So those of you who have been reading/contributing or whatever for a while will know that I’m not a fan of speculation because 95% of it is typically absolutely rubbish. But at the same time, I know some of you love it and given that I’ve just realised I haven’t written anything for over a fortnight and tomorrow is the start of the transfer window, it seems a good time to start this thread.
As per usual, we’re selling most of the team and buying a whole new premier league for our squad. Hmm.
It does seem though, that if you try and read in between the lines a couple of possible moves might prove to be reality. First is Douglas Luiz to leave at £50 million or whatever. While this is miles lower than the £80-100 million that has been talked about I think this might be a good deal for us.
I haven’t previously wanted him to go, but I now have a sneaky feeling that his agent and him have been trying to engineer a move. I know some have said his form dropped in the last couple of months, but I think it’s more than that. I think there’s been something very strange in his attitude and it was demonstrated by his sudden terrible disciplinary record. I’m going to go so far as to say that was some small form of a protest and demonstrative that he quite simply wants out.
I don’t think it’s a money thing. He wants a new challenge and his agent thinks Juventus is the place. Good. If you want to go that much, clear off. With my blessing. The club is bigger than you. I can’t say I’m particularly interested in Winston McKennie and the other lad coming our way, but we do need numbers in.
Second, is Jhon Duran to Chelsea for £50 million. That’s frankly laughable and half of that would be a good deal. I’m convinced the lad has a serious attitude problem, as much as I believe he actually has a somewhat valid reason for having it. The fact is Emery doesn’t yet deem him to be good enough to outdo Watkins and it’s as simple as that. And if he doesn’t have the patience to listen to the manager he can go. Particularly if he’s giving the manager a problem, which I think he is.
Having had another glance at the news, it appears Chelsea have agreed a £42 million fee. I’m inclined to think he could be a bargain signing for them, but if it isn’t working for him at the Villa, that’s a lovely amount of money in the pot to stave off this PSR rubbish.
Then, there’s Matty Cash. We’ve apparently slapped a £30 million price on his head. Where do these stories come from? I’d take half that if we have a replacement lined up.
And finally (although I’m sure there’s plenty of other stories) there’s Diegos Carlos, who cost us a fortune, given his age. I liked the look of him early on, but wouldn’t miss him now. That said, we need better defenders and I’m not convinced Mings is ever going to get back to where he was. Maybe we might do better keeping Carlos as a back up? No doubt he’s on big wages though, so I’ll trust the club’s judgement on that one.
Anyway, this is just a starting point. I’m sure many of you will be more interested in the speculation and chat about other rumours.
Me, I’m only interested in deals inked, whether in or out.
Since Emery joined Villa, I have had my eyes opened to what a world class coach can do with average to good players.
Southgate takes world Class players and makes them look ordinary at best
Apologies for the following comments – as this is a football blog.
But I do think there are parallels with concerns over inconsistencies in the administration of sport – some might say biased corruption!
England play India in the semi-final of the T20 World Cup whilst South Africa play Afghanistan. In the latter case there is a reserve day in the case of rain but in England’s case there is not – why? Clearly the tournament is being played under different rules as, if England’s game is washed out (and rain is forecast), then India progress because they won their group. Add to that, that India’s semi-final venue was pre ordained and no other semi-finalist benefited from such knowledge, one wonders why India are apparently being given special treatment?
I find it hard not to be persuaded that sport is financially corrupt and biased to specific teams, whether nationally or internationally.
Or maybe I’m just a sucker for conspiracy theories.
Apologies again for the off topic rant!
Just a quick add – it appears the whole T20 World Cup has been structured for Indian TV (and to give India the best chance of winning?)
Need I say more?
https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-13571857/Gareth-Southgate-consider-walking-away-rise-Englands-oiks.html
Not defending how England are playing, but this article is ‘on the money.’ Let’s be careful not to be one of the ‘oiks.’
I see Levy is up to his old tricks, trying to get Ramsey on the cheap, just like he tried to steal Grealish back in 2018. I hope he’s been told to ‘do one.’
And quickly told to ‘go away’, I understand
The following players are available for free:
Marc Albrighton
Kelechi Iheanacho
Joel Matip
Thiago Alcantara
Raphael Varane
Anthony Martial
Eric Dier
Ivan Perisic
Ryan Sessegnon
Tanguy Ndombele
I’d take them all as we need the squad depth! Seriously though, if you had to take one, who could/might offer something?
Eric Dier is (only) 30 and very experienced back up for defensive midfield. I’ve always been impressed with Iheanacho’s finishing and eye for goal, while Sessegnon was supposed to be the next big thing and is still only 24! 24! If he hasn’t got injury issues, that’s one I would definitely look at, as his wide play as an attacking full back very much suits our style…
BFR – there is usually a good reason why players are available on a free!
Having said that you’ve pretty much answered your own question with the three players you’ve picked out.
There are rumours that Villa are interested in Iheanacho as back up to Watkins which may depend on Duran exiting stage right. Like you I think he’s a decent finisher and the right side of 30.
Sessegnon was superb at Fulham but seems to be one of those players unfortunate with injury. And, just how many full backs do we need?
Dier, I think, is the most interesting and one that might be worth looking at.
Generally, though, I suspect Villa are looking at younger players with a view to developing them and building a squad with longevity.
Glad we agree, Hitch!
With Dier’s vast International and CL experience, he could be the cool head we need in front of the defence. While Iheanacho, I’ve heard, is the opposite to Duran in terms of character – very humble and reserved, and as good a finisher. And even if Unai gets half a tune out of Sessegnon, any sell on price would be profit, as we’d have signed him for nought – surely we can get him up to 20-30 million…meanwhile, we are still waiting to see the first customary freebie of the summer arrive – Mr Barkley – will you be joining us?
All fair points BFR.
With Sessegnon though, I think being a left sided player is an issues.
Allegedly we’ve agreed to buy Maatson who is an attacking left back. Iling-Junior, who can play as a left winger, is due to arrive from Juve and we still have Digne and Moreno on the books. With Ramsey, hopefully fully fit for next season, to strengthen the left side of midfield, I’m really not that sure we need another left sided player. OK it’s a free but there are still (substantial) wages to pay.
It does seem, however, it’s an area that Unai is looking to strengthen so who knows?
Think Mr Barkley is costing us £5m!
So the EPL have written to clubs about swap deals being at ‘arms length’ and ‘fair market’ valuations.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/articles/c4nge0l7e1po
Just what is a ‘fair market’ valuation and are the EPL going to apply this test to all transfers or just for transfers selected by the EPL between certain clubs? They risk opening Pandora’s box.
Fortunately Villa can point to Maatson’s release clause of £35m and Chuky’s fee of £20m plus the sales of Philogene, Archer and Aaron Ramsey as evidence of fair market valuations – or will the EPL in it’s drive to protect the Sky6 start looking at ‘selected’ previous transfers as well?
And while I’m on a roll, how can Chelsea owners selling two hotels back to themselves (to avoid FFP) be described as ‘being at arms length’?
Rant over – for now 🙂
Dicks.
BFR – can I suggest that, that would be the response of Juve if the EPL tried to interfere with the Luiz deal – that plus wishing them a sexy holiday 🙂
Oh and one last thing – if the EPL start down this fair market value nonsense, can a club claim that a fee was too low 🙂 🙂 and can we have some more money please!
Kellymam to Chelsea. I thought he was Toffees bound???.
No – that was Iroegbunam.
Kellyman has gone for up to 19 million.
That’s a total joke and I nearly pissed myself laughing when I read it.
We obviously don’t care about these new rules.
19 million? That’s laughable.
But I’m loving it. Other clubs have taken the proverbial for years, so why not us, for a change? 😂
No more than Chuky going for £20m.
Bloody hell chukky is off to AC Milan
He’s only 20 and a fantastic talent. His style is perfect for the slower pace of Seria A. Rueben Loftus-Cheak is the evidence; he’s flourished over there and always had talent. Smart move by Milan. I think Chucky will make it over there…
Do we have a sell on clause?
Funny when we say someone has remarkable talent. You can only really clain that looking back over a ten year career…
Saddened that Dougie has officially departed. 😌
Dougie’s form dropped off pretty badly towards the end of the season, particularly after we lost Kamara to injury.
Is Kamara actually the key players allowing whoever plays alongside him to play a more ‘box to box’ type midfield role? Emery must consider there are others at the club (or on their way) that can fill Luiz’s position.
If reports are to believe then Emery has ultimate control and must have sanctioned this sale.
Good luck to Dougie – except against us if we meet Juve in the CL – we have unfinished business!
Southgate makes only one change – did he take the rest of the squad for company?
I’m bored already!
Good luck Dougie. Such incredible memories. Thank you.
Gutted to see Dougie go. Yes his form dipped towards the end of last season but so did most of the other players.
I’m a bit concerned that we start the season without kamara and Luiz. I hope we haven’t lost 2/3 of the heart of our team without having adequate replacements. Kamara might be back for the second half of next season but will he be the same player?
Thankfully we have a great coach in Emery and maybe there’s a big signing on the way.
We must hold onto Ramsey too and not sell him for peanuts. Spurs are keen on him for a reason. £20m is laughable. Tell them to f*** off and don’t bother trying again.
To relieve the boredom we should have a book on the number of yellow / red cards in this game.
I’m going for a minimum of 12 yellows and at least one England player sent off 🙂
Where do they find these refs from?
Well – there we are cr*p! And the chances of us scoring once let alone twice?
Southgate out – and not before time.
What I predicted is happening, this Southgate idiot plus his so called understudy have lost us the tournament from day one . 1
Tap passing without any footballers is not football .