What do we need to do in summer?

[ally_uk]

Fantasy thread you are in charge of Saints and need to make key decisions in the summer window. 

What players would you sell? 

Who would you bring in to improve the squad? Do you go for youth or experience?

Keep things on the cheap or try and sign higher calibre?

I love getting your thoughts and insights and it's a bit of fun keep the incomings realistic! 

 

:)

[Pilchards]

I would actually sell JWP personally and use every penny of the 65m on a decent keeper and two proven premiership players that help our great youth players coming through. (Harry Winks and Demari Gray)

Redmond, Djenipo (stupid name and I can’t spell it) Bednarek, Long and Walcott.

Get some of the best European kids in plus spent 25m on a striker that knows where the net is.

PS this is why I’m not a manager

 

[Matthew Le God]

1 minute ago, Pilchards said:

I would actually sell JWP personally and use every penny of the 65m on a decent keeper and two proven premiership players that help our great youth players coming through. (Harry Winks and Demari Gray)

Redmond, Djenipo (stupid name and I can’t spell it) Bednarek, Long and Walcott.

Get some of the best European kids in plus spent 25m on a striker that knows where the net is.

What has Harry Winks proven? 🤔

Why don't you try learning to spell it rather than calling it 'silly'?

[obelisk]

I think I might wait until after this evening's games before starting to ponder on such matters.

[S-Clarke]

We need to do a lot!

In terms of players to leave the club permanently - Forster, Redmond, Moussa, Stephens, Long, Theo

Players going out on loan - Smallbone, Small

New Contracts - Salisu, Cabellero (1 year ext. as third choice)

Bring in. 1x GK, 1x First Choice CB, 1x full back cover for both sides (loan), 1x Number 10/wide, 1x Striker, 1x Number 6.

GK - Mccarthy and new Number 1.

CB - Lyanco, Bednarek, New number 2 CB, Salisu

RB - KWP, Valery (additional cover from the loan for LB)

LB - Perraud, loan cover (who can also cover RB)

CM - JWP, Romeu, Diallo, new number 6 (Romeu style)

AM - Elyounoussi, Armstrong, Tella, New number 10 at least 1 - potentially 2.

ST - Adams, Broja, Armstrong, New ST (or 2 new strikers if Broja doesn't sign on). One of the new strikers could also act as the '2nd' number 10.

Looking at 6 or so additions, which is the same amount as we made last year with no money.

[John B]

15 minutes ago, S-Clarke said:

We need to do a lot!

In terms of players to leave the club permanently - Forster, Redmond, Moussa, Stephens, Long, Theo

Players going out on loan - Smallbone, Small

New Contracts - Salisu, Cabellero (1 year ext. as third choice)

Bring in. 1x GK, 1x First Choice CB, 1x full back cover for both sides (loan), 1x Number 10/wide, 1x Striker, 1x Number 6.

GK - Mccarthy and new Number 1.

CB - Lyanco, Bednarek, New number 2 CB, Salisu

RB - KWP, Valery (additional cover from the loan for LB)

LB - Perraud, loan cover (who can also cover RB)

CM - JWP, Romeu, Diallo, new number 6 (Romeu style)

AM - Elyounoussi, Armstrong, Tella, New number 10 at least 1 - potentially 2.

ST - Adams, Broja, Armstrong, New ST (or 2 new strikers if Broja doesn't sign on). One of the new strikers could also act as the '2nd' number 10.

Looking at 6 or so additions, which is the same amount as we made last year with no money.

Theoretically  I agree with you but 

 

1 How do you know we can get rid of Stephens Redmond and Walcott as they are on contracts and may not want to leave

 

2 What do think the bugget would be I for one are fed up of the club getting in young players and hoping that they will improve into PL players I would

like at least two proper PL players one in the Tadic mode the other an experienced CB

[Matthew Le God]

13 minutes ago, John B said:

How do you know we can get rid of Stephens on contract and may not want to leave

His contract expires 30th June 2022, unless the club have extended it and not announced it.

Edited 11 May, 2022 by Matthew Le God

[Appy]

59 minutes ago, Matthew Le God said:

What has Harry Winks proven? 🤔

Why don't you try learning to spell it rather than calling it 'silly'?

He said stupid not silly. 

[Lee On Solent Saint]

I'd get rid of Adam Armstrong and Tella as well to be honest. Haven't seen anything from either of them to suggest they can make a contribution. 

[Appy]

5 minutes ago, Lee On Solent Saint said:

I'd get rid of Adam Armstrong and Tella as well to be honest. Haven't seen anything from either of them to suggest they can make a contribution. 

Agreed, don’t get the Tella love in with some of our fans at all. Offers very little. 

[ally_uk]

I'd sell the following personally:

Long, Stephens, Bednerek, Redmond, Walcott, Djenepo, Tella, 

Maybe sell / don't rate: Adam Armstrong, Diallo, Tella

Only for big money: Salisu and Prowse.

 

 

 

 

[Streaky]

I'd sell jwp too if we get between 60 or 70 million. Then raid chelsea again and look at breaking the wage structure to get some high profile players on a free. I'd also sack Hassenhuttl and hope to persuade Pirlo is next project is us. 

Or maybe not.

[Baird of the land]

I'd look to release Long & Forster. Possibly Stephens if his contract hasn't been extended. With Walcott either try and agree a payout or find a club to loan him to.

In terms of sales (sell bednarek & elyounessi & hopefully redmond). Probably loan out djenepo as i think we'd struggle to sell him. I'd prefer not to sell JWP, unless he's got a release clause. I'd definitely keep Tella and probably keep Adam Armstrong & Diallo unless you got a good bid for them.

1) We need a keeper (i'd be looking for some in 24-26 age range, who's got some experience but still room to grow). If we're talking Irish keepers i'd the 25 yr old prefer Peacock-Farrell over the 20 year old Bazanu. Played a few games in the prem as well as having experience in both Championship and League 1)

2) We are going to need a CB, once again look to bring in someone in late twenties with some leadership ability. Would someone like Lascelles be surplus to requirements at Newcastle?

3) A youngish CDM, either on loan or with a view to replacing Romeu

4) A winger with real pace.

5) Obviously we need a striker who can score some goals, no clue who to target.

6) Some sort of fullback loan to cover the loss of Livramento.

 

[SNSUN]

What do we need to do in the summer as fans? Hope and pray that we're in good hands and that the powers that be at the club can see the flaws in our squad.

 

What do they need to do this summer? A LOT. We need quality down the spine and I'm not sure we'll have the money for it. I also think if a certain large bid came in for JWP they'd be tempted to take it. 

[Chez]

1 hour ago, Matthew Le God said:

His contract expires 30th June 2022, unless the club have extended it and not announced it.

Seeing as The Athletic were spot on about McCarthy, I think its safe to assume Stephens signed a new contract back in 2020 https://theathletic.com/news/exclusive-jack-stephens-agrees-new-long-term-southampton-contract/bo8LfBeiblPj/

 

[davefizzy14]

We need to strengthen at centre back, centre mid, in attacking mid and upfront for me. So four key areas. Hopefully the new owners will back Ralph with some significant investment. 

Centre back - Caleta-Car would be my top target. A high calibre centre back is just what we need. Would be available for around £15 million. I would also have William Saliba high on the list of targets too.

Centre mid - we desperately need cover for Romeu in this position and just generally added depth. Sangare, Weston Mckennie would be on the list of targets for me.

Attacking mid - again this a very key position that we need to strengthen in as we just don't always create a lot from this area. We need several additions in this position and a general mix of pace, power and creativity. Tete will be on our list of targets I'm sure. Also wouldn't mind Lewis Keane-Potter from Hull, he's quality.

Striker - signing Broja permanently would be top priority for me. I think signing another forward too would add to the quality we need. 

 

Edited 11 May, 2022 by davefizzy14

[Wiggles31]

Defensively we need a reshape. Our best period of defensive stability in the new PL era was when we had Fonte, Wanyama/Romeu and Schneiderlin. As well as Boruc/in form Forster in goal. Having one CDM has been a problem for ages. I’d start building from the back and get; one experienced and proven CB, another experienced and proven CDM. 100% a new goalkeeper. Oh and another CB to replace Bednarek who looks like he wants out. 
 

Attacking wise we need a new number 10/winger to replace the dross we have in those positions (S Armstrong aside). I’d have a pop at signing Dwight McNeil. 
 

Finally a striker to replace Broja. 
 

So that’s 5 players and then add some young talent as per the model (in attacking positions). 
 

Get rid of: Long, Stephens, Walcott, Djenepo, Bednarek, Mo Ely & Redmond. 

Give A Armstrong and Tella one more season. 

[Wiggles31]

Just now, Wiggles31 said:

Defensively we need a reshape. Our best period of defensive stability in the new PL era was when we had Fonte, Wanyama/Romeu and Schneiderlin. As well as Boruc/in form Forster in goal. Having one CDM has been a problem for ages. I’d start building from the back and get; one experienced and proven CB, another experienced and proven CDM. 100% a new goalkeeper. Oh and another CB to replace Bednarek who looks like he wants out. 
 

Attacking wise we need a new number 10/winger to replace the dross we have in those positions (S Armstrong aside). I’d have a pop at signing Dwight McNeil. 
 

Finally a striker to replace Broja. 
 

So that’s 5 players and then add some young talent as per the model (in attacking positions). 
 

Get rid of: Long, Stephens, Walcott, Djenepo, Bednarek, Mo Ely & Redmond. 

Give A Armstrong and Tella one more season. 

All this under a new manager. 

[nta786]

We need the following:

A striker who can score at least 35+ PL goals

A tricky winger with an xA of at least 20, and to notch around 15 goals to share the burden

A crunching midfielder with the stamina of Kante and passing ability of Xavi

A right footed CB to complement our left footed CB as it is the only way to solidify the defence

A goalkeeper who isn't just a shotstopper but can also use both his feet to start our attacks - a must. 

Before anyone comes at me, yes I am joking  The question is almost like "how long is a piece of string?", as if I had my way I'd say we need 8 new players for the XI but constraints mean that is not possible.

[Turkish]

sell them all apart from KWP, JWP and Salisu (maybe Adams)

Sign 22 new players

[CB Fry]

14 minutes ago, Turkish said:

sell them all apart from KWP, JWP and Salisu (maybe Adams)

Sign 22 new players

I don't think we need to be that drastic.

We just need to sack Kelvin Davis.

[Dark Munster]

https://www.saintsweb.co.uk/topic/59176-summer-2022-transfer-window/

[Appy]

43 minutes ago, CB Fry said:

I don't think we need to be that drastic.

We just need to sack Kelvin Davis.

But who will put the bibs out?

[tunit]

I would get two or three new experienced coaches to properly assist Ralph.

Get rid of some dead wood to build some funds. (Redmond, Long, Bednarek, Moi, Moussa)

Then go out and get: young GK, back up LB, loan RB, CB, DM, two attacking mids and a ST.

This is what I'd like our team to be looking like when we kick off in August (The brackets are positions which are up in the air for me):

                              New GK

KWP         New CB            Salisu       Perraud

                   JWP           Romeu (Diallo, New DM)

         Stu                                      New AM

                  Ché         A Armstrong (New ST)

Edited 11 May, 2022 by tunit

[Turkish]

1 hour ago, CB Fry said:

I don't think we need to be that drastic.

We just need to sack Kelvin Davis.

He is the new Eric Black, yes?

[Wade Garrett]

6 hours ago, S-Clarke said:

We need to do a lot!

In terms of players to leave the club permanently - Forster, Redmond, Moussa, Stephens, Long, Theo

Players going out on loan - Smallbone, Small

New Contracts - Salisu, Cabellero (1 year ext. as third choice)

Bring in. 1x GK, 1x First Choice CB, 1x full back cover for both sides (loan), 1x Number 10/wide, 1x Striker, 1x Number 6.

GK - Mccarthy and new Number 1.

CB - Lyanco, Bednarek, New number 2 CB, Salisu

RB - KWP, Valery (additional cover from the loan for LB)

LB - Perraud, loan cover (who can also cover RB)

CM - JWP, Romeu, Diallo, new number 6 (Romeu style)

AM - Elyounoussi, Armstrong, Tella, New number 10 at least 1 - potentially 2.

ST - Adams, Broja, Armstrong, New ST (or 2 new strikers if Broja doesn't sign on). One of the new strikers could also act as the '2nd' number 10.

Looking at 6 or so additions, which is the same amount as we made last year with no money.

I would get rid of Elyounoussi as well.

[Pilchards]

8 hours ago, Appy said:

He said stupid not silly. 

Don’t worry he’s such a boring Cnut, I had him on ignore until you quoted him.

[Far que]

easy, sack ralph,get rid of the shower of shit players and open the cheque book...easy but wont happen.

[skintsaint]

44 minutes ago, Far que said:

and open the cheque book

Think these days its all EFT's.

[Mr Saints]

What we need to do: clear out the coaching staff (including Ralph) and half the squad. Bring experience and leadership into the squad.

What we will do: none of the above.

[S-Clarke]

12 hours ago, Wade Garrett said:

I would get rid of Elyounoussi as well.

I wouldn't be against the idea, but it may leave us a bit short on options and with a little bit too much to do replacement wise. I don't think he's great by any means but I still think he could offer something as an occasional option, he just shouldn't be playing every week.

[S-Clarke]

18 hours ago, John B said:

Theoretically  I agree with you but 

 

1 How do you know we can get rid of Stephens Redmond and Walcott as they are on contracts and may not want to leave

 

2 What do think the bugget would be I for one are fed up of the club getting in young players and hoping that they will improve into PL players I would

like at least two proper PL players one in the Tadic mode the other an experienced CB

I think Jack is out of contract, so that's one down. Redmond and Theo have reportedly been told they can go, I'm sure there will be takers for Redmond - maybe Norwich? I wouldn't expect much more than a couple of mill for him though. Walcott - who knows, absolute daft to sign him. The loan should have been it and we should have moved on, but the club played a PR blinder with that move and that's all it was about sadly. I'd say Crocker had a huge say in that deal.

I'd assume we still have a 'bit' of money left over from the summer, as we got in around £50m and certainly didn't spend that much. If you think we can usually spend about £10m without selling, so I reckon we may have around 30-40m to use without selling first. That's a big guess though but I don't think it's out of the world to expect a PL club to have that sort of finance available.

[ally_uk]

Could we exchange Adam Armstrong for that other lad at Blackburn? 

Johnson at Forrest

That Traviner at Middlesbrough 

Tarkowski  and Mcneil at Burnely and maybe that Dutch striker.

Leeds go down I'd go in for Gerhardt

As for fullback cover could we get Brandon Williams? 

All the players above I've probably spelt wrong just rushing it

 

[trousers]

30 minutes ago, S-Clarke said:

I think Jack is out of contract, so that's one down.

I thought I read / heard somewhere that Stephens got one of the these mystery / unannounced contract extensions that the club seem to dish out (ditto McCarthy)?

Or maybe false memory syndrome.

[GarrettIvo]

What do we have to do? Shitloads.

What can we/will we do? Hard to tell.

A list of players NEED to go, but there's no value in them. Long, Redmond, Djenepo, Walcott, Stephens. Possibly Bednarek as well. You're not getting rebuild money from that lot.

Two mediocre keepers is one too many mediocre keepers.

I don't think we're blessed with super desirable assets, JWP aside, and I would rather we didn't sell him personally.

Obviously we need another striker, because Broja is unlikely to be coming back. We either need to find a use for Adam Armstrong or get some money for him somehow. I suspect he'll be staying. Tella hasn't set the world alight, but then he's probably just as confused about how the team is selected as we are.

Doesn't seem to be much logic to it most weeks.

So you have McCarthy (presumably), Salisu, Lyanco, Bednarek maybe, Tino, KWP, Perraud, Oriol, JWP(???) Diallo maybe, SArmstrong, Aarmstrong, Elyanoussi, Adams,  a bunch of kids, and a bunch of holes to fill.

Reckon we'll be going into next season hoping the promoted teams really struggle again.

 

 

 

[S-Clarke]

36 minutes ago, trousers said:

I thought I read / heard somewhere that Stephens got one of the these mystery / unannounced contract extensions that the club seem to dish out (ditto McCarthy)?

Or maybe false memory syndrome.

I did read that, but I'm trying not to believe it...

[daldridge7]

GK
McCarthy (would prefer Forster but looks like the decision was made hastily)
1 New GK

FB
Peraud
Small
KWP
Valery
1 Loan

CB
Lyanco
Stephens
Salisu
Simeu 
1 New CB

CM
JWP
Diallo
Romeu
1 New CM

AM
S. Armstrong
Tella
Smallbone
Minimum 2 New AM

FW
Adams
A. Armstrong
Broja (if possible)
1-2 New Strikers

[Saint Garrett]

For me I'd like it to be something like the below.  My wants + some squad players who are "cheap", and a few that we know are going nowhere.

GK: NEW, Forster, Caballero

FB: KWP, Tino, Perraud, New

CB: Salisu, New, Lyanco, New

CM: JWP, New, Romeu, Diallo

AM:  New, New, Armstrong, Tella, Walcott

ST:  New, Broja, Adams, Long

Get rid either permanent or on Loan:  McCarthy, Valery, Bednarek, Stephens, Smallbone, Elyounoussi, Djenepo, A Armstrong, Redmond, Small (loan), Simeu (loan)

Leaves us with a "starting XI" of something like:

Edited 13 May, 2022 by Saint Garrett

[SaintsLoyal]

New manager, new coaches, centre back attacking midfielder, striker.

[Streaky]

4 minutes ago, SaintsLoyal said:

New manager, new coaches, centre back attacking midfielder, striker.

Don't forget new stadium, scouting team, commercial team, new tea lady, chef and more parking at the training ground.

[Dark Munster]

On 12/05/2022 at 01:46, S-Clarke said:

Walcott - who knows, absolute daft to sign him. The loan should have been it and we should have moved on, but the club played a PR blinder with that move and that's all it was about sadly. I'd say Crocker had a huge say in that deal.

My guess it was more from Ralph. He seems to be very fond of teacher's pets.

[Holmes_and_Watson]

4 hours ago, Streaky said:

Don't forget new stadium, scouting team, commercial team, new tea lady, chef and more parking at the training ground.

Well, I think... >gets dragged away from keyboard< ... what do you mean, "new fans!"... Nooooooes!

[Lighthouse]

6 minutes ago, Dark Munster said:

My guess it was more from Ralph. He seems to be very fond of teacher's pets.

Completely conjecture. It would be a massive coincidence if Ralph's preferred signing just so happened to be a guy who had already played here 14 years ago, who the club could spin as 'coming home'.

[Convict Colony]

[SNSUN]

5 hours ago, Saint Garrett said:

For me I'd like it to be something like the below.  My wants + some squad players who are "cheap", and a few that we know are going nowhere.

GK: NEW, Forster, Caballero

FB: KWP, Tino, Perraud, New

CB: Salisu, New, Lyanco, New

CM: JWP, New, Romeu, Diallo

AM:  New, New, Armstrong, Tella, Walcott

ST:  New, Broja, Adams, Long

Get rid either permanent or on Loan:  McCarthy, Valery, Bednarek, Stephens, Smallbone, Elyounoussi, Djenepo, A Armstrong, Redmond, Small (loan), Simeu (loan)

Leaves us with a "starting XI" of something like:

That first team is pretty much how i see it. Huge overhaul of quality needed. Some of your outs I'd keep as squad filler but ultimately that first XI is bang on. However without selling JWP I can't see us affording to do it. Ergo we'd need a second new first choice CM too.

 

I think we're going to be disappointed come August.

[Charlie Wayman]

5 hours ago, Saint Garrett said:

For me I'd like it to be something like the below.  My wants + some squad players who are "cheap", and a few that we know are going nowhere.

GK: NEW, Forster, Caballero

FB: KWP, Tino, Perraud, New

CB: Salisu, New, Lyanco, New

CM: JWP, New, Romeu, Diallo

AM:  New, New, Armstrong, Tella, Walcott

ST:  New, Broja, Adams, Long

Get rid either permanent or on Loan:  McCarthy, Valery, Bednarek, Stephens, Smallbone, Elyounoussi, Djenepo, A Armstrong, Redmond, Small (loan), Simeu (loan)

Leaves us with a "starting XI" of something like:

Pretty bleak prospect if what you are saying is we need a whole new spine. Apart from the financial fact that it isn't going to happen, how long would a new spine take to gel?

[Holmes_and_Watson]

7 minutes ago, Charlie Wayman said:

Pretty bleak prospect if what you are saying is we need a whole new spine. Apart from the financial fact that it isn't going to happen, how long would a new spine take to gel?

https://novacns.com/spinal-reconstruction-and-revision-spine-surgery/

[captainchris]

3 minutes ago, Holmes_and_Watson said:

https://novacns.com/spinal-reconstruction-and-revision-spine-surgery/

Most of all we need to change our formation/set up. Without that new players will not make much difference.

Whoever they are.. 

[Holmes_and_Watson]

Just now, captainchris said:

Most of all we need to change our formation/set up. Without that new players will not make much difference.

Whoever they are.. 

That's a key point. If we stick with Ralph then it's a probably a variation  of the formation/ set up we've had. Targets would have been drawn up (helped by our departing to Leicester staff member) around that. Is he likely to radically alter what we've seen, which has had spells of success?

If it's a new manager then , unless he's Ralph's lost twin, then it's a different formation/set up. So different targets needed, to some extent.

 

[woodsaint1]

Out

Forster, Stephens, Bednarek, Vokins, Ramsay, Djenepo, Long, Walcott

In

Starting GK, two CBs, DM, no10, two CFs