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Summer Transfer Window 2025/26

Master Bates

By Master Bates
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West end Saints

West end Saints

Posted
Posted (edited)

Re last post at poss combinations -

Edwards has played CDM at last two clubs.

To me so much depends on Fernandes - if he stays he is a solid AM rather than a flair one, but starts every game - maybe Matsuki is enough as back up.

But you need more flair on wings.

Edited by West end Saints
lambtiss

lambtiss

Posted
Posted

Everyone seems to be talking about an attacking midfielder and a winger being our main requirements, but I still feel that we need a strong, reliable number 9 (Sargent type). Last night seemed to add to the belief that Archer's abilities are best expressed alongside a strong No. 9 type. A fit, in-form Stewart could be that player, but his fitness cannot be relied upon, and Downs is unproven and looks unready.

  • Like 1
West end Saints

West end Saints

Posted
Posted
6 minutes ago, lambtiss said:

Everyone seems to be talking about an attacking midfielder and a winger being our main requirements, but I still feel that we need a strong, reliable number 9 (Sargent type). Last night seemed to add to the belief that Archer's abilities are best expressed alongside a strong No. 9 type. A fit, in-form Stewart could be that player, but his fitness cannot be relied upon, and Downs is unproven and looks unready.

Although I agree, and would be my preference, but with the lack of links, the signing of Downs, and having Stewart, Downs, Armstrong, BBD, Archer, Robinson - I would be very surprised if we do sign a 9

  • Like 3
Willo of Whiteley

Willo of Whiteley

Posted
Posted

Matty Fernandes needs to stay forward and not drop back so deep. He dropped back continuously at the weekend and as soon as he did that you effectively had Downes, Charles and Fernandes all playing the same position.

  • Like 1
lambtiss

lambtiss

Posted
Posted
7 minutes ago, Willo of Whiteley said:

Matty Fernandes needs to stay forward and not drop back so deep. He dropped back continuously at the weekend and as soon as he did that you effectively had Downes, Charles and Fernandes all playing the same position.

Absolutely right, but perhaps this was out of frustration with players behind him not finding him with passes?

lambtiss

lambtiss

Posted
Posted
40 minutes ago, lambtiss said:

Everyone seems to be talking about an attacking midfielder and a winger being our main requirements, but I still feel that we need a strong, reliable number 9 (Sargent type). Last night seemed to add to the belief that Archer's abilities are best expressed alongside a strong No. 9 type. A fit, in-form Stewart could be that player, but his fitness cannot be relied upon, and Downs is unproven and looks unready.

31 minutes ago, West end Saints said:

Although I agree, and would be my preference, but with the lack of links, the signing of Downs, and having Stewart, Downs, Armstrong, BBD, Archer, Robinson - I would be very surprised if we do sign a 9

I think you are right. In which case, it is looking increasingly as if Saints should have gone all-out for a strong target man (a la Sargent) instead of Downs with Stewart as backup.

Dusic

Dusic

Posted
Posted

If Fernandes does stay (I am still sceptical), how would you fit Charles, Downes, Fernandes and a new #10 into the lineup? Would seem to be very difficult and all those players would see themselves as starters and rightly so.

As an aside, intetesting that that there were zero questions post match from either the Echo or Solent about incomings. Pretty bizarre for midweek in final week of the window. Imagine some kind of agreement not to ask.

Farmer Saint

Farmer Saint

Posted
Posted
39 minutes ago, Willo of Whiteley said:

Matty Fernandes needs to stay forward and not drop back so deep. He dropped back continuously at the weekend and as soon as he did that you effectively had Downes, Charles and Fernandes all playing the same position.

I think we're best to play Fernandes and Charles as the two and drop Downes.

  • Like 5
Wiggles31

Wiggles31

Posted
Posted
20 minutes ago, trousers said:

I still think we're missing a midfield 'enforcer' in the Romeu mould....

Agreed. Downes and Charles are very similar number 8 style midfielders. 

  • Like 2
Sheaf Saint

Sheaf Saint

Posted
Posted
23 minutes ago, trousers said:

I still think we're missing a midfield 'enforcer' in the Romeu mould....

Indeed. Downes can't do it. There's no point busting a gut to win back possession if all you're then going to do is pass it straight back to the other team.

S-Clarke

S-Clarke

Posted
Posted (edited)

I thought CM was our achilles heel last time out in the Championship, and that was with a committed Downes. 

From what I've seen, Charles should be the box to box energy in our midfield, but there needs to be power and physicality next to him to shield and anchor the CM. If we had that, with Charles and Fernandes pressing high, we'd have so much more control and domination in there. 

I always had my doubts if Downes would fit into a high press/high energy style, and it's bearing true at the moment it has to be said. He's basically a better version of Smallbone, but neither are the right sort of CM for this approach.

Edited by S-Clarke
  • Like 4
lumuah

lumuah

Posted
Posted (edited)

Hurrah, Bella Kotchap has gone!!! (Albeit a season long loan - best we could have hoped for I think)

Edited by lumuah
  • Like 6
trousers

trousers

Posted
Posted (edited)
43 minutes ago, trousers said:

I still think we're missing a midfield 'enforcer' in the Romeu mould....

 

22 minutes ago, Wiggles31 said:

Agreed. Downes and Charles are very similar number 8 style midfielders. 

 

19 minutes ago, Sheaf Saint said:

Indeed. Downes can't do it. There's no point busting a gut to win back possession if all you're then going to do is pass it straight back to the other team.

 

15 minutes ago, S-Clarke said:

I thought CM was our achilles heel last time out in the Championship, and that was with a committed Downes. 

From what I've seen, Charles should be the box to box energy in our midfield, but there needs to be power and physicality next to him to shield and anchor the CM. If we had that, with Charles and Fernandes pressing high, we'd have so much more control and domination in there. 

I always had my doubts if Downes would fit into a high press/high energy style, and it's bearing true at the moment it has to be said. He's basically a better version of Smallbone, but neither are the right sort of CM for this approach.

I wonder if there's any chance we could get Harry Reed on loan from Fulham, as mooted by someone earlier in the thread? I think he'd be ideal. Pie in the sky or a glimmer of a chance we could convince him (and/or his club), or someone of that ilk, to come here on loan...?

Edited by trousers
  • Like 1
Sheaf Saint

Sheaf Saint

Posted
Posted
Just now, SaintNewForest said:

Should be done with us now, thankfully; his contract ends at the end of the season, and (you'd hope at least) he won't be getting a new contract.

SR have made some 'questionable' contract decisions in recent times, but surely even they wouldn't be quite so deranged as to extend this guy's.

He looked so promising in that first few months as well. Would love to know the full story but I doubt we ever will.

Sheaf Saint

Sheaf Saint

Posted
Posted
2 minutes ago, trousers said:

 

 

 

I wonder if there's any chance we could get Harry Reed on loan from Fulham, as mooted by someone earlier in the thread? I think he'd be ideal. Pie in the sky or a glimmer of a chance we could convince him (and/or his club), or someone of that ilk, to come here on loan...?

I'd be happy with that. He's not getting game time at Fulham so would seem at least feasible.

Saint Fan CaM

Saint Fan CaM

Posted
Posted
2 minutes ago, trousers said:

 

 

 

I wonder if there's any chance we could get Harry Reed on loan from Fulham, as mooted by someone earlier in the thread. I think he'd be ideal. Pie in the sky or a glimmer of a chance we could convince him (and/or his club), or someone of that ilk, to come here on loan...?

Think Reed would be a good option, however I’m not sure that’s where the club see a need - reckon we’ll either see a decent winger or two, OR just as likely, some squad filler type signings as has been the case in the past.

egg

egg

Posted
Posted
2 minutes ago, trousers said:

 

 

 

I wonder if there's any chance we could get Harry Reed on loan from Fulham, as mooted by someone earlier in the thread? I think he'd be ideal. Pie in the sky or a glimmer of a chance we could convince him (and/or his club), or someone of that ilk, to come here on loan...?

He'd be ideal, and give us just what we need. That said, he's made the bench in Fulham's games so I can't see them letting him go, or him dropping down. Shame, he needs to play, and he's the kind of player we need. 

SWLondon Saint

SWLondon Saint

Posted
Posted
Just now, Sheaf Saint said:

I'd be happy with that. He's not getting game time at Fulham so would seem at least feasible.

Our recent success rate with getting the old favourites in hasn't been great, but that one I could possibly see working. But they might want to give Sesay more minutes which could also work, he looks very promising.

  • Like 1
Convict Colony

Convict Colony

Posted
Posted
15 minutes ago, Danbert said:

Can't be arsed to check back through the thread and see if yesterday's quote from the Krasnador manager Musayev desperately insisting they will not stand in Spertsyan’s way if we up our offer have been posted:

https://eflanalysis.com/transfers/southampton-target-could-play-for-psg-as-manager-rules-out-blocking-10-5m-move/

 

Whilst i like the sound of this i believe the roadblock is still the president and owners.  From what i have read the coach is also the presidents stooge.

Chez

Chez

Posted
Posted
4 minutes ago, S-Clarke said:

I think I read somewhere that we triggered our option (to try to protect the value and get the fee we wanted - i.e 7-10m), so he's here until 2027. Bit of a dumb move as per usual if true.

A quick google search seems to suggest we can, but can't see anything that says we have. The club wouldn't necessarily announce it though, so who knows?

 

S-Clarke

S-Clarke

Posted
Posted
11 minutes ago, Chez said:

A quick google search seems to suggest we can, but can't see anything that says we have. The club wouldn't necessarily announce it though, so who knows?

 

Yeah I don't believe they would, as Verona have said they've got an option to buy it's probably safe to assume we have done so.

We extended Tylers by a year, but obviously no announcement on tha.

S-Clarke

S-Clarke

Posted
Posted
Just now, Chez said:

https://eflanalysis.com/transfers/will-still-comments-on-southampton-talks-for-man-city-star-pep-guardiola-thinks-is-really-good/

I wonder if we might still be trying to get Kabore or if the Roerslev transfer put that one to bed? If Bree was on his way, which is feasible, we'd need a second right back.

 

Possibly - I thought Will was quite candid in almost naming him, so it must have been close? I think he's the sort of profile we'd want, Bree is so far away from being suitable for us nowadays (if he ever was).

Left back is an interesting one now too, as Wellington is out for a few months (confirmed by Will). Charlie was being offered around.

S-Clarke

S-Clarke

Posted
Posted
Just now, AllyD said:

Josh Sargent anyone?

We are already stocked there - albeit not stacked with proven quality, but they're not going to throw most of the budget (20m) on another striker before anything else. They need to prioritise 10 and wide areas, if there's anything left after that then CM and only after then a number 9.

lambtiss

lambtiss

Posted
Posted
1 minute ago, AllyD said:

Josh Sargent anyone?

Yes, please. Should have gone for him as first choice with Stewart as backup, and not bought Downes.

Turkish

Turkish

Posted
Posted
13 minutes ago, S-Clarke said:

Possibly - I thought Will was quite candid in almost naming him, so it must have been close? I think he's the sort of profile we'd want, Bree is so far away from being suitable for us nowadays (if he ever was).

Left back is an interesting one now too, as Wellington is out for a few months (confirmed by Will). Charlie was being offered around.

Charlie Taylor was good last night, it seems a no brainer to keep him. Something weird going on there, clearly a decent enough player but hasn't had a look in the whole time he's been here

  • Like 12
trousers

trousers

Posted
Posted
3 minutes ago, AllyD said:

Josh Sargent anyone?

Is that one of those "I'm ITK but cant say anything outright so I'll pose it as a question" type questions? :)

(Used to be known as "Doing a Hypo" back in the day ;) )

  • Haha 1
GentleFeast

GentleFeast

Posted
Posted

Not sure where it was mentioned before, but the link with Azaz seems to further point towards it. Saints do seem to have leaned on Unique Sports Group quite a bit recently, both in terms of actual signings of recent years and players we’ve been linked with this window.

Ins:

  • Will Still

  • Taylor Harwood-Bellis

  • Cameron Archer

  • Josh Quarshie

  • David Brooks

  • Maxwel Cornet

  • Joe Lumley

Linked/Targets:

  • Finn Azaz

  • Jack Rudoni

Might just be coincidence, but it feels like one worth keeping an eye on going forward. 

https://www.transfermarkt.co.uk/unique-sports-group/beraterfirma/berater/4142

  • Like 4
Toussaint

Toussaint

Posted
Posted
58 minutes ago, trousers said:

 

 

 

I wonder if there's any chance we could get Harry Reed on loan from Fulham, as mooted by someone earlier in the thread? I think he'd be ideal. Pie in the sky or a glimmer of a chance we could convince him (and/or his club), or someone of that ilk, to come here on loan...?

no more midgets!

  • Like 2
  • Haha 1
S-Clarke

S-Clarke

Posted
Posted
3 minutes ago, Matthew Le God said:

For those who suggested Brownhill...

 

 

Ah  he really was holding out for the mega retirement payday then!

  • Haha 1
UpweySaint

UpweySaint

Posted
Posted
13 hours ago, LaptopSaint said:

Haven’t seen enough of Rak-Sakyi to have a view and not that bothered what he did on loan at Sheff Utd (see Kane’s multiple underwhelming loans before he became world class). 

But if one of the many things we were lacking in the Prem was any physical presence is Rak-Sak seen as an upgrade on Edozie (and Sam Amo) on that score ? 

I am not an expert on Rak-Saki but I think he looks more physical and possibly has more straight line pace but not dramatically so. I wouldn’t be unhappy if we signed him as we do need width but just hard to get too excited about him especially at the mooted price point. As per others I would hope we could find a bit more to make West Brom a good offer for Fellows. We seem to be doing well shifting players so hopefully we have a bit of wiggle in the budget for a couple of quality additions.

OldNick

OldNick

Posted
Posted
3 minutes ago, Golac's Cunning Stunts said:

 

What a sad waste, hopefully he will be an example to show people that the grass is not greener, had he stayed with us he would have had club legend status (like MLT, Frannie etc) always adored by our fns, all for perhaps another £1-2m, which is a lot of money of course but he still would have been a very wealthy man, may have got more international recognition. Now despised for his greed and the 'ill only leave for a CL team' crap.

Such a shame

  • Like 5
OldNick

OldNick

Posted
Posted

Is Rak Saki better than Edozie? Im sure had the roles been reversed we would be baying for us to get Edozie, they are similar and Edozie will improve

  • Like 2

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