Rate the 2023 Summer Transfer Window

[Dark Munster]

Great chance to embarrass ourselves again!

JWP, Lavia, Tino and Tella the biggest departures probably, the first 2 expected, the other 2 perhaps disappointing.

OTH keeping KWP, Sully and Che is like three new signings™

Some decent players in, and some dross out.

[Saint Matty 76]

The legitimate only downside for me is the Tella sale, but overall I think we kept enough and added some good quality as well.

[Saint_Ash]

I give it an 8. To be a 10 we would have to have kept hold of a JWP or Lavia etc. We brought in half a team of first teamers which is amazing but maybe could have done with a better keeper...? Although I'm not worried about Baz in this league but justifying an 8.

[SaintBobby]

I gave it a 9. Maybe a bit OTT, but overall definitely very good. We’re in good shape and I’m looking forward to watching us play for the first time in quite a while.

[Gingeletiss]

I said 9 because we got rid of most of the wasters that have polluted the club for the past three years. I’d still of like our two starting CB’s to have gone, but overall, content with the incoming players. People should understand, we have mostly kept our powder dry regarding spending money, but accumulated a group of players capable of promotion. If we do go up, we will need every penny to buy, to stay up.

So, a 9/10 for me.

[Colinjb]

Djeppo, Aribo and Onouachu remain.

We have otherwise sold astonishing amounts of talent.... yet, Alcaraz, KWP, Adams, A Armstrong and Sulemana remain. Plus ABK leaving on loan only, he is still ours albeit without the financial burdon.

Plus Charles, THB, Fraser, Holgate, Manning and Stewart arrive, with a big F off profit.

This is a solid 7/10. Time to coach and deliver.

[wadesmith]

We rated last years at 8.8... we’ve had four answers above which gives us an average of 8.2.....that’s not encouraging.

Edited 2 September, 2023 by wadesmith

[Baird of the land]

my Only concern is wing position where we’ve weakened. Really reliant on sulemana coming back and showcasing why we spent so much on him.

[HarvSFC]

Quality. Strength in depth at centre-back, centre-midfield and striker is a level above. Only area you'd say we look slightly weak in is goalkeeper due to not having a proper number two, or competition for Bazunu and the right wing slot because SAA is still untested. Although, you'd hope Edozie/Fraser could move over to the right if needed.

We've signed some real Championship quality this summer, improving from last year and the untested kids route and you can tell from the outside that Martin has had a say in all of the transfers.

Keeping KWP, the best right-back in the division by some distance, Adams a free scoring striker at this level, Alcaraz, a potential top talent and Sulemena, again if he knuckles down now then he could be a Championship star is the key.

[Saint in Paradise]

7 out of 10 but I would have given a 9 IF Saints had signed a better goalkeeper. I still have some reservations about Bazunu.

 

 

[Chewy]

7. In the circumstances some excellent work. Shifted a load of players with a losing mentality and improved some areas of the team while saving a fortune (central defence an obvious example).

Issues, however, are the lack of experience and leadership (I count not even 20 players over 21, quick count so might be wrong). And the lack of goals. CF is hardest position to fill in football but it’s 2.5 years since we knew Ings was off and we still haven’t addressed for sure. Maybe Stewart is it, maybe not. Should be less of an issue at this level as Che and ArmA have already started scoring again but I’m not convinced. 
Made more concerning by losing Tella who scored over 20 in this league last season. Most disappointing loss IMHO though I can’t begrudge him the move.

Overall then, pretty good. But inexperience and a lack of goals and leadership caused our relegation last year (when combined with dreadful coaching/management). The exact same issues in the squad concern me this season, though early indications on the coaching/management are very encouraging. 
If this very young squad can get it right and we can find enough goals we could have a very successful season and an exciting future.

If not, we haven’t risked all our money so that’s good news too but it will be inexperience and lack of fire power that will have cost us. 
I’m hopeful, but ever so slightly nervous.

[Gingeletiss]

26 minutes ago, Chewy said:

7. In the circumstances some excellent work. Shifted a load of players with a losing mentality and improved some areas of the team while saving a fortune (central defence an obvious example).

Issues, however, are the lack of experience and leadership (I count not even 20 players over 21, quick count so might be wrong). And the lack of goals. CF is hardest position to fill in football but it’s 2.5 years since we knew Ings was off and we still haven’t addressed for sure. Maybe Stewart is it, maybe not. Should be less of an issue at this level as Che and ArmA have already started scoring again but I’m not convinced. 
Made more concerning by losing Tella who scored over 20 in this league last season. Most disappointing loss IMHO though I can’t begrudge him the move.

Overall then, pretty good. But inexperience and a lack of goals and leadership caused our relegation last year (when combined with dreadful coaching/management). The exact same issues in the squad concern me this season, though early indications on the coaching/management are very encouraging. 
If this very young squad can get it right and we can find enough goals we could have a very successful season and an exciting future.

If not, we haven’t risked all our money so that’s good news too but it will be inexperience and lack of fire power that will have cost us. 
I’m hopeful, but ever so slightly nervous.

I count 4 or 5 leaders, so don’t really see that as a problem.

[AlexLaw76]

uh oh....this again

9 out of 10...reduced if any of our first team squad players still leave over the next couple of weeks

[Long Shot]

We undoubtedly have a strong squad but it’s overloaded and I’m sure the Board will be disappointed they couldn’t shift Tall Paul and ABK (update, just realised he actually went somewhere). Much will depend on the attitude of the wantaways. I am sure Adams will give his all (he’ll want to impress potential suitors in the next window). Not so sure about Sulemana though. I’ve gone for a 7/10 but as ever the proof in the pudding will be in the eating. 

Edited 2 September, 2023 by Long Shot

[Barsiem]

You need the list of transfers op!  Here they are from Sky Sports

Southampton

In

Shea Charles - Manchester City, £15m

Josh McNamara - Manchester City, undisclosed

Derrick Abu - Chelsea, free

Ryan Manning - Swansea, free

Zach Awe - Arsenal, free

Joe Lumley - Middlesbrough, free

Ryan Fraser - Newcastle, loan

Mason Holgate - Everton, loan

Flynn Downes - West Ham, loan

Taylor Harwood-Bellis - Manchester City, loan

Ross Stewart - Sunderland, £10m, rising to £12m

Out

James Ward-Prowse - West Ham, £30m

Armel Bella-Kotchap - PSV, loan

Kegs Chauke - Burton, undisclosed

Ibrahima Diallo - Al-Duhail, undisclosed

Dan Nlundulu - Bolton, undisclosed

Mislav Orsic - Trabzonspor, undisclosed

Mohamed Elyounoussi - Copenhagen, free

Theo Walcott - Released

Caleb Watts - Released

Nico Lawrence - Colchester, loan

Mateusz Lis - Goztepe, loan

Willy Caballero - Retired

Duje Caleta-Car - Lyon, loan

Mohammed Salisu - Monaco, £17.2m

Tino Livramento - Newcastle, £32m

Romeo Lavia - Chelsea, £58m

Sam Bellis - Barrow, free

Ryan Finnigan - Shrewsbury, loan

Dom Ballard - Reading, loan

Armel Bella-Kotchap - PSV, loan

I've gone for an 8.  Ins are brilliant on paper, but we still have a bloated squad, and could have done with shipping another 3 or 4 out.  Still with this squad we are more than strong enough for promotion, so we better achieve it!

Edited 2 September, 2023 by Barsiem
Adding Stewart & ABK manually - won't use Sky Sports next time!!

[Give it to Ron]

3 hours ago, Saint in Paradise said:

7 out of 10 but I would have given a 9 IF Saints had signed a better goalkeeper. I still have some reservations about Bazunu.

 

 

Exactly my thoughts, I complained about the spine  we got in THB, Charles, Downes and Stewart the only weak links now are Bazanu and McCarthy

[InvictaSaint]

12 minutes ago, Barsiem said:

You need the list of transfers op!  Here they are from Sky Sports

Southampton

In

Shea Charles - Manchester City, £15m

Josh McNamara - Manchester City, undisclosed

Derrick Abu - Chelsea, free

Ryan Manning - Swansea, free

Zach Awe - Arsenal, free

Joe Lumley - Middlesbrough, free

Ryan Fraser - Newcastle, loan

Mason Holgate - Everton, loan

Flynn Downes - West Ham, loan

Taylor Harwood-Bellis - Manchester City, loan

 

Out

James Ward-Prowse - West Ham, £30m

Armel Bella-Kotchap - PSV, loan

Kegs Chauke - Burton, undisclosed

Ibrahima Diallo - Al-Duhail, undisclosed

Dan Nlundulu - Bolton, undisclosed

Mislav Orsic - Trabzonspor, undisclosed

Mohamed Elyounoussi - Copenhagen, free

Theo Walcott - Released

Caleb Watts - Released

Nico Lawrence - Colchester, loan

Mateusz Lis - Goztepe, loan

Willy Caballero - Retired

Duje Caleta-Car - Lyon, loan

Mohammed Salisu - Monaco, £17.2m

Tino Livramento - Newcastle, £32m

Romeo Lavia - Chelsea, £58m

Sam Bellis - Barrow, free

Ryan Finnigan - Shrewsbury, loan

Dom Ballard - Reading, loan

 

I've gone for an 8.  Ins are brilliant on paper, but we still have a bloated squad, and could have done with shipping another 3 or 4 out.  Still with this squad promotion we are more than strong enough for promotion, so we better achieve it!

Do Sky not like Ross Stewart?!

[Sheaf Saint]

I rate this window as INSANE.

[ErwinK1961]

Went for a cautious 7, I gave last years an 8 (I think) so once bitten twice shy.

If we could have shifted Djenepo, Tall Paul and ABK permanently it would have been an 8. Still time for TP and MD to head to Turkey.

Some serious competition for Bazunu and shifting AM would have been a 9.5.

Being greedy, another wide player would have made it a 10. Still not convinced Sulemana will try all that much and/or end up in Saudi by end of next week, which means we’re still a tad short, relying on SAA too much IMO.

[bpsaint]

GK only problem area for me. Assuming Sully comes back and slots in as winger the 10 outfield positions look very strong.

[Pilchards]

I personally rate it as a bloody good window. Latvia’s transfer alone almost paid for all those coming in.

Yes we have some bloated squad players they couldn’t shift but I can see us winning many games and let’s be honest it should be by 3 clear goals. Get some of those bloated players coming off the bench to raise their transfer value for January.

Got some cracking players coming in that know this league very well plus we have what could be a real goal scorer when Ross is ready.  

Also I have a feeling the captain for today will be Downes as he looks like a more natural leader that our Jack.

[trousers]

Happy to be proved wrong

Edited 2 September, 2023 by trousers

[Stripey McStripe Shirt]

I've voted for 'select all' so that I can return here as Captain Hindsight in about nine months time to tell you I was right and point out how ridiculous all of your opinions are.

[coalman]

7/10 because I don't want another season talking about 9/10.

We made some good money, the club weren't pushovers. We have good options in all positions. We cleared out some of the bloat though a lot on loan.

Any window that Stephens becomes captain can't be rated higher than a 6. Any window in which you sign The Loch Ness Drogba can't be lower than an 8.

Hope that Sully and Che get their heads straight.

Excited to see what Ballard can do at Reading.

COYR

[hypochondriac]

1 hour ago, Chewy said:

7. In the circumstances some excellent work. Shifted a load of players with a losing mentality and improved some areas of the team while saving a fortune (central defence an obvious example).

Issues, however, are the lack of experience and leadership (I count not even 20 players over 21, quick count so might be wrong). And the lack of goals. CF is hardest position to fill in football but it’s 2.5 years since we knew Ings was off and we still haven’t addressed for sure. Maybe Stewart is it, maybe not. Should be less of an issue at this level as Che and ArmA have already started scoring again but I’m not convinced. 
Made more concerning by losing Tella who scored over 20 in this league last season. Most disappointing loss IMHO though I can’t begrudge him the move.

Overall then, pretty good. But inexperience and a lack of goals and leadership caused our relegation last year (when combined with dreadful coaching/management). The exact same issues in the squad concern me this season, though early indications on the coaching/management are very encouraging. 
If this very young squad can get it right and we can find enough goals we could have a very successful season and an exciting future.

If not, we haven’t risked all our money so that’s good news too but it will be inexperience and lack of fire power that will have cost us. 
I’m hopeful, but ever so slightly nervous.

Inexperience? 

A Armstrong 

S Armstrong 

KHB 

Downes 

Bednarek 

Manning 

KWP 

Smallbone 

Fraser 

Holgate 

Stephens 

Stewart 

Adams 

All have extensive experience in either the Premier league or the championship. We certainly don't have a lack of experience. 

[JRM]

Interesting stat , but needs context of last seasons overspend 

 

[Crab Lungs]

I’ll only rate it if you can guarantee me that I can rubbish it later, maybe 2-3 games time?

[hypochondriac]

1 minute ago, JRM said:

Interesting stat , but needs context of last seasons overspend 

 

It's been an upgrade! We've won the net spend European cup. 

[CB Fry]

Fantastic window. 

Delighted that we indentified the truly critical people and kept them involved. Well done Saints.

[AlexLaw76]

15 minutes ago, hypochondriac said:

It's been an upgrade! We've won the net spend European cup. 

This is a remarkable achievement. Beat that Martin Semmens

[Turkish]

27 minutes ago, JRM said:

Interesting stat , but needs context of last seasons overspend 

 

Net spends champions of Europe! 

[beatlesaint]

I would have given it an 8 but keeping KWP was worth an extra point in itself, so 9.

[Patches O Houlihan]

22 minutes ago, Turkish said:

Net spends champions of Europe! 

🎼 You'll never win that

🎵 You'll never win that

🎶 NET SPEND CHAMPIONS OF EUROPE!!

🎵You'll never win that!

[SNSUN]

Ins: Downes, Holgate, Harwood-Bellis, Fraser, Stewart, Manning, Charles - all great signings that are effectively first choice or close to it, some if not most are Premier League quality. Awe, McNamara and Abu are for the future. Only the Lumley signing can be perhaps questioned but he's just a back up. Harwood-Bellis in particular though comes as the biggest surprise. Not sure why Prem clubs weren't in for him. For £20 million I REALLY hope we get promoted this season.

 

Outs: JWP, Tino, Lavia, ABK - really these are the only big losses, you could perhaps include Salisu in this but we got good money for all and, really, I'll only miss JWP. We potentially get ABK back next season anyway if we go up, not that some would want him. Moi, Diallo, DCC, Orsic and the others I don't think we'll miss, and we got their wages off the books. The only loan out I'm a little surprised by is Ballard's but a season in League One may be good for him and we ended up (for now) keeping more strikers than I was expecting.

 

Big players we have kept - KWP, Sulemana, Adams, Alcaraz, Stu Armstrong (who had his suitors and I think is good for this level as a squad player) and potentially you could add Bednarek to this list as a Polish international. KWP in particularly is a favourite of mine and I'm really pleased he stays. There are questions over Sulemana and Adams morale levels - personally I don't think Adams kicks up a stink and walks back into the side but I think Sulemana may take some persuading. That said he is under contract and who wouldn't want to play for a table topping team! Play well and he'll get his move in January, as could Adams if Stewart is back and firing by then.

 

Players we could have got rid of but didn't - McCarthy, Bree (although as back up he's fine), Djenepo (mind you I quite like him, he never kicks up a fuss, that we know of, despite clearly being out of favour but I think he could be decent at this level given the chance), Aribo, Onuachu and Mara (though for strength in depth purposes I would keep him over Onuachu). Some of these we tried to offload but couldn't but I think we still need to trim the squad slightly over time.

 

Other players - I was pleased Smallbone signed the new contract. For cohesion and to show youngsters there is a pathway into the first team, plus he is a good passer of the ball and seems down to earth. We have also kept Doyle (so far) and not loaned him out so he's obviously in our thoughts.

 

Things I'm pleased about - That we haven't relied on AA and and unfit Stewart to be our strike force this season. Good news was the decision to keep Mara and try to mold him. Great news was the decision to pull the plug on Adams. I don't even care about the contract situation, he's great to have while Stewart is getting back to fitness. I'm also pleased with the strength in depth and the versatility of the squad.

 

Things I'm wary about - Baz. He's improved, yes, but I'm still very much "jury's out" on him. But he's first choice so I'm behind him. Getting Sulemana to be happy to play again? Well that's up to Martin. Keeping everyone happy with such a big squad? Again Martin. He has a job on his hands!

 

Did we need to sign anyone else? Umm... no! We've pretty much covered every position with enough (on paper) quality to go up.

 

The best transfer window since Koeman days? Very possibly - my only issue is having too many players we perhaps should have got rid of and the uncertainty over whether Sulemana will integrate back in. I voted 7 earlier but on reflection, after writing this, I'm upgrading it to an 8.

[trousers]

1 hour ago, JRM said:

Interesting stat , but needs context of last seasons overspend 

 

 

40 minutes ago, Turkish said:

Net spends champions of Europe! 

Until the Saudis prise Salah away from the bin dippers next week...?

[Mltburger]

6 out 10

Low score that could rise to 8 when a few unknowns prove their worth.

Perhaps we were spoilt when we were last promoted, but l am judging the squad on who is going to be good enough to remain should we get promoted. I know am settling a high bar, but the clubs that manage to hold on in the Premiership are the ones who didn't need to make 8/9 new singings on promotion.

So to get an 8, Holgate and Hardwood Belli's need to be an upgrade on Stephens and Bednarek who we know are not premier level. Manning is nothing special but ok for this level. Laris, who knows if he is any good! Not convinced Baz is good enough. So in defence Walker Peters is the only bit of known quality.

Midfield looks good. Charles and Downes could be Prem level, and time will tell if Smallbone can also be good enough. Alcaraz has real potential to be a star in the making with the right coaching.

Upfront Adams and Armstrong are ok at this level but have been proven to be not Prem level. Not convinced Mara will come good. Stewart is unknown, but you don't get to 27 and no big clubs have shown an interest means he may be ok for this level but is nothing special. Same feeling I had when we took a punt on tall Paul, you don't get to 28 and managed to slip under the radar. 

The difference between promotion and mid table will depend on our wingers scoring goals. Fraser looks to be good, but still sitting on the fence with Edozie and Kamaldeen. If the latter two along with the emerging SAA come good then 6 out of 10 could be an 8/9 but there too many unknowns at the moment to confidently say we have had a good transfer window.

I am not getting carried away until we see how we are come start of November.

 

[S-Clarke]

What happened yesterday has exceeded my expectations. Keeping KWP and Adams is a massive plus, KWP especially - how he's still here is beyond me, but we need to make the most out of that!

If we compare this to our last NPC team -

GK 2011 - Kelvin, Forecast (lol), Bart

GK 2023 - Bazunu, McCarthy, Lumley

GK Doesn't feel hugely different in terms of quality to me.

RB 2011  - Richardson/Butterfield

RB 2023 - Bree/ KWP/ Holgate

You'd argue RB is stronger in 2023, as we have a proven PL player there.

CB 2011 - Jos, Fonte, Aaaron Martin, Seabourne

CB 2023 - THB, Bednarek, Stephens, Holgate

I'd argue stronger CB options in 2023, as there is PL and international experience in there.

LB 2011 - Fox (not sure we had another left back that year).

LB 2023 - Manning, Larios

Not a massive difference at LB apart from the fact we do have 2 natural left backs. Manning is someone on Fox's level in the Championship imo, nothing to be sniffed at.

CM 2011 - Morgan, Hammond, Chaplow, Cork

CM  2023 - Charles, Downes, Smallbone, Armstrong

I loved the 2012 midfield, it was quality. 2023's effort has the potential, but it feels 1 player too short for me.

AM 2011 - Lallana, Guly, Puncheon, De Ridder

AM 2023 - Sulemana, Edozie, Fraser, SAA, Armstrong

in AM Guly and Lallana were quality, but the other two not so much. I think we have better depth in the wide/AM areas in 2023

ST 2011 - Lambo, Connolly, Barnard, Sharp, Lee

ST 2023 - Che, Stewart, Mara, Onuachu (lol), Armstrong

We have better ST depth in my eyes in 2023, but obviously no one close to Lambo.

Overall, as expected, our squad this time round has more PL experience and International experience in it's locker. The benefit we had last time was the momentum and the team spirit built up through the couple of L1 years, cannot be underestimated how important that is in football. Quality is only one part of it, but if we get the team spirit right then I think we're on course.

The other big part is that the spine of our team in 2011 were our players on long contracts. We have a decent flurry of loans this year through the spine of the side, so if they commit the same as a permanent player then we should be fine.

I'm positive though. The turnover has been huge, but we've filled the gaps with quality.

Edited 2 September, 2023 by S-Clarke

[StrangelyBrown]

8/10 for me based on the assumption that Stewart is going to provide some much needed competition for Che and that Sully gets his head straight.

Cant help being disappointed that we didn't shift McCarthy, djenepo, Aribo and onuachu and get a decent back up for Bazunu.

[Golac's Cunning Stunts]

4 minutes ago, S-Clarke said:

What happened yesterday has exceeded my expectations. Keeping KWP and Adams is a massive plus, KWP especially - how he's still here is beyond me, but we need to make the most out of that!

If we compare this to our last NPC team -

GK 2011 - Kelvin, Forecast (lol), Bart

GK 2023 - Bazunu, McCarthy, Lumley - Doesn't feel hugely different in terms of quality to me.

RB 2011  - Richardson/Butterfield

RB 2023 - Bree/ KWP/ Holgate - you'd argue that's stronger 2023, as we have a proven PL player there.

CB 2011 - Jos, Fonte, Aaaron Martin, Seabourne

CB 2023 - THB, Bednarek, Stephens, Holgate - I'd argue stronger 2023, as there is PL and international experience in there.

LB 2011 - Fox (not sure we had another left back that year).

LB 2023 - Manning, Larios - Not a massive difference apart from the fact we do have 2 natrual left backs. Manning is someone on Fox's level in the Championship imo, nothing to be sniffed at.

CM 2011 - Morgan, Hammond, Chaplow, Cork

CM  2023 - Charles, Downes, Smallbone, Armstrong - I loved the 2012 midfield, it was quality. This one has the potential, but it feels 1 player too short for me.

AM 2011 - Lallana, Guly, Puncheon, De Ridder

AM 2023 - Sulemana, Edozie, Fraser, SAA, Armstrong - Guly and Lallana were quality, but the other two not so much. I think we have better depth in the wide/AM areas in 2023

ST 2011 - Lambo, Connolly, Barnard, Sharp, Lee

ST 2023 - Che, Stewart, Mara, Onuachu (lol), Armstrong - Better proven depth in my eyes in 2023, but obviously no one close to Lambo.

Overall, as expected, our squad this time round has more PL experience and International experience in it's locker. The benefit we had last time was the momentum and the team spirit built up through the couple of L1 years, cannot be underestimated how important that is in football. Quality is only one part of it, but if we get the team spirit right then I think we're on course.

The other big part is that the spine of our team in 2011 were our players on long contracts. We have a decent flurry of loans this year through the spine of the side, so if they commit the same as a permanent player then we should be fine.

I'm positive though. The turnover has been huge, but we've filled the gaps with quality.

Interesting post, thanks. I would argue the 2011 squad had a few players in it of far greater (international) quality - Morgan, Lallana, Lambo, Fonte, but overall the squad we have now is quality and good enough to get automatic promotion

[Langley saint]

The best we could have hoped for , CB's sorted with Holgate & THB , Downes in CM , CF with Stewart the spine of the team is sorted. Add the attacking pace of Edozie , Fraser ,SAA , Sulemana its going to be a competitive season !

[S-Clarke]

Just now, Golac's Cunning Stunts said:

Interesting post, thanks. I would argue the 2011 squad had a few players in it of far greater (international) quality - Morgan, Lallana, Lambo, Fonte, but overall the squad we have now is quality and good enough to get automatic promotion

I guess you could say unproven international quality though, I don't think many of us saw them going to the 2014 world cup when we were promoted in 2012! They progressed with us which is what made that team so magical.

We have more players this time round who have already played at international level, whether that makes them better quality for us this year is up for debate!

[Golac's Cunning Stunts]

21 minutes ago, S-Clarke said:

I guess you could say unproven international quality though, I don't think many of us saw them going to the 2014 world cup when we were promoted in 2012! They progressed with us which is what made that team so magical.

We have more players this time round who have already played at international level, whether that makes them better quality for us this year is up for debate!

Agreed. Reminds me of a funny story. I went to watch Sutton Utd v Saints in a preseason friendly just when we had bought Fonte. I remember saying to my mate Fonte will be an international footballer and this Sutton guy started laughing "No fucking way mate" etc.

I did think of that guy when Jose went on to pick up a Euro champions medal 🙂

[Saint Fan CaM]

49 minutes ago, StrangelyBrown said:

8/10 for me based on the assumption that Stewart is going to provide some much needed competition for Che and that Sully gets his head straight.

Cant help being disappointed that we didn't shift McCarthy, djenepo, Aribo and onuachu and get a decent back up for Bazunu.

Exactly this!

[The Kraken]

Rob Earnshaw is pundit on the Sunderland game today and just described it as “Southampton’s best transfer window ever”.

Not sure I’d go that far but it’s been a very solid window.

[Miltonaggro]

I went for 8 but probably closer to 8.5 / 9. Early in the summer said I felt the focus should be on strengthening the central spine and adding some character and winning mentality. At close, we are going to frighten the opposition in this league, and if the ex prem group of Alcaraz, Sully, KWP and Che start enjoying themselves we will terrorise. Wish list is that that happens and perhaps we get a viable experienced keeper on loan (Schmeichel?), to provide genuine competion and help bring on Bazunu as much as anything else, then we are close to spot on - 9/10.
 

I think that retaining Walker-Peters without fanfare and signing Harwood-Bellis and Downes are genuinely remarkable pieces of business. Having three strikers capable of scoring 20 plus goals at this level genuine strength in depth. Also creative players like alacarez and Sulemana along with Edozie and Fraser allowing us to mix it up and provide the fans with the spectacle we deserve after seasons of dire shite. I was level for Fraser’s debut cameo v QPR and his energy and directness pulled their defence all over the place (Armstrong the same, a pair of Duracell demons), put a committed Adams or Stewart on the receiving end and we are going to have games with cricket scores.

Fair play to Wilcox and pulling strings and calling in favours in his first window whilst recouping a fortune for the board to settle nerves and consolidate commitment. We have a team packed with potential and experience, winners with some character, and an eminently likeable young manager who appears to have galvanised the players and support. So glad I renewed my season ticket as we are going to have a right fucking go this season. I hope that those who left us regret it come next May - COYR! 

[The Kraken]

Fuck off with this. 2/10 window…..

Edited 2 September, 2023 by The Kraken

[Nordic Saint]

I remember when nearly everyone rated last summer's transfer window highly and look how that ended up. Our 17th consecutive competitive game + the 5 pre-season games without a clean sheet suggests we haven't solved the goalkeeping problem, which should have been one of our top priorities in this transfer window. 

 

Edited 2 September, 2023 by Nordic Saint

[Miltonaggro]

42 minutes ago, The Kraken said:

Fuck off with this. 2/10 window…..

Fucks sake 😂

[The Kraken]

1 minute ago, Miltonaggro said:

Fucks sake 😂

T’was only a gag 😆

[Miltonaggro]

11 minutes ago, The Kraken said:

T’was only a gag 😆

I know mate. Lots of room for humour but no cynicism in the brave new Martin world. Good to be positive isn’t it 👊