Summer Transfer Window 2026

[jamesfp1]

5 hours ago, Saint Scott said:

We won't be signing another CM unless Jander is off

I thought he was off? Or have I missed something and he's just injured?

[Dman]

30 minutes ago, Pilchards said:

We are looking to sign a target man to switch with Larin.

If he gets injured then we have no hold up players in the squad.

Also another CB if THB goes.

And finally a nippy winger that can play both flanks if Edozie leaves which is imminent.

Brilliant news, obvious gaps in our squad imo. 

whilst unlilkley, I still think we need another CM. I'm not convinced Bragg is anywhere near the level required if we had to depend on him for a prolonged period of time and I think we lack a ball carrier in there. That being said, Downes, Jander and JWP is a pretty strong 3 at this level. 

If true that PL clubs are interested in Fellows, snap their hands off. He's crap! 

[Fabrice29]

1 hour ago, Pilchards said:

We are looking to sign a target man to switch with Larin.

If he gets injured then we have no hold up players in the squad.

Also another CB if THB goes.

And finally a nippy winger that can play both flanks if Edozie leaves which is imminent.

Was to replace Fellows yesterday wasn't it? Why the sudden change of heart?

[Pilchards]

1 hour ago, Fabrice29 said:

Was to replace Fellows yesterday wasn't it? Why the sudden change of heart?

I believe we need a better winger to play instead of Fellows.

Not once have I said sell him as he has a good future being 21 years of age but we need a nippy winger on either flank if Edozie goes.

Anyone notice they tried Fellows on the left flank today as they are trying to find a solution in getting someone on allowing Scienza a rest.

Edited 18 hours ago by Pilchards

[ChristopheVAFC]

Quote

VAFC : le milieu Issa Tounkara attendu au Mont-Houy lundi, « un gros potentiel » - La Voix du Nord

VAFC: Midfielder Issa Tounkara expected at Mont-Houy on Monday; "huge potential"

The arrival of a midfielder on loan from Southampton is scheduled for Monday at the Mont-Houy training center. It is Issa Tounkara, an 18-year-old Malian player whose potential has generated high hopes at Sport Republic.

Meanwhile, the club keeps a close watch for the arrival of a central striker—that rare breed of player who is fast and thrives in open space. This is a priority target that VAFC is "making progress" on, according to sporting coordinator Jean-Christophe Cesto. The transfer window for contracted players is closing soon (Tuesday at 8 PM), but since it will still be possible to secure a loan or sign a free agent after that date, the club is working on this matter under relatively low pressure—though the aim is obviously not to drag things out.

"We need one"

A new player is indeed expected at Mont-Houy early in the week, but it will be a midfielder, as Pierre Blois mentioned on the eve of the match against Concarneau. He fits a defensive profile—strong in duels and ball recovery—and plays a different style than Mabrouk Rouaï, Thibault Maréchal, and Samir Belloumou (who has resumed individual training following a calf injury). "We need one," the Valenciennes coach remarked. "Right now, the situation is that we have four midfielders available, given that Samir hasn't returned yet. When he is back, we'll have five. I want to have two players for every position and create competition." "I feel we’re lacking strength in the middle of the park at the moment."

Valenciennes looks set to find that in Issa Tounkara, an 18-year-old Malian signed by Southampton in April (on a five-year deal); he needs to gain experience before facing the physical demands of the English league. A product of the Étoiles du Mandé academy and a former U17 international for his country, he is considered a top prospect—one well known to Jean-Christophe Cesto, who has followed him closely in his role at Sport Republic. The player VA has been waiting for—held up by visa issues—will arrive at Mont-Houy on Monday, likely training the following day... and potentially playing at Rouen on Thursday, if the coaching staff deems him ready.

[Hawkswood]

3 hours ago, Dman said:

Brilliant news, obvious gaps in our squad imo. 

whilst unlilkley, I still think we need another CM. I'm not convinced Bragg is anywhere near the level required if we had to depend on him for a prolonged period of time and I think we lack a ball carrier in there. That being said, Downes, Jander and JWP is a pretty strong 3 at this level. 

If true that PL clubs are interested in Fellows, snap their hands off. He's crap! 

If by some fluke we do get good money for him my ideal replacement would be Azeez from Millwall. Wishful thinking and all that.

[Roger]

3 hours ago, Dman said:

Brilliant news, obvious gaps in our squad imo. 

whilst unlilkley, I still think we need another CM. I'm not convinced Bragg is anywhere near the level required if we had to depend on him for a prolonged period of time and I think we lack a ball carrier in there. That being said, Downes, Jander and JWP is a pretty strong 3 at this level. 

If true that PL clubs are interested in Fellows, snap their hands off. He's crap! 

Fellows isn’t crap at all and now he’s scored will be class.

[Dan Johnson]

Assuming Cameron Archer is off after being left out the match day Squad today, with him and Damion Downs leaving, will we get another forward in?

 

 

[Baird of the land]

10 minutes ago, Dan Johnson said:

Assuming Cameron Archer is off after being left out the match day Squad today, with him and Damion Downs leaving, will we get another forward in?

 

 

Is dobbin not already effectively the archer replacement?

As for downs, not sure what sort of player we’d be looking to bring in to be 3rd choice striker and play very few minutes.
 

[Dan Johnson]

6 minutes ago, Baird of the land said:

Is dobbin not already effectively the archer replacement?

As for downs, not sure what sort of player we’d be looking to bring in to be 3rd choice striker and play very few minutes.
 

Think Dobbin was seen as competition for Azaz.

 

[Roger]

7 minutes ago, Baird of the land said:

Is dobbin not already effectively the archer replacement?

As for downs, not sure what sort of player we’d be looking to bring in to be 3rd choice striker and play very few minutes.
 

No he’s not a striker at all 

[Baird of the land]

6 minutes ago, Dan Johnson said:

Think Dobbin was seen as competition for Azaz.

 

Did archer not tend to play deeper when he did play 2nd half of the season

[westmidlandsaint]

Despite what I was told earlier today by Tom Fellows family members I hope that he stays. 

The reaction from the others players today when he scored I think shows that he's liked and I do think there's a player in there. 

[saint michael]

Any news on Josh brownhill or was that just BS?

[welshsaint03]

13 hours ago, westmidlandsaint said:

 . Everton, Ipswich & Leeds have all enquired about Tom Fellows 

Good chance he could be off by Tuesday 

I'd be wanting around £30m off them (around the Shea Charles price) for him if I was Spors. Wouldn't mind us selling him as long as we get a solid replacement i.e. Ole Blomberg from Bodo/Glimt

[welshsaint03]

2 hours ago, saint michael said:

Any news on Josh brownhill or was that just BS?

I'd rather Cam Bragg gets games than a 30 year old Brownhill who will want big wages

[Football Special]

8 hours ago, westmidlandsaint said:

Despite what I was told earlier today by Tom Fellows family members I hope that he stays. 

The reaction from the others players today when he scored I think shows that he's liked and I do think there's a player in there. 

I like to think that Tom Fellows is worth keeping, certainly would only sell him if offered a very healthy transfer fee. He's only just 23 , played over 160 career  appearances already across WBA , Crawley (loan) and Saints, played for England u21s 

[The Wyvern]

5 hours ago, welshsaint03 said:

I'd be wanting around £30m off them (around the Shea Charles price) for him if I was Spors. Wouldn't mind us selling him as long as we get a solid replacement i.e. Ole Blomberg from Bodo/Glimt

He’s not a £30m player and I’d be really surprised if a PL team came in for him. He works hard but really lacks an end product. 

[CB Fry]

3 minutes ago, The Wyvern said:

He’s not a £30m player and I’d be really surprised if a PL team came in for him. He works hard but really lacks an end product. 

I think that's the point.

He's got three full years left so we don't need to sell for less than that.

But he's obviously not worth that.

Would be absolutely amazed if any Prem club came anywhere near him in this window.

Let's remember all if this has come from "friends/relatives" of Fellows. In my experience they can often be the biggest bullshitters/delusionals of the lot, or carried away with their own "inside knowledge" status that they massively oversell what they actually "know".

[chownie20]

That Morgan lad at West Brom looks like he'd be a great asset.......

[goodymatt]

32 minutes ago, chownie20 said:

That Morgan lad at West Brom looks like he'd be a great asset.......

The Chelsea and Man City academy farming era has cost us a number of top young players breaking through. The rest of us have to take a risk on buying from them with sell on clauses and buy backs and taking the hit if they fail like Bazunu. To see JJM looking this good for WBA is super annoying but he won’t be the last. 

[St Chalet]

20 hours ago, bangkoksaint said:

No Ross Stewart today for Swansea. We may have dodged a bullet there

He's fine as long as he's part of a job share agreement.

https://www.transfermarkt.co.za/ross-stewart/verletzungen/spieler/447995

[stfrancisofbenali]

Despite the well-deserved positivity after yesterday, If JWP is seen as the Charles replacement and Schlotterbeck is the THB replacement, this will have been a very ooor window and the squad will be weaker than last season. 

[hypochondriac]

7 minutes ago, stfrancisofbenali said:

Despite the well-deserved positivity after yesterday, If JWP is seen as the Charles replacement and Schlotterbeck is the THB replacement, this will have been a very ooor window and the squad will be weaker than last season. 

He isn't he's the Quarshie replacement which is why Quarshie left at the same time so your point fails immediately.

[macca155]

The midfield is sorted 2 or 3 from Downes, Jander, JWP, Bragg. Nobody else in this league gets close to that. 

Central defence looks way better if THB stays. Just need a replacement if he goes. Perm 2 from Schlotterbeck, THB, and Wood. Stephens to fill in when or if injuries or suspensions kick in.

The forward line needs thinning out. Too many similar players. However absolutely need competition for Larin. We are an injury away from a real problem there.

[Toussaint]

16 minutes ago, stfrancisofbenali said:

Despite the well-deserved positivity after yesterday, If JWP is seen as the Charles replacement and Schlotterbeck is the THB replacement, this will have been a very ooor window and the squad will be weaker than last season. 

Those are both big “ifs” , regardless of which they are both brilliant additions. 

[Toussaint]

5 minutes ago, macca155 said:

The midfield is sorted 2 or 3 from Downes, Jander, JWP, Bragg. Nobody else in this league gets close to that. 

Central defence looks way better if THB stays. Just need a replacement if he goes. Perm 2 from Schlotterbeck, THB, and Wood. Stephens to fill in when or if injuries or suspensions kick in.

The forward line needs thinning out. Too many similar players. However absolutely need competition for Larin. We are an injury away from a real problem there.

I think either one or both of Azaz and Larin being injured changes the whole picture. 

[Toussaint]

15 hours ago, jamesfp1 said:

I thought he was off? Or have I missed something and he's just injured?

I think the combination of his lengthy injury absence and transfer rumours emanating from Germany have lead the that perception but I don’t know it’s any more than that. 

[Badger]

4 minutes ago, Toussaint said:

I think either one or both of Azaz and Larin being injured changes the whole picture. 

Or Peretz (unless Ramsdale remains)

[Lighthouse]

1 hour ago, macca155 said:

However absolutely need competition for Larin. We are an injury away from a real problem there.

Mubama is the competition for Larin, he hasn’t come here to be left out of the match day 20 and never play. I’d be very surprised to see us sign another central striker.

[Midfield_General]

Yeah, would’ve thought that was fairly obvious tbh. 

[Pilchards]

14 minutes ago, Lighthouse said:

Mubama is the competition for Larin, he hasn’t come here to be left out of the match day 20 and never play. I’d be very surprised to see us sign another central striker.

Not in a million years is he going to step in if Larin got injured.

A tall strong striker is someone that holds the ball up and allows the midfield to move up the pitch.

Mubama yesterday was nudged off the ball a couple of times and it was mentioned by the radio solent team that he needs to be stronger as he’s getting bullied.

WE WILL SIGN A TARGET STRIKER.

 

[Fabrice29]

3 minutes ago, Pilchards said:

Not in a million years is he going to step in if Larin got injured.

A tall strong striker is someone that holds the ball up and allows the midfield to move up the pitch.

Mubama yesterday was nudged off the ball a couple of times and it was mentioned by the radio solent team that he needs to be stronger as he’s getting bullied.

WE WILL SIGN A TARGET STRIKER.

 

I assume we aren’t signing Harrison Armstrong anymore?

Edited 4 hours ago by Fabrice29

[Fabrice29]

Think we will sign another striker if all the others can find a way out. Really liked the Azaz and Mubama link up though so he’ll get plenty of game time. But yes, he’s a different type of striker. 

[Lighthouse]

8 minutes ago, Pilchards said:

Not in a million years is he going to step in if Larin got injured.

A tall strong striker is someone that holds the ball up and allows the midfield to move up the pitch.

Mubama yesterday was nudged off the ball a couple of times and it was mentioned by the radio solent team that he needs to be stronger as he’s getting bullied.

WE WILL SIGN A TARGET STRIKER.

Well, it’s going to be interesting to see who turns up as three into one position doesn’t really work. One of them is going to be a bit cheesed off with a lack of game time.

[hypochondriac]

Are we still thinking 4 more signings before Wednesday? 

GK 

CB 

Winger 

Striker 

[Fabrice29]

9 minutes ago, Lighthouse said:

Well, it’s going to be interesting to see who turns up as three into one position doesn’t really work. One of them is going to be a bit cheesed off with a lack of game time.

This assumes all of them stay fit which is a little bit of a gamble. One that wasn't a problem the 2nd half of last season but was also helped by Archer and Oyenkule being around. Would assume any incoming would be based on him and Downs leaving. Who is playing for the under 21's right now up top? Because in theory he's first on the bench if there is an issue before January.

[trousers]

If Mubama can't fulfil the 'Larin understudy' role, wouldn't it have made more sense to sign a Larin 'clone', rather than Mubama, in the first place...? (If, as some people say, we "won't be signing another target man"...)

Edited 4 hours ago by trousers

[Saint NL]

Bold move from the Toffees.

 

[Fabrice29]

4 minutes ago, trousers said:

If Mubama can't fulfil the 'Larin understudy' role, wouldn't it have made more sense to sign a Larin 'clone', rather than Mubama, in the first place...? (If, as some people say, we "won't be signing another target man"...)

No, because Mubama has different qualities. Not everyone has to be a clone of our current 11. That’s not how a season pans out. 

Edited 4 hours ago by Fabrice29

[captainchris]

13 hours ago, Roger said:

Fellows isn’t crap at all and now he’s scored will be class.

He’s not that good though in all honesty….

[Hawkswood]

4 minutes ago, captainchris said:

He’s not that good though in all honesty….

I think people are mostly riding the wave of yesterdays result and the fact that he finally scored. He has been incredibly limited for the vast majority of his time here. I thought he was better than he actually is.

[captainchris]

4 hours ago, Football Special said:

I like to think that Tom Fellows is worth keeping, certainly would only sell him if offered a very healthy transfer fee. He's only just 23 , played over 160 career  appearances already across WBA , Crawley (loan) and Saints, played for England u21s 

Yes, however he is not progressing.

[Lord Duckhunter]

23 minutes ago, Lighthouse said:

Well, it’s going to be interesting to see who turns up as three into one position doesn’t really work. One of them is going to be a bit cheesed off with a lack of game time.

I think you’re underestimating the ego of players. How many times have we wondered why players sign for clubs when they clearly won’t get much game time. They don’t see it like that, any potential signing won’t be thinking “I’ll play second fiddle to Larin”, they think they are good enough to replace him. 
 

I've no idea whether they’ll look at another option up top. I imagine it’ll depend on Archer leaving  and whether they’ll think the  young City lad could potentially fit in wider on the odd occasion. Personally, I’d prefer another central striker, but it’s not a priority or the end of the world if we don’t get one. Whilst we may not need a Larin clone, our fingers will be crossed he doesn’t get injured anytime before dec window. 

[trousers]

19 minutes ago, Fabrice29 said:

No, because Mubama has different qualities. Not everyone has to be a clone of our current 11. That’s not how a season pans out. 

Yes, of course... But I'm just responding (in 'thinking-out-loud' mode) to those who believe that Mubama *is* Larin's understudy and who also believe that we won't be signing anyone else to fulfil that role...

Edited 3 hours ago by trousers

[MarkSFC]

35 minutes ago, hypochondriac said:

Are we still thinking 4 more signings before Wednesday? 

GK 

CB 

Winger 

Striker 

Ideally. And still to get rid of Downs, Ramsdale, Sugawara, Edozie, (and THB!). Presumably Reoslev may go also if we get another RB perhaps as I dont think JWP or anyone else can play there for a good number of games, we need an expert as such. 

Either this Czech CB Vitik or the Norwegian CB from Viking seem very suitable options.

I see that Vipotnik still hasn't left Swansea and didnt start yesterday. 

Should be a fun 3 days...

[Jaime]

42 minutes ago, hypochondriac said:

Are we still thinking 4 more signings before Wednesday? 

GK 

CB 

Winger 

Striker 

I suspect only if fringe players leave.

Edozie/Downs = 1 (possibly 2 if Archer leaves too)

THB = 1

Rambo = 1

Roerslev/Suga = 1

7 out. 4 in perhaps?

[Oh no Mick Mills]

47 minutes ago, Lighthouse said:

Well, it’s going to be interesting to see who turns up as three into one position doesn’t really work. One of them is going to be a bit cheesed off with a lack of game time.

Mubama is only a loan with no option to buy so if he ends up getting pushed down the pecking order because we find a more suitable alternative to Larin then so be it. 

 

[hypochondriac]

22 minutes ago, Jaime said:

I suspect only if fringe players leave.

Edozie/Downs = 1 (possibly 2 if Archer leaves too)

THB = 1

Rambo = 1

Roerslev/Suga = 1

7 out. 4 in perhaps?

Yes that was my assumption.

[goodymatt]