January Transfer Window

[LGTL]

9 hours ago, Turkish said:

Oh for a striker in the mould of Dominic Calvert-Lewin

Imagine the comments from some of the whoppers on here if we signed him after promotion…

’too injury prone, awful signing’

’well, he doesn’t start ahead of BBD does he?’

‘why have we signed him when Stewart is only 2 weeks away?!’ 

[Holmes_and_Watson]

26 minutes ago, LGTL said:

Imagine the comments from some of the whoppers on here if we signed him after promotion…

’too injury prone, awful signing’

’well, he doesn’t start ahead of BBD does he?’

‘why have we signed him when Stewart is only 2 weeks away?!’ 

Whew! I was going to go for "I don't think he gives AA enough support." 🙂

[JohnnyShearer2.0]

1 hour ago, LGTL said:

Imagine the comments from some of the whoppers on here if we signed him after promotion…

’too injury prone, awful signing’

’well, he doesn’t start ahead of BBD does he?’

‘why have we signed him when Stewart is only 2 weeks away?!’ 

Looking forward to Stewart coming back. 

A couple of loans are needed. One being a big striker. Yes, I know we have loads but they're all shit.

[SW5 SAINT]

1 hour ago, JohnnyShearer2.0 said:

Looking forward to Stewart coming back. 

A couple of loans are needed. One being a big striker. Yes, I know we have loads but they're all shit.

Stewart was supposed to be back end of December……?

[Sheaf Saint]

10 minutes ago, SW5 SAINT said:

Stewart was supposed to be back end of December……?

That's about two weeks isn't it?

[Nordic Saint]

1 hour ago, JohnnyShearer2.0 said:

Looking forward to Stewart coming back. 

A couple of loans are needed. One being a big striker. Yes, I know we have loads but they're all shit.

How long will he last next time? 20 minutes? 120? Will next time be the last? Is it even fair on him? So many ex-footballers struggle to even walk after they retire. I recently read David Armstrong's autobiography and he's very bitter about how his football injuries affected his mobility for the rest of his life. 

[Saint Fan CaM]

35 minutes ago, Nordic Saint said:

How long will he last next time? 20 minutes? 120? Will next time be the last? Is it even fair on him? So many ex-footballers struggle to even walk after they retire. I recently read David Armstrong's autobiography and he's very bitter about how his football injuries affected his mobility for the rest of his life. 

It’s a good point you’ve made - Stewart is at a point now where recovery is probably only going to see him get to 60-70% peak fitness and that will diminish more in the future as his body is more and more crocked. As an asset he needs to be sold to a lower level less competitive division which places less demands on him - it will mean a big loss financially with very little return on the investment, but that’s where we are.

While on the subject of strikers, Archers days at the club are well and truly over…a busted flush and pointless trying to squeeze a performance out of him any longer. Has to go in the January sales if atall possible. Downs needs to go out on loan to a non-league club to remember how to play mens football. That leaves us with AA - hugely risky place for the club whe the riches of the EPL are waiting for those who dare.

[S-Clarke]

1 hour ago, Saint Fan CaM said:

It’s a good point you’ve made - Stewart is at a point now where recovery is probably only going to see him get to 60-70% peak fitness and that will diminish more in the future as his body is more and more crocked. As an asset he needs to be sold to a lower level less competitive division which places less demands on him - it will mean a big loss financially with very little return on the investment, but that’s where we are.

While on the subject of strikers, Archers days at the club are well and truly over…a busted flush and pointless trying to squeeze a performance out of him any longer. Has to go in the January sales if atall possible. Downs needs to go out on loan to a non-league club to remember how to play mens football. That leaves us with AA - hugely risky place for the club whe the riches of the EPL are waiting for those who dare.

Stewart is out of contract at the end of the season, so he'll be free to go at that point. I expect he'll retire, it would be for his benefit and those close to him need to be strongly advising him of that course of action. It's like flogging a dead horse.

I'm not counting on him coming back, I wasn't counting on him at the start of this season either. We always needed a proper CF, as Stewart was never going to be an option for us.

I was so surprised when people were calling on us to extend his contract after his Sheffield United brace. For once the club didn't make a stupid decision there.

[Wade Garrett]

3 hours ago, Saint Fan CaM said:

It’s a good point you’ve made - Stewart is at a point now where recovery is probably only going to see him get to 60-70% peak fitness and that will diminish more in the future as his body is more and more crocked. As an asset he needs to be sold to a lower level less competitive division which places less demands on him - it will mean a big loss financially with very little return on the investment, but that’s where we are.

While on the subject of strikers, Archers days at the club are well and truly over…a busted flush and pointless trying to squeeze a performance out of him any longer. Has to go in the January sales if atall possible. Downs needs to go out on loan to a non-league club to remember how to play mens football. That leaves us with AA - hugely risky place for the club whe the riches of the EPL are waiting for those who dare.

As far as Archer goes, sadly I agree.  I always thought there was a decent player there but I’ve changed my mind.

The club need to recognise that Downs has been a big mistake and move him out.  Stewart can’t have his contract renewed, shame as he’s shown he’s pretty good, but he’s too injury prone.

 

 

[whiteleySaint30]

3 hours ago, S-Clarke said:

Stewart is out of contract at the end of the season, so he'll be free to go at that point. I expect he'll retire, it would be for his benefit and those close to him need to be strongly advising him of that course of action. It's like flogging a dead horse.

I'm not counting on him coming back, I wasn't counting on him at the start of this season either. We always needed a proper CF, as Stewart was never going to be an option for us.

I was so surprised when people were calling on us to extend his contract after his Sheffield United brace. For once the club didn't make a stupid decision there.

You expect him to retire? No chance if he can find another club to give him a 3 year contract to play only a handful of games. 

 

They aren't really a thing now but would be happy for him to stay on a play as play deal - we just can't risk giving him anything else (but I expect we will). 

Edited 23 hours ago by whiteleySaint30
Mistake

[Tommy Mulgrew]

More info on (potentially) our sixth first team squad CB.  You cannot have too many CBs, as Tonda is wont to repeat ad nauseam.

https://sportwitness.co.uk/why-ramos-mingo-is-on-southamptons-list-a-closer-look-at-the-argentine-defender/

If scouting reports are true, he looks a promising prospect.  Can he cut it in the Chamionship?

[bugenhagen]

1 hour ago, whiteleySaint30 said:

You expect him to retire? No chance if he can find another club to give him a 3 year contract to play only a handful of games. 

 

They aren't really a thing now but would be happy for him to stay on a play as play deal - we just can't risk giving him anything else (but I expect we will). 

Agree that he won't retire, but we can not have him on our books next season in any capacity.

He would never be seen as a "bonus player" if fit, the club would once again plan on him staying fit, he takes up a place, and we again miss out on a real option.

[Lee On Solent Saint]

6 hours ago, S-Clarke said:

Stewart is out of contract at the end of the season, so he'll be free to go at that point. I expect he'll retire, it would be for his benefit and those close to him need to be strongly advising him of that course of action. It's like flogging a dead horse.

I'm not counting on him coming back, I wasn't counting on him at the start of this season either. We always needed a proper CF, as Stewart was never going to be an option for us.

I was so surprised when people were calling on us to extend his contract after his Sheffield United brace. For once the club didn't make a stupid decision there.

I wouldn't be surprised to read he has signed a year's extension in the New Year. It's what we do 

[AlexLaw76]

6 hours ago, S-Clarke said:

Stewart is out of contract at the end of the season, so he'll be free to go at that point. I expect he'll retire, it would be for his benefit and those close to him need to be strongly advising him of that course of action. It's like flogging a dead horse.

I'm not counting on him coming back, I wasn't counting on him at the start of this season either. We always needed a proper CF, as Stewart was never going to be an option for us.

I was so surprised when people were calling on us to extend his contract after his Sheffield United brace. For once the club didn't make a stupid decision there.

Stewart and Bazunu new deals signed in the coming months then...

[SuperSAINT]

Any gossip @Saint_lambden?

[Willo of Whiteley]

Expecting:

Bazunu to sign a new contract.

Stewart to sign a new contract.

Charles to not sign a new contract.

Maybe one loan signing in January.

Maybe a couple of new loans out.

Bree loan to be extended at Charlton until the end of the season.

[Ex Lion Tamer]

14 hours ago, S-Clarke said:

Stewart is out of contract at the end of the season, so he'll be free to go at that point. I expect he'll retire, it would be for his benefit and those close to him need to be strongly advising him of that course of action. It's like flogging a dead horse.

I'm not counting on him coming back, I wasn't counting on him at the start of this season either. We always needed a proper CF, as Stewart was never going to be an option for us.

I was so surprised when people were calling on us to extend his contract after his Sheffield United brace. For once the club didn't make a stupid decision there.

The club will no doubt see if he can prove his fitness in the second half of the season before making a decision. His last hope is that he can stay fit if his minutes are managed - remember he played three games in a week before his latest setback

[Turkish]

4 hours ago, Ex Lion Tamer said:

The club will no doubt see if he can prove his fitness in the second half of the season before making a decision. His last hope is that he can stay fit if his minutes are managed - remember he played three games in a week before his latest setback

23 games in 2 years says he can’t. It’s a shame as he was starting to look very good but the only way I can see him playing now is as a squad player.

why is suddenly impossible for players to play 3 games a week now? Been hearing this a lot lately but they’re always done it in this league but suddenly it now seems to be the latest thing

[lambtiss]

5 hours ago, Ex Lion Tamer said:

The club will no doubt see if he can prove his fitness in the second half of the season before making a decision. His last hope is that he can stay fit if his minutes are managed - remember he played three games in a week before his latest setback

If I had to define ultimate optimism, it would be this ...

[DT]

Goalkeeper. One that doesn't let goals in. Powerful, big and fast striker.

But most of all. Holding on to Scienza, even if someone from the Prem bids £60m. You know it will happen.

[Matthew Le God]

1 minute ago, DT said:

But most of all. Holding on to Scienza, even if someone from the Prem bids £60m. You know it will happen.

If we are offered £60m for him, it would be daft not to accept and reinvest. 

[Fabrice29]

11 minutes ago, DT said:

Goalkeeper. One that doesn't let goals in. Powerful, big and fast striker.

But most of all. Holding on to Scienza, even if someone from the Prem bids £60m. You know it will happen.

 

8 minutes ago, Matthew Le God said:

If we are offered £60m for him, it would be daft not to accept and reinvest. 

He’s played for two clubs already this season so can’t play for a third. No club is doing this in January.

Agree on the keeper and physical presence in attack. Also would add a proper defender.

Edited 6 hours ago by Fabrice29

[wild-saint]

7 minutes ago, Matthew Le God said:

If we are offered £60m for him, it would be daft not to accept and reinvest. 

i cant see anyone offering £60m for a EFL player in the summer  who will turn 28 next September. i think we would be lucky to get £25m. For those reasons I think we have a good chance of keeping him regardless of promotion.  

[disconnect]

10 minutes ago, DT said:

Goalkeeper. One that doesn't let goals in. Powerful, big and fast striker.

But most of all. Holding on to Scienza, even if someone from the Prem bids £60m. You know it will happen.

I think it's more likely that someone from the Prem will offer around £20 million (and maybe upto £8-10 million for Shea). Not that I think we'd accept that, but think clubs would've started to take notice but test the waters quite low, and many will be aware of Shea Charles's contract and come in low.

I expect us to loan out Downs and almost certainly look to get a new (more physical) striker in on loan. 

[Matthew Le God]

5 minutes ago, disconnect said:

 maybe upto £8-10 million for Shea). Not that I think we'd accept that, but think clubs would've started to take notice but test the waters quite low, and many will be aware of Shea Charles's contract and come in low.

Saints have an option to extend his contract until 2028. So why would clubs be bidding £8m?

Edited 5 hours ago by Matthew Le God

[disconnect]

1 minute ago, Matthew Le God said:

Saints have an option to extend his contract until 2028. So why would clubs be bidding £8m?

Ah, I didn't realise that - only that he had yet to extend his contract and thought it expired in the summer, not next (27) summer. I might've been confused with our other main man, Aribo...! 

[saintant]

47 minutes ago, disconnect said:

I think it's more likely that someone from the Prem will offer around £20 million (and maybe upto £8-10 million for Shea). Not that I think we'd accept that, but think clubs would've started to take notice but test the waters quite low, and many will be aware of Shea Charles's contract and come in low.

I expect us to loan out Downs and almost certainly look to get a new (more physical) striker in on loan. 

I think Prem clubs will be more interested in Jander than Charles - he's a far better footballer with a sharper brain.

[Ex Lion Tamer]

2 hours ago, lambtiss said:

If I had to define ultimate optimism, it would be this ...

I'm not saying it will definitely happen but the club will be doing the right thing to delay a decision and the player will of course be hoping for the best

[sadoldgit]

1 hour ago, DT said:

Goalkeeper. One that doesn't let goals in. Powerful, big and fast striker.

But most of all. Holding on to Scienza, even if someone from the Prem bids £60m. You know it will happen.

Sorry to disappoint, but just to state the obvious, there isn’t a goalkeeper on the planet who doesn’t let goals in.

[DT]

1 hour ago, sadoldgit said:

Sorry to disappoint, but just to state the obvious, there isn’t a goalkeeper on the planet who doesn’t let goals in.

Ok you're right. One that isn't shit then.

[LaptopSaint]

Just a decent powerful striker on loan. Sargent would be good if Norwich need sone cash. Or Awoniyi who can’t get a game at Forest. Or Marc Guiu if he’s bored now Delap is fit again. 

[Miltonaggro]

I think our inward business will be three loans to help the spine - keeper, centre back, striker.

You would also hope Bree comes back into the squad to help out with weakness at full back.

 

[Appy]

Anyone that thinks Scienza is going to get poached for something like 50-60 million is absolutely crackers, he’s a brilliant player but he’s a 27 year old with three goals this season, he’s brilliant for us but so far he’s a very good championship player, nothing more, yet, and that’s fine. 

[HarvSFC]

Hopeful departures for me would be - George Long, send back, just completely pointless as we all predicted. Ronnie Edwards, just isn't going to make it here, still rated somewhat in this division so could recoup some fee and we did pick him up on the cheap. Joe Aribo, as shouldn't get anywhere near the current side with Downes, Charles, Jander, Romeu and Bragg. Damion Downs, either on loan or sell, but don't think anyone's offering money for him next month. It's a failed experiment, cut our ties early, there's too much pressure here now for him to play his way into form if he is any good. Similarly with Cameron Archer. He'll probably bang in a few goals at his next club, but it isn't clicking for him here and again he isn't going to regain his confidence here.

Edozie's a tricky one. I don't know if my memory is playing up, and it probably is. He's probably crap, hence why he's still here. However, playing wise I think he's got very similar traits to Scienza and Fellows in that he'll look to take his opponent on and beat them. Whereas, Fraser's just a clogger nowadays and Robinson's very uncontrolled at this level. We need backup for Scienza and we could definitely find better than Edozie, but it's a big ask in January when we've already got higher priorities on either side of the pitch, so we could manage with him until the end of the season and then let him go in the summer.

Hopefully we make an early signing for a change and we should have some funds to play with left from the summer, or use the loan market.

 

[Matthew Le God]

36 minutes ago, HarvSFC said:

Hopeful departures for me would be - George Long, send back, just completely pointless as we all predicted.

Clubs need three 1st team keepers. He is 3rd choice. So why is it pointless?

[Willo of Whiteley]

5 hours ago, DT said:

Goalkeeper. One that doesn't let goals in. Powerful, big and fast striker.

This! 30,000+ people can’t be wrong in their observations.

[Dman]

26 minutes ago, Matthew Le God said:

Clubs need three 1st team keepers. He is 3rd choice. So why is it pointless?

Because McCarthy or Bazunu should be 3rd choice. 

[HarvSFC]

23 minutes ago, Matthew Le God said:

Clubs need three 1st team keepers. He is 3rd choice. So why is it pointless?

The goalkeeper position was a problem in the summer and still is now, heading into January. Therefore, the one goalkeeper we did sign was pointless.

Also pointless giving a loan slot up to a player who will never step foot on the pitch.

At least Richard Wright, Scott Carson, Marcus Bettinelli are signed to boost City's homegrown quota, so they provide something. We don't have an issue there.