Summer Transfer Window 2025/26

[CB Fry]

48 minutes ago, bpsaint said:

I mean, if we’re not going to bring anyone else in this window then we may as well hang on.

I mean, we are. It's the 16th August.

 

[Willo of Whiteley]

Shall we try and poach some Stoke, Middlesbrough and West Brom players for the moment? 😅

Edited 4 hours ago by Willo of Whiteley

[SfcPhil]

Are we negotiating our transfers via carrier pigeons or something?

[HnycS]

If it is the case that Aribo and Edoize are taking up squad slots, can the club not loan them, if their agent cannot find them a transfer? Surely there are clubs that would at least pay some their wages?

[Give it to Ron]

1 hour ago, Badger said:

 

Didn’t see the game, but detect some sarcasm. How did he play ? 
 

A lot of Coventry’s good play goes through him, he links it all really well. He is strong and holds it up well and has an eye for a pass.

Just because he didn’t create or score today doesn’t mean he didn’t play well he is a vital cog for Coventry.

My thoughts someone not looking for positivity may see a different Rudoni today.

[Give it to Ron]

55 minutes ago, CB Fry said:

I mean, we are. It's the 16th August.

 

🚨#SaintsFC are trying to sign Leo Scienza before Deadline Day. There is contact underway.

Köln and Gladbach remain interested, but Heidenheim only want to sell and are aiming for a minimum transfer fee of €10m.

[📖@berger_pj | @SkySportDE]

[S-Clarke]

1 minute ago, Give it to Ron said:

🚨#SaintsFC are trying to sign Leo Scienza before Deadline Day. There is contact underway.

Köln and Gladbach remain interested, but Heidenheim only want to sell and are aiming for a minimum transfer fee of €10m.

[📖@berger_pj | @SkySportDE]

He scored two goals today in the German cup, second one particularly good from outside the area. Looks a good player.  Played in the Bundesliga last season, as well as Europe (Conference league and Champions League)

Seems to have some genuine top level pedigree and is the uptick we need quality wise.

[Give it to Ron]

3 minutes ago, S-Clarke said:

He scored two goals today in the German cup, second one particularly good from outside the area. Looks a good player.  Played in the Bundesliga last season, as well as Europe (Conference league and Champions League)

Seems to have some genuine top level pedigree and is the uptick we need quality wise.

My yard stick is does he improve the team and different than we have.

Its clearly another Spors purchase so as we have put all our recruitment in his basket we have to trust that.

[S-Clarke]

3 minutes ago, Give it to Ron said:

My yard stick is does he improve the team and different than we have.

Its clearly another Spors purchase so as we have put all our recruitment in his basket we have to trust that.

Given his pedigree, It's probably hard for him not to. We currently have nothing on the left side really, so it will almost certainly improve us.

[Give it to Ron]

6 minutes ago, S-Clarke said:

Given his pedigree, It's probably hard for him not to. We currently have nothing on the left side really, so it will almost certainly improve us.

Edozie replacement it seems. BBD is way off form think this looks a good purchase but have never heard of him or seen him play so fingers crossed as we have to improve creativity and goals up front.

[S-Clarke]

Just now, Give it to Ron said:

Edozie replacement it seems. BBD is way off form think this looks a good purchase but have never heard of him or seen him play so fingers crossed as we have to improve creativity and goals up front.

Yeah I'd say so. I hope we move on BBD to be honest, I don't think we will, but he just seems like a bit of a rotten egg in the setup right now.

[egg]

1 hour ago, Willo of Whiteley said:

Five goals for Cov, no goals or assists in a very makeshift Derby team.

Decent midfielders can be brilliant without scoring or assisting. Case scored 12 and assisted 1 goal (he got more red cards than assists) in 245 games for us. He controlled games and is one of the best CM's I've seen in a Saints shirt. 

It's a sad state of affairs when people focus on 2 stats rather than watch a game and judge the player on what they see. 

[ErwinK1961]

I haven’t really looked or thought about it too much until now, but there are a lot of departures needed still, even without brining anyone else in.

Assuming we can somehow permanently shift the following:- Taylor, Bella Kotchap, Edozie, Aribo 

And the following go out on loan:- Sesay, Kayi Sanda, Matsuki

And we bring in another GK (which is a given)

We still have a squad of 24 players.

Realistically we probably need to shift another 4-5. Even if Dibling and/or Fernandes go there’s still more that need to leave.

We’ve got 5 CB’s (taking out Kayi Sanda), one too many? THB most sellable but could we sell Wood or Edwards instead.

Linked with a few RB’s but surely Bree or Sugawara need to leave first.

Downs, Stewart, BBD, Armstrong and Archer seems too heavy too. We’d all love to see BBD leave, but are we more likely to see interest in Archer?

[Farmer Saint]

4 minutes ago, ErwinK1961 said:

I haven’t really looked or thought about it too much until now, but there are a lot of departures needed still, even without brining anyone else in.

Assuming we can somehow permanently shift the following:- Taylor, Bella Kotchap, Edozie, Aribo 

And the following go out on loan:- Sesay, Kayi Sanda, Matsuki

And we bring in another GK (which is a given)

We still have a squad of 24 players.

Realistically we probably need to shift another 4-5. Even if Dibling and/or Fernandes go there’s still more that need to leave.

We’ve got 5 CB’s (taking out Kayi Sanda), one too many? THB most sellable but could we sell Wood or Edwards instead.

Linked with a few RB’s but surely Bree or Sugawara need to leave first.

Downs, Stewart, BBD, Armstrong and Archer seems too heavy too. We’d all love to see BBD leave, but are we more likely to see interest in Archer?

I have said this over and over. It's why you really can't believe what you're being told on X, or by certain posters on here.

Our squad is too large. We need to shift players. Until that happens there won't be any proper incomings.

[egg]

2 minutes ago, Farmer Saint said:

I have said this over and over. It's why you really can't believe what you're being told on X, or by certain posters on here.

Our squad is too large. We need to shift players. Until that happens there won't be any proper incomings.

Yep. The first team squad has over 30 players. We're not going to add to that for all manner of reasons including cash flow, wages, number of players to coach/train/keep happy. 

I think we were expecting to cash in big and quick on Dibling, and to offload some deadwood, then bring in more players. That hasn't happened, and I think we've been unrealistic about Dibling's value in light of his contract position. 

 

[WALK DMC]

50 minutes ago, S-Clarke said:

He scored two goals today in the German cup, second one particularly good from outside the area. Looks a good player.  Played in the Bundesliga last season, as well as Europe (Conference league and Champions League)

Seems to have some genuine top level pedigree and is the uptick we need quality wise.

I've no particular insight into Scienza other than Wiki and videos, but his pedigree doesn't look top level to me. He will be 27 years old next month. He has spent most of his career in the lower divisions, and we're talking 3rd and 6th tier. It was only last year that he made it to the Bundesliga and his stats are ok for 24-25. Videos are ok too. 

Maybe he is a late developer, but certainly there is limited evidence that he is an upgrade on Edozie (who I don't particularly rate). Fingers crossed that Spors has seen something that can fit our promotion push. 

[Matthew Le God]

13 minutes ago, WALK DMC said:

I've no particular insight into Scienza other than Wiki and videos, but his pedigree doesn't look top level to me. He will be 27 years old next month. He has spent most of his career in the lower divisions, and we're talking 3rd and 6th tier. It was only last year that he made it to the Bundesliga and his stats are ok for 24-25. Videos are ok too. 

Maybe he is a late developer, but certainly there is limited evidence that he is an upgrade on Edozie (who I don't particularly rate). Fingers crossed that Spors has seen something that can fit our promotion push. 

He performed extremely well in these areas compared to wingers across the 5 major European Leagues.

Edited 2 hours ago by Matthew Le God

[Gloucester Saint]

8 minutes ago, egg said:

Yep. The first team squad has over 30 players. We're not going to add to that for all manner of reasons including cash flow, wages, number of players to coach/train/keep happy. 

I think we were expecting to cash in big and quick on Dibling, and to offload some deadwood, then bring in more players. That hasn't happened, and I think we've been unrealistic about Dibling's value in light of his contract position. 

 

With how late it’s all been left, one of Dibling or Fernandes can’t be sold now, preferably the latter with the longer contract.

Loans in now I’d imagine. Two wide players and another CM required regardless of squad size. As long as it’s within PSR, SR will have to suck it up. Consequences from letting Martin and Ankerson run amok.

Edited 2 hours ago by Gloucester Saint

[verlaine1979]

7 minutes ago, egg said:

Yep. The first team squad has over 30 players. We're not going to add to that for all manner of reasons including cash flow, wages, number of players to coach/train/keep happy. 

I think we were expecting to cash in big and quick on Dibling, and to offload some deadwood, then bring in more players. That hasn't happened, and I think we've been unrealistic about Dibling's value in light of his contract position. 

 

You would think that after, what... five years of expecting to but not actually shifting any deadwood that the club might have a alighted on a different strategy.

[woodsaint1]

1 minute ago, Gloucester Saint said:

With how late it’s all been left, one of Dibling or Fernandes can’t be sold now, preferably the latter with the longer contract.

Loans in now I’d imagine. Two wide players and another CM required regardless of squad size. 

Preferably the one on the shorter contract dont you mean?

[Badger]

41 minutes ago, egg said:

Decent midfielders can be brilliant without scoring or assisting. Case scored 12 and assisted 1 goal (he got more red cards than assists) in 245 games for us. He controlled games and is one of the best CM's I've seen in a Saints shirt. 

It's a sad state of affairs when people focus on 2 stats rather than watch a game and judge the player on what they see. 

Not sure anybody bothered recording “assists” in those days. It seems a modern fascination.*

Case’s “assists” weren’t probably the final ball, but winning possession a few passes before that stage, or directing the younger players around him. Which supports your point. 

* a stat designed for spreadsheet nerds at football. 

[egg]

Just now, Gloucester Saint said:

With how late it’s all been left, one of Dibling or Fernandes can’t be sold now, preferably the latter with the longer contract.

Loans in now I’d imagine. Two wide players and another CM required regardless of squad size. 

Agree, although I think big cash for Fernandes is still possible. Also I'm not  sure we'll get a CM if one of Smallbone or Aribo stay.

[egg]

2 minutes ago, verlaine1979 said:

You would think that after, what... five years of expecting to but not actually shifting any deadwood that the club might have a alighted on a different strategy.

There aren't many strategies to make unattractive players on big wages more attractive, and the players attracted to a move. 

[Badger]

9 minutes ago, WALK DMC said:

I've no particular insight into Scienza other than Wiki and videos, but his pedigree doesn't look top level to me. He will be 27 years old next month. He has spent most of his career in the lower divisions, and we're talking 3rd and 6th tier. It was only last year that he made it to the Bundesliga and his stats are ok for 24-25. Videos are ok too. 

Maybe he is a late developer, but certainly there is limited evidence that he is an upgrade on Edozie (who I don't particularly rate). Fingers crossed that Spors has seen something that can fit our promotion push. 

Wonder what happened to the Spanish player we were linked with, (was it Vicente )? 
He seemed to be playing at a higher level than Scienza. 

Scienza doesn’t sound like a €10m player from the little I’ve read or seen 

[S-Clarke]

Bournemouth have somehow fleeced Brentford for £45m for their squad player, Outuarra

[Gloucester Saint]

Just now, egg said:

Agree, although I think big cash for Fernandes is still possible. Also I'm not  sure we'll get a CM if one of Smallbone or Aribo stay.

Smallbone wouldn’t cope with how Still sets up so if they can’t sell him it’s a loan out and free transfer.

Aribo possibly a bit more but he doesn’t want to be here - his agent needs a rocket up the arse. I’ve seen quicker conveyancing solicitors. Loan at the last minute at worst but realistically I think he’ll be sold for £2-3m. Larger wages a factor.

[Matthew Le God]

2 minutes ago, S-Clarke said:

Bournemouth have somehow fleeced Brentford for £45m for their squad player, Outuarra

Played in 62 out of 76 league games over the last two seasons.

[Gloucester Saint]

6 minutes ago, egg said:

There aren't many strategies to make unattractive players on big wages more attractive, and the players attracted to a move. 

Well, there is one, lots of nominal/low fees. Unfortunately, SR are still a bit naive around this aspect. Good at selling for big fees until the Dibling mess, but take Aribo. Only cost £6m, sell him for a couple of mill and dump the wages. Heard they were still wanting to turn a profit and it’s not happening, 

They had to do it on Onachu but you can tell they didn’t like it.

Edited 2 hours ago by Gloucester Saint

[Saint_lambden]

No word on how talks went with President earlier but as far as I know, Spertsyan will play tomorrow for Krasnodar as a goodbye and then everything should be finalised Saints end in the coming week. Club have done a lot of work in the background which will hopefully mean we won’t have to wait too much longer for it to be official but dealing with a Russian club naturally gives a few more hurdles. 

[Gloucester Saint]

Just now, Matthew Le God said:

Played in 62 out of 76 league games over the last two seasons.

How many were starts?

[ErwinK1961]

8 minutes ago, verlaine1979 said:

You would think that after, what... five years of expecting to but not actually shifting any deadwood that the club might have an alighted on a different strategy.

We’ve shifted plenty of the deadwood in recent times (Sulemana and Onuachu this window alone) - the problem is we’ve just bought more and more dross that has become new deadwood.

[Gloucester Saint]

1 minute ago, ErwinK1961 said:

We’ve shifted plenty of the deadwood in recent times (Sulemana and Onuachu this window alone) - the problem is we’ve just bought more and more dross that has become new deadwood.

Aka BBD, and our homegrown variety eg Smallbone. Jury out on Archer and Stewart could still that be category unless staying fit. McCarthy as well. Sugawara jury out in too.

[Gloucester Saint]

12 minutes ago, woodsaint1 said:

Preferably the one on the shorter contract dont you mean?

Yes sorry, that is exactly what I meant - sell Dibling in the shorter contract and keep Fernandes on the longer.

[egg]

8 minutes ago, Badger said:

Not sure anybody bothered recording “assists” in those days. It seems a modern fascination.*

Case’s “assists” weren’t probably the final ball, but winning possession a few passes before that stage, or directing the younger players around him. Which supports your point. 

* a stat designed for spreadsheet nerds at football. 

Absolutely. Transfermarkt has stats for goals and assists, but as you say, he (and many brilliant midfielders) were all about being busy, breaking up play,  being ready to pick up the ball, using it well, probing, creating openings, etc.

Anyone criticising a midfielders performance because he didn't score or assist isn't worth listening to. 

Re Rudoni today, the Coventry Telegraph (assuming their version of the Echo), said this about him:

"Lively in and around the final third where he worked the ball well to create openings - a constant threat to the Rams". 

I'd be happy with a player who does that most games, and chips in with some goals. 

[hypochondriac]

5 minutes ago, Saint_lambden said:

No word on how talks went with President earlier but as far as I know, Spertsyan will play tomorrow for Krasnodar as a goodbye and then everything should be finalised Saints end in the coming week. Club have done a lot of work in the background which will hopefully mean we won’t have to wait too much longer for it to be official but dealing with a Russian club naturally gives a few more hurdles. 

Any other info about incomings or outgoings? 

[egg]

10 minutes ago, Gloucester Saint said:

Smallbone wouldn’t cope with how Still sets up so if they can’t sell him it’s a loan out and free transfer.

Aribo possibly a bit more but he doesn’t want to be here - his agent needs a rocket up the arse. I’ve seen quicker conveyancing solicitors. Loan at the last minute at worst but realistically I think he’ll be sold for £2-3m. Larger wages a factor.

No doubt, but realistically are we adding to Smallbone, Charles, and Downes if Fernandes is still here? I don't see it. 

Aribo would be ok in a Still team imo, but I don't see us moving to replace him until his wages are off the books. 

[Smirking_Saint]

10 minutes ago, Saint_lambden said:

No word on how talks went with President earlier but as far as I know, Spertsyan will play tomorrow for Krasnodar as a goodbye and then everything should be finalised Saints end in the coming week. Club have done a lot of work in the background which will hopefully mean we won’t have to wait too much longer for it to be official but dealing with a Russian club naturally gives a few more hurdles. 

Knowing our luck his leg will fall off in the 91st minute

[Badger]

25 minutes ago, Matthew Le God said:

He performed extremely well in these areas compared to wingers across the 5 major European Leagues.

I don’t pretend to fully understand the graphics, as impressive as they appear.  But Christ on a bike, it appears he might be outperforming Vinicius Jnr , Haaland and Kvavratshkeila.

Wonder how Real, City or PSG have missed him. Better keep this quiet.

[S-Clarke]

39 minutes ago, Matthew Le God said:

Played in 62 out of 76 league games over the last two seasons.

He's been a sub in most of those apps, made a few more starts last season - but even their fans acknowledge he was a squad player.

Being a squad player doesn't mean you don't make tons of appearances, you're just not seen as a first 11 starter.

To get £45m for him is crazy times.

[Saintsarmy]

44 minutes ago, Saint_lambden said:

No word on how talks went with President earlier but as far as I know, Spertsyan will play tomorrow for Krasnodar as a goodbye and then everything should be finalised Saints end in the coming week. Club have done a lot of work in the background which will hopefully mean we won’t have to wait too much longer for it to be official but dealing with a Russian club naturally gives a few more hurdles. 

Club confident of bringing in reinforcements in other position? Any idea how many we’re targeting? AM,Winger,RB & 3rd choice GK I am wanting/expecting 

[Appy]

22 minutes ago, Saintsarmy said:

Club confident of bringing in reinforcements in other position? Any idea how many we’re targeting? AM,Winger,RB & 3rd choice GK I am wanting/expecting 

We have to sign at least one other centre midfielder too. Currently just working with Downes, Charles and Sesay. 

[Miltonaggro]

1 hour ago, Gloucester Saint said:

Yes sorry, that is exactly what I meant - sell Dibling in the shorter contract and keep Fernandes on the longer.

That's been the hopeful strategy in terms of Dragan I feel.

[Saintsarmy]

3 minutes ago, Appy said:

We have to sign at least one other centre midfielder too. Currently just working with Downes, Charles and Sesay. 

Yeah great shout, even more so if Aribo and/or Smallbone leaves! 

[Willo of Whiteley]

I find it baffling that Bella-Kotchap is still a Southampton player after all these years.

Then I remember his attitude, and his inability to play football or be physical, and then I realise why no one would take him. 🤣

[Football Special]

11 minutes ago, Willo of Whiteley said:

I find it baffling that Bella-Kotchap is still a Southampton player after all these years.

Then I remember his attitude, and his inability to play football or be physical, and then I realise why no one would take him. 🤣

It's quite sad isn't it, how many tickets do we need to sell just to pay his weekly wage? Such a waste of resources 

Gone from Germany world cup squad to working from home spending his days watching Bargain Hunt 

[Saint NL]

1 hour ago, Saint_lambden said:

No word on how talks went with President earlier but as far as I know, Spertsyan will play tomorrow for Krasnodar as a goodbye and then everything should be finalised Saints end in the coming week. Club have done a lot of work in the background which will hopefully mean we won’t have to wait too much longer for it to be official but dealing with a Russian club naturally gives a few more hurdles. 

If anyone can find a stream for this game tomorrow, please share because I feel that a few people might want to watch

[Challenger]

7 minutes ago, Football Special said:

It's quite sad isn't it, how many tickets do we need to sell just to pay his weekly wage? Such a waste of resources 

Gone from Germany world cup squad to working from home spending his days watching Bargain Hunt 

Makes you wonder what bunch of idiots would buy this tard doesn't it.

[macca155]

6 minutes ago, Challenger said:

Makes you wonder what bunch of idiots would buy this tard doesn't it.

He clearly had potential, but that evaporated pretty quickly. 

Now the arse is sitting on big wages and clearly isn't going to move until he has to. Just pay his contract up and be done with him

[Farmer Saint]

1 hour ago, hypochondriac said:

Any other info about incomings or outgoings? 

Has anything come up on X? If not, we won't be getting any names.

[hypochondriac]

1 minute ago, Farmer Saint said:

Has anything come up on X? If not, we won't be getting any names.

I don't really give a fuck if it's fake or not. There's bugger all else to talk about on here.