Summer Transfer Window 2025/26

[Matthew Le God]

8 minutes ago, Football Special said:

What sort of fee is being predicted for Downs? He looks like one.for the future , young with potential but a gamble to rely on him 

FC Köln relied on him and they were promoted to the Bundesliga. He isn't a complete novice.

[Football Special]

20 minutes ago, Matthew Le God said:

FC Köln relied on him and they were promoted to the Bundesliga. He isn't a complete novice.

He is young though, how many first team appearances has he had in his career? 

[Badger]

1 hour ago, Matthew Le God said:

FC Köln relied on him and they were promoted to the Bundesliga. He isn't a complete novice.

Intrigued to know why he would want to leave recently promoted Koln for us, or doesn’t have the opportunity to upgrade in the Bundesliga. Apart from $$$ of course. 

[sockeye]

10 minutes ago, Badger said:

Intrigued to know why he would want to leave recently promoted Koln for us, or doesn’t have the opportunity to upgrade in the Bundesliga. Apart from $$$ of course. 

They've just signed Ragnar Ache who scored 18 in 30 for Kaiserslautern as compared to his 10 in 29. Might be looking for opportunities to be a starter and not a bit part player.

Edited Sunday at 22:11 by sockeye

[Badger]

4 minutes ago, sockeye said:

They've just signed Ragnar Ache who scored 18 in 30 for Kaiserslautern as compared to his 10 in 29. Might be looking for opportunities to be a starter and not a bit part player.

Fair point. 

[skintsaint]

4 minutes ago, sockeye said:

They've just signed Ragnar Ache who scored 18 in 30 for Kaiserslautern

Heard he causes defenders pain.

[qwertyell]

2 hours ago, West end Saints said:

Downs follows Quarshie on Instagram - have they played together?

Germany u20s.

[skintsaint]

2 hours ago, Matthew Le God said:

FC Köln relied on him and they were promoted to the Bundesliga. He isn't a complete novice.

And he has already played and scored in the Bundesliga.

[benjii]

7 hours ago, Football Special said:

What sort of fee is being predicted for Downs? He looks like one.for the future , young with potential but a gamble to rely on him 

One plus would be resurrecting the yaya/ kolo toure song for Flynn / Damion 

"Plus"?!?!?

[Nolan]

Couple of Takes on Downs.

https://targetscouting.com/2025/01/31/damion-downs-1-fc-koln-scout-report/

Taking a deep dive on Damion Downs as he prepares for his first USMNT call-up - Stars and Stripes FC

 

[Danbert]

8 hours ago, Badger said:

Intrigued to know why he would want to leave recently promoted Koln for us, or doesn’t have the opportunity to upgrade in the Bundesliga. Apart from $$$ of course. 

He may see moving to us as a route to the Premier League 

[ally_uk]

Sounds like a good signing, seems like we are going for players with a bit of height and physicality, Which can only be a good thing.

Let's face it, those type of attributes we were crying out for, lining up in the Premier league we looked  like a shit rendition of Snow 7 white and the seven dwarves in comparison to the physicality of say Newcastle for example.... 🤣

Edited Monday at 07:56 by ally_uk

[Wade Garrett]

11 hours ago, Dusic said:

Judging by what Alfie House said after that in Quarshie discussion then it sounds like Damion Downs.

Basically said Quarshie is big, strong quick and the striker target is too.

I think the original source linking us with him is a good one too seemingly he is the one we want.

New scouting set-up same as the last one.  Absolute fucking bullshit.

[Wade Garrett]

13 hours ago, HarvSFC said:

After last season and many years of failure in recruiting a decent striker, please make this a statement signing, and not a young and inexperienced up and comer.

Don’t hold your breath.

[Nolan]

5 minutes ago, Wade Garrett said:

New scouting set-up same as the last one.  Absolute fucking bullshit.

really? what basis do you have for the negativity?

in Downs you get an aerial target due to his height. A player that's said to be positionally intelligent. Then you get the fact he's a good stylistic fit into a Will Still team.

and Tim Lederer, the rumoured new Chief Scout is going to be very well versed in the unders' category so will have followed Downs for a lot longer than any international Stats site will have data for.

 

[CB Fry]

11 hours ago, Matthew Le God said:

FC Köln relied on him and they were promoted to the Bundesliga. He isn't a complete novice.

21 starts last season. He isn't a complete novice but he hasn't ever played a complete season.

[trousers]

22 minutes ago, Nolan said:

really? what basis do you have for the negativity?

in Downs you get an aerial target due to his height. A player that's said to be positionally intelligent. Then you get the fact he's a good stylistic fit into a Will Still team.

and Tim Lederer, the rumoured new Chief Scout is going to be very well versed in the unders' category so will have followed Downs for a lot longer than any international Stats site will have data for.

 

If you turn a blind eye to Wade's melodramic posting style, his underlying concern is valid. Based on what we know so far in this close season (and I appreciate it's early days) we do still seem to be deploying the "young with potential to be good (but could equally turn out to be poor)" approach to the transfer market rather than the "let's go for some seasoned pros who we know will add value at this level" approach. Of course, they may have a few of the latter up their sleeves for later in the window, but the early signs are that we're sticking with the former approach again. That said, we do already have some "seasoned pros" in the squad who we know can do a job at Championship level, so perhaps targetting the "potential" end of the market isn't as big a risk as perhaps Wade is perceiving it to be.

As always, time will tell....

Edited Monday at 08:40 by trousers

[Matthew Le God]

37 minutes ago, CB Fry said:

21 starts last season. He isn't a complete novice but he hasn't ever played a complete season.

It is only a 34 game season in 2.Bundesliga and he scored 10 of their 53 goals. He certainly wasn't a bit part player... he was FC Koln's top league scorer in a league winning season!

Edited Monday at 09:00 by Matthew Le God

[revolution saint]

8 minutes ago, trousers said:

If you turn a blind eye to Wade's melodramic posting style, his underlying concern is valid. Based on what we know so far in this close season (and I appreciate it's early days) we do still seem to be deploying the "young with potential to be good (but could equally turn out to be poor)" approach to the transfer market rather than the "let's go for some seasoned pros who we know will add value at this level" approach. Of course, they may have a few of the latter up their sleeves for later in the window, but the early signs are that we're sticking with the former approach again. That said, we do already have some "seasoned pros" in the squad who we know can do a job at Championship level, so perhaps targetting the "potential" end of the market isn't as bigger risk as perhaps Wade is perceiving it to be.

As always, time will tell....

Cool, the opening salvos of the annual summer, experience vs potential debate.

Personally think both sides have some merit but there’s some well shit experienced players out there as well as players with potential that will become, well, shit. Ultimately I think it comes down to the scouting and getting in the best affordable players regardless of age.

There doesn’t appear to be much of a window of opportunity for young players with potential; if Downes has a breakout season next time round then he’s out of our price range in the same way we missed the boat on players like Gakpo, Hojlund and Ramos. Risk is he’s not the next in that line but the next Mara.

[Saints4Prem]

14 minutes ago, Matthew Le God said:

It is only a 34 game season in 2.Bundesliga and he scored 10 of their 53 goals. He certainly wasn't a bit part player... he was their top league scorer!

Thanks for that it certainly puts a better spin on him as a target. Young, must be hungry and actually scores goals 🏐😇

[Football Special]

4 hours ago, benjii said:

"Plus"?!?!?

Come on don't tell me you didn't enjoy a bit of Kelvin, Kelvin Kelvin , Kelvin Kelvin , Kelvin Kelvin Davis 

[Teamsaint1]

A couple of properly senior pros ( late 20's early 30s) are always useful for younger players to learn from.

Fraser might be useful for this  as I think he want to go into coaching (?) but I would say we are a bit lacking in that regard. But doubtless the priority will be the three new players they want to bring in and shifting surplus squad players.

[ally_uk]

Who do you want us to sign then Ings? Che Adams? Shankland?

[hypochondriac]

1 hour ago, trousers said:

If you turn a blind eye to Wade's melodramic posting style, his underlying concern is valid. Based on what we know so far in this close season (and I appreciate it's early days) we do still seem to be deploying the "young with potential to be good (but could equally turn out to be poor)" approach to the transfer market rather than the "let's go for some seasoned pros who we know will add value at this level" approach. Of course, they may have a few of the latter up their sleeves for later in the window, but the early signs are that we're sticking with the former approach again. That said, we do already have some "seasoned pros" in the squad who we know can do a job at Championship level, so perhaps targetting the "potential" end of the market isn't as big a risk as perhaps Wade is perceiving it to be.

As always, time will tell....

Come on saints. Get Tadic in. You know it makes sense. 

[Miltonaggro]

1 hour ago, Wade Garrett said:

New scouting set-up same as the last one.  Absolute fucking bullshit.

I am at least encouraged that both Joshua (20) and Damion (20) have the brick-shithouse physicality of heavyweight boxers, and at £3m and £4m respectively, might genuinely be seen as low-risk potential signings. 

For perspective, Larios at 18 cost us £6m plus, Mara at 19 cost us £10m plus, and Sulemana at 21 £22m.  I think these two lads will be the early additions suggested by Spors et al. and approved by Still.  

[Dusic]

28 minutes ago, revolution saint said:

Cool, the opening salvos of the annual summer, experience vs potential debate.

Personally think both sides have some merit but there’s some well shit experienced players out there as well as players with potential that will become, well, shit. Ultimately I think it comes down to the scouting and getting in the best affordable players regardless of age.

There doesn’t appear to be much of a window of opportunity for young players with potential; if Downes has a breakout season next time round then he’s out of our price range in the same way we missed the boat on players like Gakpo, Hojlund and Ramos. Risk is he’s not the next in that line but the next Mara.

Exactly, the whole point around our recruitment issues of recent years is that we just haven't recruited good enough players. In fact, many of our more "experienced" signings have been worse than the younger players we have signed.

Nobody moans about Fernandes lack of experience because guess what, he is good. Taylor had loads of PL experience but 3 managers didn't rate him and Livramento with no pro mens football was one of our best signings of the last decade.

When you bring in a whole new recruitment setup it is up to them to develop a record and reputation and just because we signed Mara once it shouldn't mean we never sign a 20yo striker ever again. Clearly the optimal model for us is to identify, develop and sell talents whilst having senior pros to provide a stable platform - a signing like O'Brien for example would add a player in their prime.

But these days young talents are wanted by everyone so you have to either take a risk on someone who maybe hasnt quite fufilled their potential (like Willem Geubbels who Monaco paid €20m for ages 16), or just get them earlier before someone else does (Daouda Traore or Kayi Sanda) in the hope you can develop them. This is also where the multi club system can be effective if operated well.

I am sure there will be a balance of ages but the main thing is just to sign a higher proportion of players who are actually good enough - just like we did when we were well run and just like Brighton, Bournemouth etc do now. AFCB will sell 3 of their back 4 for way over £100m this summer and none of them had any experience to speak of when they signed.

Currently for the Championship we have quite a lot of players who gave played a decent amount at this level anyway so not even sure this is a gap: McCarthy, Bazunu, Bree, Stephens, Manning, Fraser, Smallbone, Downes, Brereton-Diaz, Armstrong

[hypochondriac]

4 minutes ago, ally_uk said:

Who do you want us to sign then Ings? Che Adams? Shankland?

Think I've said before that I'd like Sargent. 

[Wade Garrett]

1 hour ago, Nolan said:

really? what basis do you have for the negativity?

in Downs you get an aerial target due to his height. A player that's said to be positionally intelligent. Then you get the fact he's a good stylistic fit into a Will Still team.

and Tim Lederer, the rumoured new Chief Scout is going to be very well versed in the unders' category so will have followed Downs for a lot longer than any international Stats site will have data for.

 

Another unproven risk.  Club still trying to be clever bollocks.  Will probably be another Sekou Mara, or Edozie, or Bazunu, or Larios….

[Saint Scott]

11 minutes ago, Teamsaint1 said:

A couple of properly senior pros ( late 20's early 30s) are always useful for younger players to learn from.

Fraser might be useful for this  as I think he want to go into coaching (?) but I would say we are a bit lacking in that regard. But doubtless the priority will be the three new players they want to bring in and shifting surplus squad players.

I wouldn't be surprised to see Fraser reunited with Martin at Rangers 

[Miltonaggro]

7 minutes ago, hypochondriac said:

Come on saints. Get Tadic in. You know it makes sense. 

That would likely be a very good cameo signing for this season, still very fit and a genuine leader.  

[AlexLaw76]

As said on TSP podcast.

Tadic would just take the piss in the championship 

[skintsaint]

All deets on Downs for this season gone with highlights of goals :

 

https://www.bundesliga.com/en/bundesliga/player/damion-downs

Edited Monday at 10:11 by skintsaint

[BarberSaint]

8 minutes ago, skintsaint said:

All deets on Downs for this season one with highlights of goals :

 

https://www.bundesliga.com/en/bundesliga/player/damion-downs

 

Uses both feet; good.

Doesn't strike the ball cleanly.

Defending in that league is jank.

Edited Monday at 10:10 by BarberSaint
grammar

[hypochondriac]

45 minutes ago, Miltonaggro said:

That would likely be a very good cameo signing for this season, still very fit and a genuine leader.  

Miles better than soggy biscuit Lallana. Would get some real excitement at the club too. 

[LuckyNumber7]

Don't know why people are so obsessed with age, it really doesn't matter, the important thing is they're good enough.

I remember loads of moaning on here when we were linked with Fernandes last summer as he was barely 20 and had only played in Portugal. On the other hand we've signed plenty of older 'experienced' dross.

I've no idea if Quarshie and possibly Downs are good enough, but to write them off before they've even kicked a ball just because they're young is ridiculous.

Besides that, most of the more 'experienced' signings will happen later in the window.

[hypochondriac]

8 minutes ago, LuckyNumber7 said:

Don't know why people are so obsessed with age, it really doesn't matter, the important thing is they're good enough.

I remember loads of moaning on here when we were linked with Fernandes last summer as he was barely 20 and had only played in Portugal. On the other hand we've signed plenty of older 'experienced' dross.

I've no idea if Quarshie and possibly Downs are good enough, but to write them off before they've even kicked a ball just because they're young is ridiculous.

Besides that, most of the more 'experienced' signings will happen later in the window.

I don't think most people will moan about signing youth unless we don't get enough experience to complement it. One thing we do know about this league is how important it is to have people with experience in it who can navigate the highs and lows of the season. I accept some of or players can do that but I'd prefer some fresh blood from elsewhere. 

[hypochondriac]

3 hours ago, Nolan said:

really? what basis do you have for the negativity?

in Downs you get an aerial target due to his height. A player that's said to be positionally intelligent. Then you get the fact he's a good stylistic fit into a Will Still team.

and Tim Lederer, the rumoured new Chief Scout is going to be very well versed in the unders' category so will have followed Downs for a lot longer than any international Stats site will have data for.

 

Alfie house emphasising we are looking for someone with a bit of pace though and the koln forum and player profiles sort of confirm he doesn't have much of that so not sure it is him. 

[hypochondriac]

I'm still holding out hope for Richard kone from Wycombe. Can score goals in English football, big strong and pacy and won't cost much at all. To my mind that's a much safer bet than some others mentioned. 

[skintsaint]

6 minutes ago, hypochondriac said:

I'm still holding out hope for Richard kone from Wycombe. Can score goals in English football, big strong and pacy and won't cost much at all. To my mind that's a much safer bet than some others mentioned. 

Apparently West Ham after him and Wycombe want £12m.

[Nolan]

7 minutes ago, hypochondriac said:

Alfie house emphasising we are looking for someone with a bit of pace though and the koln forum and player profiles sort of confirm he doesn't have much of that so not sure it is him. 

the Bundesliga website that was posted earlier suggests otherwise. lists his speed as 33.95 Km/h

 

[Turkish]

52 minutes ago, LuckyNumber7 said:

Don't know why people are so obsessed with age, it really doesn't matter, the important thing is they're good enough.

I remember loads of moaning on here when we were linked with Fernandes last summer as he was barely 20 and had only played in Portugal. On the other hand we've signed plenty of older 'experienced' dross.

I've no idea if Quarshie and possibly Downs are good enough, but to write them off before they've even kicked a ball just because they're young is ridiculous.

Besides that, most of the more 'experienced' signings will happen later in the window.

Its because if we signed young players they are hungry and guaranteed to improve

If we sign older players then they're guaranteed to be good guys who will teach the ones so they can take their place in the team

 

that said, experience in certain positions is vital, i'd rather have a decent experienced goalkeeper and centre back at the spine of my team than a group of YHTGTIers

[hypochondriac]

31 minutes ago, skintsaint said:

Apparently West Ham after him and Wycombe want £12m.

Fair enough if true. If not though not a chance are they getting that for him 

[skintsaint]

1 minute ago, hypochondriac said:

Fair enough if true. If not though not a chance are they getting that for him 

They knocked back £7m in January. So probably a figure between the two.

[hypochondriac]

38 minutes ago, Nolan said:

the Bundesliga website that was posted earlier suggests otherwise. lists his speed as 33.95 Km/h

 

Who knows. Maybe it's wrong 

[MarkSFC]

Im not too fussed about having a mega tall striker BUT it is something we lack for corners & free kicks into the box. Someone will no doubt correct me but I think its a long time since we were an afield threat for corners, and that means they are almost a waste of time and more likely to give the opposition an easy time. Banging long balls to a tall man is only effective if you have runners off them and is quite a primitive tactic now (unless its very late in tbe game etc). A player who can get in the right position very often is exactly what we need so that others creating chances can confidently rely on. The striker to be there. When you don't have that you erode confidence of wingers and AMs and they will be less inclined to be positive. 

So I like the idea of this Downs bloke. I'd still like another, maybe more experienced, Sargent or Stansfield maybe 

[Matthew Le God]

6 minutes ago, MarkSFC said:

Im not too fussed about having a mega tall striker BUT it is something we lack for corners & free kicks into the box.

Onuachu and Stewart aren't lacking in height!

Edited Monday at 12:36 by Matthew Le God

[East Kent Saint]

2 hours ago, Miltonaggro said:

I am at least encouraged that both Joshua (20) and Damion (20) have the brick-shithouse physicality of heavyweight boxers, and at £3m and £4m respectively, might genuinely be seen as low-risk potential signings. 

For perspective, Larios at 18 cost us £6m plus, Mara at 19 cost us £10m plus, and Sulemana at 21 £22m.  I think these two lads will be the early additions suggested by Spors et al. and approved by Still.  

I thought we went down the ‘unit’ route and signed a sicknote who didn’t seem to want to play 😄

[OldNick]

26 minutes ago, MarkSFC said:

Im not too fussed about having a mega tall striker BUT it is something we lack for corners & free kicks into the box. Someone will no doubt correct me but I think its a long time since we were an afield threat for corners, and that means they are almost a waste of time and more likely to give the opposition an easy time. Banging long balls to a tall man is only effective if you have runners off them and is quite a primitive tactic now (unless its very late in tbe game etc). A player who can get in the right position very often is exactly what we need so that others creating chances can confidently rely on. The striker to be there. When you don't have that you erode confidence of wingers and AMs and they will be less inclined to be positive. 

So I like the idea of this Downs bloke. I'd still like another, maybe more experienced, Sargent or Stansfield maybe 

I doubt Birmingham need to sell Stansfield

[gecko]

3 hours ago, hypochondriac said:

Come on saints. Get Tadic in. You know it makes sense. 

I'm always nervous when old names come out of the woodwork, but having looked at his stats... https://www.transfermarkt.co.uk/dusan-tadic/leistungsdatendetails/spieler/36139

He's 36.... but he's still playing ~45 games a season (across all comp's) and contributing 10-15 goals, and 15-20 assists.

Fine, the Superlig isn't great, and I guess those stats don't really show how good he is at "pressing" these days, but I'm confident that Still would be pragmatic enough to make him work

I'd have him back.

[SaintNewForest]

This the same Tadic who moaned about the physicality of the PL? He wouldn't last the season in the Championship.