I am supposing that the current season ends on the final Refs whistle on the last match hence the query of why posts relating to the close season are being included in this section.
The new season for me begins on the kick off of the first match of the season.
So the bit in the middle "between seasons" is a grey area - the off season as it were?
No reason summer transfers shouldn't be discussed here if people wish.
As Phoenix say's the when one season ends and the other starts is a grey area and views will differ.
So keep the discussion here until this thread as run its course and the next thread is started, would be silly to have two transfer/squad threads going at the same time.
Keep your face always toward the sunshine - and shadows will fall behind you.
I think this post was in reference to the 2017/18 transfer thread being bumped and accidentally used for present team news (I think some injury discussion), and this was arfa's attempt at bringing discussion back to the right thread.
"A man with new ideas is a madman. Until his ideas triumph."
This is probably a moot point, but is there a single player out there we think would fit the key criteria for a Jan signing (good enough + available at a suitable price + fit enough to slot in)?
Barkley rumours are gathering pace and I have to admit I'm coming round to the idea of taking him on loan. He's been in the Chelsea first team a few times under a fitness-driven coach in Tuchel so should be up to speed, although I'm not sure about his pressing game. Otherwise it seems the only available options are Championship players who would be too big a gamble/require patience (Sibley, O'Brien). I'd love to see Ruben Loftus-Cheek come in, but he seems to be back in the fold at Chelsea.
'When he plays on snow, he doesn't leave any footprints’
I think Eddie back from Arsenal will be a good option - He might not be 1st choice with a fit Bamford - But will be a strong option to work with PB and JG as required - Assuming that Rodrigo is preferred as a #10 style role by MB
Barkley - I don't think he is 90 min box to box player for us - But yesterday for the last 20/25 mins, for Klich would have been a great option - He has talent
Both Eddie and Barkley need to be considered, both for when we are short of players, thru' injuries and as an option for the last 20/25 mins as per yesterday - I want to see the juniors come thru' but we also need some experience and our bench is to weak to often
Otherwise a midfield box-box player should be Normann from Norwich but can't see us getting him until/if Norwich are relegated - He will suit MB's style with god energy and can run with the ball
Fabio Carvalho, John Swift and Eddie Nketiah are all out of contract in summer, and we already know Bielsa likes the latter two.
These type of players fit the astute value-for-money model that Orta/Rad follow and would arguably be 1st team (at the very least it would definitely strengthen options off the bench).
I think these are the types of incomings we can expect in January, which as you all know is not a buyers market. We'll save the marquee signings for the summer window.
Was never sure about Eddie when he was here that he could fit into our system but after I watched him against us in the cup I think he has added to his game so would be decent competition/cover for Paddy.
Saying that I really don't want to push the academy kids down the pecking order within the next 2 or 3 years can see a few of them been first team regulars and others on the fringe.
Suppose if we signed Eddie it could be seen as pushing Gelhardt down the order or to take positive view give us a different option they are certainly different types of strikers. The other important thing is that he knows MB's methods so would fit in quickly.
Keep your face always toward the sunshine - and shadows will fall behind you.
Not being gloomy for the sake of it but I don't expect any signings in January and I don't think we're in a position to be making marquee signings yet, we will be looking at players not at the 'top table' so to speak.
Supposedly signed a young player from Espanyol - Mateo Joseph - another for the U23's. Probably can't be announced until transfer window opens (if true).
