Summer Transfer Window 2025/26

[skintsaint]

Wasn't expecting this move for him :

 

[woodsaint1]

On 29/08/2025 at 22:19, woodsaint1 said:

Spors and our scouts must have been busy watching the Euro Under 21 Championship in the summer. Jander, Jelert and Fellows all featured, although we would've been aware of Fellows already. I wonder if there were any other players who caught our eye

Issa Doumbia seems to be the next one

[Saint86]

Sounds like we're looking at something like this for the season:

I personally prefer having Jander/Downs as a more deep lying creative playmaker in a midfield 3, with Azaz pushing up to support the attackers (he was popping up everywhere vs Watford, finding the pockets and linking the play in the final 3). This approach would give us plenty of options, with movement from the attacking 4 players, and a 2man midfield that is very capable of anchoring the side and recycling play (all 3 of Jander/Downes/Charles are very good for this). I also wouldn't be too attacking with the full backs / wing backs - we are wide open time after time with them doing that - and frankly we need to be tighter - quite happy with them supporting the wingers from behind, but don't need to see them playing in the oppo half regularly or doing mental overlaps that leave us wide open to cross field diagonals and counter attacks.

Archer/AA offer mobile pacey strikers who can finish and get on the end of moves, and Downes/Stewart offer us a more physical mobile presence.

All in all, the squad seems more balanced now and I am pleased with the amount of players we've shifted. But i do also think there is still too much scar tissue and hesitation from the Martin era - and it is notable that its the likes of Stephens/Manning/THB (could still not be match fit i guess) that are the ones making basic errors and letting the opposition in time after time.

Too much to hope for that we sell one of them and get a top quality CB in? I accept we won't have a better keeper than Baz or Macca this year.

Edited 6 hours ago by Saint86

[CB Fry]

6 hours ago, skintsaint said:

Wasn't expecting this move for him :

 

Bit weird that he has waited until the very last day. Honestly thought he'd decided to retire.

Presumably he has been training with someone.

[Farmer Saint]

11 hours ago, trousers said:

Calling @Farmer Saint to the thread to explain this LOAN....

 

I said "unless we're desperate". The Wellington injury, now we know the extent, and with a couple of days left of the window, can be classed under this, don't you think?

[Suhari]

12 minutes ago, Farmer Saint said:

I said "unless we're desperate". The Wellington injury, now we know the extent, and with a couple of days left of the window, can be classed under this, don't you think?

What damage did Welington do and how long is he out for?

[SaintN14]

13 minutes ago, Farmer Saint said:

I said "unless we're desperate". The Wellington injury, now we know the extent, and with a couple of days left of the window, can be classed under this, don't you think?

Morning, this feels more of end of the window option that became available and we decided to upgrade. He was previously linked to Everton, so presumably his agents were seeing if a PL move materialised

[Farmer Saint]

10 minutes ago, Suhari said:

What damage did Welington do and how long is he out for?

He's out at least a couple of months, ankle injury, according to Still.

[Farmer Saint]

12 minutes ago, SaintN14 said:

Morning, this feels more of end of the window option that became available and we decided to upgrade. He was previously linked to Everton, so presumably his agents were seeing if a PL move materialised

We'd have purchased if it was purely an upgrade. He may end up being better, but don't think this is a long term target, more a "he'll do" situation.

Edited 2 minutes ago by Farmer Saint