January 2023 Transfer Window

[Dark Munster]

1 hour ago, obelisk said:

Well I'm back from the pub and still no centre forward. Just as I expected. Oh well.

I was hoping you'd come back with with some juicy striker rumours.

[skintsaint]

2 hours ago, notnowcato said:

Not exactly ripping it up, is he

People are blinded that Burnley are top. If he had those stats with Burnley sitting mid table there is no chance people would want him here.

[DT]

8 hours ago, Turkish said:

When you were Alpine Saint it was binge eating to control your depression. Hope the booze hasn’t taken over 

What is Alpine Saint?

[DT]

9 hours ago, FarehamSaintJames said:

Were you there with DT?

Hope he’s doing alright 👍🏻

Thanks for your concern. The bars in London are a bit better than your local Portsmouth ones

[Dman]

We’ve all seen how this goes, haven’t we. 

At what point do we get the “January is a tough market” & “we’re happy with our options” shit from Jones / Semmens. 
 

Loads of tenuous links but no real substance. 

[Chez]

12 hours ago, Saint IQ said:

Hate to say it but why are we buying Jackson when we have Tella doing so well on loan? Seems like money would be better spent on other positions.

If we had loaned AArmstrong out to Burnley and he'd scored a few goals, would you be saying the same thing? 

[Saint Fan CaM]

The Jackson rumour is not going away and there are suspiciously few other teams linked I think, so seems like this guy is the next young player Jones/Semmens are intent on risking our Prem status to sign. Having said that it’s all gone a bit quiet and so I don’t think there’ll be fireworks and a big reveal tomorrow!  Will a result against Villa see the foot come off the proverbial pedal - it wouldn’t surprise me?

[Convict Colony]

Have to say us at least we are in good company with us and chelsea going down the stockpiling wide players route

[revolution saint]

42 minutes ago, Saint Fan CaM said:

The Jackson rumour is not going away and there are suspiciously few other teams linked I think, so seems like this guy is the next young player Jones/Semmens are intent on risking our Prem status to sign. Having said that it’s all gone a bit quiet and so I don’t think there’ll be fireworks and a big reveal tomorrow!  Will a result against Villa see the foot come off the proverbial pedal - it wouldn’t surprise me?

Supposedly both Villa and Wolves have been or are interested in Jackson although whether that's true or not is up for debate.  If it's true then their respective managers will know him relatively well and that's a positive. 

I'm trying to keep an open mind about Jackson.  I don't think he's the answer to our problems but if he's in addition to a striker then might not be a bad signing.

[Pilchards]

I expect the ones we bring in are those that other clubs don’t want.

Such a shame as we should stop with the squad buying and actually pay over the odds for a premium player to hit the ground running.

PS no idea who as they have the black box!

PSS Maybe winning on Saturday lifting us out of the relegation zone might make us more of an attraction.

Edited 20 January, 2023 by Pilchards

[Francis1947]

23 hours ago, wild-saint said:

The wet fannies are out in force today I see. 

Dear wild-saint

I am responding to your comment about my post. Now, admittedy I dont think I expressed myself too well when I said that I probably would not renew my season ticket next season if Southampton FC pursued their policy of signing unproven young players this season rather than an experienced well proven players like Ings who might just get us out of this mess we are in.

I should have also said that I am 75 years of age now and the time has come I think to end the longish treck from my home in the New Forest to St.Marys on each and every home game.

However I'm pretty certain my thoughts did not warrant your rather abusive comment.

Now, I am old school and I like to defend my corner.

So, shall we compare who is the " wettest fanny ".....whatever that bloody means !

In 1965, at the age of 18, I won a scholarship to Dartmouth Royal Navy College. It was hard won.  After 2 years at Dartmouth I came out as a 20 year old Midshipman and firts erved on H.M.S Hermes.

I then served for 22 years in the Royal Navy serving on 5 warships in my career. One of those warships was H.M.S. Glamorgan and on that fine ship I sailed from Gibraltar in 1982 to the South Atlantic to take part in the Falkands War. By then I had attained the rank of Lieutenant and had trained on a weapons system called Sea Slug and become a very junior Warship Officer.

On June 12 1982 the Glamorgan was hit by an Excocet missile fired from the island and we lost 13 of our shipmates and friends. We were very badly damaged and arrived back in Pompey in July and I saw my my wife who I hadn't seen for almost 6 months. We had sailed to Gibraltar earler in the year to take part in Excercises with the U.S. Navy in the Mediterranean.

I left the Royal Navy in 1987 with the rank of Lieutenant Commander. Not a meteroic rise I know . Three promotions in 22 years but by then I knew I had reached my ceiling in regards to my abilities.. I had served with many blokes who were far brighter than me but I think that I did ok.

So, my old Mate. Want to meet for a pint somewhere and discuss who is the "wettest Fanny " ? You or I ?  

You see I think this forum is a pretty good thing. People like you and I.....fellow Saints fans can discuss and share opinions. Unfortunately there are afew guys on here who resort to abuse if someone has a different viewpoint. 

My 2 pennies worth

[tajjuk]

Villa supposedly looking at signing Moussa Dembele, who I am pretty sure we were looking at in the summer, only has 6 months left on his contract. Probably further confirms Ings is on his way out then considering they also signed that striker from the MLS. 

Still think he's probably our best option for what we need now but seemingly going to West Ham. 

Edited 20 January, 2023 by tajjuk

[Sunglasses Ron]

7 minutes ago, Francis1947 said:

Dear wild-saint

I am responding to your comment about my post. Now, admittedy I dont think I expressed myself too well when I said that I probably would not renew my season ticket next season if Southampton FC pursued their policy of signing unproven young players this season rather than an experienced well proven players like Ings who might just get us out of this mess we are in.

I should have also said that I am 75 years of age now and the time has come I think to end the longish treck from my home in the New Forest to St.Marys on each and every home game.

However I'm pretty certain my thoughts did not warrant your rather abusive comment.

Now, I am old school and I like to defend my corner.

So, shall we compare who is the " wettest fanny ".....whatever that bloody means !

In 1965, at the age of 18, I won a scholarship to Dartmouth Royal Navy College. It was hard won.  After 2 years at Dartmouth I came out as a 20 year old Midshipman and firts erved on H.M.S Hermes.

I then served for 22 years in the Royal Navy serving on 5 warships in my career. One of those warships was H.M.S. Glamorgan and on that fine ship I sailed from Gibraltar in 1982 to the South Atlantic to take part in the Falkands War. By then I had attained the rank of Lieutenant and had trained on a weapons system called Sea Slug and become a very junior Warship Officer.

On June 12 1982 the Glamorgan was hit by an Excocet missile fired from the island and we lost 13 of our shipmates and friends. We were very badly damaged and arrived back in Pompey in July and I saw my my wife who I hadn't seen for almost 6 months. We had sailed to Gibraltar earler in the year to take part in Excercises with the U.S. Navy in the Mediterranean.

I left the Royal Navy in 1987 with the rank of Lieutenant Commander. Not a meteroic rise I know . Three promotions in 22 years but by then I knew I had reached my ceiling in regards to my abilities.. I had served with many blokes who were far brighter than me but I think that I did ok.

So, my old Mate. Want to meet for a pint somewhere and discuss who is the "wettest Fanny " ? You or I ?  

You see I think this forum is a pretty good thing. People like you and I.....fellow Saints fans can discuss and share opinions. Unfortunately there are afew guys on here who resort to abuse if someone has a different viewpoint. 

My 2 pennies worth

Respect to you, Sir.

[Saint Garrett]

2 minutes ago, tajjuk said:

Villa supposedly looking at signing Moussa Dembele, who I am pretty sure we were looking at in the summer, only has 6 months left on his contract. Probably further confirms Ings is on his way out then considering they also signed that striker from the MLS. 

Still think he's probably our best option for what we need now. 

Ings is signing for West Ham. Would forget about that one.

[wild-saint]

8 minutes ago, Francis1947 said:

Dear wild-saint

I am responding to your comment about my post. Now, admittedy I dont think I expressed myself too well when I said that I probably would not renew my season ticket next season if Southampton FC pursued their policy of signing unproven young players this season rather than an experienced well proven players like Ings who might just get us out of this mess we are in.

I should have also said that I am 75 years of age now and the time has come I think to end the longish treck from my home in the New Forest to St.Marys on each and every home game.

However I'm pretty certain my thoughts did not warrant your rather abusive comment.

Now, I am old school and I like to defend my corner.

So, shall we compare who is the " wettest fanny ".....whatever that bloody means !

In 1965, at the age of 18, I won a scholarship to Dartmouth Royal Navy College. It was hard won.  After 2 years at Dartmouth I came out as a 20 year old Midshipman and firts erved on H.M.S Hermes.

I then served for 22 years in the Royal Navy serving on 5 warships in my career. One of those warships was H.M.S. Glamorgan and on that fine ship I sailed from Gibraltar in 1982 to the South Atlantic to take part in the Falkands War. By then I had attained the rank of Lieutenant and had trained on a weapons system called Sea Slug and become a very junior Warship Officer.

On June 12 1982 the Glamorgan was hit by an Excocet missile fired from the island and we lost 13 of our shipmates and friends. We were very badly damaged and arrived back in Pompey in July and I saw my my wife who I hadn't seen for almost 6 months. We had sailed to Gibraltar earler in the year to take part in Excercises with the U.S. Navy in the Mediterranean.

I left the Royal Navy in 1987 with the rank of Lieutenant Commander. Not a meteroic rise I know . Three promotions in 22 years but by then I knew I had reached my ceiling in regards to my abilities.. I had served with many blokes who were far brighter than me but I think that I did ok.

So, my old Mate. Want to meet for a pint somewhere and discuss who is the "wettest Fanny " ? You or I ?  

You see I think this forum is a pretty good thing. People like you and I.....fellow Saints fans can discuss and share opinions. Unfortunately there are afew guys on here who resort to abuse if someone has a different viewpoint. 

My 2 pennies worth

Sincerely,  congratulations on your fine naval career. 

Not sure what your successful CV and fine career has to do with comments about being a wet fanny for thinking off dumping a ST after so many years just because you don't agree with the transfer policy. lets be honest how many of out transfer policies have you ever agreed with? 

Now it seems you have shared the real reason ( the long trek from the new forest) and if that's the case then fair enough but blaming it on your perceived poor transfer policy in my opinion makes you a wet fanny.  

Not sure the term "wet fanny" is really classed as abuse to be fair (well not in my opinion again). 

Anyway enjoy your well earned retirement whatever you decide to do with it now you are giving up watching football.

 

[Miltonaggro]

I'm planning to go down the local at opening time.  When I emerge I expect the new big number 9 to be in place.  In the words of Captain Oates and Oliver Reed, I may be some time...

[OldNick]

12 hours ago, egg said:

I had no expectations of Larios as I'd never heard of him. When I saw him, I saw a 5ft 7 full back who'll never have the physicality to be competitive at this level. As for Aribo, I expected more than the untidy lazy sod that we've got.

Wasted millions that could have been added to whatever budget we have for a striker to allow us to buy someone proper. 

I think you have got it wrong re Larios

[egg]

4 minutes ago, OldNick said:

I think you have got it wrong re Larios

Hopefully! He's going to have be a superb footballer to compensate for the lack of size. Let's see how he goes.

Even so, I don't think that a left back project was a priority if money is tight for where there's greeter need. 

[egg]

1 hour ago, Chez said:

If we had loaned AArmstrong out to Burnley and he'd scored a few goals, would you be saying the same thing? 

Armstrong gained confidence and experience in the championship but couldn't transfer it to the premier league. Tella should have the same opportunity imo. 

[jayrivers]

12 minutes ago, egg said:

Hopefully! He's going to have be a superb footballer to compensate for the lack of size. Let's see how he goes.

Even so, I don't think that a left back project was a priority if money is tight for where there's greeter need. 

I don't think money overall is tight. We are still looking for RB cover, a def mid, and strengthening the attacking options. I think it's more about the right player at the right price. Usually if a player is too expensive it's because they are off to a bigger club or we aren't prepared to spend that level of money for what we would get. 

[FarehamSaintJames]

2 hours ago, DT said:

Thanks for your concern. The bars in London are a bit better than your local Portsmouth ones

By local Portsmouth I assume you mean the ones that are 20 miles away from where I live? 🤣

[egg]

16 minutes ago, jayrivers said:

I don't think money overall is tight. We are still looking for RB cover, a def mid, and strengthening the attacking options. I think it's more about the right player at the right price. Usually if a player is too expensive it's because they are off to a bigger club or we aren't prepared to spend that level of money for what we would get. 

Whether it's tight or not, I'd have preferred to see the £7m spent on Larios added to the striker budget. That's a difference between a half decent player and a decent one. A goal scoring striker could keep us up. Larios won't. 

[hypochondriac]

3 minutes ago, egg said:

Whether it's tight or not, I'd have preferred to see the £7m spent on Larios added to the striker budget. That's a difference between a half decent player and a decent one. A goal scoring striker could keep us up. Larios won't. 

Absolutely. If we hadn't bothered with Larios and Aribo in the summer we would have a lot more disposable income now for the one position we badly need. 

[DT]

11 minutes ago, FarehamSaintJames said:

By local Portsmouth I assume you mean the ones that are 20 miles away from where I live? 🤣

[SotonianWill]

5 minutes ago, DT said:

might get a bit wet going that way

Edited 20 January, 2023 by SotonianWill

[jayrivers]

5 minutes ago, hypochondriac said:

Absolutely. If we hadn't bothered with Larios and Aribo in the summer we would have a lot more disposable income now for the one position we badly need. 

It's easy to say that in hindsight, but obviously not all transfers will work out. We easily could have not bothered with Lavia or Edozie and saved that money for a striker... With our approach we have to accept that not every transfer will be a Lavia, but it's worth the spread when we do find those players. 

 

Also I think opinion on Larios is still out for me. I'd like to see some more of him under a system where we are actually playing football and have a midfield to give license to the fullbacks more. 

[DT]

10 minutes ago, SotonianWill said:

might get a bit wet going that way

It's the wet fannies route

[Wade Garrett]

56 minutes ago, egg said:

Armstrong gained confidence and experience in the championship but couldn't transfer it to the premier league. Tella should have the same opportunity imo. 

I thought Armstrong was superb against City.  I’m not writing him off just yet.

[egg]

Just now, Wade Garrett said:

I thought Armstrong was superb against City.  I’m not writing him off just yet.

Ditto. My point was more that people are judging Armstrong who made it in the championship, but hasn't made the jump to the PL, but are judging Tella on struggling to jump straight from kids football to the PL. The lads had half a season of education and confidence boosting in the championship and he deserves a chance to try to transfer that the the PL. 

[Barsiem]

Tbf the only strikers from the championship who have hit the ground running in the prem are those that were promoted with their clubs.  Lambert, Vardy & Toney are the ones that spring to mind in recent years.  You're lucky to get 8 goals a season out of them - which is what we tend to get from Che anyway

[egg]

15 minutes ago, DT said:

It's the wet fannies route

Lube on the line probably. 

[Saint Garrett]

33 minutes ago, hypochondriac said:

Absolutely. If we hadn't bothered with Larios and Aribo in the summer we would have a lot more disposable income now for the one position we badly need. 

Yup - and adding a bit to Gakpo might have just got that one over the line. Of course we don't know whether it would have or not, but there is a chance...

[Dusic]

14 hours ago, hypochondriac said:

Indeed. My expectation was we'd spend something like 25 million on a top striker this window. If we do this in addition to any other signings then fair enough but the fact it hasn't happened already is a failure of sorts already. 

I think we all expected to get some forward players in, absolutely. Orsic a good start (on paper at least) and clearly seems like more will follow.

But what exactly do you mean by "top striker"?

I don't think £25m these days will get you a top striker, and certainly not one that would fit Saints from a wage perspective.

Wolves spent upwards of £40m on Cunha, Leeds have just spent over £30 on Rutter from Hoffenheim. Bournemouth spent £20m on Ouattara. Moffi (who doesn't want to move to England anyway) is being touted for £30m.

I'm sure none of these are what you think of as "top strikers".

You clearly don't rate Adams, fair enough. What I am sure about though is that if we were to sell him, we would be looking for about £20m, only £5m less than yoy think we can get a "top striker" for.

Personally I don't think someone like Chris Wood is any better than Adams, they are probably of a similar level and he didnt have a good goal record at Newcastle.

Ings potentially could have been a good option but three things we know"

1. He turned down our biggest contract offer to leave for more money at Villa. Judging by Emery's comments I doubt West Ham are paying him less

2. He isn't in the form he was when he left us and is 2 years older

3. He is better suited to playing in a front 2 whereas Jones is setting us up with one striker to be a focal point.

Summary: for the money we have to spend, the types of players we are being linked with is exactly what you get. Either a decent Championship player, player who has scored goals in a poor league or a promising player with potential from a better league.

If there was a "top striker" available for £25m and sensible wages then all the bottom half teams plus the likes of Brighton would be all over them.

[austsaint]

3 minutes ago, egg said:

Ditto. My point was more that people are judging Armstrong who made it in the championship, but hasn't made the jump to the PL, but are judging Tella on struggling to jump straight from kids football to the PL. The lads had half a season of education and confidence boosting in the championship and he deserves a chance to try to transfer that the the PL. 

I think you might be overrating Tella, although I haven't seen him playing for Burnley.    He's 24 in the Summer and had quite a few Prem chances under Ralph - showed pace but disappointing touch, control and goal threat.   My hope is Saints stay in the top level and sell Tella to Burnley. 

[egg]

1 minute ago, austsaint said:

I think you might be overrating Tella, although I haven't seen him playing for Burnley.    He's 24 in the Summer and had quite a few Prem chances under Ralph - showed pace but disappointing touch, control and goal threat.   My hope is Saints stay in the top level and sell Tella to Burnley. 

I think you're misreading me. I'm not overrating Tella. I'm saying he deserves a chance after his performances at Burnley. I'll rate/judge him after that - I have little doubt that he's improved, but whether by enough, we don't yet know. 

[Scummer]

15 minutes ago, Saint Garrett said:

adding a bit to Gakpo might have just got that one over the line

Who of course also isn't a centre forward, but people seem to ignore that. Not saying that's what you are doing btw.

[Pilchards]

Just a thought, leave it to late and you will end up paying over the odds as they know we could be desperate.

Maybe we are waiting for some strikers to become available when their current club bring in replacements.

If Adams gets injured we are doomed!

Edited 20 January, 2023 by Pilchards

[Ivan Katalinic's 'tache]

Seems like Karsdorp might be the right-back we want, according to Sky. Saints recruitment reminds of the Bullseye category board: "Striker you wanted, right-back you've got..."

Edited 20 January, 2023 by Ivan Katalinic's 'tache

[derry]

17 minutes ago, austsaint said:

I think you might be overrating Tella, although I haven't seen him playing for Burnley.    He's 24 in the Summer and had quite a few Prem chances under Ralph - showed pace but disappointing touch, control and goal threat.   My hope is Saints stay in the top level and sell Tella to Burnley. 

I've been watching Tella playing for Burnley and he has obviously benefited from some good coaching. His positional play and touch is so much better and his ability to keep cool in front of goal is impressive. Add to that his pace he looks like a good player. Is Jackson an improvement on Tella who already has Premier league experience.

[Fitzhugh Fella]

2 hours ago, Francis1947 said:

Dear wild-saint

I am responding to your comment about my post. Now, admittedy I dont think I expressed myself too well when I said that I probably would not renew my season ticket next season if Southampton FC pursued their policy of signing unproven young players this season rather than an experienced well proven players like Ings who might just get us out of this mess we are in.

I should have also said that I am 75 years of age now and the time has come I think to end the longish treck from my home in the New Forest to St.Marys on each and every home game.

However I'm pretty certain my thoughts did not warrant your rather abusive comment.

Now, I am old school and I like to defend my corner.

So, shall we compare who is the " wettest fanny ".....whatever that bloody means !

In 1965, at the age of 18, I won a scholarship to Dartmouth Royal Navy College. It was hard won.  After 2 years at Dartmouth I came out as a 20 year old Midshipman and firts erved on H.M.S Hermes.

I then served for 22 years in the Royal Navy serving on 5 warships in my career. One of those warships was H.M.S. Glamorgan and on that fine ship I sailed from Gibraltar in 1982 to the South Atlantic to take part in the Falkands War. By then I had attained the rank of Lieutenant and had trained on a weapons system called Sea Slug and become a very junior Warship Officer.

On June 12 1982 the Glamorgan was hit by an Excocet missile fired from the island and we lost 13 of our shipmates and friends. We were very badly damaged and arrived back in Pompey in July and I saw my my wife who I hadn't seen for almost 6 months. We had sailed to Gibraltar earler in the year to take part in Excercises with the U.S. Navy in the Mediterranean.

I left the Royal Navy in 1987 with the rank of Lieutenant Commander. Not a meteroic rise I know . Three promotions in 22 years but by then I knew I had reached my ceiling in regards to my abilities.. I had served with many blokes who were far brighter than me but I think that I did ok.

So, my old Mate. Want to meet for a pint somewhere and discuss who is the "wettest Fanny " ? You or I ?  

You see I think this forum is a pretty good thing. People like you and I.....fellow Saints fans can discuss and share opinions. Unfortunately there are afew guys on here who resort to abuse if someone has a different viewpoint. 

My 2 pennies worth

Well said. I am sure the wet fanny remark was said in jest, but you are right we all throw insults or use sarcasm when people don’t see the way we see them on a forum. Had they been said to face in a pub (back in the good old days) it would spark a debate not a slanging match but football support has moved on and like the game itself it has developed an ugly side some of us struggle to identify with. I have missed one or two games this season just because I couldn’t be arsed anymore. Going to matches (even though I live locally) has become a chore and unenjoyable, so you are not alone. And you are right about Ings. Love or loath him he would have made an instant impact while we seem to be faffing around chasing unproven inexperience. 
We have had a good week which has lifted my spirits but we all know we are far from being out of the woods and we have yet to mend last summer’s mistakes 20 days into the window. That is cause to be alarmed. 
In the meantime, don’t lose heart, keep posting we need all sorts on this forum, but remember at the end of the day all of us want our club to succeed. 

[austsaint]

20 minutes ago, egg said:

I think you're misreading me. I'm not overrating Tella. I'm saying he deserves a chance after his performances at Burnley. I'll rate/judge him after that - I have little doubt that he's improved, but whether by enough, we don't yet know. 

Fair enough.  My point is that he has had quite a bit of Prem Football with Saints under Ralph - and fallen short.   If he was 19 or 20, I'd agree, give him a chance.   MIght all be irrelevant anyway - Tella may get his chance with Burnley next season; let's hope SFC are in the top flight too.

[woodsaint1]

29 minutes ago, Saint Garrett said:

Yup - and adding a bit to Gakpo might have just got that one over the line. Of course we don't know whether it would have or not, but there is a chance...

Adding a bit would have made no difference as its been well documented that we had an agreement on price for Gakpo and it was up to him to decide on us or Leeds. He didn't want the move. No confirmation of what the agreed fee was, but it's safe to say that it was likely 25m plus. That money will still be available.

https://www.dailyecho.co.uk/sport/23060554.dutch-star-opens-failed-deadline-day-southampton-transfer/

[woodsaint1]

2 minutes ago, woodsaint1 said:

Adding a bit would have made no difference as its been well documented that we had an agreement on price for Gakpo and it was up to him to decide on us or Leeds. He didn't want the move. No confirmation of what the agreed fee was, but it's safe to say that it was likely 25m plus. That money will still be available.

https://www.dailyecho.co.uk/sport/23060554.dutch-star-opens-failed-deadline-day-southampton-transfer/

In fact there you go, it was an agreed 34m according to the original Times article

https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/southampton-agree-34-million-deal-with-psv-eindhoven-for-dutch-starlet-cody-gakpo-07zmcf5vw

[egg]

Just now, woodsaint1 said:

Adding a bit would have made no difference as its been well documented that we had an agreement on price for Gakpo and it was up to him to decide on us or Leeds. He didn't want the move. No confirmation of what the agreed fee was, but it's safe to say that it was likely 25m plus. That money will still be available.

https://www.dailyecho.co.uk/sport/23060554.dutch-star-opens-failed-deadline-day-southampton-transfer/

You express your opinion as if it were fact. We don't know what money is now available, but we do know that we've spent money getting rid of Ralph, bringing in Jones and his guys, and spent money after we failed to get Gapko. I hope you're correct, but I'm not as convinced as you are. 

[OldNick]

44 minutes ago, Saint Garrett said:

Yup - and adding a bit to Gakpo might have just got that one over the line. Of course we don't know whether it would have or not, but there is a chance...

Gakpo may not turn out be the bees knees and isnt a centre forward as far as I can see

Edited 20 January, 2023 by OldNick

[Turkish]

4 hours ago, DT said:

Thanks for your concern. The bars in London are a bit better than your local Portsmouth ones

How are they in Austria pal?

[hypochondriac]

1 hour ago, jayrivers said:

It's easy to say that in hindsight, but obviously not all transfers will work out. We easily could have not bothered with Lavia or Edozie and saved that money for a striker... With our approach we have to accept that not every transfer will be a Lavia, but it's worth the spread when we do find those players. 

 

Also I think opinion on Larios is still out for me. I'd like to see some more of him under a system where we are actually playing football and have a midfield to give license to the fullbacks more. 

It's not hindsight. I said at the conclusion of the last window that it was a huge mistake not to prioritise a striker whilst people were banging on about the window being ten out of ten. 

[revolution saint]

17 minutes ago, Ivan Katalinic's 'tache said:

Seems like Karsdorp might be the right-back we want, according to Sky. Saints recruitment reminds of the Bullseye category board: "Striker you wanted, right-back you've got..."

27 years old, converted fullback, did well in Holland, nicknamed "The Schoonhoven Locomotive", gets lots of crosses in, seems like an energetic fullback that gets forward a lot but hasn't really done that well in Italy.  Monza, Marseille, Lyon and Bournemouth all linked with him.    

[Turkish]

9 minutes ago, egg said:

You express your opinion as if it were fact. We don't know what money is now available, but we do know that we've spent money getting rid of Ralph, bringing in Jones and his guys, and spent money after we failed to get Gapko. I hope you're correct, but I'm not as convinced as you are. 

Where has this mantra that Dragon has put more in as well? I saw something that said there had been an additional £8m put in to cover operational costs, unless i've missed something that's a huge injection of cash to fund a new striker. 

[hypochondriac]

52 minutes ago, Dusic said:

I think we all expected to get some forward players in, absolutely. Orsic a good start (on paper at least) and clearly seems like more will follow.

But what exactly do you mean by "top striker"?

I don't think £25m these days will get you a top striker, and certainly not one that would fit Saints from a wage perspective.

Wolves spent upwards of £40m on Cunha, Leeds have just spent over £30 on Rutter from Hoffenheim. Bournemouth spent £20m on Ouattara. Moffi (who doesn't want to move to England anyway) is being touted for £30m.

I'm sure none of these are what you think of as "top strikers".

You clearly don't rate Adams, fair enough. What I am sure about though is that if we were to sell him, we would be looking for about £20m, only £5m less than yoy think we can get a "top striker" for.

Personally I don't think someone like Chris Wood is any better than Adams, they are probably of a similar level and he didnt have a good goal record at Newcastle.

Ings potentially could have been a good option but three things we know"

1. He turned down our biggest contract offer to leave for more money at Villa. Judging by Emery's comments I doubt West Ham are paying him less

2. He isn't in the form he was when he left us and is 2 years older

3. He is better suited to playing in a front 2 whereas Jones is setting us up with one striker to be a focal point.

Summary: for the money we have to spend, the types of players we are being linked with is exactly what you get. Either a decent Championship player, player who has scored goals in a poor league or a promising player with potential from a better league.

If there was a "top striker" available for £25m and sensible wages then all the bottom half teams plus the likes of Brighton would be all over them.

No not "some forward players."We need a centre forward to lead the line and either replace Adams or allow Adams to do the role he is best at which is holding the ball up and setting up chances. Suggesting we are happy with some forward players is a rewriting of history when we failed to replace Broja who was himself a temporary replacement for our best player (Ings.) 

I'm not getting into the silly game about who we should buy. I'm not a scout and it's not my job it's the clubs job to sort it. 25-30 million should be able to get us a decent striker that will improve the team and hopefully become the focal point of it. That's what we need. That's what we've needed for a year.