Summer Transfer Window 2026

[Chez]

1 hour ago, Rebel said:

I would think the only way we would sign JWP is on loan if West Ham cover half his wages for the final year of his contract.  But I can see him ending up at Everton or Fulham to give them midfield depth on that deal. 

People forget JWP started as a AM/CM playing on the right of a midfield 3 or on the right of the 3 behind the striker in a 4-2-3-1.   He was more than capable of putting in the killer through ball /pass or cross from the right- and had a good engine.

Ralph then turned him into a DM/CM in the 4-2-2-2 but it only worked when he played alongside someone more physical like Romeu -but for a time he was great there.

Like a lot of our players he lost his way under a succession of bad managers.  But then he left because we needed the money more than anything else. 

I'd be OK with him coming back but I am not sure where he'd fit in our current 4-2-3-1 as a first choice.

On relegation, you'd assume his wages would be cut in half. If they were halved again by West Ham covering 50% of his championship wage, then he'd be affordable.

I know people point to him being a crab, and slowing things down, but his quality of first touch and weight of pass does the opposite IMO. I recall the horrific game against Grimsby, where we were so so slow in possession. JWP was brought on for the last ten minutes, he grabbed the game by the scruff of the neck and the ball was moved about the pitch very quickly. It wasn't enough, but it stood out in my mind just the difference he made. 

That said, I've not watched him for a long time, so I'm not sure if he has the legs to get around and up and down the pitch. Perhaps there are better options. Bragg is tidy, and looks a similar type of player...recycle, recyle, recyle...so maybe we need to look for a slightly different type.

[spyinthesky]

In my humble opinion JWP was better than many on here give him credit for.
He was an accurate passer and crosser of the ball and turned into more of a midfield ball winner later in his career.
He hardly missed a game as far as I can recollect.
He was never the quickest of players but always put in a shift.
Perhaps his age and wages would act against him but I wouldnt dismiss him out of hand.

[MarkSFC]

I always thoight JWP was used more defensively than attackingly and this hampered him a little. He is certainly no messing or hazard or that type, maybe not really even an Azaz. But if he was the player brought in to be more of an attacking CM (support for Azaz as stated by Dragon) then Id be happy. He obviously adds lots in dead ball scenarios, and his passing range is good. 

If he came in to be one of the two DCM then it would be a no from me. However, as 4th choice behind Downes, Bragg and Jander or Charles (as it seems likely one of those two will go) then it might be a decent signing. 

[trousers]

I do wonder how much of JWP's "crab-like footballer" reputation is down to how his various managers have wanted him to play versus what he's actually capable of. 

I do seem to remember at least one season where he predominantly played a more advanced role and frequently popped up in and around the box with crucial goals and/or goal chances, with people (including myself) posting on here to question why managers typical see him more as a defensive rather than attacking midfielder, when he's evidently better at the latter than the former...

Ye olde 'illusory truth effect' perhaps...?

Edited 1 hour ago by trousers

[SaintLondon]

Let's just say we were keen, would WHU deal with a likely promotion rival? 

[DT]

Caught a bit of Northern Ireland v France last night. I think we will be lucky to hold on to Shea Charles, not just because he played pretty well but also because he is getting 'eyeballs'. An offer from a Prem club will surely come. So I hope Saints have their eyes on replacements. Don't think that is JWP personally but he certainly cares about the club, which counts for something. Would be very good free transfer... 😉

[saintant]

3 minutes ago, DT said:

Caught a bit of Northern Ireland v France last night. I think we will be lucky to hold on to Shea Charles, not just because he played pretty well but also because he is getting 'eyeballs'. An offer from a Prem club will surely come. So I hope Saints have their eyes on replacements. Don't think that is JWP personally but he certainly cares about the club, which counts for something. Would be very good free transfer... 😉

I  care about the club, doesn't mean I'm getting a game in midfield any time soon 🙂

[DT]

20 minutes ago, saintant said:

I  care about the club, doesn't mean I'm getting a game in midfield any time soon 🙂

Sure. But faced with someone who does give a toss about Southampton FC based on his lived experience and someone who doesn't care about the club, it's a pretty obvious choice. Someone is bound to reinterpret this as wanting JWP back - probably someone who swore he would never leave 😉 - but that would be the work of a dork.

Personally think Bragg is very good and more than capable covering in the midfield.