Saint Garrett

Can play both sides supposedly, which is great.

Would depend on the finer detail. Normally it would have an expiry date, and possibly an agreed time…I.e maybe it could only happen in the summer window, and has to be before the end of June for example. Like any contracts; anything can be put into it. Think this is really good business for Saints, look forward to seeing him play.

Seems to be a positive signing if true, seems highly rated by Chelsea fans. Wonder what the deal is like, can imagine it’s got a high % sell on fee / add ons.

Seems to be a perfect player to be backup at Saints, and a real shame if we don’t get him in, especially because of a relatively small fee. Hopefully the alternative we bring in can also cover both sides competently

Not much difference between Grealish now and Lallana when he left Saints. Whether Lallana’s £25m was comparable to modern day £100m…I think it’s unlikely…

He won’t go.

Slightly off career, should have been given longer in the premier league. Fair play to him, quality in moments

Nothing on “Rising Ballers” Twitter feed that quotes that that I can see…no idea if true

CB is Simeu I’d expect ?

The sustainable model is likely to only keep us treading water, until we get some transfers wrong and get relegated.

I assume you're taking the piss. The guy has bled the club dry over the last few years (not directly his fault he got the contract he got), he's downed tools, especially in the semi final of the cup, which is one of the most pathetic displays I've seen from a footballer. Unfortunately he's more interested in likes on instagram, and his brand, than actually playing football. It's highly likely he will never change. He's averaged about 20 games played per season in his career, that's nowhere near enough of an impact given his talent. It's between his ears is the problem, does not have the drive, ambition or desire to be a decent premier league footballer.

Wouldn't be anything else would it? Aren't we back to full capacities by default now?

That's a great watch. Some absolute class goals in there. Superb...ready for the new season now...!

The wages / turnover ratio is partly distorted view, as clubs couldn't "recognise" all the TV money in the last accounting period due to the season being pushed out into the summer. Whether we like it or not, the club plans to be self sustainable, which is basically impossible for a football club unless you're scouting is on point and you sell on players for large fees and recruit for low fees. Unfortunately, not many other clubs are run self sustainably and rely on owners throwing money into the club. It's clearly not helping us compete, especially with the £100m we spunked up the wall on the unsellables.

Ah, just thought he was already back, and had gone on holiday again. Fair enough if he's been given extended leave.

Out of interest, why would Vestergaard not be back for pre season, was he not back a few weeks ago? Or did I imagine that.

They’re often spending upwards of £20m which on their case is well worth it. We’re looking for the kind of players that were £2m-5m 5 years ago.

We can’t afford an Alderweireld or a VVD anymore. We’re rooting around the bargain bin, trying to buy a young players with large potential who will be decent in the future, but unlikely the same season. Or players like Armstrong who should be cheaper than they’re worth due to their contract value…

Also the reason he ended up at Newcastle on the cheap....

Maybe they have accepted the fact they got it wrong and shouldnt have loaned him out? Maybe they want to keep him for a 4th choice full back when Williams arrives. IMO, he's more likely to stay if Williams joins. I can't see him being promoted to third and only alternative full back.

Well, IMO we sign Williams as backup to both sides, and if we need Valery then it’s as a last resort. We don’t have the money to go sign 2 more full backs. The benefit of having both KWP and Williams who can play both sides, is massive. Plus we’ve always got January window if we need to use it, IMO we have more important positions to invest in, than a fourth choice full back.

He was fine as a backup, and actually was ahead of Cedric a few seasons ago. I know he's not had a good few years, but as backup RWB, who would play 4 or 5 games a season, I think he would be ok, But absolutely not ok as a RB.

Yup, let’s be honest, very little chance of him getting in another England squad. If he scored 20-25 goals this coming season he’s got an outside chance, but would probably rely on Greenwood, DCL, Bamford all having bad seasons too.

Or we decide to go to a back 3, he's "ok" as RWB, but a liability as a RB.

Completely agree. I never understood the shit Hojbjerg got, he's a top class CM. Especially in our system of playing 2 in midfield, he did a fantastic job, as has Romeu and JWP. Reed would be good squad depth for us, but like you say, Diallo is probably a better option. We ask a huge amount from our CM's as they have to be able to go back and forwards, the modern day sides often have DM's or #10's.