Chez

Azaz isn't higher quality than Fernandes. Fellows isn't as good as Dibling. We have not increased the quality there, but we have improved the quality on what was left after both depart (assuming Fernandes deal goes through). That's all we can do. I agree with you. A big change of personnel, assuming the guys coming in are decent, is probably a good thing after the debacle of last season.

Seems about right for a layer deemed not good enough for the PL by PL clubs.

We stated we wanted £100m for Dibling at one point. If the big clubs, and in Fellows case I mean PL clubs, are not bidding, then the parachute clubs are the only option, and despite selling players, splashing £20m seems a bit much to me. WBA need to sell players to cover losses. Heggem's fee probably wasn't big. I'd of thought we could get a better deal than £20m.

The word 'strengthened big time' is arguable. Not that it matters, because Dibling and Fernandes will have left, but are Azaz and Fellows better than those two? The income will have enabled the Jander signing I suppose.

That's a good question. Obviously our lads Bale, Lallana, Morgan, JRod and Clyne from way back when. Zaha from the same period too. More recently...Stones, Madison, Watkins, Ezze.

Not naive. You don't reveal you want £42m if you want £42m.

I'm concerned about that too, but the reality is that it's very hard to bring talent that will possibly/probably/hopefully good enough for the PL while you are a championship club. The big clubs have all the young talent and that leaves lessor leagues - which we seem to be working on. So for now, maybe buying championship level talent is the only way forward. We really must get promoted this season or next, otherwise the budget will be tiny compared to other relegated sides.

That's what I saw. He seems to fit the profile of `athletes'. Slightly concerned not to see some intricate ball skills in his videos. He's like the opposite of Edozie, who is all tricks but lightweight. At the other end of the spectrum is Leo Scienza, who we were linked to. Not sure how they both fit the same profile we are looking for unless we are looking for two, and different types for those two.

Are you currently lost? It can be really confusing.

Where you getting this briliant tackler from? Admittedly the highlights video I watched was from 2022, but it didn't look like he was the sort that tackled much at all. If he has added that to his game, brilliant, but it surprises me to read that.

It's about time we took advantage of this type of knowledge. It pissed me off that Ralph joined us and didn't help unearth any hidden gems from Germany for whatever reason.

and/or employs scouts and analysts to do the same. I might be wrong, but it feels like managers and head coaches are involved less and less in the scouting/recruiting side of things. The focus is on the players they have and the games/opponents coming up

Would Will Still be the guy that knows the Bundeslinga 2? Three players bought from there now and at least one or two more linked.

Not easy to find gems that bigger clubs gazump you on, so this german league 2 knowledge we see to have may be fruitful, at leats for a while. Time will tell.

Alfie House is happy to report it as done based on that Florian Pettenberg tweet https://www.dailyecho.co.uk/sport/25422275.southampton-agree-deal-sign-germany-under-21-international/

I think players that score volleys are usually very good technically, so I like the first goal too. Edit: I thought the tiktok videolink hadn't worked so removed it.

Watching his youtube video of when he played for Duisburg, he's very right footed, and I mean only right footed. He loves to keep the ball that little bit longer than normal - and I mean that in a good way - he is very comfortable with the ball. He seems to roam around the pitch (appears deep and makes runs beyond), so isn't a defensive holding player, but he will drop deep to collect and start moves. He doesn't look like he is a big physical specimen or a good tackler, he's more of a Fernandes type - a ball player, with good technique, that can dribble and pass. He's a fun watch.

Very good point. Most of the best championship players - the ones we might want to sign now like Azaz, Rudoni - were `future promise' before they joined their current championship club and shined. Looking at his recent history, he started pretty much every game for 1.FC Nuremberg. Not all the players we have been linked with have been regulars, which is a slight concern if they are not playing in the top leagues.

I'd be inclined to agree. That said, I thought there was mention in the not too distant past that Still thought Fernandes might be better playing from a slightly deeper starting position, which might allow us to play both.

Wonder how many nippers they will play? Hopefully we have got it together by then and can give them a decent game.

I believe you. And as you say, so far we have not been linked with any loans. As for sustainable growth model...lets see how much growth and sustainability there is when the parachute payment drops from £48m to £8M in two summers time if we fail to get promoted.

What about Lewis Cook? I thought we might help ease him back to full fitness with a 4 month loan.

Ah. That fucks that idea....although maybe Ipswich don't have our budget or Spors' charm or Fernandes' contract. Is Tonalis injury serious? I thought I read he wouldn't miss much time.

I'd be trying to bring in Lewis Cook or Lewis Miley on loan. Both long shots, but if Fernandes departs we need some quality in.

The long and short of it is, if you stay in the championship, you are fucked. We should be doing anything we can to make this side the best in the league this season, and that includes loaning PL players.