I think this window's been very strong for us, signing GG, Larsson, Affengruber, Charles, Palacios and Manuel have been good signings.
Positives:
Bringing in a number 9 in GG was desperately needed which people havce been crying out for a long time after losing mitro, and he has looked quality scoring in his first 2 games
Charles has looked promising when he's played and I have high hopes for him
Larsson and Affengruber, not too sure on Larsson but Affengruber looks quality, viewed as the best cb in Elche history, had a lookj at his highlights and seems to be very similar to Palhinha but as a cb
Palacios has shown glimpses of what he can do still very young so clearly has a very high skill ceiling, Manuel I assume the same for him
Not signing a rw may mean Zepa will get a lot more game time and he looked so promising against Wimbledon when he came on, reminds me of the Godo situation when we signed Willian and Godo barely got any sniff at starting and he has been tearing it up at Strasbourg
Keeping Tete, It would've been a shame to lose Tete considering he played well against Wimbledon picking up an assist and attacked well
Josh King looks like he will have a breakout season looked very strong when he's played which also begs the question as to why Marco barely played him
Not signing Tosin - Self explanatory
Negatives:
Losing a lot of prem experience playes like Wilson, Jiminez, Lukic and Diop is tough especially for the low fees we sold them for or letting them go on a free
No Wilson replacement is probably my biggest worry, despite Wilson's tendency to go anonymous if he doesn't have a goal contribution in the game he was our standout player last season and failing to replace him is a big worry
Bobb and Kevin, as much as I love both of them and hope they both gain form and have a breakout season, they've not been great, 2G/A between the two of them (both from Kevin) has been dissapointing, Kevin whenever he plays seems to do an amazing skill beat his man and then lose the ball, Bobb gets into really good positions and then he'll play it back or pass it out, instead of shooting. Not sure if it's a confidence issue or what but he has to shoot more
No new GK considering our options for keeper are Leno and Lecomte with Benda leaving, has very low squad depth, if Leno were to get injured then we'd be in trouble
Very low physicality in the midfield, the signings of Palacios and Manuel both small technical players will leave a lot of struggles in our midfield with Berge and Charles needing to step up more, which I think will be difficult especially against more physical teams. Our size as well will be a issue as a lot of our players are not the tallest which I vuew as an issue as we have always been terrible from set pieces espeically defending them.
Our corners, we've always been crap at corners but this season it might be more of an issue, losing both of our corner takers in Lukic and Wilson
Anderson - In my honest opinion he's too slow and has not been good enough, for me I did not think we needed to bring him back but I hope that Affengruber Bassey will be our starting backline
I'm not going to critique any of the new signings before they play, as i have always believed to back whoever the club signs, I've seen people on twitter having a meltdown over our window especially with the signing of Manuel but I don't see the need to slate a new signign especially one as young as he is
Overall I'd rate this window a soilid 7/10 no rw, no GK, only one cb signing are probably my only issues.
Curious as to see what everyone else's opinions are on the window and who others think we should've replaced or bought in. And as always COYW ::scarf::
I honestly don't know. Changes were shouted for and now we have them. Lots of them.
It's a lot to integrate into a side so the manager has his work cut out but hopefully he can cope with that.
Could be a nine out of ten, it could be a two. Only time is going to tell.
I wouldn't go as far to say we've had a very good window, it has the potential to be decent, but if the newbies don't settle we could be in big trouble - AA has put a lot of faith in the spainish youngsters, let's hope it pays off, I'd take 17th now, and continue the rebuild next summer.
Too early to say, but I'm encouraged we've strengthened CM, it's been far too open this season, especially against Chelsea. Charles looks a talent, no idea about the other two.
Putting a lot of hope in this new Austrian CB to hit the ground running. I can't be too dispirited we didn't get a RB because we've kept Tete, who I love.
Regarding RW, it's not technically true we didn't replace Wilson. We clearly signed Bobb in January to take over if Wilson leaves. I'm not ready to write him off just yet. Iwobi can also play there and Zepa looks an emerging talent.
Up front we've clearly improved, Garcia looks a big step up from Jiménez and Muniz.
We didn't have a perfect window, but it's worth noting a lot of other clubs have missed out on improving key positions. Gotta feel for Everton who sold a striker to bring in Balogun and he eventually turned them down. They also sold a RB to bring in Tete, so were forced to bring in Maitland-Niles, who's not a natural defender.
7/10
Pros:
I like the look of all of the players we have signed, mostly for good fees.
We look very strong in midfield now with lots of depth.
Three signings were made before our first game.
We offloaded a few players for decent money.
We held on to our most valuable assets (obviously ignoring Wilson).
We don't appear to be sailing too close to the wind financially.
We picked up a good youth player from Celtic for peanuts.
We appear to have backed our head coach.
Cons:
We look light at RW.
We didn't sign a GK and Leno has no real competition.
Starting the season without a recognised RCB.
Not selling Tete given the very good fee we seemed to be set to receive.
Lots of time seemingly spent on players to no avail (Nwaiwu, Ait Boudlal). I know it's partially out of our control but I think we got hung up on these particular players.
I think we slightly overpaid for Charles.
End of window scramble again.
I don't particularly like the way the Garcia deal has been structured in terms of a potential future sale.
De Fougerolles and Kusi-Asare perhaps should have gone on loan (but happy with them for depth).
If they adapt to the system then yes if not it's a big issue. Have not strengthened right back position as neither look comfortable or probably suited to new system. Right wing questionable but hopefully manager realises he can play Iwobi there which at the moment might offer us more threat. I can see a scenario where quite a few of the old guard could get frustrated about game time but that's natural when you have a new boss and a system that certainly does not suit quite a few from previous regime. It's successful from bringing age down whether it's successful on the pitch is to be seen. We can only hope.
Quote from: Neutral Zone Ultra on September 02, 2026, 12:10:43 PM7/10
Pros:
I like the look of all of the players we have signed, mostly for good fees.
We look very strong in midfield now with lots of depth.
Three signings were made before our first game.
We offloaded a few players for decent money.
We held on to our most valuable assets (obviously ignoring Wilson).
We don't appear to be sailing too close to the wind financially.
We picked up a good youth player from Celtic for peanuts.
We appear to have backed our head coach.
Cons:
We look light at RW.
We didn't sign a GK and Leno has no real competition.
Starting the season without a recognised RCB.
Not selling Tete given the very good fee we seemed to be set to receive.
Lots of time seemingly spent on players to no avail (Nwaiwu, Ait Boudlal). I know it's partially out of our control but I think we got hung up on these particular players.
I think we slightly overpaid for Charles.
End of window scramble again.
I don't particularly like the way the Garcia deal has been structured in terms of a potential future sale.
De Fougerolles and Kusi-Asare perhaps should have gone on loan (but happy with them for depth).
Real Madrid usually structure youth sales by selling 50% rights, which equates to 50% of next transfer fee. For Garcia and Palacios we negotiated than down to 30%. Angel stays at 50% but he only cost £3m.
My thoughts on the window are as follows:
Much as expected in that it has been spectacularly underwhelming.
Pinning our hopes on so many players that have not played in the Prem. are so young and arrived late as usual is such a gamble. BUT we are used to that with our management.
The squad looks thoroughly unbalanced. If the three newest additions are spectacularly brilliant and remain fully fit things might be OK.
But as it is the squad we have, with a novice manager, looks like a massive gamble and I think it is way more likely that it will all end in tears than spectacular success (whatever that means to a team like ours).
That's my opinion, and I hope I am proved wrong.
6/10
I'm on the fence tbh, probably leaning towards a 5/10, maybe a bit lower.
In real time I was excited, but I think on reflection I was wanting and hoping for something to happen.. When I reflect and look and the squad, where we're strong vs weak and the quality of the players we've brought in, then there's a fair few quite significant unknowns still.
1. where are the goals coming from?
2. Do the players have the ability to play Arbeloaball (Chelsea and AFC Wimbledon suggest yet, but with caveats)
3. Which of the new players will actually add value and strengthen us.
Of the six signings the only one with top flight experience and a proven pedigree at a good level is Larsson week in week out and as a starter for a top tier team.
Then as a more senior pro Affengruber comes second, closely followed by Shea and Garcia.
Palacios and Angel are largely unknowns.
So in reality we've strengthened knowingly our team with one player, in one position.
If I let go of being strict with the definition, then I'd add Larsson in with Shea Charles and Gonzalo Garcia, all three of which, if they do meet their potential and show it with us, could be first team starters and the basis of what we build our squad around in the years ahead, with the likes of King, Kevin, Bobb (assuming they evolve from where they're currently). For me, if Garcia met his potential, he could be Spain's number 9, which is no mean feat.
Affengruber has potential, but is he a guaranteed starter - i'm not so sure. A bit of competition for Andersen though and a different profile is useful.
Palacios I'm a big fan of, but that's largely based on his potential and eye for a creative, line splitting pass, which he's shown a few times - I think he could be another asset long term, but he needs experience and to get used to the PL and perhaps bulk up. The PL and La Liga are both good leagues, but you get less time on the ball in the PL.
I think it'll help the Real Madrid guys to develop, with the fact Arbeloa and his backroom team have all worked with them before, and there are three of them and they're friends who can help one another adapt.
I put the window down largely as unsatisfactory, the end of it and the transfer deadline day scramble always leaves us short-handed and a sour taste in the mouth, as it was clear we wanted a RW, a higher calibre RCB and a RB, which makes me simply feel like it's fallen short and we're subsequently not where we wanted or needed to be.
Time will tell, but we need to start picking up points, even though we've got a tough start to the season ahead with Liverpool and Man utd in our next three games.
Time to tell if these talented younger players are men or not!
Midfield rebuild was needed and we now have so many midfielders it could take until Christmas to try every permutation. Somehow I don't think it will take that long and am optimistic.
The club has done fine, but my overall take on the transfer window is that the effect of SCR as a drawbridge being pulled up behind six teams has never been more starkly evident.
It's impossible to say if this was a good window because of the unknowns, so it may seem odd to some that I felt a bit deflated and disappointed at close of play yesterday. Hopefully the group we have will gel and come November the team will be flying.
Two of the three Madrid boys have really only experienced third tier football in Spain with only a handful of games with the first team. It's hard to quantify how good they are or will be.
We obviously didn't sign some of our first choice picks, but we're not unique in that and we didn't get a RB or RW over the line. Having an injury prone RB in the squad is not ideal and it's clear that Arbeloa wanted to bring in a player that fits his system.
We needed a RCB and we got one but we didn't require a back up RCB. I hope that is not the case with Affengruber because I don't think we can continue playing Arbeloa's way with Andersen as first choice.
As far as I'm concerned the jury's out. Ask me again in three months.
If AA wants to play with pacey wingbacks and we had a good offer for the ageing, relatively slow, persistently injured Tete, but couldn't in the entire window secure a replacement for RWB, well that's pretty poor.
Also wondering where Berge, ESR and Kevin fit in now, and if we've hired a manager whose tactics aren't going to make use of these marquee signings (on top of seemingly writing-off Anderson) then again that would be shocking.
Think I need to see how AA sets the team up over the next few matches, not really sure how the collection of players we've left ourselves with fit together as a team at this point.
It's certainly a high risk window with so many untried players .
When we signed Garcia and Palacios so early in the window with not too much fuss( for us ), it was really exciting . I guess for me , I then thought it would be followed with a few more mature signings with proven top level game time or maybe even some fringe premier league players looking for more regular starts .
Hard to know which way it goes , it could be amazing or awful , maybe not much inbetween .
My biggest concerns at the moment is that both Kevin and Bobb are currently playing for themselves instead of playing within the framework of the team.
So many promising attacks break down with them in possession of the ball because they do not pass the ball early enough or pass the way they are facing often enough.
Therefore dispossessed cheaply or giving the ball away when under pressure after dwelling on it too long.
It is inevitable it doesn't matter who or when we bought players in there will always be someone having a moan, we should have got him / he is rubbish or to use a word which some love to use dross.
Sometimes it would be nice for those that continuously give out the negative to just occasionally give a bit of positivity, remember that banner that used to hang on the cottage
"KEEP THE FAITH"
Quote from: alfie on September 02, 2026, 01:50:03 PMIt is inevitable it doesn't matter who or when we bought players in there will always be someone having a moan, we should have got him / he is rubbish or to use a word which some love to use dross.
Sometimes it would be nice for those that continuously give out the negative to just occasionally give a bit of positivity, remember that banner that used to hang on the cottage
"KEEP THE FAITH"
Positivity police strikes again. The banner said "keep the faith", not "you may not under any circumstances express an opinion which isn't 100% positive".
I was pleased that (apart from Wilson who'd set his heart on going) the only significant defenestrations were Raul and Diop. Though I regret the latter, there were others rumoured to be leaving as well.
Quote from: Neutral Zone Ultra on September 02, 2026, 01:51:21 PMQuote from: alfie on September 02, 2026, 01:50:03 PMIt is inevitable it doesn't matter who or when we bought players in there will always be someone having a moan, we should have got him / he is rubbish or to use a word which some love to use dross.
Sometimes it would be nice for those that continuously give out the negative to just occasionally give a bit of positivity, remember that banner that used to hang on the cottage
"KEEP THE FAITH"
Positivity police strikes again. The banner said "keep the faith", not "you may not under any circumstances express an opinion which isn't 100% positive".
My word did you read it, I said "occasionally"
Quote from: alfie on September 02, 2026, 01:56:22 PMQuote from: Neutral Zone Ultra on September 02, 2026, 01:51:21 PMQuote from: alfie on September 02, 2026, 01:50:03 PMIt is inevitable it doesn't matter who or when we bought players in there will always be someone having a moan, we should have got him / he is rubbish or to use a word which some love to use dross.
Sometimes it would be nice for those that continuously give out the negative to just occasionally give a bit of positivity, remember that banner that used to hang on the cottage
"KEEP THE FAITH"
Positivity police strikes again. The banner said "keep the faith", not "you may not under any circumstances express an opinion which isn't 100% positive".
My word did you read it, I said "occasionally"
There are very few posters on here who solely post negative content, and at least a couple of them are known WUMs. I just find it very frustrating that we're constantly told that this board is negative etc etc when it's so far from the truth. Reactionary maybe (in both positive and negative ways), but I don't think any of the above posts are really overwhelming negative. Cautious optimism seems to be the prevailing narrative.
I see this as a two year project taking 3 to 4 transfer windows. As long as we stay up this season I'll be satisfied. Fundamentally, I prefer AA's approach to that of Silva. He jumped ship when we lost our two main goalscorers, left us with some overpriced players who have underwhelmed and adopted rather slow, predictable tactics, which were little more than a creeping barrage, then wing it, then cross it. All rather dull stuff.
Just to add, it's not entirely about what we've done in the window it's also about what our competitors have done also,
Taking it to the extreme Chelsea and Manchester City have strengthened and widened the gap on us, but closer to our level I'd say Sunderland and Brentford have moved away from us with their additions, and Ipswich and Hull have closed the gap, what we do is important but what others do is equally important.
Quote from: Fulham 1879 on September 02, 2026, 02:05:53 PMI see this as a two year project taking 3 to 4 transfer windows. As long as we stay up this season I'll be satisfied. Fundamentally, I prefer AA's approach to that of Silva. He jumped ship when we lost our two main goalscorers, left us with some overpriced players who have underwhelmed and adopted rather slow, predictable tactics, which were little more than a creeping barrage, then wing it, then cross it. All rather dull stuff.
I'd be very surprised if Arbeloa gets as long as that depending on how results go. If we get relegated he will almost certainly be sacked (if not sooner), if we finish 14th-17th and the feeling is we've gone backwards I can see Khan making the change.
Quote from: Neutral Zone Ultra on September 02, 2026, 01:58:49 PMQuote from: alfie on September 02, 2026, 01:56:22 PMQuote from: Neutral Zone Ultra on September 02, 2026, 01:51:21 PMQuote from: alfie on September 02, 2026, 01:50:03 PMIt is inevitable it doesn't matter who or when we bought players in there will always be someone having a moan, we should have got him / he is rubbish or to use a word which some love to use dross.
Sometimes it would be nice for those that continuously give out the negative to just occasionally give a bit of positivity, remember that banner that used to hang on the cottage
"KEEP THE FAITH"
Positivity police strikes again. The banner said "keep the faith", not "you may not under any circumstances express an opinion which isn't 100% positive".
My word did you read it, I said "occasionally"
There are very few posters on here who solely post negative content, and at least a couple of them are known WUMs. I just find it very frustrating that we're constantly told that this board is negative etc etc when it's so far from the truth. Reactionary maybe (in both positive and negative ways), but I don't think any of the above posts are really overwhelming negative. Cautious optimism seems to be the prevailing narrative.
Well that put me in my place, but don't worry it won't happen again,
Goodbye.
I find the negativity incredible to be honest (is it ok to say that? I don't want to get censored).
a 5/10, maybe a bit lower
I felt a bit deflated and disappointed at close of play
spectacularly underwhelming
that's pretty poor
The squad looks thoroughly unbalanced
Bar wilson, we held onto everyone that we wanted to. We upgraded in some areas and made common sense decisions on bringing in £18m for two players who would have left for free at the season end.
I'd have liked to see a RW option, Zepa shone against AFC, but Premier league is a massive step up. But we don't seem to play with hug the touchline type wingers, more wide players (like Palacios, Bobb, Iwobi, ESR) that come inside, opening up space for full backs to get forward.
I really like the two RM youngsters I've seen. I get the feeling that Garcia will be a top, top level player. Palacios seemed to get some stick at the weekend, but looked tidy enough to me, he seems to have a good understanding with Gonzalo too. Angel could well be a canny little pick up too- the clips i've seen of him he's a feisty little player. I don't subscribe to the "he's too small to make it" theory. Plenty of proof that isn't true over the years.
Larsson is a good level centre mid who has been highly rated the last few years. I don't know how him, Charles, Berge & Reed fit, but he's a step up on what we had.
Affengruber is another unknown to me, but I see he's been on the radar of some big, big clubs the last few years. He seems to be quick, which is just what we needed. Doesn't look like a big fella, but in his video he had his top off and isn't scrawny as he first appears!
JKA as a third CF cover is a good idea as he continues to learn. I really hope he doesn't go out on loan, I think we need the cover in the squad.
So, it's a 7.5 for me. Perhaps we can focus on a top level keeper next summer.
Quote from: Holders on September 02, 2026, 01:55:16 PMI was pleased that (apart from Wilson who'd set his heart on going) the only significant defenestrations were Raul and Diop. Though I regret the latter, there were others rumoured to be leaving as well.
Eh, Diop was the least significant of the departures this summer. 4th on the CB depth chart, played only ~800 PL minutes last season (24 players got PL minutes for us last season, only 5 of those played fewer than Issa). Lukic and Chuk (yes, a loanee) were more significant losses than Diop.
I'm a half and half about this window, if definitely different from Marco's windows he nearly always went for premiumship ready players and if they weren't premiereship ready it seemed like a age before they started, I think we're trying to go down the three B's route get them in young have a few good years out of them, then sell them for a profit, how good they are I'm not sure hopefully they can hit the ground running,
The fact is that there is hardly anyone on this board, probably nobody, who has seen most or maybe any of the signings play live football...until we see them in action it's just not possible to give a balanced assessment. The question then is...do we trust those in charge of the transfers to have done a good job...and based on past windows, I actually have quite a lot of confidence that we usually - not always - make decent signings at reasonable prices...I think we can all point at some recent signings where it looks as if we have overpaid, but the overall balance is that the club has bought and sold well and strengthened the squad over the last 6 or 7 years.
So, on past evidence, I am reasonably confident. I just hope the new players can be given some time to bed in before they and the club are slated. It's a major rehaul of the squad and the playing style that AA is overseeing....it took Iraola nine games to secure his first win at Bournemouth....I think this board would have spontaneously ignited long before we reached that stage...but it's probably inevitable the next few weeks will be a bumpy ride.
Quote from: Neutral Zone Ultra on September 02, 2026, 02:11:07 PMQuote from: Fulham 1879 on September 02, 2026, 02:05:53 PMI see this as a two year project taking 3 to 4 transfer windows. As long as we stay up this season I'll be satisfied. Fundamentally, I prefer AA's approach to that of Silva. He jumped ship when we lost our two main goalscorers, left us with some overpriced players who have underwhelmed and adopted rather slow, predictable tactics, which were little more than a creeping barrage, then wing it, then cross it. All rather dull stuff.
I'd be very surprised if Arbeloa gets as long as that depending on how results go. If we get relegated he will almost certainly be sacked (if not sooner), if we finish 14th-17th and the feeling is we've gone backwards I can see Khan making the change.
If we finish 14th to 17th you may well be right but I wouldn't support it. If you appoint someone with a different approach then it takes time, but managers rarely get granted that.
Like the signings, some nice talent and gifted players, but my main concern is probably we have built a rather diminutive in stature club. Will get muscled off the ball, will lose 1 v 1 challenges, will lose out on headers, methinks. Defending set pieces and corners may become a real heartache. AA will need strategies to defend in these situations.
The other concern is that new incomings can adapt rather quickly to the rigors of Premier League football, the speed/quickness and physicality. I thought Garcia and Palacios both learned a bit of a lesson in the Sunderland game, how quick they were shut down and unable to make that final pass or shot. This league is not a training ground, with a team willing to sacrifice points while players get the hang of the pace and quality of this league. Hoping that newer players can adapt quickly, only time will tell I guess.......
Quote from: Fulham 1879 on September 02, 2026, 02:05:53 PMI see this as a two year project taking 3 to 4 transfer windows. As long as we stay up this season I'll be satisfied. Fundamentally, I prefer AA's approach to that of Silva. He jumped ship when we lost our two main goalscorers, left us with some overpriced players who have underwhelmed and adopted rather slow, predictable tactics, which were little more than a creeping barrage, then wing it, then cross it. All rather dull stuff.
I understand you comment re the new manager and the style he has in mind but I was not aware that the owner or his son said anything about a two year project... I thought they were excited that we would improve immediately (meaning in this season). If they would have said two year project maybe this transfer window would have made more sense.
Anyone's opinion of Silva in what he could and couldn't do within the constraints of budget are up for debate. I think he was forced to be pragmatic in the prem because, if you recall, when he joined we simply flew at the opposition in the Championship getting 106 goals. He played a style that meant we competed but AA is set on playing a particular way whether it suits the squad and opposition we are up against. I am not sure that is going to work.
I do not agree Silva'jumped ship' when he lost our two main goalscorers... I think from his words and body language he originally wanted to stay and was definitely talking about his plans for this season BUT going home and managing Benfica a genuinely historic club in his own back yard must have been quite a pull AND I think he realised he couldn't face the nonsensical dysfunctional transfer policy which we have just witnessed again. But that is my opinion.
Good work by the club IMO.
Garcia will be one for the ages, and they've addressed the central issue with Charles and Larsson. Palacios and Angel are welcome dice rolls in the midfield.
I'm not upset about the CB situation, hopefully that's also solved.
GK is the next big project, assuming the above pan out. The club has a knack for sniffing out good deals in goal, if you ignore the dark ages between Schwarz and maybe Areola on loan?
Quote from: Chi_FFC on September 02, 2026, 02:44:02 PMQuote from: Holders on September 02, 2026, 01:55:16 PMI was pleased that (apart from Wilson who'd set his heart on going) the only significant defenestrations were Raul and Diop. Though I regret the latter, there were others rumoured to be leaving as well.
Eh, Diop was the least significant of the departures this summer. 4th on the CB depth chart, played only ~800 PL minutes last season (24 players got PL minutes for us last season, only 5 of those played fewer than Issa). Lukic and Chuk (yes, a loanee) were more significant losses than Diop.
I forgot Lukic. Chuk was a loan.
The team against palace will be the more or less the same as against Sunderland obviously the new boys have got to fit in my only positions which is worry is an extra forward if munis doesn't improve getting money for teti and a quicker fullback who can cross which would help our young winger to perhaps come on later in the odd game,and a goalkeeper who can play as our extra player on the pitch.And the height of the team has to be watched the new boy from Spain and the other Spaniard in midfield defensive duties could be a problem.I mention this because we still haven't sorted out our set plays yet.
Can't buy into a so-called two year/3 to 4 windows project. This is the Premier League and expectations are to stay in this league and be competitive from the get-go. No guarantee if waiting for this 2 year thingy to transpire that FFC will still be in top flight. I can't wait that long. Additionally, I've seen forum members post they would like to wait 10 games or even Christmas time before rating AA's performance. I'm not that patient. Right now, I'm looking for points this home game v Palace. If we go first 3 games pointless, 2 of which were home games, and 2 v teams we should have reasonably expected some sort of result, then, this FFC fan will become very nervous and twitchy indeed.......
Quote from: Woolly Mammoth on September 02, 2026, 01:48:16 PMMy biggest concerns at the moment is that both Kevin and Bobb are currently playing for themselves instead of playing within the framework of the team.
So many promising attacks break down with them in possession of the ball because they do not pass the ball early enough or pass the way they are facing often enough.
Therefore dispossessed cheaply or giving the ball away when under pressure after dwelling on it too long.
Interestingly I feel the same about King and even Ryan Sessegnon and others.. the amount of times I've seen an obvious pass to a player in a better goalscoring position not taken up (usually Gonzalo for instance) and Garcia is just not played in. I was watching the highlights of the AFC wimbledon game recently again and there's one or two instances, in the short time Garcia was on when a player didn't pass to him when, had they, he would've been clear.
A good example of this is the sequence from 9min 39secs in, as we play it down the wing, Sess goes into space and there's a period where Garcia's asking for it and either Sess has his head down or isn't thinking about the team and misses either passing directly to Garcia, or slipping him in.
Happy to find more, if helps illustrate the point more..
What I've noticed is that better players have their head up more, trusting their technique more, and also a lot more is made of the space on the pitch. Often as a club Fulham players have more than less played the ball to the player, either in the air or to their feet. When with Garcia and Palacios, I've noticed they're trained to play the ball in to the space, allowing their teammates to run into the space, not lose momentum etc.
They're also very good and one touch pass and go between each other. there's a fluidity to it, which is clearly taught.
Another example of how this could've worked, is at 1.38, instead of Muniz holding the ball up, he could've laid it off to Sess. Perhaps he was being defended too well, or isn't left-footed enough, but his head was down and focused more on holding the ball up, when in an ideal world, he'd be as equally aware of giving and going. You can see ESR is used to the give and go tempo, similarly to Garcia and Palacios and I often see him making runs that few people spot. I wonder if that affects his movement and running, because he's just thinking about the game differently.
Zepa at 7mins 03 secs, could've passed it to Sess for a first time shot
Quote from: Bobsffc on September 02, 2026, 03:00:44 PMThe question then is...do we trust those in charge of the transfers to have done a good job...and based on past windows, I actually have quite a lot of confidence that we usually - not always - make decent signings at reasonable prices...I think we can all point at some recent signings where it looks as if we have overpaid, but the overall balance is that the club has bought and sold well and strengthened the squad over the last 6 or 7 years.
I don't disagree but our most expensive (by far) signings in the last two years have been ESR, Berge, Andersen, Bobb and Kevin. Feels like most on here would name at best 1-2 of those in their preferred XI, and the players we've just signed seem intended to replace 2-3 of them as well. So I feel like most fans, and perhaps even AA, don't seem to share your/our confidence in the club's recent track record. But I guess maybe AA will surprise us all and find a way to play them together or in regular rotation (which should be the aim IMO).
Quote from: WindyCity on September 02, 2026, 04:25:35 PMCan't buy into a so-called two year/3 to 4 windows project. This is the Premier League and expectations are to stay in this league and be competitive from the get-go. No guarantee if waiting for this 2 year thingy to transpire that FFC will still be in top flight. I can't wait that long. Additionally, I've seen forum members post they would like to wait 10 games or even Christmas time before rating AA's performance. I'm not that patient. Right now, I'm looking for points this home game v Palace. If we go first 3 games pointless, 2 of which were home games, and 2 v teams we should have reasonably expected some sort of result, then, this FFC fan will become very nervous and twitchy indeed.......
Actually I tend to agree with you regarding how long it takes to make your mind up. But I do think 10 ish is not unreasonable to give any new man a chance to show whether he is pragmatic and willing to bend or whether he sticks to his ideas of how to play come what may.
Personally I think way to little attention has been paid to his awful post match remarks about the players and how dreadful they were in terms of him building a team spirit. Apparently it was all down to them, there lack of ambition and effort and not at all his lack of tactical awareness and bizarre substitutions. The pundits on MOTD were totally taken aback by them and even though I am not always a fan of the programme, they are not always wrong.
I am happy to wait and see what happens (what else can i do anyway) but my overwhelming instinct is it is more likely to end in tears with this manager... but hey, that is just my opinion and I genuinely hope I am wrong.
Quote from: Jim© on September 02, 2026, 02:30:32 PMI find the negativity incredible to be honest (is it ok to say that? I don't want to get censored).
a 5/10, maybe a bit lower
I felt a bit deflated and disappointed at close of play
spectacularly underwhelming
that's pretty poor
The squad looks thoroughly unbalanced
Bar wilson, we held onto everyone that we wanted to. We upgraded in some areas and made common sense decisions on bringing in £18m for two players who would have left for free at the season end.
I'd have liked to see a RW option, Zepa shone against AFC, but Premier league is a massive step up. But we don't seem to play with hug the touchline type wingers, more wide players (like Palacios, Bobb, Iwobi, ESR) that come inside, opening up space for full backs to get forward.
I really like the two RM youngsters I've seen. I get the feeling that Garcia will be a top, top level player. Palacios seemed to get some stick at the weekend, but looked tidy enough to me, he seems to have a good understanding with Gonzalo too. Angel could well be a canny little pick up too- the clips i've seen of him he's a feisty little player. I don't subscribe to the "he's too small to make it" theory. Plenty of proof that isn't true over the years.
Larsson is a good level centre mid who has been highly rated the last few years. I don't know how him, Charles, Berge & Reed fit, but he's a step up on what we had.
Affengruber is another unknown to me, but I see he's been on the radar of some big, big clubs the last few years. He seems to be quick, which is just what we needed. Doesn't look like a big fella, but in his video he had his top off and isn't scrawny as he first appears!
JKA as a third CF cover is a good idea as he continues to learn. I really hope he doesn't go out on loan, I think we need the cover in the squad.
So, it's a 7.5 for me. Perhaps we can focus on a top level keeper next summer.
I agree. Overall a good window and an improvement on what we had. I remain optimistic that the Real Madrid youngsters will come good, and are given time. Their fees especially are minimal for the current era. Ok the 50% sell ons are prohibitive but if this allows us to stay within PSR so be it.
We need a new keeper but otherwise a good window
In isolation, I think the incomings are good.
The outgoings are a big loss to have all at once, and manage a new tactical change, personnel and more. Quite a lot at once.
I do think if the players came in earlier in the window, I'd feel more confident about it. But, it's a lot to ask on the new faces to replace the G/A put up by the departures, with very little experience.
I do think if AA can get the best out of them, they'll kick on and we can have a good season.
But it's a lot of moving parts at once.
Longer format of my thoughts can be viewed here on The Craven Corner (https://thecravencorner.wordpress.com/2026/09/02/assessing-fulhams-rebuild-under-arbeloa/) if you were interested in longer format.
Well I'm very excited for the rest of the season now.
If these new boys can click then AA's Fulham is gonna be a great team to watch.
Right now its a 5/10 for me. What we have in Affengruber is going to be the deciding factor in if it was a success or not. If he comes good then this will have been an outstanding window and becomes an 8 or 9/10. The only blemishes would be GK and RW, which I feel are minor.
As Ive said before, going down this path with AA, his expressive style, almost quite extreme in a way, him wanting his youngsters, letting his style dictate our signings and reshaping the squad is a massive risk.
Now its too early to tell, but just looking at how he is handling two of our most expensive players in ESR and Kevin is a tell tale sign of his preferences AND the dangers of catering to one managers need. In a worst case scenario, ESR and Kevin doesnt fit our system and is sold at a loss or loaned out. And if AA does get sacked, whos to say what happens to players like Palacios, Garcia and so on.
My second concern is that when faced with this 'revolution', the club and TK has planned this yet again very poorly. Im.not saying that the players we have signed are bad, but looking beyond that its yet another evidens that we dont plan these things. Now in not against bargain bins at D-day, but its obvious to me that we havent gotten our first choice CB. Or second choice. Or maybe even out third choice, looking at rumors from credible sources. Instead of identifying key positions and getting them sorted early, we have been running around late in the window scrambling to fill a key position. We've been linked with god knows how many CBs. Its been obvious that Andersen wouldnt fit the preferred system, and we are crying out for reinforcement in a key area like cb but we still need to Penny pinch and leave things late, While also not sending a player like LdF out on loan. And while we were a couple who never did understand why the club wanted a new RB, the fact that we clearly missed out on one is another failure, especially since we had lined up a suitor in Everton willing to pay a decent fee. For me, this is terrible squad planning.
I know some people feel that the critism towards TK is unfair and I dont want to get into that discussion, but for me its obvious that this line of squad building is not going to serve us well in the long run. Especially since we no longer have Marco is was basically a guarantee for Premier League survival.
I dont think judging signings is a good idea tbh. I think there are some really interesting signings and I hope they gel sooner rather than later.
Im looking forward to the rest of the season and back A A and the lads to the fullest, hope the new boys adapt and we start getting wins.
on paper it looks very good indeed, 110 mil.spent on seemingly good young talented players, very generous indeed
AA is my concern, can he handle it ?
only time will tell
Quote from: Somerset Fulham on September 02, 2026, 12:00:34 PMI honestly don't know. Changes were shouted for and now we have them. Lots of them.
It's a lot to integrate into a side so the manager has his work cut out but hopefully he can cope with that.
Could be a nine out of ten, it could be a two. Only time is going to tell.
yep Somerset I really do think you've spoke for most of us there . None of us know how good or poor it's going to turn out 🤞🤞🤞🤞🤞
Those who think we had a bad window look at Everton. A joke of a deadline day and now left with only 18 outfield senior players.
A few injuries and they are ruined.
Quote from: Rambler on September 02, 2026, 08:18:04 PMThose who think we had a bad window look at Everton. A joke of a deadline day and now left with only 18 outfield senior players.
A few injuries and they are ruined.
They should be furious with their management. We thought we had it bad with our lack of depth up front, now they have one striker.
Bottom 5 for me. 2 years on and we still haven't replaced Mitro. Garcia's a good player but not strong enough to play centre-forward.
A positive window on paper will give it 7
And rejigged the Midfield a major criticism under silver of so many players
Which will be step forward . With GG a real talent.the Austrian CB hopefully will be a good partner for bassey.
As usual leaving it really late had its positives and negatives. Larsson and Affengruber would have cost double what we paid in July or early August. Larsson wasn't even really available until Ritsu Doan's transfer collapsed late and Frankfurt needed a sale.
But on the other hand we did not address the backup RW position and did not make a change at RB that Arbeloa really wanted to fit his system.
Love the Garcia and Charles signings at good prices. Palacios and Angel were both cheap and do have a lot of promise.
I'd give it a 7/10
Quote from: Mullers75 on September 02, 2026, 09:43:11 PMBottom 5 for me. 2 years on and we still haven't replaced Mitro. Garcia's a good player but not strong enough to play centre-forward.
Fulham has a strong history of good #9s (including my fav, McBride). But the modern game is trending away from true center forwards - toward false 9s with inverted wingers and more linked up play from the top. Garcia is that kind of forward. I think that's where Arbeloa wants us to go.
Quote from: Andrew on September 02, 2026, 12:46:43 PMMy thoughts on the window are as follows:
Much as expected in that it has been spectacularly underwhelming.
Pinning our hopes on so many players that have not played in the Prem. are so young and arrived late as usual is such a gamble. BUT we are used to that with our management.
The squad looks thoroughly unbalanced. If the three newest additions are spectacularly brilliant and remain fully fit things might be OK.
But as it is the squad we have, with a novice manager, looks like a massive gamble and I think it is way more likely that it will all end in tears than spectacular success (whatever that means to a team like ours).
That's my opinion, and I hope I am proved wrong.
We all hope your proven wrong Andrew, but your summing up I feel is very realistic.
Quote from: WindyCity on September 02, 2026, 04:25:35 PMCan't buy into a so-called two year/3 to 4 windows project. This is the Premier League and expectations are to stay in this league and be competitive from the get-go. No guarantee if waiting for this 2 year thingy to transpire that FFC will still be in top flight. I can't wait that long. Additionally, I've seen forum members post they would like to wait 10 games or even Christmas time before rating AA's performance. I'm not that patient. Right now, I'm looking for points this home game v Palace. If we go first 3 games pointless, 2 of which were home games, and 2 v teams we should have reasonably expected some sort of result, then, this FFC fan will become very nervous and twitchy indeed.......
Yes Windy, and just as crucial the players confidence will drop.
Quote from: Mullers75 on September 02, 2026, 09:43:11 PMBottom 5 for me. 2 years on and we still haven't replaced Mitro. Garcia's a good player but not strong enough to play centre-forward.
Hope your wrong, but feel you are right.
I hope I'm wrong too of course, but looking at the other teams - who are we better than? Coventry and Ipswich probably, Hull, Palace and Everton possibly ... and that's it!
Quote from: Mullers75 on September 04, 2026, 10:17:35 AMI hope I'm wrong too of course, but looking at the other teams - who are we better than? Coventry and Ipswich probably, Hull, Palace and Everton possibly ... and that's it!
So, recently I've been looking at the 5 year transfer spend of all Premier League clubs - comparing with Fulham and also the respective value of squads (mainly using Transfermarkt) and I was slightly surprised.
Focusing on mid table clubs like us - who been in the Premier League for most or all of that time (in other words ignoring recently promoted teams), our net spend over that period is £231m. That is slightly less than Bournemouth, a bit more than Brentford and way more than Palace (mainly due to their big sales).
What I was surprised about is that the value of our squad at £401m is the 5th lowest, with only Everton (18 man squad!), Ipswich, Coventry and Hull below us.
Now, I'm not sure how much I agree with the valuations - in particular Brentford's squad at £584m seems way over to me. That also puts them above Villa, Bournemouth and Forest. I think the valuation of some Fulham players is low, but I appreciate that the ratio of aging players is higher than most other clubs - maybe this is a factor?
Based on us being 5th lowest - perhaps finishing 16th-17th is where we should expect to be. But, I do think we are capable of finishing above Brentford, Bournemouth, Sunderland and Nottingham Forest.
Realistically - this season I would be more than happy with 14-15th place, safe from relegation trouble, but not putting up a challenge for Europe. I would hope AA does get to invest more next summer and we would be in a position to finish much higher.
My thoughts are this, last season we had Wilson, Chukwueze and Jimenez as attacking options, we desperately needed to replace that creativity and those goals, does anybody want to put forward a case to say that we've done that ?
And please don't include Oscar Bobb in your reply to try and suggest that he is the Harry Wilson replacement, he just isn't.
Quote from: Mullers75 on September 02, 2026, 09:43:11 PMBottom 5 for me. 2 years on and we still haven't replaced Mitro. Garcia's a good player but not strong enough to play centre-forward.
your basing your opinion on Garcia after 3 games during Whickham he scored twice 🤔