Asssuming most are happy with Jimenez and Muniz but not so with Vinicius who should replace him?
Maybe Marco favourite and Tottenham idol Richarlson. Seems to fit our model of reviving faltered careers. Any takers?
Quote from: 3 pigs on April 10, 2025, 08:26:22 AMAsssuming most are happy with Jimenez and Muniz but not so with Vinicius who should replace him?
Maybe Marco favourite and Tottenham idol Richarlson. Seems to fit our model of reviving faltered careers. Any takers?
Good player who is regularly injured and misses multiple games every season. On that basis absolutely not.
Quote from: Whitestone on April 10, 2025, 08:40:06 AMQuote from: 3 pigs on April 10, 2025, 08:26:22 AMAsssuming most are happy with Jimenez and Muniz but not so with Vinicius who should replace him?
Maybe Marco favourite and Tottenham idol Richarlson. Seems to fit our model of reviving faltered careers. Any takers?
Good player who is regularly injured and misses multiple games every season. On that basis absolutely not.
Hardly ever missed a game for Everton, only real injury plagued season is this season - prior to that it was more personal issues as per reports.
Feels like exactly the type of player Marco can - and has - get a tune out of so if he wanted him then you wouldn't hear me complain.
That being said, if Marco didn't want him I wouldn't complain either.
Essentially, in Marco we trust!
Quote from: Whitestone on April 10, 2025, 08:40:06 AMQuote from: 3 pigs on April 10, 2025, 08:26:22 AMAsssuming most are happy with Jimenez and Muniz but not so with Vinicius who should replace him?
Maybe Marco favourite and Tottenham idol Richarlson. Seems to fit our model of reviving faltered careers. Any takers?
Good player who is regularly injured and misses multiple games every season. On that basis absolutely not.
Does Sessegnon's revival not make you question yourself at all?
ESR was a sick note before joining us, and whilst he may have the 'jury' still out on him, has remained fit for most of the season..
Jimenez had hardly scored and was playing intermittently at Wolves post injury, and now is winning cups, being the difference maker for the national team and with us.
Calvin Bassey was scapegoated as the reason behind Ajax's poor season prior to joining us.. he was our MOTM against the league leaders liverpool who had only lost one match prior to us playing them.
We got Pantsil, Etuhu from their respective clubs reserve teams, Andersen and Tete were bit part players at Lyon before joining us..
In fact, if there's ever anything that is a truth in football is that a player can dramatically change their own circumstances health and performance wise, simply by switching clubs.
Now, I'm not necessarily in favour of Richarlison, he's historically had quite a big ego behind him and I think Marco would ant to preserve the club unity we've got, but it's seemingly worked with some relatively big name players..
Big ego's under Marco get ditched quite quickly - Manor Solomon being the most obvious recent example.
That being said, if a player who's not performing or on a reduced transfer fee and wage because of it comes along and Marco thinks he can get them playing well, then I'm happy to trust Marco.
If Richarlison came in, lost the ego and just enjoyed being part of the squad, team and contributed - none of us would have any issues. He's fit the Portuguese speaking contingent/vibe going on at the club.
He is still also only 27, but would probably not have much resale value to us.
Quote from: General on April 10, 2025, 08:56:43 AMQuote from: Whitestone on April 10, 2025, 08:40:06 AMQuote from: 3 pigs on April 10, 2025, 08:26:22 AMAsssuming most are happy with Jimenez and Muniz but not so with Vinicius who should replace him?
Maybe Marco favourite and Tottenham idol Richarlson. Seems to fit our model of reviving faltered careers. Any takers?
Good player who is regularly injured and misses multiple games every season. On that basis absolutely not.
Big ego's under Marco get ditched quite quickly - Manor Solomon being the most obvious recent example.
Did Solomon have a big ego? Not contradicting you, just thought he was a fairly typical pro who moves wherever he can get a better contract with a (as it turned out, incorrectly) a more successful team.
Being loaned to a Championship team will have been a blow if his ego was that big.
Him and James are ripping up the Championship with Leeds, but as we know, the Prem is a very different challenge.
Someone like Richarlison who can play on the side or through the middle is exactly the profile we need in my opinion.
Muniz and Raul can't play on the wing, so if we want to bring someone in of quality, they'd ideally start on the wing but be an option through the middle.
Quote from: General on April 10, 2025, 08:56:43 AMQuote from: Whitestone on April 10, 2025, 08:40:06 AMQuote from: 3 pigs on April 10, 2025, 08:26:22 AMAsssuming most are happy with Jimenez and Muniz but not so with Vinicius who should replace him?
Maybe Marco favourite and Tottenham idol Richarlson. Seems to fit our model of reviving faltered careers. Any takers?
Good player who is regularly injured and misses multiple games every season. On that basis absolutely not.
Does Sessegnon's revival not make you question yourself at all?
ESR was a sick note before joining us, and whilst he may have the 'jury' still out on him, has remained fit for most of the season..
Jimenez had hardly scored and was playing intermittently at Wolves post injury, and now is winning cups, being the difference maker for the national team and with us.
Calvin Bassey was scapegoated as the reason behind Ajax's poor season prior to joining us.. he was our MOTM against the league leaders liverpool who had only lost one match prior to us playing them.
We got Pantsil, Etuhu from their respective clubs reserve teams, Andersen and Tete were bit part players at Lyon before joining us..
In fact, if there's ever anything that is a truth in football is that a player can dramatically change their own circumstances health and performance wise, simply by switching clubs.
Now, I'm not necessarily in favour of Richarlison, he's historically had quite a big ego behind him and I think Marco would ant to preserve the club unity we've got, but it's seemingly worked with some relatively big name players..
Big ego's under Marco get ditched quite quickly - Manor Solomon being the most obvious recent example.
That being said, if a player who's not performing or on a reduced transfer fee and wage because of it comes along and Marco thinks he can get them playing well, then I'm happy to trust Marco.
If Richarlison came in, lost the ego and just enjoyed being part of the squad, team and contributed - none of us would have any issues. He's fit the Portuguese speaking contingent/vibe going on at the club.
He is still also only 27, but would probably not have much resale value to us.
I would normally be 100% against it, but because he have the champion of turning around players in Marco Silva, and he has a history with Richarlison I'd be open to the idea. The price obviously has to be right, and Richarlison is going to have to swallow his ego, but we may be the club to help him do that. If he can let go and start having fun playing football again, great things could happen.
I do share the concern that 2/3 strikers would essentially have zero sell on. If Richarlison crashes with us no one is going to take the chance and if he does well we'd hopefully have him till he is done.
Quote from: General on April 10, 2025, 08:56:43 AMQuote from: Whitestone on April 10, 2025, 08:40:06 AMQuote from: 3 pigs on April 10, 2025, 08:26:22 AMAsssuming most are happy with Jimenez and Muniz but not so with Vinicius who should replace him?
Maybe Marco favourite and Tottenham idol Richarlson. Seems to fit our model of reviving faltered careers. Any takers?
Quote from: General on April 10, 2025, 08:56:43 AMQuote from: Whitestone on April 10, 2025, 08:40:06 AMQuote from: 3 pigs on April 10, 2025, 08:26:22 AMAsssuming most are happy with Jimenez and Muniz but not so with Vinicius who should replace him?
Maybe Marco favourite and Tottenham idol Richarlson. Seems to fit our model of reviving faltered careers. Any takers?
Good player who is regularly injured and misses multiple games every season. On that basis absolutely not.
Does Sessegnon's revival not make you question yourself at all?
ESR was a sick note before joining us, and whilst he may have the 'jury' still out on him, has remained fit for most of the season..
Jimenez had hardly scored and was playing intermittently at Wolves post injury, and now is winning cups, being the difference maker for the national team and with us.
Calvin Bassey was scapegoated as the reason behind Ajax's poor season prior to joining us.. he was our MOTM against the league leaders liverpool who had only lost one match prior to us playing them.
We got Pantsil, Etuhu from their respective clubs reserve teams, Andersen and Tete were bit part players at Lyon before joining us..
In fact, if there's ever anything that is a truth in football is that a player can dramatically change their own circumstances health and performance wise, simply by switching clubs.
Now, I'm not necessarily in favour of Richarlison, he's historically had quite a big ego behind him and I think Marco would ant to preserve the club unity we've got, but it's seemingly worked with some relatively big name players..
Big ego's under Marco get ditched quite quickly - Manor Solomon being the most obvious recent example.
That being said, if a player who's not performing or on a reduced transfer fee and wage because of it comes along and Marco thinks he can get them playing well, then I'm happy to trust Marco.
If Richarlison came in, lost the ego and just enjoyed being part of the squad, team and contributed - none of us would have any issues. He's fit the Portuguese speaking contingent/vibe going on at the club.
He is still also only 27, but would probably not have much resale value to us.
Good player who is regularly injured and misses multiple games every season. On that basis absolutely not.
Does Sessegnon's revival not make you question yourself at all?
Sessesgnon is one of our own and there was no transfer fee involved. Richarlison would probably cost somewhere in the region of £25 million and would most likely demand higher wages than Sess is currently on. I recognise that Sessegnon has had his injury issues but IMO he was less of a gamble than Richarlison would be. It is worth noting that over the last three seasons Richarlison has played a total of 3749 minutes of football which equates to approximately 41 matches overall and no more than 14 games a season during that period. A gamble not worth risking when there are undoubtedly other players out there without the baggage that comes with Richarlison.
I'd be open to Richarlison for the right price.
I think Spurs have some sort of injury curse, so I'm not holding his limited game time against him. If he can pass our medical, that should be enough.
Having said that, I think Marco would need to understand where Richarlison's head's at, as our club seems to have a great 'dressing room atmosphere' right now and we don't need a stroppy prima donna bringing down the mood.
My understanding is that, with the World Cup on the way, Richarlison knows that Brazil's LW is taken by Vini, RW by Raphinha/Rodrygo, so has been trying to claim the CF position for himself. If that's the case, he may not be willing to play second fiddle to Muniz and/or play at LW for us, which would be fine but probably not the right fit for us.
Richarlison cost Spurs £60m, assuming they accept a lower fee I can't see them dropping it drastically, they're not Man Utd.
So I don't see that as a goer.
Unless we qualify for Europe...I don't think one is needed. Basically haven't use one for years. Only really needed if we get a very bad injury. Many games are played while the transfer window is open, so we can buy a replacement if injuries hit. Would prefer if we signed someone like Samuel Chukwueze instead.
Personally think we are absolutely CRYING out for a quick striker, an Andy Johnson type.
Centre forward/s are going to be at a premium this summer transfer window. Not sure if we are likely to be shopping in the middle to lower chain of striker either way it's the number one position. Richarlison I would personally swerve on the basis of injury record temperament plus does he score more than Jiminez throughout an season?
Portuguese football outside the three big guns normally offer good value for striker/s.
If we want to jump to the next level, we have to sign quality players who are going to cost a lot but if they make the difference to give us regular European football they will pay it back. I know I sound like a broken record but for me Viktor Osimhen would be the one at 60m (his release clause) and I would release Raul and sign another young player to play on the left wing that could also play down the middle as well as a goal scoring number 10(especially if esr doesn't come good next season) with the likelihood of Periera leaving to give us a front line like this. A new right back to replace Tete would make it four new signings.
OSIMHEN/muniz
IWOBI/new young winger SESSEGNON/wilson
ESR/new number 10
Quote from: Thailand Mick on April 10, 2025, 12:44:57 PMIf we want to jump to the next level, we have to sign quality players who are going to cost a lot but if they make the difference to give us regular European football they will pay it back. I know I sound like a broken record but for me Viktor Osimhen would be the one at 60m (his release clause) and I would release Raul and sign another young player to play on the left wing that could also play down the middle as well as a goal scoring number 10(especially if esr doesn't come good next season) with the likelihood of Periera leaving to give us a front line like this. A new right back to replace Tete would make it four new signings.
OSIMHEN/muniz
IWOBI/new young winger SESSEGNON/wilson
ESR/new number 10
I think Osimhen is in too high demand to consider us even if we get Europe. He will go to a regular top CL club or a huge club like Man Utd that will pay wages that are out of our league. I think the chance of us getting him this summer is very close to zero.
We have however been interested in players like Guirassy and Cherki the last few windoews before they took another step up in quality. We did not get them, but maybe with Europe we would have. That is the level we need I believe, someone that is almost at that top level but not quite there yet.
A huge no from me. Way too much baggage
Quote from: Sting of the North on April 10, 2025, 12:50:48 PMQuote from: Thailand Mick on April 10, 2025, 12:44:57 PMIf we want to jump to the next level, we have to sign quality players who are going to cost a lot but if they make the difference to give us regular European football they will pay it back. I know I sound like a broken record but for me Viktor Osimhen would be the one at 60m (his release clause) and I would release Raul and sign another young player to play on the left wing that could also play down the middle as well as a goal scoring number 10(especially if esr doesn't come good next season) with the likelihood of Periera leaving to give us a front line like this. A new right back to replace Tete would make it four new signings.
OSIMHEN/muniz
IWOBI/new young winger SESSEGNON/wilson
ESR/new number 10
I think Osimhen is in too high demand to consider us even if we get Europe. He will go to a regular top CL club or a huge club like Man Utd that will pay wages that are out of our league. I think the chance of us getting him this summer is very close to zero.
We have however been interested in players like Guirassy and Cherki the last few windoews before they took another step up in quality. We did not get them, but maybe with Europe we would have. That is the level we need I believe, someone that is almost at that top level but not quite there yet.
Admitted that its only gossip but it's been reported he wants to play in the premier league, Arsenal seems to be linked with many strikers but not Osimhen, Chelsea is heavily link with Delap which would fit with their younger signings plan, Man City Don't need a striker, Spurs have just brought Solanki and I don't think Levy Buys players that won't produce a profit,Im sure Iwobi and Bassey could sell it to him.
I wouldn't mind betting Arsenal get in touch telling us about the availability of Trossard,
(Wouldn't be my choice)
He won't be featuring for them next season as their entire front line is due an overhaul and recent history has shown that there is a line of communication between us and Arsenal as far as transfers are concerned.
Osimhen? come on, i thought this was supposed to be a serious conversation :slap:
Quote from: Sammyffc on April 10, 2025, 01:34:17 PMOsimhen? come on, i thought this was supposed to be a serious conversation :slap:
Yeah, we have to be serious here - in no world are we getting Victor Osimhen
Delap will be available for 30 million. Bigger clubs will be after him as well though
Quote from: fulhamfan on April 10, 2025, 01:55:54 PMDelap will be available for 30 million. Bigger clubs will be after him as well though
I wish. Probably double that
Quote from: St Eve on April 10, 2025, 02:02:05 PMQuote from: fulhamfan on April 10, 2025, 01:55:54 PMDelap will be available for 30 million. Bigger clubs will be after him as well though
I wish. Probably double that
He has a relegation release clause set at £30m
I honestly think sometimes we suffer from an inferiority complex, we are playing in the best league in the world, in London a desirable location can offer very good contracts and hopefully European football and he has international team mates here. Osimhen is playing in a far lesser league with Europa league football, he was quoted as saying he loved playing for Galatasaray because of the respect and love he was receiving from the club and fans. Galatasaray tried to sign him permanently in January but for a lesser fee than his release clause which suggests to me he was open to the transfer. Why do we believe he's out of our league yet Galatasaray can tempt him, he's great but it's not like signing prime Messi or Ronaldo. Maybe some have forgot we signed Edwin Van Da Sar in his prime if we want to get better we have to think bigger.
The package for Osimhen is even potentially too much for Man United.
he wants 180k per week * POST TAX *, so lets call it nearly 400k. ( his current salary at Napoli )
A release clause of 60-70m
Arguably one of the most sought after strikers in world football, where there are limited players.
He is absolutely out of our league and its not a shame to admit that.
I see Pavlidis is being touted to join Man U or Arsenal for £100m.
Shame, 3 years back I was vociferous in wanting him here (and think Drewery was too?).
Assuming we pick up Raul's option, the 3rd striker should be someone in the 18-22 range who can sit and develop for a year with little pressure then the following year when Raul likely leaves, replace him with another cheap veteran.
Make Muniz the main man going forward. No need to spend big on another striker. We can better use that money on new wingers/filling out the squad.
Quote from: Sammyffc on April 10, 2025, 03:02:33 PMThe package for Osimhen is even potentially too much for Man United.
he wants 180k per week * POST TAX *, so lets call it nearly 400k. ( his current salary at Napoli )
A release clause of 60-70m
Arguably one of the most sought after strikers in world football, where there are limited players.
He is absolutely out of our league and its not a shame to admit that.
He is on 160,000 a week at Galatasaray that's 30,000 more than leno, his release clause is 75m Euro. when Vini leaves that 60,000 saved. When we signed Van Da Sar we were a newly promoted club.
If we're going for Osimhen, I've also heard that Mbappe is good so I reckon we should also go in for him. Man City also have this Norwegian lad who apparently is decent up front so we should buy him at the same time.
DREAM BIG, LADS!
Quote from: Jim© on April 10, 2025, 03:14:43 PMI see Pavlidis is being touted to join Man U or Arsenal for £100m.
Shame, 3 years back I was vociferous in wanting him here (and think Drewery was too?).
Jack on Fulhamish was mentioning him as the perfect Mitro replacement for a while too, seems he's really developed into a top player. Apparently €100m is his release clause but can't imagine anyone would pay that.
Quote from: Jim© on April 10, 2025, 03:14:43 PMI see Pavlidis is being touted to join Man U or Arsenal for £100m.
Shame, 3 years back I was vociferous in wanting him here (and think Drewery was too?).
Good player and would have been a nice signing but absolutely no one is paying anywhere near 100m for him.
Quote from: Deeping_white on April 10, 2025, 02:31:02 PMQuote from: St Eve on April 10, 2025, 02:02:05 PMQuote from: fulhamfan on April 10, 2025, 01:55:54 PMDelap will be available for 30 million. Bigger clubs will be after him as well though
Terrific player, would love to see him in a FFC shirt. But IF that actually happened, then what of Muniz? Where does that put him and his future with FFC?
I think Muniz may very well be our solution for a future striker. Only 23, 24 next month. Still pretty young and prime years ahead. Can likely get better and better.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/articles/ce8445emg6ro
"Ipswich striker Liam Delap will be available for £30m this summer because of a relegation release clause, which will be triggered when his club inevitably returns to the Championship.
The 22-year-old is likely to move on, with interest from several Premier League sides after netting 12 goals in 33 games in all competitions in his first full season in the top flight.
Previously, multiple sources told BBC Sport that Delap was expected to be available for £40m in the summer - with his previous club Manchester City holding a 'buy-back' fee at that price.
However, sources at Ipswich have since confirmed to BBC Sport that the release clause value decreases by £10m upon relegation."
The player I'd love to see us go for is Malick Fofana, a young winger currently at Lyon with bags of technical ability, would probably command £30m or more though as he was bought for 20m and improved since then. He would offer trickery, be able to beat a man and finishing ability.
Think though that he will be quite sought after. Worth noting that Ernest Nuamah who we were in for recently tore an ACL so won't be moving this summer.
Regarding the Osimhen chat, and also mention of Cherki earlier is that there are a group of players who will only want to play for clubs with a large following and who are illustrious in that sense. Reportedly why we were turned down by Cherki and McTominay, they just want to play for bigger clubs. It's why a lot of talk of famous, big name players is a non-starter more often than not; certainly in the case of someone like Osimhen.
Obviously the club has to be ambitious though and can surprise you, I was surprised with the Andersen, ESR signings before and obviously Van der Sar and Berbatov in the past. We're definitely a great fit for top players who are winding down a bit and won't be wanted by the very big clubs but still have lots of quality, as with Willian. So players of this kind are perfect, but highly coveted world class players in their prime are out of reach.
Quote from: Thailand Mick on April 10, 2025, 03:17:59 PMQuote from: Sammyffc on April 10, 2025, 03:02:33 PMThe package for Osimhen is even potentially too much for Man United.
he wants 180k per week * POST TAX *, so lets call it nearly 400k. ( his current salary at Napoli )
A release clause of 60-70m
Arguably one of the most sought after strikers in world football, where there are limited players.
He is absolutely out of our league and its not a shame to admit that.
He is on 160,000 a week at Galatasaray that's 30,000 more than leno, his release clause is 75m Euro. when Vini leaves that 60,000 saved. When we signed Van Da Sar we were a newly promoted club.
In Italy they release salaries as net, not gross.
According to ESPN, Osimhen is seeking an annual salary of approximately £9.5 million after tax, a figure that would position him among the highest earners at Stamford Bridge. Reece James is Chelsea's top earner with a yearly salary of around £13 million (£250,000 per week)
He reduced his salary to join Gala as he was forced out and had to make a decision, he wants any club to match his current Napoli salary.
Quote from: Sammyffc on April 10, 2025, 12:27:14 PMPersonally think we are absolutely CRYING out for a quick striker, an Andy Johnson type.
Totally agree. Runs in behind defences, would give us different options. Have been thinking this for a while.
Quote from: Jules on April 10, 2025, 04:31:25 PMQuote from: Sammyffc on April 10, 2025, 12:27:14 PMPersonally think we are absolutely CRYING out for a quick striker, an Andy Johnson type.
Totally agree. Runs in behind defences, would give us different options. Have been thinking this for a while.
Think this is why a winger/striker is what we need as to get a player who will improve our first team and also be able to play with Muniz/Raul. I don't think we'll find a pure 9 who would be willing to be in squad with Raul and Muniz as first teamers.
Mbeumo, Wissa, Richarlison are good examples of this profile.
I'd have a hard time warming up too that little pr1ck
I don't like the idea of doing Spurs any favours at all so it's a no from me too.
As a side question, which team do you think Liam Delap will end up signing for in the summer if Ipswich sell?
I would love to see Delap sign for us
20 goals easily from him next season if he did
Quote from: sunburywhite on April 10, 2025, 06:26:42 PMI would love to see Delap sign for us
20 goals easily from him next season if he did
He is a great player and at $30 million, apparently, a steal. Unfortunately it has got Arsenal written all over it.
Quote from: hopper on April 10, 2025, 04:38:31 PMQuote from: Jules on April 10, 2025, 04:31:25 PMQuote from: Sammyffc on April 10, 2025, 12:27:14 PMPersonally think we are absolutely CRYING out for a quick striker, an Andy Johnson type.
Totally agree. Runs in behind defences, would give us different options. Have been thinking this for a while.
Think this is why a winger/striker is what we need as to get a player who will improve our first team and also be able to play with Muniz/Raul. I don't think we'll find a pure 9 who would be willing to be in squad with Raul and Muniz as first teamers.
Mbeumo, Wissa, Richarlison are good examples of this profile.
Agreed. No way we can go big on a quick 9 unless he can also hold the ball up. Our system requires a 9 that is a physical presence who can hold the ball...it doesn't really work without it. Now to have a quick option who can play with Raul/Muniz when we are behind is an option we've always lacked. Although not electric think that would have been Jay's role this year.
They have done so well this year I think Raul gets extended but hopefully plays back up to Muniz next year. Think we then need to try and find a Delap before he becomes the next big thing like Ipswich did for third striker. Not easy of course as everyone is looking for that and Ipswich hit gold with some incredible foresight as his record was pretty poor in the championship. Someone young at £15 to £20 million who is happy to learn, develop from the bench. Still needs to be in the physical hold the ball up mould with a view to take over from Raul to challenge Muniz the year after. That is succession planning and using budget wisely with a hope for future profit. He could use being brilliant at attacking headers as well to make us more dangerous at set pieces when we desperately need a goal.
Would then be great to get a young, quick winger/second striker when needed to change formation if behind as chucking Raul and Muniz on together just doesn't work as Muniz/Mitro never did as too similar.
And yeah as mentioned earlier in the thread Pavlidis at £20 odd million at 25 years old at the time I believe was a steal. Could play as a loan 9 and a great finisher. Never got why we weren't in for him (unless we were behind the scenes). Defo not worth anywhere near £100 million however!
Quote from: Sammyffc on April 10, 2025, 12:27:14 PMPersonally think we are absolutely CRYING out for a quick striker, an Andy Johnson type.
Spot on. We need the option of having someone who stands on the shoulder of the CB and has the pace to force the line back a yard and a half. That's the space our ball players need and will transform our options.
We saw it when Dembele MK2 was placed into the first team. He did that role and McCormack made hay in the resultant acreage. We are screaming out for it.
Combine a striker like that with the deceptively jovial bully that Muniz has become and we have a choice of plans to keep opponents guessing. Whatever they are set up to cope with, we do the other. Jiminez then becomes the best third striker in the league, the man who can step in as a 10, the skill set to unpick a low block, the tactical penalty taker and the reason we don't collapse should injury strike.
New contract for Muniz first, then a new striker please. A pre-season spent on tactics to beat the low block and we should be on the right path.
Quote from: We Are Premier League on April 10, 2025, 12:25:53 PMUnless we qualify for Europe...I don't think one is needed. Basically haven't use one for years. Only really needed if we get a very bad injury. Many games are played while the transfer window is open, so we can buy a replacement if injuries hit. Would prefer if we signed someone like Samuel Chukwueze instead.
Dont like the idea if going into next season with only two strikers at all. I think vini's contract id running out and i dont see fulham renewing it.
Jimenez and Muniz tend to have dry spells sometimes and MS still hasn't chosen a clear favourite. If one of them is injured next season it could go really bad.
I also dont know of any youth player that could step up and teat the waters, so in my eyes the only real option is singing a new striker.
I don't think we've got great value with our big money PL signings (eg Andersen, Castagne, ESR) plus if Muniz is going to be given a chance that pretty much precludes signing an established big name ST. So no one like Delap. I agree with others, we should look at a pacey type who can play as well on the wing as at CF, or go for a speculative, young signing from abroad - or even a combination of all those things.
I don't think we need to spend big money on a striker if we keep Raul (which I would try and do), we need to spend on another high quality attacker and an upgraded Pereira replacement who can both get us 10+ G/As. Obviously the big caveat on that is if we got into Europe and somehow won the Jonathan David sweepstakes.
I think the notion of signing some pace, who can offer something different from the bench, is a pretty smart one. Though I'd actually prefer going for a young player who could be developed, as realistically they'll only get significant gametime in cups or if there are multiple injuries.
I would love to see us go for someone like Karetsas from Genk . Young attacking midfielder who has definitely got terrific potential . Would £15m- 20m secure him? Don't know .