So... what next?

[Classic94]

With 5 players signed and another imminent, where does this leave our squad? Well, at the time of writing:

GK: Areola, Rodak, Fabri

LB: Bryan, Robinson

CB: Ream, MLM, Hector, Odoi

RB: Tete, Christie, Aina

DM: Reed, KMac

CM: TC, Onomah, Lemina, StefJo, Anguissa, Seri

AM: Cavaleiro, Kebano, Knockaert, Reid

CF: Mitro, AK

We also have Jasper, Francois, Carvalho and Stansfield on the fringes, but I don't anticipate them getting much game time.

What next? In a nutshell, I predict the following activity and, rather optimistically, listed some picks:

Ins - CB (?), DM (Luis), Winger/CF (Lookman)
Outs - Fabri, Christie, StefJo, Seri

The squad's shaping up well overall, however, our failure to recruit at least one top-level CB ahead of the opening game is concerning. Of course it's easier said than done, but we must get a deal over the line soon. The acquisition of high-profile players like Areola and Tete should help attract a quality CB.

Of the positions listed under 'ins', another DM would probably be a 'bonus'. Luis was mooted, and could be exciting business given his potential - this is a player with a very high ceiling. Attacking-wise, we lack a versatile forward with an eye for goal. Too often last season, our wingers proved toothless in the final third. There were simply not enough contributions from those around Mitro. Lookman ticks lots of boxes. He can play across the front 3, has pace to burn, is capable of scoring, and may want a return home. Let's see...

In terms of outgoings, Fabri and Seri are surely destined to depart. It simply hasn't worked out for different reasons. I suspect Christie could join them. With Tete and Aina (?) signing, and Odoi already adding depth, he may be surplus to requirements at RB. Equally, SteJo, a great servant for the club, looks like falling victim to our array of midfield options. Both face slipping down the pecking order and could benefit from (loan?) moves elsewhere.

Will be interesting seeing what others think?

[fulhamben]

Pretty much agree with everything you have said. Imo we need a lcb striker/winger and a dm although I thought lemina could play there. But they have to be real quality. If they are not then might as well stick with what we have got. I can see fabricio christie, kmac, Stef jo and seri leaving. Maybe even one of mlm or ream leaving too.

[fulhamben]

Actually the more I think about it, the more certain I am that one of mlm or team will be gone. 25 man squad which means two for every position and an extra keeper. But I don't think we will do that this time, I think we will only register two keeps and rely on youth for the third. Which means we can have an extra defender. And that's where odoi steps up. He can cover every position literally across the back line. Not everyone's cup of tea, but a fantastic third choice player for any of the positions imo. So that would be aina and Tete for right back. Joe and Robinson for left back and hector ream and mlm for center back. Now I know that's only 3, but I reckon we will sign two center backs. One decent one and a youngish one, meaning one of team and mlm will have to go.

[Southcoastffc]

With 5 players signed and another imminent, where does leave our squad? Well, at the time of writing:

GK: Areola, Rodak, Fabri

LB: Bryan, Robinson

CB: Ream, MLM, Hector, Odoi

RB: Tete, Christie, Aina

DM: Reed, KMac

CM: TC, Onomah, Lemina, StefJo, Anguissa, Seri

AM: Cavaleiro, Kebano, Knockaert, Reid

CF: Mitro, AK

We also have Jasper, Francois, Carvalho and Stansfield on the fringes, but I don't anticipate them getting much game time.

What next? In a nutshell, I predict the following activity and, rather optimistically, listed some picks:

Ins - CB (?), DM (Luis), Winger/CF (Lookman)
Outs - Fabri, Christie, StefJo, Seri

The squad's shaping up well overall, however, our failure to recruit at least one top-level CB ahead of the opening game is concerning. Of course it's easier said than done, but we must get a deal over the line soon. The acquisition of high-profile players like Areola and Tete should help attract a quality CB.

Of the positions listed under 'ins', another DM would probably be a 'bonus'. Luis was muted, and could be exciting business given his potential - this is a player with a very high ceiling. Attacking-wise, we lack a versatile forward with an eye for goal. Too often last season, our wingers proved toothless in the final third. There were simply not enough contributions from those outside Mitro. Lookman ticks lots of boxes. He can play across the front 3, has pace to burn, is capable of scoring, and may want a return home. Let's see...

In terms of outgoings, Fabri and Seri are surely destined to depart. It simply hasn't worked out for different reasons. I suspect Christie could join them. With Tete and Aina (?) signing, and Odoi already adding depth, he may be surplus to requirements at RB. Equally, SteJo, a great servant for the club, looks like falling victim to our array of midfield options. Both face falling down the pecking order and could benefit from (loan?) moves elsewhere.

Will be interesting seeing what others think?

Good , well set out and interesting post.  Wouldn't disagree with any of it.   Interesting also to see this rumour:
Fulham have registered their interest with Bournemouth in signing striker Josh King, according to the Football Insider.

The Cherries have rejected a £16m bid from Aston Villa for the Norwegian international and Fulham are now said to be preparing their own offer. Bournemouth are apparently holding out until a club meets their £20m valuation of the 28 year-old forward.   Not sure that Lookman is a proven goal-scorer though?  If only a couple of Cav, Knocky, BD Reid or Kebano could chip in a bit more with say 10 goals.

[MickyAdamsFamily]

I agree with your analysis for the most part.
I believe that the plan is to have 2 Premier League quality players for each position; thus the aqcuisition of Areola and departure of Betts.
This also explains why we chased (and got) Robinson, when left back didn't seem a priority, but Bryan had no competition or quality backup.
The fact that SP didn't have the confidence to start Christie in the playoff final, and preferred Odoi at right back doesn't bode well for Cyrus' future in the Premiership. That'll be Tete and Aina competing on the right.
I'm positive that Parker and TK (and anyone who's paying attention) have identified the need for at least 1 new CB, to partner Hector, and possibly another for backup. Doubtless the recruitment team has been actively pursuing targets, but that need feels even more glaring with each passing day. The fact that we've already loaned Mawson for the season means that we certainly have intended for there to be incoming CB(s). I would imagine that Kevin MacDonald will be considered for the possibility of transitioning to a backup CB at some point. He has the size (194cm), comfort on the ball, defensive sensibility and leadership qualities to eventually make that happen, particularly if we get Luis. That would keep KMac around the squad, where it seems he has a positive influence, but certainly not as a starter (now). WHo that new defensive stalwart/saviour is, I haven't a clue. Pique would be acceptable.
I think that Parker will be looking for at least one new attacking option, particularly on the right. It seems that SP (and his teammates) really like BDR, but he's not actually an effective player on the right wing. He drifts into the middle, and plays well making intelligent runs and feeding off flick-ons and knock-downs from Mitro. He may be more suited as a second striker or attacking central midfielder. despite his goal drought, he has contributed a lot to positive build up play. I imagine that SP is relatively satisfied with Kebano and Cavaliero competing on the left, but this means we'd need someone to compete with Knockaert on the right wing. He plays with great zeal, and has a lot of strengths (and he's begun to track back to support the defense so much more, which is a big plus), but his goal and assist return has been sub-par. How many times have we seen him beat his man (he's a very skilled dribbler with great balance), only to cut inside and then not pass to an open teammate, but get the ball on his left foot and unleash a powerful shot from distance... that usually goes over the bar. Thus Lookman or Traore or Cabral will are being sought.
That's a bit lengthy, but I've been thinking about it a lot...

[General]

Very good summation.

If I was getting everything I wanted I'd get in Luis, a striker (king?), winger (babel! :( ) and a starting LCB and one more CB.

I'd send kmac first and perhaos stefjo out on loan and sell mlm.

To get the best out of seri and TC they should be played in AM.

[Statto]

Pretty much agree with everything you have said. Imo we need a lcb striker/winger and a dm although I thought lemina could play there. But they have to be real quality. If they are not then might as well stick with what we have got. I can see fabricio christie, kmac, Stef jo and seri leaving. Maybe even one of mlm or ream leaving too.

Agreed

[wheelerdeeler]

Posted my Season Preview in the Transfers thread where I looked at it in a lot of detail (https://t.co/SjDLnGgf3K), but my ideal rest of window would be two Centre-Backs who are comfortable playing on the left of a pairing, one who can come in and make an immediate impact and then one "prospect", a Winger and maybe a Winger who can play Striker on top as a "bonus".

With that in mind my ideal rest of window would be;
Jose Fonte (Lille)
Victor Nelsson (Copenhagen)
Emi Buendia (Norwich)

... and then the "bonus" signing could very well be Josh King, but the two I looked at were Andre Ayew (Swansea) and Florinel Coman (FCSB).

[love4ffc]

Like reading the OP and also liked reading Wheelerdeeler's article (https://t.co/SjDLnGgf3K).  I agree with those who think that TK and Scott are well aware that amother CB (Preferably LCB) and another strike option are needed.  Hoping that some plan will come to fruition sooner than later. 

[Classic94]

Actually the more I think about it, the more certain I am that one of mlm or team will be gone. 25 man squad which means two for every position and an extra keeper. But I don't think we will do that this time, I think we will only register two keeps and rely on youth for the third. Which means we can have an extra defender. And that's where odoi steps up. He can cover every position literally across the back line. Not everyone's cup of tea, but a fantastic third choice player for any of the positions imo. So that would be aina and Tete for right back. Joe and Robinson for left back and hector ream and mlm for center back. Now I know that's only 3, but I reckon we will sign two center backs. One decent one and a youngish one, meaning one of team and mlm will have to go.

I agree that x2 CBs may be needed. One to start and another 'prospect'. In this case, MLM could be moved on. You also mentioned KMac in your earlier post. He seems to be very influential off the pitch but his playing time will be limited - especially if we sign Luis/another DM.

[Classic94]

Posted my Season Preview in the Transfers thread where I looked at it in a lot of detail (https://t.co/SjDLnGgf3K), but my ideal rest of window would be two Centre-Backs who are comfortable playing on the left of a pairing, one who can come in and make an immediate impact and then one "prospect", a Winger and maybe a Winger who can play Striker on top as a "bonus".

With that in mind my ideal rest of window would be;
Jose Fonte (Lille)
Victor Nelsson (Copenhagen)
Emi Buendia (Norwich)

... and then the "bonus" signing could very well be Josh King, but the two I looked at were Andre Ayew (Swansea) and Florinel Coman (FCSB).

A really insightful read. Buendia would be a solid signing, although I gather he's more technical than raw pace.

[fulhamben]

Actually the more I think about it, the more certain I am that one of mlm or team will be gone. 25 man squad which means two for every position and an extra keeper. But I don't think we will do that this time, I think we will only register two keeps and rely on youth for the third. Which means we can have an extra defender. And that's where odoi steps up. He can cover every position literally across the back line. Not everyone's cup of tea, but a fantastic third choice player for any of the positions imo. So that would be aina and Tete for right back. Joe and Robinson for left back and hector ream and mlm for center back. Now I know that's only 3, but I reckon we will sign two center backs. One decent one and a youngish one, meaning one of team and mlm will have to go.

I agree that x2 CBs may be needed. One to start and another 'prospect'. In this case, MLM could be moved on. You also mentioned KMac in your earlier post. He seems to be very influential off the pitch but his playing time will be limited - especially if we sign Luis/another DM.

yes, I just can't see kmac getting a squad space. Which is a shame, but his playing time has been limited even in the championship. Let him go really cheap so he can go to the club that he really wants too would be my choice for him.