Saints unlikely to make January signings

[kpturner]

Has this been discussed? Sorry if so - just couldn't see it

http://www.dailyecho.co.uk/sport/saints/news/10927056.Saints_unlikely_to_make_January_signings/?ref=eb

[Viking Warrior]

What do the daily echo know . The BBC Friday gossip says we will swop dani for some South American I have never heard of

[Dig Dig]

Poch said that they have nit planned anything coming into the window but open to see what develops. Think it's more likely that we'll do something after hearing those comments.

[theyin]

Poch: - "...at the moment we have no business planned." - source The Mail

 

Worrying indeed. Hopefully it's a bit of a smokescreen

[John Boy Saint]

Poch: - "...at the moment we have no business planned." - source The Mail

 

Worrying indeed. Hopefully it's a bit of a smokescreen

 

Man United as well as apparently telling their players that if the fail to reach the Champions League for next season they will get a 25% pay cut, Have made no secret of the fact that they are supposedly sitting on a £100m transfer kitty, we all know the drill Man U are looking at Charlie "just change that 1 at the beginning to a 2"

 

And we aren't going to flag up any targets we may have, when you have situations like Willian having a medical at spurs then getting snaffled up by Chelsea, even Diego Forlan all those years ago flew into London enroute to finalising his move to Middlesborough and was "kidnapped" at the airport my Man United.

[Professor]

The press report that SFC will not be buying this January should not be surprising as little would be gained by bringing in new players, even if they were world class. This squad is good enough for a finish in mid-table, probably around 9th where they are now, and adding a couple of players would make little difference. The team is not yet a top six side but a run of tough fixtures in December and key players out injured means that the December results are not an indicator for the rest of the season. It's highly likely that the staff are already looking at the needs for next season. Few would disagree that CB is the most likely spot to strengthen by transfer in, although that may depend on whether Jack Stephens is considered reliable enough to step up. Likewise, LB cover for Shaw may be available from the Academy if Matt Targett is still progressing. As for Shaw, Ward-Prowse and Chambers all three will be better players next year, being a year older and with a year's experience behind them, which will also be true for Reed, Gallagher and Isgrove. There is still enough promise in the Development squad that even in the summer we shouldn't expect a lot of transfers in, but maybe several out.

[trousers]

The exact quote was: "In theory, we're not looking to bring anyone in but there are 22 days left in the transfer window so we may change our minds"

 

So, not exactly a straight "no"...

[Ivan Katalinic's 'tache]

The exact quote was: "In theory, we're not looking to bring anyone in but there are 22 days left in the transfer window so we may change our minds"

 

So, not exactly a straight "no"...

 

Exactly, I don't think he could ever give a definitive no. Imagine if Barcelona rang up and said "hey Southampton, remember that Ekelund kid we loaned you before? Well we've got this lad Lionel we want rid of, inetersted?" and we said "sorry Barca, we're not buying this window..."

[Mowgli]

Not sure it needs a new thread. Pochettino has said all along it would be a quiet transfer window for us. Nothing has changed. Apart from the pedants who read between the lines that this means Shaw and lambert will be sold; Ramirez and Osvaldo are unhappy with training; poch and cortese have fallen out and of course a final attempt will be made to sign our 'non target' astori.

[Charlie Wayman]

The press report that SFC will not be buying this January should not be surprising as little would be gained by bringing in new players, even if they were world class. This squad is good enough for a finish in mid-table, probably around 9th where they are now, and adding a couple of players would make little difference. The team is not yet a top six side but a run of tough fixtures in December and key players out injured means that the December results are not an indicator for the rest of the season. It's highly likely that the staff are already looking at the needs for next season. Few would disagree that CB is the most likely spot to strengthen by transfer in, although that may depend on whether Jack Stephens is considered reliable enough to step up. Likewise, LB cover for Shaw may be available from the Academy if Matt Targett is still progressing. As for Shaw, Ward-Prowse and Chambers all three will be better players next year, being a year older and with a year's experience behind them, which will also be true for Reed, Gallagher and Isgrove. There is still enough promise in the Development squad that even in the summer we shouldn't expect a lot of transfers in, but maybe several out.

 

That seems about right to me. Identifying likely suspects is one thing, integrating them into a fairly self-picking team without upsetting the whole apple cart is quite another. There are circumstances where it might be justified, for example where a key player may be out for the season and we have no adequate deputy but most only miss a match or two so pressing the Big P button isn't necessary. Now if Boruc or Wanyama are longer term injured than we have been led to believe maybe there's a case but even then do we really miss the Kenyan that much with Jack Cork in fine form and improving by the match.

[alpine_saint]

If this is true, it has got to rate as one of the most f**kwitted decisions to come out of SMS for a loooong time, possibly since the Lowe days.

 

According to the media, several clubs are interested in several of our players, and Manyoo have a 200m warchest. If we arent even looking at players we could get caught out, losing key squad members due to irresistible offers, with hours of the window to go and not being able to do anything about it.

 

I also think it is bluffing, however, but lets see. Not a lot appears to be happening at the moment. Maybe the club, fingers burnt over Gash and Osvaldo, are getting better at keeping their transactions private.

 

To those who feel all warm and cosy in 9th place (despite having been 3rd and playing for top spot) - and see that as sufficient progress after 35m spent last summer - consider whether Katharina Liebherr will be willing to stump up again next summer after such a small return on her investment.

[Dan Johnson]

If this is true, it has got to rate as one of the most f**kwitted decisions to come out of SMS for a loooong time, possibly since the Lowe days.

 

According to the media, several clubs are interested in several of our players, and Manyoo have a 200m warchest. If we arent even looking at players we could get caught out, losing key squad members due to irresistible offers, with hours of the window to go and not being able to do anything about it.

 

I also think it is bluffing, however, but lets see. Not a lot appears to be happening at the moment. Maybe the club, fingers burnt over Gash and Osvaldo, are getting better at keeping their transactions private.

 

To those who feel all warm and cosy in 9th place (despite having been 3rd and playing for top spot) - and see that as sufficient progress after 35m spent last summer - consider whether Katharina Liebherr will be willing to stump up again next summer after such a small return on her investment.

 

So should the club say, yeah we're looking to sign players just in case we sell Lallana\Shaw?

 

Saying we're not looking to sign someone or we don't expect any movement is slightly different than saying we have identified replacements just in case?

 

Our scouting network is bigger and better than most clubs, we are ALWAYS identifiying players that could do a job, doesn't mean we have to sign them.

[alpine_saint]

So should the club say, yeah we're looking to sign players just in case we sell Lallana\Shaw?

 

Saying we're not looking to sign someone or we don't expect any movement is slightly different than saying we have identified replacements just in case?

 

Our scouting network is bigger and better than most clubs, we are ALWAYS identifiying players that could do a job, doesn't mean we have to sign them.

 

Firstly, I didnt say the club should say anything. I think actions speak louder than words, and I hope (and think) that the officials at the club havent made such a f**kwitted decision as to really do nothing during the window.

 

I think I made it clear that I dont really think this is the case anyway.

 

Did you actually read what I wrote ?

[trousers]

do we really miss the Kenyan that much.

 

IMO, yes.

[Saint Charlie]

I think MP was being pretty honest. Reckon we have no intention of doing anything unless to replace and outgoing player. By that I mean a Jos, Maya, Gaston etc rather than one of the top lads who we won't sell.

[influx]

If this is true, it has got to rate as one of the most f**kwitted decisions to come out of SMS for a loooong time, possibly since the Lowe days.

 

According to the media, several clubs are interested in several of our players, and Manyoo have a 200m warchest. If we arent even looking at players we could get caught out, losing key squad members due to irresistible offers, with hours of the window to go and not being able to do anything about it.

 

I also think it is bluffing, however, but lets see. Not a lot appears to be happening at the moment. Maybe the club, fingers burnt over Gash and Osvaldo, are getting better at keeping their transactions private.

 

To those who feel all warm and cosy in 9th place (despite having been 3rd and playing for top spot) - and see that as sufficient progress after 35m spent last summer - consider whether Katharina Liebherr will be willing to stump up again next summer after such a small return on her investment.

 

So Man U has a 200m war chest and we could get found out???!! How? Players are under contract, if we don't want to sell them we won't. And where we are now is a pretty good return for 35m. You live in a strange world.

[influx]

Out of interest how much do you think it should cost to jump from 16th to 9th in one season??

[Turkish]

If you dont progress you stand still. Worrying that we aren't looking to improve the squad. Let hope our arrogance doesn't become our undoing.

[alpine_saint]

So Man U has a 200m war chest and we could get found out???!! How? Players are under contract, if we don't want to sell them we won't. And where we are now is a pretty good return for 35m. You live in a strange world.

 

We are 5 places above our end of season finish, and the gap to 10th is closing. I suspect NC and the Liebherr estate dont agree with you.

 

And your players under contract comment is hillarious. Yes, lets keep players who will be underperforming because they cant leave for big clubs they have been persistently linked to and the higher wages that would result. And I thought you genuises reckoned selling Puncheon was the right thing to do

[Jai27]

Someone else mentioned it awhile back but could it be possible that we've maxed out the transfer budget for this season already?

 

If MP thinks we don't need anyone else then so be it, but imo we could do with at least one new addition.

[Saint_Tony]

I'd be disappointed if we weren't looking around, although the quotes from Kouyate's agent suggest we have made enquiries for him. Have to agree with Alpine, let's hope the club are just trying to keep things quiet as it would be a huge mistake if we're not actively seeking some reinforcements for the squad.As usual, think we might leave it late. A couple of quality additions and we could see ourselves on the 40 point mark by the end of February

[influx]

We are 5 places above our end of season finish, and the gap to 10th is closing. I suspect NC and the Liebherr estate dont agree with you.

 

And your players under contract comment is hillarious. Yes, lets keep players who will be underperforming because they cant leave for big clubs they have been persistently linked to and the higher wages that would result. And I thought you genuises reckoned selling Puncheon was the right thing to do

 

God you really under-estimate our team dont you?! The players youre talking about, ie Lambert, Lalana, Shaw, Schneiderlen etc Do you think if they are made to wait until the summer they are going to throw there toys out of the pram?! I can't see any of these under-performing if we deny them a move. If they saw comments like your suggesting they would, im sure that would **** them off.

[warsash saint]

If this is true, it has got to rate as one of the most f**kwitted decisions to come out of SMS for a loooong time, possibly since the Lowe days.

 

It's really not like our Tirol troll to get it wrong on so many levels:mcinnes:

[Dig Dig]

We have done business in every transfer window under Cortese and co.

[Turkish]

It's really not like our Tirol troll to get it wrong on so many levels:mcinnes:

 

Would make a great boxing name that wouldn't it

 

In the red corner, weighing in at 340 pounds, it's our challanger, The Troll from the Tirol, Alpine Saint.

[Bucks Saint]

Another thread on the same subject with bedwetters getting in a state because of a media report

[DT]

If true, we will be lower mid table at best

[Glasgow_Saint]

NC thinks our squad is good enough for top 8 (I do too) and is therefore unwilling to spend more until mopo proves his worth / delivers on targets.

 

There are doubts on both sides at the moment - mopo has the leaked rumours about leaving in the summer and NC has the more more subtle vote of "confidence" by not offering or discussing a new or extended contract.

 

Get the feeling NC is playing the waiting game - no more money, you’ve had enough - target still stands (top deliver and you can spend more in the summer – fail and you’re fired.

 

Sensible in a way as if NC has doubts why load up with mopo targets (like Osvaldo) who may not fit the new mans (RDM’s) plans!!

[timayes]

340 pounds - more like a wrestler!

[Turkish]

NC thinks our squad is good enough for top 8 (I do too) and is therefore unwilling to spend more until mopo proves his worth / delivers on targets.

 

There are doubts on both sides at the moment - mopo has the leaked rumours about leaving in the summer and NC has the more more subtle vote of "confidence" by not offering or discussing a new or extended contract.

 

Get the feeling NC is playing the waiting game - no more money, you’ve had enough - target still stands (top deliver and you can spend more in the summer – fail and you’re fired.

 

Sensible in a way as if NC has doubts why load up with mopo targets (like Osvaldo) who may not fit the new mans (RDM’s) plans!!

 

Good point. NC has probably learnt from the Forren debacle that you cant sign players with one manager in charge who wont be around to play them! If we dont make any signing then perhaps in suggest there are some truth in the rumours?

[Verbal Kint]

Our wage bill must be close to maximum at the moment.

 

Lee, Guly, Martin, Barnard and Forte all have contracts expiring in the summer. We then have 18 months left for Hooiveld, Fox and Sharp.

 

Must be at least 100k a week in wages right there. Get them off the books and we should be able to bring in 2 or 3 quality additions

[Dig Dig]

Our wage bill must be close to maximum at the moment.

 

Lee, Guly, Martin, Barnard and Forte all have contracts expiring in the summer. We then have 18 months left for Hooiveld, Fox and Sharp.

 

Must be at least 100k a week in wages right there. Get them off the books and we should be able to bring in 2 or 3 quality additions

 

 

Brilliant insight into our finances. Thanks for that.

[Glasgow_Saint]

Good point. NC has probably learnt from the Forren debacle that you cant sign players with one manager in charge who wont be around to play them! If we dont make any signing then perhaps in suggest there are some truth in the rumours?

 

I think it will be the clearest message so far.

 

NC will have worries like we all do -

 

1) Osvaldo (mopo signing, done nothing)

2) Ramirez (NC signing that mopo is not getting much from)

3) Recent poor form

4) Recently leaked mopo depature stories

5) No contract discussions or offer

6) No Jan Transfers

7) Mark Clattenburg fiasco

8 ) Mopo still cant speak English

9) * RDM an option from the summer *

[Convict Colony]

What's he meant to say, "yeah we are going to be buying 2 players, 1 CB and 1 AM", under pressure managers during the season like to court fan favour in Jan by stating they are looking to bring in people to get the fans off their back (Fat Sam/Hughes) and put pressure on the chairman etc instead and they become the source of complaints with the manager going back to the old cliche "I didn't get the backing" etc etc.

 

Since Cortese has come in we have tried to deny all rumours and statements regarding transfers and put out a clear message we are not a selling club as it is not productive to get involved in the rumour mill which equates to open season for football writers. If decisions have been made by the committee then Cortese is actioning them enabling MoPo to focus on the team and try and negate queries on signings etc. as a clear message has been sent to the press we have no intention of doing business. (who cares if we lie to the press)

 

The winter transfer window in the premier league is unlike any other window as its the window of the desperate, the last chance saloon, those that need to throw the dice for CL places or relegation avoidance where the outlay is worth the rewards, we are currently in neither predicament.

 

We do need improvements but are we in such dire straits that we will over pay to get them, I think not, I would suggest if we do purchase in this window it is either due to a deal to be had in a position we need strengthening that was a not possible for the selling club in the summer (i.e Astori) or the club believe a certain player familiar with our system and robustness of the league would add significant value for the remainder of the season (my wish Banega).

 

Thought you might be interested at Cortese's form for all transfers dealings since he has been in charge (http://www.soccerbase.com).

 

Total Signings - 33 signings

 

21 Summer Signings

11 Winter Signings

1 Youth Signing

 

2009/10: Takeover Season - Building the team League 1

 

6 Summer Signings

5 Jan Signings

 

2010/11: League 1

 

1 Summer signing

2 Winter signings

1 Youth in April (Stephens)

 

2011/12: Champs

 

4 Summer signings

3 Winter signings

 

2012/13: Premier League

 

7 Summer signings

1 Winter signing (Forren)

 

2013/14: Premier League

 

3 Summer signings (spent 36 million)

???? Winter singings TBC

[Verbal Kint]

Brilliant insight into our finances. Thanks for that.

 

Thanks for that

[Weston Saint]

First, it is well known that the majority of expensive mid term signings in the premier do not produce performances up to expectation. This is partly due to the needed to bed into the team and for overseas players to understand premier football. A pre season is essential to get the best understanding of our tactics, other players strengths & weaknesses as well as the team understanding that players strengths and weaknesses. Mid season are often panic buys and we do not need to panic. Obviously, if the right player comes along at the right price then we will likely sign but at present the message seems to be that the club are not active in the market or have made any approaches.

 

Secondly, mention has been made of Cortese not engaging in extension contract talks with the Manager. That is Cortese's way when he is confident. He has probably told Pochettino that he will in due course. He did the same with Lallana last time round.

 

Finally, for those panicking that we might lose players late on in the window and be left short that will not happen. This is a happy and together squad enjoying regular Premier football at a high standard. If there heads are turned Cortese will insist on them sticking to there contract. It has happened before. Remember Man City, Liverpool and Man Utd had top stars who pushed for moves but were refused. Everyone has their price but Cortese is hardly going to allow all he is achieving to go to waste. I am not naive, I am confident January will not see any of our regulars moving on.

[Convict Colony]

Each premier league position has about 800k difference in prize money, we are a fair bit behind at the mo the next position and a few points ahead of the next place, from a EPL only perspective whoever we bought I don't think would create enough value in the next few months to advance us higher up the league to recoup some of the outlay for the higher fee we would probably have to pay.

 

As untrendy as it is I would be happy to get a fit Vic, Osvado, Boruc and keep everyone else fit for a couple of months to see how we will do and then see what the opportunities are for us in the summer when we will know as a club where we stand and what the next steps are.

[DuncanRG]

We improved considerably without spending last January. I expect we will sign a player or maybe two, but it's possible to progress mid-season without spending when you've got a young side.

 

Summer is really the time to make the big changes.

[doubleonothing]

@MurrayGroves: Official(s) of Atletico Madrid are in Southampton today, meeting Mauricio Pochettino although their intentions are not yet clear #saintsfc

 

(Not sure if this applies or not)

[alpine_saint]

As untrendy as it is I would be happy to get a fit Vic, Osvado, Boruc and keep everyone else fit for a couple of months to see how we will do and then see what the opportunities are for us in the summer when we will know as a club where we stand and what the next steps are.

 

I can live with that if I have to, but I'd rather address Lovrens future partner now than in the summer.

[Dan Johnson]

Regardless of whether we buy any players or not the only thing that is for certain if we so sign someone is that we'd have a bigger squad

 

Transfers do not = progress

 

They could be the wrong type of player/personality/not offer good value

 

This transfer market inflates the value of players beyond the realms of sense

 

If there genuinely isn't anyone available, then I hope we don't sign anyone!

 

The logic that you have to spend to progress is ridiculous

[Turkish]

Regardless of whether we buy any players or not the only thing that is for certain if we so sign someone is that we'd have a bigger squad

 

Transfers do not = progress

 

They could be the wrong type of player/personality/not offer good value

 

This transfer market inflates the value of players beyond the realms of sense

 

If there genuinely isn't anyone available, then I hope we don't sign anyone!

 

The logic that you have to spend to progress is ridiculous

 

HOw else do you progress if you dont improve th squad with better players then?

[shurlock]

HOw else do you progress if you dont improve th squad with better players then?

 

Get more out of your existing players? Like we have done with Lallana, Jrod, Morgan Fonte, Davis etc.

 

Don't tell anyone, this is radical stuff, pal.

[Pastor Patrón]

We wouldn't be any better than last season if it weren't for Lovren and Wanyama

[Glasgow_Saint]

The logic that you have to spend to progress is ridiculous

 

Mopo has shown (twice) that he cannot manage the squad. All is good when we have a full strengh squad, but not so good once we lose one or two.

 

I think the only way we will be succesful under mopo is if we have very decent back up in every position.

 

is that possible?

[Turkish]

Get more out of your existing players? Like we have done with Lallana, Jrod, Morgan Fonte, Davis etc.

 

Don't tell anyone, this is radical stuff, pal.

 

Fair point, we've done that well. Now we need to get more out of our squad players like hooliveld, Fox, Gazza, Yoshida. How's that going?

[alpine_saint]

Regardless of whether we buy any players or not the only thing that is for certain if we so sign someone is that we'd have a bigger squad

 

Transfers do not = progress

 

They could be the wrong type of player/personality/not offer good value

 

This transfer market inflates the value of players beyond the realms of sense

 

If there genuinely isn't anyone available, then I hope we don't sign anyone!

 

The logic that you have to spend to progress is ridiculous

 

As Gash and Osvaldo have more than adequately demonstrated.

[Turkish]

Depends how you twist it. 'Squad players' like Chambers, Cork and Davis has done very well.

 

Hooliveld, Fox and Yoshida are most definitely squad players. According to shurlock we need to get more out of them, they don't need replacing. So how has getting more out of them gone so far?

[NickG]

It appears that those wanting more additions to the team are same ones who criticise likes of Osvaldo or Ramirez as wasters if they are not picked.

 

Also talk of Lambert or Cork going if they aren't in first team.

 

How many good players will come to us to be in/out of team - if we are not in Europe?

 

Will JWP, Shaw, Chambers, Schneiderlin etc stay if not playing so much?

 

If we pick up a few points in January, and teams above us fail to drop points, our final position could be pretty much decided by end of month - whether we sign no-one or top player.

 

I don't think we 'need' a January signing. Sometimes clubs sell good players before they go for nothing in the summer.

 

If we can sign one or two who look good longer term signings I'm sure we would.

 

But we are in good position where we don't need to panic as say West Ham or even Man U.

 

What was described as a clueless amateur summer window brought us excellent start and at least one player who could be one of our best ever.

 

Relax!

 

Sent from my Nexus 4 using Tapatalk

[Turkish]

Yoshida and Fox have done as I'd expect them too. Worse than the first teamers by some distance but not absolute liabilities unless they're all playing together and with a poor keeper. Only Hooiveld has been a complete mess and we've all seen him play better. He did 3 or 4 months of playing last season without belting it in his own goal.

 

You're never going to have a whole squad playing their best at the same time I'm afraid. I'd rather Hooiveld wasn't 4th choice CB as he's completely lost it, but when he's at his best, he'd probably be alright as 4th choice.

 

I think we need to get more out of Osvaldo, JWP and Lambert right now, and the same amount out of the returning players like Boruc and Wanyama as they were giving before.

 

But we could of course, get mixed amounts out of everyone, have quite a few losses and another injury crisis and still come 9th.

 

I'm not convinced hooliveld is 4th choice, he's been picked ahead of Yoshida a number of times

 

So just to confirm, they don't need replacing or improving on, all we need to is get more out of them, yes?