goodymatt

Yep, that’s a nightmare

Minimum 6 weeks according to Ralph in his presser just now.

I wonder if that Mail tweet last night saying we were favourites for Ross Barkley has any legs. He’s a free agent and so could still be signed. Not that I think he is at all a Saintsy signing but I wonder if there is any truth in that one…

I think Joe Shields’ first hand experience of most of these young players significantly reduces the chance of duds and is a big reason why we’ve back them. Lavia and ABK for example just look born ready. Bazunu looks an improvement but need to see more to judge how good he really is, early signs very promising though. Edozie was being looked at by Leipzig and Leverkusen even last summer, I think he will surprise a few too. Which is needed really having missed out on Gakpo.

Lavia too, Oliver Kay seems to love him. Both top signings for us 👍

Only two of the 10 Athletic writers have us to be relegated at the moment on their new transfers review article.

He also knows Aribo very well from that south London street footy academy. He’s been instrumental in building our new spine with his contacts.

That’s cheap! 👍

Anyone seen the option price for AMN yet???

Indeed.

This 28 year old Ghanaian must be the replacement for Bednarek then?

I guess he’s guaranteed a starting place in their 11 and isn’t in ours but it is frustrating that a newly promoted team can beat us to signings. Leeds staying up by the skin of their teeth then outmuscling us for Gakpo in terms of transfer offer and wages. Having already signed a couple of big money players. Our sustainable model is risky but it’s how we roll.

I need an attacking link to cheer me up. We all knew it was too good to be true but Gakpo falling through has been a huge disappointment. Just picking my toys up and putting them back in the pram as I speak… Being linked to multiple back up CBs isn’t quite cutting it, I have to say.

So we meet an asking price and supposedly agree terms with player. Leeds then beat that price and he stays? Does sound a bit odd.

I see Alex Crook tweeted just after Ornstein confirmed Gakpo isn’t moving, to say reliable sources say he’s going to Leeds. He has since deleted that tweet, now saying Saints did all they could but he’s staying at PSV. If we ever needed any more evidence that Alex Crook has no sources other than to rehash more connected journalists, here it is! Guy is a fraud.

I see a young Jordi Alba. Thanks for the vid.

Is Larios ready to play (a la Tino/Lavia/Bazunu) or one for the future?

All at fullback I think. He’s also started a cup final for Arsenal at FB. However, he apparently doesn’t like being a FB. Go figure.

What do you think, would you rather have signed Kalajdzic and Garner or just Gakpo with the same budget?

Very solid defensive signings. Think you’re right entertainment wise, we’re going to have much more fun watching Saints this season!

Maupay is their new striker. Their alternative to Che it seems. Plus Gordon looks to be staying, if Lampard’s deadline comment isn’t a negotiation tactic…