for Bosman so give my client 5 Mill to sign for you .   

 

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They can demand what they want, but if no-one is willing to pay it they are unemployed.

[Cartman]

  On 04/01/2021 at 11:01, VectisSaint said:

They can demand what they want, but if no-one is willing to pay it they are unemployed.

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If a club is willing to pay a 10m transfer fee for a player under contract at another club, they will obviously be willing to pay a 5m signing-on fee for that same player if he available on a free transfer.

[Chez]

  On 03/01/2021 at 22:54, Dan Johnson said:

Thing is, with players like Gray/Redmond if they were more consistent they’d be playing for Bigger clubs, yes he will frustrate but he’ll also likely win us games 

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Agree, not to mention that there are very few `wingers' that turn it on week after week, season after season.

Beating men all ends up is extremely hard, yet as fans we expect wide men to do it not just every season, but every game, maybe even every single one on one. Our expectation levels can be just too high IMO. When you find a player that can do it (beat a man) you need to wrap an arm round them, build their confidence and keep them on a high for as long as possible. You have to back them, keep picking them, keep encouraging them to go at the fullback and not give up on them when they have a quite game. Easy when its Messi and Giggs, less so when you have a Redmond.

Redmond is actually one of the few players in the Prem that can skip past opponents at ease. He lacks that killer speed, but when his confidence is high he is good to watch. At Brum Gray used to fly, but he is going to need an arm round him too after two seasons of sitting on the bench. I wonder also if Ralf can get the best out of Djenepo. He hasn't so far.

[Chez]

  On 04/01/2021 at 11:25, Cartman said:

If a club is willing to pay a 10m transfer fee for a player under contract at another club, they will obviously be willing to pay a 5m signing-on fee for that same player if he available on a free transfer.

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Whatever that fee was for Gray, no one paid it last summer. The question therefore is, what fee would they have been willing to pay, and thus what do they deem acceptable in terms of signing on fee and wages next summer.

As a free agent he will certainly demand decent wages, but how much is is he worth? A four year contract can be a lead weight if he doesn't shine. A six month loan now, to give you a good chance to look at him, makes a lot of sense if you intend to offer him a multi-million pound contract come July. Good option off the bench at the very least. I guess it depends if the funds are there justify it.

[Convict Colony]

yeah not a bad idea trying for a loan, both us and him can try before we agree.

Dont think he will come here though to be honest, think he wants a 'name' club.

[stevy777_x]

  On 04/01/2021 at 10:36, itchen said:

Not directly Saints-related but funny; this is from The Guardian's Football Rumour mill:

And finally, having once described Brexit Party leader Nigel Farage as a “forthright, forward-speaking, intelligent man”, the West Brom manager Sam Allardyce has fallen victim to karmic irony and new regulations that came into force following the UK’s recent exit from the European Union. “I have found three players already who were capable of coming here and they’re not allowed,” he said of his January recruitment drive. “It’s a shame.”

 

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I m actually surprised how the new transfer rules have had such a lack of coverage in the media or even a lack of reaction amongst fans, it just reduces the pool of players available to us and make the ones available more expensive.

[DT]

  On 04/01/2021 at 12:16, Chez said:

Agree, not to mention that there are very few `wingers' that turn it on week after week, season after season.

Beating men all ends up is extremely hard, yet as fans we expect wide men to do it not just every season, but every game, maybe even every single one on one. Our expectation levels can be just too high IMO. When you find a player that can do it (beat a man) you need to wrap an arm round them, build their confidence and keep them on a high for as long as possible. You have to back them, keep picking them, keep encouraging them to go at the fullback and not give up on them when they have a quite game. Easy when its Messi and Giggs, less so when you have a Redmond.

Redmond is actually one of the few players in the Prem that can skip past opponents at ease. He lacks that killer speed, but when his confidence is high he is good to watch. At Brum Gray used to fly, but he is going to need an arm round him too after two seasons of sitting on the bench. I wonder also if Ralf can get the best out of Djenepo. He hasn't so far.

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On Djenepo it feels like we haven't yet found the way to utilise him. I think he would be best in the hole, or certainly in the last third, where he can use trickery to get into the penalty area and make things happen. When we use him in midfield he does little but lose the ball in dangerous places and leave us exposed down the flanks, which doesn't work with our 'team' tactics of hunting in packs etc. Redmond is similar in that he needs to be encouraged to take risks and attack but needs to work on his end product and losing the ball too often, too. They are both essentially players whose best skills - dribbling, pace, unpredictability - might be best employed when teams try and work us out, park the bus and get men behind the ball. IMHO

[East Kent Saint]

  On 04/01/2021 at 12:43, stevy777_x said:

I m actually surprised how the new transfer rules have had such a lack of coverage in the media or even a lack of reaction amongst fans, it just reduces the pool of players available to us and make the ones available more expensive.

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I read an article spelling out the new rules based on a points system. Lower leagues , Greece etc , get few points and it depends on appearances etc as well so bargain basement Saints type players will not get a “green card” .

The article suggested uk players will come back into fashion.

[Dan Johnson]

  On 04/01/2021 at 14:15, DT said:

On Djenepo it feels like we haven't yet found the way to utilise him. I think he would be best in the hole, or certainly in the last third, where he can use trickery to get into the penalty area and make things happen. When we use him in midfield he does little but lose the ball in dangerous places and leave us exposed down the flanks, which doesn't work with our 'team' tactics of hunting in packs etc. Redmond is similar in that he needs to be encouraged to take risks and attack but needs to work on his end product and losing the ball too often, too. They are both essentially players whose best skills - dribbling, pace, unpredictability - might be best employed when teams try and work us out, park the bus and get men behind the ball. IMHO

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With Djenepo, I actually think a percentage of his strength has been coached out of him. 

Previously his spontaneity and unpredictability caused other teams problems but I don't think he got many games because he left us exposed after he went walk about.

This season, he's seemed to be allot more tactically focused which has affected his ability to create somewhat...

[Chez]

  On 04/01/2021 at 14:47, Dan Johnson said:

With Djenepo, I actually think a percentage of his strength has been coached out of him. 

Previously his spontaneity and unpredictability caused other teams problems but I don't think he got many games because he left us exposed after he went walk about.

This season, he's seemed to be allot more tactically focused which has affected his ability to create somewhat...

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some of his basics, like controlling a pass, and passing to a team mate ,have bene horrible in recent games. Like someone that has not played in months. You have to get those basics right. I am a little surprised Redmond has not replaced in (maybe he will tonight) because of that. Good that Ralf is giving him a run of games, but he needs to repay his faith with better play.

He is certainly more of a team player, getting back behind the ball etc. and making challenges (all be it most leading to fouls) but I'm not sure he is any less predictable. Just none of his dribbles have created a lot in recent times. I think Bertrand struggles to read him or know when to overlap. I don't think he trusts him no to lose the ball and therefore is more reserved with his overlapping.

He perhaps needs more space to work, which you get in the last embers of a game. 

 

[Totton Saint]

  On 04/01/2021 at 14:47, Dan Johnson said:

With Djenepo, I actually think a percentage of his strength has been coached out of him. 

Previously his spontaneity and unpredictability caused other teams problems but I don't think he got many games because he left us exposed after he went walk about.

This season, he's seemed to be allot more tactically focused which has affected his ability to create somewhat...

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MANU panicked whenever he got the ball. You may be right about his flair being coached out of him if so whyI isn't his flair

 which we bought him for. 

[Manuel]

Unsurprisingly it looks like he's been coached to press more and perhaps to make quicker decisions.  He seems a bit flustered and panicky when he gets the ball.  Maybe he's just feeling the pressure.  

[benjii]

  On 04/01/2021 at 09:47, tajjuk said:

Not sure about Gray, not seeing how is an upgrade to what we have got, he's basically another inconsistent winger, and I'd rather stick with the younger Djenepo who I think will come good with more experience and training under Ralph.

Christie is more interesting because he's more like a No. 10, so would be more likely challenging for Armstrong's role and having more options there would be good, especially a bit more creativity to unlock deep defences. 

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I tend to agree with this. We have Armstrong, Redmond, Walcott and Djenepo who are all fairly similar players who rely on movement and dynamism and I don't think he's any better than any of those. 

A more creative ball-player / passer "number 10", is something we lack. 

[Useful Idiot]

  On 04/01/2021 at 18:20, benjii said:

I tend to agree with this. We have Armstrong, Redmond, Walcott and Djenepo who are all fairly similar players who rely on movement and dynamism and I don't think he's any better than any of those. 

A more creative ball-player / passer "number 10", is something we lack. 

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I concur. In an ideal world I'd like us to go for Buendía from Norwich. Plays in all three positions across attacking midfield and likes to drop inside from wide positions. Has regularly created chances for three seasons for them, think he would be a great fit for Ralph's system, but he's probably out of our price range. 

[badgerx16]

  On 03/01/2021 at 14:43, Matthew Le God said:

Wouldn't it be worse if he fails to perform and loses value? 🤔

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Whilst he isn't playing for us he isn't gaining value either.

[DT]

Ralph being considered for Chelsea if they sack Lampard, says Indy. Oh great. 

[Master Bates]

Yan Valery offered to Schalke 04

[SaintsFan86]

  On 04/01/2021 at 18:44, DT said:

Ralph being considered for Chelsea if they sack Lampard, says Indy. Oh great. 

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How many times has the bloke said he sees Saints as a project. Stand down for now.

[Saint_clark]

  On 04/01/2021 at 18:50, Master Bates said:

Yan Valery offered to Schalke 04

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Hope not.

Although if we get a decent fee for him that can be reinvested, wouldn't be the worst person to lose from the squad. Wouldn't sell for less than £15million and a big sell on fee though.

[Saint_clark]

Here's the real worry...was Ings not celebrating because he used to play for them or because he knows he'll be playing for them again soon.