Summer Transfer Window 2026

[Dman]

6 minutes ago, MarkSFC said:

Sell those 3 and we might just about get half the Vipotnik fee so maybe...I think theres mor money than we think, its just whether its spent this season or next. 

We could have Jeff Bezos inject £200m for us to spend. We're still not signing Vipotnik at this point. Delusional to think otherwise. 

[hypochondriac]

13 minutes ago, MarkSFC said:

Sell those 3 and we might just about get half the Vipotnik fee so maybe...I think theres mor money than we think, its just whether its spent this season or next. 

This Mubama hasn't come in to be third choice and play maybe ten games this year. We aren't signing Vipotnik.

[austsaint]

58 minutes ago, trousers said:

CB Fry's certainly going to have to up his game if he's going to retain the Saintsweb Smart Arse of the Year trophy...

Fab's nailed on; unopposed.   Ever since he was proven right about Romeu's future he's been unbearable.    Pity, he writes a lot of sense in between putdowns and condescension.

[LordHester]

6 minutes ago, austsaint said:

Pity, he writes a lot of sense in between putdowns and condescension.

Take putdowns and condescension out of this forum and there won't be much left.

[Weston Super Saint]

Just now, LordHester said:

Take putdowns and condescension out of this forum and there won't be much left.

It's why all the best posters have left.

[Saint86]

11 hours ago, pimpin4rizeal said:

To be honest I really think we are in the driving seat to win the league if we  keep the core of last seasons team .. just pray to god we don’t go and fuck up by letting the likes of scienza and Jander go ..how are you guys feeling about these ?

always get the feeling with saints that we kinda let the players decide if they wanna leave . But this is a massive season the relegated teams should have more transition then us with both squad and going from a losing to winning mentality.. whilst we should be in the position to hit the ground running as long as we keep the band together 

I like the sentiment, but this year will be super competitive and will come down to winning ugly (at times) and in effect seeing out games with narrow wins instead of draws etc.

I don't think any side is in "the driving seat" for the title for example, but I think there are 4-5 clubs that all have the ability to go up top 2. Could be a bit like 23/24 again in that regard.

Take Norwich for example, if they can get off to a strong start and get 4 points Vs Millwall and Burnley, they would be away by the international break... Give a good side like that momentum and it goes a very long way.

I think we have an excellent chance to stall any early momentum for west ham by dumping them out of the cup... Would knock them back a bit, and their fans wouldn't like it for sure.

Sadly, I think there is a reasonable chance the -4pts could screw us over for a 2nd season and allow Middlesbrough to get above us for example. Which would be absolutely sickening.

As for Middlesbrough, on paper they have to be a contender, and they've got a very gentle start in truth. They are another side who could be away early.

The 2nd tier reckon we'll have every team in the league putting in a top performance against us because they (and their fans) won't want to lose to "cheating bar stools"... I think that's giving too much credence to the impact of spy gate on other clubs and their fans (we'll find out I guess), but I do think we are incredibly united right now, and I do think we are a team that spent half a season chasing down a target and winning against the odds... It's exactly the same for us this season - so there is a chance we could do something special...

Going to be a fascinating season all in - you can make a case for loads of different scenarios and teams to get promoted.

[disconnect]

Central midfield has got to be the priority, Downes will miss games through bookings and occasional injuries, Jander is currently injured(?) and Bragg is a good prospect, but not sure he's any better (currently) than say Smallbone, who we just released. I dont think Matsuki is physical enough for that role and would be a waste to put Azaz there. 

On a side note, when is Brereton Diaz going to leave? Always seems to have some interest, but proven time and again he's not good enough for what we need. Looking like we'll also be stuck loaning out Ramsdale and Bazunu last minute.

[Pilchards]

I wonder if Matsuki playing in central midfield against Colchester was a trial to see if he was an option.

Personally I thought he felt lost there.

Edited 3 hours ago by Pilchards

[revolution saint]

28 minutes ago, Saint86 said:

 

The 2nd tier reckon we'll have every team in the league putting in a top performance against us because they (and their fans) won't want to lose to "cheating bar stools"... I think that's giving too much credence to the impact of spy gate on other clubs and their fans (we'll find out I guess), but I do think we are incredibly united right now, and I do think we are a team that spent half a season chasing down a target and winning against the odds... It's exactly the same for us this season - so there is a chance we could do something special...

 

This is just media types (and wannabees) getting carried away with their own guff because they have little to talk about and spygate is the easiest thing that comes to hand.  Makes it sound like up until spygate we were lauded at every ground and had flowers thrown at our feet.  Yeah, there's bound to be some chants but there'd have been chants about something else anyway.  It's not going to make all away games cauldrons of hate.

About the only games that might have a bit more of an edge are the Boro games and I thought they were pretty apathetic in the second leg when they should have been at their most vociferous so I wouldn't even hold my breath on that.

[SaintLondon]

Yes it's Alex Crook but as much as it pains me to say it, I don't think he's as shit as he once was. 

[Holmes_and_Watson]

40 minutes ago, Saint86 said:

The 2nd tier reckon we'll have every team in the league putting in a top performance against us because they (and their fans) won't want to lose to "cheating bar stools"... I think that's giving too much credence to the impact of spy gate on other clubs and their fans (we'll find out I guess), but I do think we are incredibly united right now, and I do think we are a team that spent half a season chasing down a target and winning against the odds... It's exactly the same for us this season - so there is a chance we could do something special...

Going to be a fascinating season all in - you can make a case for loads of different scenarios and teams to get promoted.

I think every team will be putting in a top performance because we were in in form side, along with Norwich, for quite a while. They know they have to, to get something from the game.

We've kept the majority of our squad. So sides will also be more familiar with us, and we'll have to stay ahead. All in a league with a number of clubs fancying their chances of going up.

Spygate will be well down their list of reason to try and play well, if it's on lists at all.

[MarkSFC]

22 minutes ago, disconnect said:

Central midfield has got to be the priority, Downes will miss games through bookings and occasional injuries, Jander is currently injured(?) and Bragg is a good prospect, but not sure he's any better (currently) than say Smallbone, who we just released. I dont think Matsuki is physical enough for that role and would be a waste to put Azaz there. 

On a side note, when is Brereton Diaz going to leave? Always seems to have some interest, but proven time and again he's not good enough for what we need. Looking like we'll also be stuck loaning out Ramsdale and Bazunu last minute.

I cant help but disagree about Bragg, I think hes already superior to Smallbone especially when it comes to passing. His energy is greater and I feel his reading of the game and positioning is already good. He is developing quickly, and although we dont know where his development will end I can forsee a very high class footballer with lin a couple of years. 

[revolution saint]

1 minute ago, MarkSFC said:

I cant help but disagree about Bragg, I think hes already superior to Smallbone especially when it comes to passing. His energy is greater and I feel his reading of the game and positioning is already good. He is developing quickly, and although we dont know where his development will end I can forsee a very high class footballer with lin a couple of years. 

About the only thing so far that Smallbone has the edge on Bragg is scoring goals.  Smallbone was actually decent at arriving late and chipping in with a few goals.  Other than that I completely agree, Bragg is far more capable of holding his own in midfield and, unlike Smallbone, isn't a liability if he's played as one of two central midfielders.

[goodymatt]

5 minutes ago, MarkSFC said:

I cant help but disagree about Bragg, I think hes already superior to Smallbone especially when it comes to passing. His energy is greater and I feel his reading of the game and positioning is already good. He is developing quickly, and although we dont know where his development will end I can forsee a very high class footballer with lin a couple of years. 

Smallbone a great one touch passer but lacks speed and positional sense. Often losing those 50/50 duels that Bragg mostly wins. Bragg suits our current system far better IMO. 

[hypochondriac]

31 minutes ago, Pilchards said:

I wonder if Matsuki playing in central midfield against Colchester was a trial to see if he was an option.

Personally I thought he felt lost there.

I hope you're right because if it was a trial it was one he failed comprehensively!

[disconnect]

I do like Bragg, I think it was probably more the odd goal, and his fairly limited exposure to first team football that gives me a bit of doubt still. I agree, he's always looked pretty good, so have good hope there, but still potentially a risk in that position. 

[Toadhall Saint]

1 hour ago, LordHester said:

Take putdowns and condescension out of this forum and there won't be much left.

Just a few twats gobbing off …..oh

[hypochondriac]

I'm holding Dragan to what he said. As strong or stronger than last year. If Mubama reaches his potential then arguably we are at least as strong in that position because he may have better availability than Stewart. We are undeniably weaker in midfield so if he wants to argue that his promise has been fulfilled then we have to make a decent midfield signing.

Edited 2 hours ago by hypochondriac

[iansums]

12 minutes ago, revolution saint said:

About the only thing so far that Smallbone has the edge on Bragg is scoring goals.  Smallbone was actually decent at arriving late and chipping in with a few goals.  Other than that I completely agree, Bragg is far more capable of holding his own in midfield and, unlike Smallbone, isn't a liability if he's played as one of two central midfielders.

Bragg plays deeper than Smallbone so you wouldn't expect many goals from him. I'm sure he will play a lot more minutes this season, he impresses me a lot.

[LeBizzier69]

1 hour ago, Toadhall Saint said:

If you think that’s funny you really need to get out more.

Come next week, we all can!

[Saint86]

30 minutes ago, SaintLondon said:

Yes it's Alex Crook but as much as it pains me to say it, I don't think he's as shit as he once was. 

Excellent news, the victims were convinced they were getting him last week 😄

[Toussaint]

54 minutes ago, Pilchards said:

I wonder if Matsuki playing in central midfield against Colchester was a trial to see if he was an option.

Personally I thought he felt lost there.

 Not just lost, he tried to do too much and either got in the way or was out of position. 

[Saint86]

28 minutes ago, Holmes_and_Watson said:

I think every team will be putting in a top performance because we were in in form side, along with Norwich, for quite a while. They know they have to, to get something from the game.

We've kept the majority of our squad. So sides will also be more familiar with us, and we'll have to stay ahead. All in a league with a number of clubs fancying their chances of going up.

Spygate will be well down their list of reason to try and play well, if it's on lists at all.

I tend to agree... we'll find out in the coming months. Colchester managed a couple of founds of "you cheating bastards" and then gave up soon enough - i imagine this will be the case for the vast majority of sides.

Personally I prefer NTT20 over 2nd tier (although now Ryan Dilks has left the 2nd tier has improved), and they made far less of a deal of things. A common theme throughout has been that none of them want to bet against us, and all of them think we have a shot at the title if no further spygate hangups come home to roost. 

[KingInDaSouf]

8 minutes ago, Saint86 said:

Personally I prefer NTT20 over 2nd tier (although now Ryan Dilks has left the 2nd tier has improved), and they made far less of a deal of things. A common theme throughout has been that none of them want to bet against us, and all of them think we have a shot at the title if no further spygate hangups come home to roost. 

I'm a big fan of NTT20 (and TEP) but the way they (George especially) speak of Hellberg like he's the second coming of the messiah is sickening. 

[Graziano94]

20 minutes ago, Saint86 said:

I tend to agree... we'll find out in the coming months. Colchester managed a couple of founds of "you cheating bastards" and then gave up soon enough - i imagine this will be the case for the vast majority of sides.

Personally I prefer NTT20 over 2nd tier (although now Ryan Dilks has left the 2nd tier has improved), and they made far less of a deal of things. A common theme throughout has been that none of them want to bet against us, and all of them think we have a shot at the title if no further spygate hangups come home to roost. 

Ryan Dilks is incredibly annoying. I had to block his new YouTube channel as he kept coming up, and after hearing him say his new signature opening phrase ‘Ay up duck’ about 5 times when scrolling though suggested vids, he had to go. 
 

May give the second tier pod another go now. 

Edited 2 hours ago by Graziano94

[OneMrsWallace]

57 minutes ago, MarkSFC said:

I cant help but disagree about Bragg, I think hes already superior to Smallbone especially when it comes to passing. His energy is greater and I feel his reading of the game and positioning is already good. He is developing quickly, and although we dont know where his development will end I can forsee a very high class footballer with lin a couple of years. 

Bragg looks a quality player in the making. Given the low quality of the current Scotland squad, he'll be in there quite soon I think. Expecting him to have a break through season for us and if he does then I hope we go up, or the vultures will be circling next summer. 

[Midfield_General]

56 minutes ago, goodymatt said:

Smallbone a great one touch passer but lacks speed and positional sense. 

Also has the physical presence of a puff of scented pink mist

[Matthew Le God]

"Juan Larios will leave Southampton this summer.

The possibility that the promising 22-year-old left-back leaves without a transfer fee is accelerating some of the operations of the teams interested in signing him.

His future could be resolved in the coming days."

 

Edited 2 hours ago by Matthew Le God

[23rdSaint]

16 minutes ago, KingInDaSouf said:

I'm a big fan of NTT20 (and TEP) but the way they (George especially) speak of Hellberg like he's the second coming of the messiah is sickening. 

George Elek is a pompous arse; I can't listen to NTTT as a result. I disagree with a lot of what Second Tier say (I think they've been pretty consistent in their vilification to us, including the new guy) but they don't take themselves as seriously. 

[revolution saint]

20 minutes ago, Graziano94 said:

Ryan Dilks is incredibly annoying. I had to block his new YouTube channel as he kept coming up, and after hearing him say his new signature opening phrase ‘Ay up duck’ about 5 times when scrolling though suggested vids, he had to go. 
 

May give the second tier pod another go now. 

Is that the ginger twat?  He was insufferable.  The little depressed dwarf next to him wasn't quite so bad and seemed to have a bit more actual insight and knowledge. 

[beatlesaint]

12 minutes ago, Matthew Le God said:

"Juan Larios will leave Southampton this summer.

The possibility that the promising 22-year-old left-back leaves without a transfer fee is accelerating some of the operations of the teams interested in signing him.

His future could be resolved in the coming days."

 

It’s a shame this one never worked out, but aside from all the injuries he’s just too small, he gave me Lee Todd vibes albeit a much better footballer than he ever was.

[captainchris]

2 hours ago, disconnect said:

Central midfield has got to be the priority, Downes will miss games through bookings and occasional injuries, Jander is currently injured(?) and Bragg is a good prospect, but not sure he's any better (currently) than say Smallbone, who we just released. I dont think Matsuki is physical enough for that role and would be a waste to put Azaz there. 

On a side note, when is Brereton Diaz going to leave? Always seems to have some interest, but proven time and again he's not good enough for what we need. Looking like we'll also be stuck loaning out Ramsdale and Bazunu last minute.

lol ‘Bragg not any better than Smallbone’ 

Come on, he’s streets ahead of him… 

[Appy]

2 minutes ago, captainchris said:

lol ‘Bragg not any better than Smallbone’ 

Come on, he’s streets ahead of him… 

Is he? 
 

I think Smallbone gets very disrespected, he’s not what we need now, but he was brilliant for us in 23/24. 

[goodymatt]

9 minutes ago, Appy said:

Is he? 
 

I think Smallbone gets very disrespected, he’s not what we need now, but he was brilliant for us in 23/24. 

In a Martin set up, his one touch passing and well timed late runs were very useful. I still recall a few goals conceded as a result of him almost pulling out of a duel though. That season he really contributed and showed up well in the playoffs too. Roof came off St Mary’s when he scored vs WBA and the assist was perfectly weighted in the final.

I’d still pick Bragg in our current set up but do wonder if Smallbone could have offered us something as a squad depth option. Ultimately we should be looking for a better all round player (and less injury prone) if we want to go up and stay up. Smallbone is a weird one as he’s not too small or slight but he’s just not physical enough to contribute defensively.

Edited 1 hour ago by goodymatt

[Saint Matty 76]

I like Bragg but wouldn’t feel comfortable with him being the next player up after Jander and Downes. Only position I feel we desperately need somebody, and feel pretty confident that we will. Other than that I’d add a winger on loan.

As soon as the play-off fiasco happened we were all dead certain that THB, Jander and Scienza, as our three best players, would be gone.

If we manage to keep them, I feel pretty good about our chances irrespective of what’s happened outside of it. They’re the three players who have a level of Premier League quality about them (then Larin/Peretz too). Supplemented by top level Championship talent in Bree, Manning, Downes, Azaz and Fellows. 

Windows going a hell of a lot better than I expected so far, but still a way to go!

Edited 1 hour ago by Saint Matty 76

[Saint Pete]

6 minutes ago, Appy said:

Is he? 
 

I think Smallbone gets very disrespected, he’s not what we need now, but he was brilliant for us in 23/24. 

Yes, people have short memories. Very fair to remind them that Smallbone was a regular starter in the side that season that went up and achieved 87 points in the league. 

Like a lot of our players, Smallbone didn't prove himself at the next level above, but did certainly do a good job for us in this league. Bragg looks promising so far over a smaller number of games. 

[CSA96]

1 hour ago, Graziano94 said:

Ryan Dilks is incredibly annoying. I had to block his new YouTube channel as he kept coming up, and after hearing him say his new signature opening phrase ‘Ay up duck’ about 5 times when scrolling though suggested vids, he had to go. 
 

May give the second tier pod another go now. 

Have been giving it another go this summer and it feels like a considerable improvement replacing Dilks (who I also couldn't stand) with Lucas Yeomans as the new host (believe he commentates/covers Stoke for BBC Staffordshire) alongside Justin Peach

[goodymatt]

Just now, Saint Pete said:

Yes, people have short memories. Very fair to remind them that Smallbone was a regular starter in the side that season that went up and achieved 87 points in the league. 

Like a lot of our players, Smallbone didn't prove himself at the next level above, but did certainly do a good job for us in this league. Bragg looks promising so far over a smaller number of games. 

Fair comments and he does deserve more respect for that season. Smallbone is an 8 and Bragg is a 6, not really like for like players and we also play a significantly different style now.

[goodymatt]

Just now, CSA96 said:

Have been giving it another go this summer and it feels like a considerable improvement replacing Dilks (who I also couldn't stand) with Lucas Yeomans as the new host (believe he commentates/covers Stoke for BBC Staffordshire) alongside Justin Peach

I found in the earlier episodes under the new format that Justin Peach came across to have a bit more of an ego but he was probably just trying a bit too hard whilst they got into the swing of it. Lucas comes across really well. I do think they over egg spygate but that’s what gets you clicks I suppose.

Do we know the actual reason Ryan Dilks left? I wonder if he chose to go solo or if Justin Peach just saw the chance to upgrade on him. 

[HarvSFC]

Smallbone can't play on the turn, ball went back to where he was facing, more often than not looked for the easy pass than the killer, which could be a symptom of the tactics and didn't have the physicality to influence games defensively.

He turned up in the play-offs, but then reverted back to type and got ruthlessly exposed at Premier League level. Our midfield in the second half of the last season was much better to watch than it was in 23/24 and there's probably a reason why Smallbone is still without a club when the season starts in two days and why his agent is now releasing stories to the press about interest.

 

[Mk1J]

3 hours ago, Pilchards said:

I wonder if Matsuki playing in central midfield against Colchester was a trial to see if he was an option.

Personally I thought he felt lost there.

I wonder if this was Tonda showing Spors he needs another midfielder. 

[CSA96]

 

[sadoldgit]

10 minutes ago, Mk1J said:

I wonder if this was Tonda showing Spors he needs another midfielder. 

He knows he needs one and has said, in effect, that we will replace the likes of Stewart and Charles if and when they go.