Hojbjerg replacement?

[KingswoodSaint]

Has anyone on here heard any solid rumours about any new signings to replace Hojbjerg? I know we didn't use him in the latter games and we didn't do too badly, but surely we're in the market for a new first team quality CM? A rumour about Weston McKennie, American youngster currently at Schalke, was poo-pooed by Adam Blackmore amongst others who seem to be ITK at Saints. Anyone got anything? 

[egg]

I've only read about McKennie but I can't help but think we'll use Reed, with Jankewitz and Smallbone to come in from time to time. I've seen Jankewitz and he looks a player. Personally I'd rather bring someone in with a bit of creativity but I can't see it happening. 

6 minutes ago, KingswoodSaint said:

Has anyone on here heard any solid rumours about any new signings to replace Hojbjerg? I know we didn't use him in the latter games and we didn't do too badly, but surely we're in the market for a new first team quality CM? A rumour about Weston McKennie, American youngster currently at Schalke, was poo-pooed by Adam Blackmore amongst others who seem to be ITK at Saints. Anyone got anything? 

 

[SNSUN]

We've also been linked with Celtic's Ntcham, Stuttgart's Mangala and Tottenham's Skipp. There are probably others. I still think Reed CDAJFU but with one year left on his contract, if we can get £8 million from Fulham I'd sell him.

[Dellman]

I doubt Reed is the answer, he will never be more than bench worthy here, he will struggle with Fulham in the Premier Lg so if we can get 10 million, take it. I believe Ralph has his sights set much higher and the two signings so far suggest things are looking up

[skintsaint]

1 hour ago, egg said:

I can't help but think we'll use Reed, with Jankewitz and Smallbone to come in from time to time

Could be a long season if we get a couple of longer term injuries in midfield then. We will bring someone in I am sure.

[egg]

3 minutes ago, skintsaint said:

Could be a long season if we get a couple of longer term injuries in midfield then. We will bring someone in I am sure.

Hope you're right. 

[skintsaint]

1 minute ago, egg said:

Hope you're right. 

and someone that get provide a few goals from midfield in open play would be nice

[SuperSAINT]

20 minutes ago, Dellman said:

I doubt Reed is the answer, he will never be more than bench worthy here, he will struggle with Fulham in the Premier Lg so if we can get 10 million, take it. I believe Ralph has his sights set much higher and the two signings so far suggest things are looking up

Yeah.  Reed is 25 and wants to play now which is fair enough... it’s unlikely we will guarantee that. 

He’s done a great job out on loan and built up some really good experience for himself.
 

[Saint Garrett]

16 minutes ago, skintsaint said:

and someone that get provide a few goals from midfield in open play would be nice

I don’t think that’s the priority from that position personally. We’re already going to play with two strikers and two “inside forwards / #10s” and we have Prowsey who pops up with the odd goal.
 

This player just needs to be able to win headers, read the game, focus on interceptions, have good awareness and break up the game. Basically Hojbjerg.

Goals are a bonus. 

[Disco Stu]

I'd be quite satisfied with a Romeu + Ward-Prowse partnership but we will need another midfielder. Personally, I'd love a more creative midfielder than Hoijbjerg; somebody physical, full of energy but with a bit of vision to help transition the ball forward.

[trousers]

We already have a 'replacement'....

Edited 13 August, 2020 by trousers

[Toussaint]

You say replacement, I'm more than happy with Romeu, so I'd be looking for a cover / understudy / succession planning. 

[trousers]

10 minutes ago, Disco Stu said:

I'd be quite satisfied with a Romeu + Ward-Prowse partnership but we will need another midfielder. Personally, I'd love a more creative midfielder than Hoijbjerg; somebody physical, full of energy but with a bit of vision to help transition the ball forward.

Pretty sure Jankewitz ticks those boxes 

[Disco Stu]

4 minutes ago, trousers said:

Pretty sure Jankewitz ticks those boxes 

Yeah I was just reading through that thread and thinking he could fill that role. Looks a great prospect.

[the saint in winchester]

Quote

4 minutes ago, trousers said:

Pretty sure Jankewitz ticks those boxes 

 

Put me in the camp of wanting to give Reed, Smallbone and Jankewicz their chance this season.

If we don't do that, what's the point of the Academy? May as well wind it up if we're only trying to find U23 team players.

[trousers]

15 minutes ago, the saint in winchester said:

Put me in the camp of wanting to give Reed, Smallbone and Jankewicz their chance this season.

If we don't do that, what's the point of the Academy? May as well wind it up if we're only trying to find U23 team players.

Yup, absolutely. 

With Romeu and JWP now established as our 1st choice pairing in CM, we're not looking for a Hojbjerg 'replacement' to fill a berth in the default starting 11 per se. We're looking for a squad player. Let's not block the path of promising players that are already in our midst by signing an average squad filler. Yes, Jankewitz is obviously inexperienced, but he's not exactly a 'boy' any more (20th birthday next year) and he needs to gain said first team experience sooner rather than later IMO. (And not forgetting that Ralph seems to really rate him)

Edited 13 August, 2020 by trousers

[skintsaint]

1 hour ago, Saint Garrett said:

I don’t think that’s the priority from that position personally. We’re already going to play with two strikers and two “inside forwards / #10s” and we have Prowsey who pops up with the odd goal.
 

This player just needs to be able to win headers, read the game, focus on interceptions, have good awareness and break up the game. Basically Hojbjerg.

Goals are a bonus. 

Dunno, would prefer my box to box midfielder to get at least a couple of goals a season. Not too much to ask.

[trousers]

4 minutes ago, skintsaint said:

Dunno, would prefer my box to box midfielder to get at least a couple of goals a season. Not too much to ask.

Thinking out loud, aren't all players in Ralph's system pretty much "box to box" players? For example, I've lost count of the number of time Ings is back in his own box clearing the ball off the line or putting in a last gasp block. As such, I don't think we need a 'specialist' box to box player per se, do we...?

Edited 13 August, 2020 by trousers

[skintsaint]

2 minutes ago, trousers said:

Thinking out loud, aren't all players in Ralph's system pretty much "box to box" players? For example, I've lost count of the number of time Ings is back in his own box clearing the ball off the line or putting in a last gasp block. As such, I don't think we need a 'specialist' box to box player per se, do we...?

Well Ings comes back for corners and defensive free kicks, but during open play you won't see him doing last ditch tackles and running box to box. All I am saying be nice to have a midfielder who can contribute a few goals from midfield. 🤷‍♀️

[tajjuk]

22 minutes ago, trousers said:

Yup, absolutely. 

With Romeu and JWP now established as our 1st choice pairing in CM, we're not looking for a Hojbjerg 'replacement' to fill a berth in the default starting 11 per se. We're looking for a squad player. Let's not block the path of promising players that are already in our midst by signing an average squad filler. Yes, Jankewitz is obviously inexperienced, but he's not exactly a 'boy' any more (20th birthday next year) and he needs to gain said first team experience sooner rather than later IMO. (And not forgetting that Ralph seems to really rate him)

I think it's more about Romeu being our first choice, he's ok but really IMO we should be upgrading.

Plus those two central roles are very demanding, we can't expect JWP not to get injured he's done very well to avoid it this year and Romeu is a pretty much guaranteed booking so he'll get suspensions. 

I think ideally you'd want 3 first choice players for those two slots and then the youngsters battle it out for the 4th spot IMO. (presuming Reed goes). 

I know people here don't rate Hojberg but he was IIRC first in the league for ball recoveries and very high up on some other stats, he does need replacing. 

[Chewy]

FWIW I think we’ll only buy if we sell Reed, which will depend on reed himself and if Ralph thinks he’s now good enough. I’ll happily accept Ralph’s judgement and in fairness will understand if Reed wants to go. 
Aside from possibly a boufal replacement in the squad (see smallbone more central longer term) which could be Telia anyway, I think we’re done for signings unless Reed goes and something moves in our goalkeeper situation. Possibly another centre back if we sell Vesti.

Id love us to add Watkins but unless we get lucky on selling all our other dead wood (Hoedt, Lemina and Carrillo) We won’t be able to afford it imho 

[Maya's Dad]

why can we not afford it though..the hojberg money pretty much balances what we have spent.

as long as we are able to loan out or hopefully get rid of a couple from the junkyard, lemina hoedt carillo and one of the keepers will surely all be off the books come start of the season, then we must have room for at least one in

[Convict Colony]

6 hours ago, KingswoodSaint said:

Has anyone on here heard any solid rumours about any new signings to replace Hojbjerg? I know we didn't use him in the latter games and we didn't do too badly, but surely we're in the market for a new first team quality CM? A rumour about Weston McKennie, American youngster currently at Schalke, was poo-pooed by Adam Blackmore amongst others who seem to be ITK at Saints. Anyone got anything? 

Just did a quick search and these are the top midfielders in the bundesliga under the age of 25 with more than 10 appearances, wouldnt surprise me if it was someone on here (yes Mckinnie is on here)

[Convict Colony]

Since mooted target mangla played in bundes 2 last year here is the top midfielders under 25 with 10+ apps in that league

 

[Dusic]

A lot of Jankewitz experts on the forum it would seem.

 

[HarvSFC]

Yeah, the end of the last season was the perfect opportunity to blood Jankewitz into the first team with five subs and not a lot to play for other than pride. But, he only ended up making three appearances on the bench and was left out of the other five match squads. Too soon to herald him as the replacement for Hojbjerg and he'd very much be the cheap option.

[StrangelyBrown]

5 hours ago, skintsaint said:

Dunno, would prefer my box to box midfielder to get at least a couple of goals a season. Not too much to ask.

Shooting on target would be an improvement on Hojbjerg

[trousers]

1 hour ago, Dusic said:

A lot of Jankewitz experts on the forum it would seem.

 

[ErwinK1961]

1 hour ago, Dusic said:

A lot of Jankewitz experts on the forum it would seem.

 

Indeed. The lad hasn’t made a first team appearance yet. Not signing a PEH replacement would be negligent.

[Saint_clark]

Tricky situation. I'd be happy with Romeu and JWP with Reed rotating in when one needs a rest (does JWP rest?), But only if Reed will sign a new contract...but he'll only do that for a guaranteed first team place as it seems he's got at least 3 Prem teams offering him a starting place in midfield. So we may well be better off taking the £8-10million for Reed, trying to sell off at least one of Boufal, Lemina, Hoedt, Forster or Carrillo and using the £15million-ish to sign a young midfielder to understudy for this season looking to step in for Romeu next season. 

I'm more fussed about finding someone strong in the tackle and with good reading of the game to intercept than someone who will get forward and score/create goals. We have two wide players, two strikers and JWP for creating goals. 

[SaintJackoInHurworth]

Romeu, Smallbone, Jankewitz, JWP, Armstrong, Reed, Lemina, Stephens...

In theory we have a decent number of players who 'can' play in some sort of central midfield position. Of course, there are problems with all of them in relation to the more defensive midfield role...

* Romeu - the player who naturally fits the mold as long as he can maintain good form. The question is whether one player in the middle is enough and does he need a partner who compensates for his occasional weaknesses? He is not always the fastest or most consistent player.

* Lemina - A great player on his day, but seems to prefer a more attacking role and his lack of discipline, his laziness and the fact he has fallen out with Saints pretty much rules him out; otherwise he could have become a good box-to-box midfielder. In the light of his falling out with Saints, let's hope a foreign coach can see his potential and pay a decent enough transfer fee and wages to take him off our hands, releasing money for us to buy someone else.

* Smallbone - was touted as potentially the Hojbjerg 'replacement' but is it really his position? He did well in his appearances at the end of the season, but you have to wonder if he needs a bit more experience yet.

* Reed - seems to have done well at Fulham, so maybe he can finally come good. It would be great if he can, but I didn't see enough from him in the past to suggest he will. Ralph will be the best judge of his ability.

* JWP & Armstrong - both can fill in here and do a job, alongside e.g. Romeu, but ultimately it is not really their best position.

* Jankewitz - too inexperienced surely?

* Stephens - maybe occasionally but not really the long term solution surely? Who knows though?

Edited 13 August, 2020 by SaintJackoInHurworth
Clarification of where I am suggesting these players might not be the best - i.e. as defensive midfielders

[Baird of the land]

Seems to me signings are dependent on who leaves and for what money If Reed leaves or Ralph doesn’t rate him, then yes we’d need a hojberg replacement and we’d likely have some money from sale to go after a quality player. I wouldn’t mind another 10 to challenge Armstrong if boufal is off but not sure if we’ll get much boufal if he does go.

[Saint_clark]

9 minutes ago, SaintJackoInHurworth said:

Romeu, Smallbone, Jankewitz, JWP, Armstrong, Reed, Lemina, Stephens...

In theory we have a decent number of players who 'can' play in some sort of central midfield position. Of course, there are problems with all of them...

* Romeu - the player who naturally fits the mold as long as he can maintain good form. The question is whether one player in the middle is enough and does he need a partner who compensates for his occasional weaknesses? He is not always the fastest or most consistent player.

* Lemina - A great player on his day, but seems to prefer a more attacking role and his lack of discipline, his laziness and the fact he has fallen out with Saints pretty much rules him out; otherwise he could have become a good box-to-box midfielder. In the light of his falling out with Saints, let's hope a foreign coach can see his potential and pay a decent enough transfer fee and wages to take him off our hands, releasing money for us to buy someone else.

* Smallbone - was touted as potentially the Hojbjerg 'replacement' but is it really his position? He did well in his appearances at the end of the season, but you have to wonder if he needs a bit more experience yet.

* Reed - seems to have done well at Fulham, so maybe he can finally come good. It would be great if he can, but I didn't see enough from him in the past to suggest he will. Ralph will be the best judge of his ability.

* JWP & Armstrong - both can fill in here and do a job, alongside e.g. Romeu, but ultimately it is not really their best position.

* Jankewitz - too inexperienced surely?

* Stephens - maybe occasionally but not really the long term solution surely? Who knows though?

I think JWP has proven beyond doubt he can play as CM.

[SuperSAINT]

The problem with Wilson McKenzie* at Schalke is not just the asking price - he’s apparently on Fraser Forster money.
 

[* MLG bait]

[Matthew Le God]

42 minutes ago, SuperSAINT said:

[* MLG bait]

I'm not falling for that

[S-Clarke]

From the outset I've always felt we'd let PEH go and asses what we have within, before we do anything else.

I think we'll need to see Reed and Lemina leave before we bring in another midfielder. There's also the possibility Jankewitz becoming more involved in the squad and there could be a feeling that the club feel that signing a replacement now will block his emergence. He's very highly thought of not just at our club but in European circles.

So, unless both Lemina and Reed go for 'decent' fees then I don't believe we will add another. The PEH money has paid for Salisu and KWP and we'd certainly need to raise some significant funds to sign anyone else.

Edited 13 August, 2020 by S-Clarke

[SuperSAINT]

21 minutes ago, Matthew Le God said:

I'm not falling for that

 

Genuinely surprised me that he's on that much at 21.

[Cartman]

26 minutes ago, SuperSAINT said:

 

Genuinely surprised me that he's on that much at 21.

I wouldn't say he is on as much a Forster, but he will be on fairly high wages which would force us to give him Hoedt, Lemina type money. The signings we have made this and last year suggest that, at least initially, they will be on relatively low money. Gives us room to renew their contracts and more importantly, if they flop they won't be such a nightmare to get rid of.

We should get Enock Mwepu, can't go wrong with a Salzburg player.

https://totalfootballanalysis.com/player-analysis/enock-mwepu-201920-scout-report-tactical-analysis-tactics

[SuperSAINT]

1 hour ago, Cartman said:

I wouldn't say he is on as much a Forster, but he will be on fairly high wages which would force us to give him Hoedt, Lemina type money. The signings we have made this and last year suggest that, at least initially, they will be on relatively low money. Gives us room to renew their contracts and more importantly, if they flop they won't be such a nightmare to get rid of.

We should get Enock Mwepu, can't go wrong with a Salzburg player.

https://totalfootballanalysis.com/player-analysis/enock-mwepu-201920-scout-report-tactical-analysis-tactics

I would say he is & that's the problem because he will expect an increase  

[Saint_clark]

1 hour ago, S-Clarke said:

From the outset I've always felt we'd let PEH go and asses what we have within, before we do anything else.

I think we'll need to see Reed and Lemina leave before we bring in another midfielder. There's also the possibility Jankewitz becoming more involved in the squad and there could be a feeling that the club feel that signing a replacement now will block his emergence. He's very highly thought of not just at our club but in European circles.

So, unless both Lemina and Reed go for 'decent' fees then I don't believe we will add another. The PEH money has paid for Salisu and KWP and we'd certainly need to raise some significant funds to sign anyone else.

The Reed situation could be a good warning of what will happen to Jankewitz if we sign another player now. 

[Cartman]

13 minutes ago, SuperSAINT said:

I would say he is & that's the problem because he will expect an increase  

Can only go off FM20 but it says Forster is on €81.9K per week and McKennie €48.4K per week. Of course that is still way more than Adams, Djenepo and Salisu before we bought them, probably KWP too, and like you say, he would expect an increase which would take him to Hoedt, Lemina wage territory, a problem if like them he ends up being sh!te.

[Matthew Le God]

3 minutes ago, Cartman said:

Can only go off FM20 but it says Forster is on €81.9K per week and McKennie €48.4K per week.

The wages on FM are often guesses if it hasn't been stated by a reliable source in the media.

Edited 13 August, 2020 by Matthew Le God

[Turkish]

2 minutes ago, Matthew Le God said:

The wages on FM are guesses.

• 🤣🤣🤣

[Matthew Le God]

4 minutes ago, Turkish said:

• 🤣🤣🤣

Why is that funny? Did you expect Danny Ings to show me his monthly payslip? 🙄

Edited 13 August, 2020 by Matthew Le God

[Turkish]

3 minutes ago, Matthew Le God said:

Why is that funny? Did you expect Danny Ings to show me his monthly payslip? 🙄

You’re funny. You amuse me. You’re like my little pet dancing bear.

Edited 13 August, 2020 by Turkish

[Turkish]

11 minutes ago, Matthew Le God said:

The wages on FM are often guesses if it hasn't been stated by a reliable source in the media.

Nice edit 🤣

[Matthew Le God]

3 minutes ago, Turkish said:

You’re funny. You amuse me. You’re like my little pet dancing bear.

I'm not here to amuse you

Edited 13 August, 2020 by Matthew Le God

[The Curse of St Mary's]

Orel Mangala does on paper fit the bill, versatile as CDM or CM. 88% pass completion rate which is what Morgan schneiderlin had at saints. Can be box to box with a good engine on him as well as start off attacks with forward passes to our attackers.

Scouting report on him here https://footballwhispers.com/blog/orel-mangala-scout-report-arsenal/

 

[Turkish]

2 minutes ago, Matthew Le God said:

I'm not here to amuse you

MLG on a post I’ve been on https://youtu.be/DRb9ZZSaMzA

[Professor]

One name I haven't seen mentioned is Callum Slattery.  Was on loan to De Graafschap in the Eerste Divisie, the German second tier side.  The season there ended early due to COVID-19 and back in Southampton, Slattery signed a 2-year contract extension to June 2022.  Now aged 21, if he is to fulfil his early promise, this would be the season for him to make his mark. if he is in the frame, an indication would be to see him training with the first team.

Edited 14 August, 2020 by Professor