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.
Omg, how is that a pen when he’s already kicked the ball?
Terrible decision, imo, but Kane is the greatest thing since sliced bread again and we score
1-1.
Meanwhile, we look crap, yet again.
Hang on, we’re gong for it a bit now.
And what a surprise, we look better.
Badger, no offence mate, but don’t you (and others) realise that ‘going for it’ depends on the opposition? There was way way more space tonight than in previous games; the pitch looked twice the size at times. Even the great Barcelona sides struggled when Mourinho used to turn up and park two buses. ‘Going for it’ in the early stages of tournaments doesn’t win tournaments. Why don’t people get that?
I believe it does when the squad is as good as ours.
I’m a firm believer that we need to take it to the opposition and even after tonight, don’t believe you can keep relying on last minute jobbys.
We need to take a lead and then re-affirm it, not sit back, like Horseface usually does.
And if you think that’s the players, not the manager, we need a different manager.
We saw exactly the same under Bruce, remember.
Ollie on if we want to win in normal time
So Dutch suss us and pack midfield – we have no idea how to move the ball quickly so sideways and backwards again. Southgate – you’re the manager – make changes to put pressure back on the Dutch.
And just when is Bellingham going to live up to all the hype?
Well, well, well. Good call by the manager
Ollie, Ollie, Ollie
That’s added £20m to his value 🙂
Not for sale at any price!
Super Ollie Watkins. Back to the bench on Sunday though!
So a world class strike from a pass by Cole Palmer.
Interestingly, Watkins said he told Palmer he was going to set him up, so they were inspired subs.
Hands up, we looked better tonight and Horseface got it right for once.
Still can’t get my head around that strike.
Just stunning and if Messi/Ronaldo had done that it would be world headlines.
Deserved, Ollie.
Can we beat Spain?
Piece of piss, imo, if Horseface unleashs them.
It was a perfect goal by Ollie. And yes, absolutely if Messi scores it, or dare I say Mbappe, then the media has a meltdown. Fully deserved. Perfect role model, our Oliver. 👏👌👌
Just got back from watching at a local pub that had no wifi or phone signal. So many fans were saying Bellingham and Kane should come off for Ollie and Cole. When it happened there was a massive cheer! Don’t get me wrong, I love Kane and Bellingham CAN be awesome but he’s been awful apart from his stunning bicycle kick. Utterly ineffective all tournament.
How many time have we seen Ollie do that for his goal at Villa Park this season? OLLIE THAT WAS BRILLIANT and we’ve seen you do that all year.
Did Ollie thank Unai in his post match interview? I couldn’t hear?
We are in the final, and without sounding churlish, I struggle to credit HorseFace with this… Our game mirrored last night semi for decent perf.
We can do this on Sunday! (Ooops, I think I’ve just done a little excitement related sex wee…)!
Chambers to Cardiff – claimed medical booked.
Well happy with that.
Even as a squad filler, I never thought he was good enough for us
Philogene Bidace on his way back for £18m. Helps with home grown quota I guess and he looks like he will be a real menace to the opposition.
Liking this too.
Him duking it out with the lad we got from Juve, on the left.
Now we’re beginning to really strengthen the squad, imo.
Still want to see that RB though and not have Konsa as backup or even preferred to Cash.
Do you have something definitive on that DS – I can only find a general comment that Villa have taken up their buyback option but it’s now up to the player to decide (which club to join).
No sorry Hitch. Maybe I’m jumping the gun.
Any news on Mings, Buendia, Ramsey and Kamara?
Sounds like Buendia and Ramsey are about there and is probably ready to build up match fitness. Mings doesn’t sound totally there and still building up strength. Kamara is working with the fitness ball I read, so some weeks away.
The Sheffield Star have confirmed Archer is coming back
A sign that Duran is gone, perhaps?
For me it’s more important to get Philogene back than Archer.
I think we’ll move Archer on again; I don’t see him as a replacement for Duran.
Does anyone think the Diaby transfer rumours are true? If it was £60m which would be a profit, then I would be happy with that as long as we have a quality replacement coming in. Maybe that’s Philogene!
Hard to say Holte – only know for certain when it’s on the OS.
I thought at the time end of the season he was starting to find form again. Would be a shame to see him go so have to believe either he wants to go or FFP is a worry next season and/or this to comply with Champions League. Could explain JPB bid. Lots of news sources claiming it’s practically a done deal.
Crap signings thus far – sign world class, please, not bargain bucket with potential. Squad is not stronger yet. (*just to shake the discussion up a bit, as you all seem to be in a happy haze).
I agree, nothing wrong with the singings we made, the two lads from Juve seem like real potentials and I think Iling Jr could feature on a few occasions this season. I think Barclay is sensible cover and should see plenty of minutes but I wouldn’t like to think he is a starter every game. I’d love to see a quality and proven right back, same for a centre mid and some cover for striker unless we decide to wrap our arm around Duran and give it another go this season. One signing I suppose to be fair that does tick all the boxes is Maatsen, good age and good quality and some experience at top level. The only down side is I always felt the LB position looked like one of our strongest with Digne and Moreno. Ideally we just want two quality players fighting for every position with some youth sprinkled on top please!
As I’m feeling grumpy, a reminder:
https://grimshaw.global/news/articles/new-designs-for-the-redevelopment-and-expansion-of-villa-park-submitted-for-planning/
This would have been magnificent. And perfect.
https://www.avfc.co.uk/villa-park/future/
A damn shame.
Chambers completes move to Cardiff – would like to wish him the best.
Not quite accurate – Villa have released him with a year left on his contract – Cardiff are reputed to be interested.
Really looks like Diaby is off then! For big money I think we can spend money in other key areas to better set the squad. I guess Diaby is too exspenisve to be starting mostly from the bench. Not sure how I feel about it, if we had the 50/60 Million in the bank , would you buy him back? I don’t think so
Also with Ramsey coming back they would be competing for the same place in the side.
I like Diaby but is ever going to be strong enough to cope with physical side of the EPL?
Only marginal – if any – PSR benefit as we will only gain from one year of amortisation. Villa should be looking to get a profit on the sale (should he move) to improve that position.