Summer Silly Season Transfer Thread 2024

[WolverineFFC]

I'm getting Amorebieta/Lovebite vibes the more I hear...

A little concerned too. Other than Lukic this seems to be the most out of character transfer since pre pandemic. With Lukic there was a connection to Mitro and Serbia that somewhat explained the pick up.

Since the pandemic every signing has had some Premier League exposure or you could see a connection from Marco's Portugal ties.

Thankfully the fee seems minor, but my expectations here are low. Hopefully this is a 4th CB who allows the club to spend more on another RCB option.

It would be incredibly and worryingly limiting IMO if we were only to sign players from either the PL or Portugal.

I also think people are reading too much into Marco's comments that we don't sign backup players. He's merely saying what any good manager would, that everyone in the squad has the potential to get into the starting XI if they work hard enough. But the reality is, we're going to need some players who'll accept spending most of the season on the bench.

Ream, who we're pretty sure is leaving, hardly started after the first third of last season, and as you say, Cuenca seems most likely to be his replacement as our backup LCB who can also cover LB.

In theory I agree, but a club Fulham's size probably only has a certain scouting reach. I am only pointing out what causes this transfer to be more concerning than most. It is also possible there are connections (maybe to the new AM) that are not obvious on the surface which would make Cuenca's transfer more reassuring.

This is a bit of a sore point for me. My personal view is that actually the only way clubs our size (Brighton, Brentford et al) have dragged themselves up the scouting ladder is by implementing elite-level scouting networks covering obscure (in football terms) places like Denmark, Ecuador etc. Even the cost of employing full-time scouts in these countries would be absolutely miniscule compared to our spending on transfer fees and wages. It's somewhere we've fallen painfully short in the last few years IMO. So actually I'm delighted to see us signing players with no connection to the PL or the manager (or to Jorge Mendes). 

If this is a new trend moving forward I have no issue and hope it is successful.

I am just pointing out how it seems to be a fairly significant deviation from the recent transfer strategy which has been outstanding in my opinion. With some of the past whiffs on similar data/overseas type transfers I see the concern some have is all.

[WolverineFFC]

I'm getting Amorebieta/Lovebite vibes the more I hear...

A little concerned too. Other than Lukic this seems to be the most out of character transfer since pre pandemic. With Lukic there was a connection to Mitro and Serbia that somewhat explained the pick up.

Since the pandemic every signing has had some Premier League exposure or you could see a connection from Marco's Portugal ties.

Thankfully the fee seems minor, but my expectations here are low. Hopefully this is a 4th CB who allows the club to spend more on another RCB option.

What about Bassey? Never played in PL, no connection to Marco or Portugal. Mbabu too, but he turned out to be a poor signing.

Leicester and Newcastle I believe for those two. I am guessing there was a fair amount of scouting, background evaluation of both through youth matches, opponent scouting, etc in that context.

Mbabu actually yes, you're right, forgot about that.

Bassey only played at Leicester at youth level, never at senior level.

I believe we did a lot of scouting and background checking on all players, Lukic included, because that's what all  clubs do nowadays. I also seem to remember Tony specificaly stating in his customary transfer tweet that Lukic is someone we have looked at for a long time and identified as a key target or something like that. I'm sure it's same in Cuenca's case too.

I agree with all of that and have been pretty optimistic about the club's business the past few years. This one just feels a bit more like fitting a player, need, and price profile together similar to Mbabu ironically. I'm keeping my expectations low and hope this signing is a means to an end with a higher profile RCB coming in as part of the strategy.

[General]

I'm getting Amorebieta/Lovebite vibes the more I hear...

A little concerned too. Other than Lukic this seems to be the most out of character transfer since pre pandemic. With Lukic there was a connection to Mitro and Serbia that somewhat explained the pick up.

Since the pandemic every signing has had some Premier League exposure or you could see a connection from Marco's Portugal ties.

Thankfully the fee seems minor, but my expectations here are low. Hopefully this is a 4th CB who allows the club to spend more on another RCB option.

What about Bassey? Never played in PL, no connection to Marco or Portugal. Mbabu too, but he turned out to be a poor signing.

Leicester and Newcastle I believe for those two. I am guessing there was a fair amount of scouting, background evaluation of both through youth matches, opponent scouting, etc in that context.

Mbabu actually yes, you're right, forgot about that.

Bassey only played at Leicester at youth level, never at senior level.

I believe we did a lot of scouting and background checking on all players, Lukic included, because that's what all  clubs do nowadays. I also seem to remember Tony specificaly stating in his customary transfer tweet that Lukic is someone we have looked at for a long time and identified as a key target or something like that. I'm sure it's same in Cuenca's case too.

I agree with all of that and have been pretty optimistic about the club's business the past few years. This one just feels a bit more like fitting a player, need, and price profile together similar to Mbabu ironically. I'm keeping my expectations low and hope this signing is a means to an end with a higher profile RCB coming in as part of the strategy.

I still think we're being particularly harsh as a fan base on Mbabu. I thought he was solid and has got very little game time to prove himself. He played and set up a few goals for us and the one game he had a nightmare with was against spurs where he was put on as a left back to cover the injured Robinson and was marking an in form Richarlison.

[SerbianLad]

I agree with all of that and have been pretty optimistic about the club's business the past few years. This one just feels a bit more like fitting a player, need, and price profile together similar to Mbabu ironically. I'm keeping my expectations low and hope this signing is a means to an end with a higher profile RCB coming in as part of the strategy.

He does seem like a Ream replacement, and a very cheap one at that. I too hope we get a top quality rcb and also a top quality dm/cm(maybe Andre could be this). Quality over quantity for me. Those two positions are vital for our squad and after we get those to players, of there's money left, we can get some extra positions (unless someone leaves then we'd need to replace them too).

[WolverineFFC]

I'm getting Amorebieta/Lovebite vibes the more I hear...

A little concerned too. Other than Lukic this seems to be the most out of character transfer since pre pandemic. With Lukic there was a connection to Mitro and Serbia that somewhat explained the pick up.

Since the pandemic every signing has had some Premier League exposure or you could see a connection from Marco's Portugal ties.

Thankfully the fee seems minor, but my expectations here are low. Hopefully this is a 4th CB who allows the club to spend more on another RCB option.

What about Bassey? Never played in PL, no connection to Marco or Portugal. Mbabu too, but he turned out to be a poor signing.

Leicester and Newcastle I believe for those two. I am guessing there was a fair amount of scouting, background evaluation of both through youth matches, opponent scouting, etc in that context.

Mbabu actually yes, you're right, forgot about that.

Bassey only played at Leicester at youth level, never at senior level.

I believe we did a lot of scouting and background checking on all players, Lukic included, because that's what all  clubs do nowadays. I also seem to remember Tony specificaly stating in his customary transfer tweet that Lukic is someone we have looked at for a long time and identified as a key target or something like that. I'm sure it's same in Cuenca's case too.

I agree with all of that and have been pretty optimistic about the club's business the past few years. This one just feels a bit more like fitting a player, need, and price profile together similar to Mbabu ironically. I'm keeping my expectations low and hope this signing is a means to an end with a higher profile RCB coming in as part of the strategy.

I still think we're being particularly harsh as a fan base on Mbabu. I thought he was solid and has got very little game time to prove himself. He played and set up a few goals for us and the one game he had a nightmare with was against spurs where he was put on as a left back to cover the injured Robinson and was marking an in form Richarlison.

He wasn't a disaster. It was just obvious that either he or the manager were not comfortable with the arrangement. 

In the end he probably was only a minor transfer error because of the fee. Cuenca is at worst in a similar boat. At best he pulls a Tete or Tosin.

[General]

Very excited by Cuenca, a decent cb already with room to grow. And even more importantly, a centreback. The only slight complaint I have is, he's a lcb or a lb and we need a rcb way more. Maybe this is a sign of Ream leaving?

This will be a Ream replacement. Quite confident we have 3 more transfers in us this window - Andre, Mctom, Mengi.

Out of interest, why not Chalobah?

Andre and Mctominay are obviously great additions in my view.

I appreciate Mctominay Splits opinions, but he's a goalscoring CM, which we don't have and did play consistently for man utd as they came 8th.

I think he and Andre would pivot well.. although some suggest he's not sold on leaving old Trafford..  so could him simply not wanting to come be an issue, or do the clubs both think he can be swayed...

Presumably we have other options lined up just in case..?

[jayffc]

Very excited by Cuenca, a decent cb already with room to grow. And even more importantly, a centreback. The only slight complaint I have is, he's a lcb or a lb and we need a rcb way more. Maybe this is a sign of Ream leaving?

This will be a Ream replacement. Quite confident we have 3 more transfers in us this window - Andre, Mctom, Mengi.

Out of interest, why not Chalobah?

Andre and Mctominay are obviously great additions in my view.

I appreciate Mctominay Splits opinions, but he's a goalscoring CM, which we don't have and did play consistently for man utd as they came 8th.

I think he and Andre would pivot well.. although some suggest he's not sold on leaving old Trafford..  so could him simply not wanting to come be an issue, or do the clubs both think he can be swayed...

Presumably we have other options lined up just in case..?

My guess is price and or perceived availability to us? I like the idea of Chalobah but do wonder if

1. He'd want the move (unsure) and...
2. Wether we'd still have the 25m+ in the tank to get it done. (possibly tbf)

Issue is, Keep in mind that Man Utd are currently reportedly in for him. Also rumours that Newcastle are taking a look, so it's likely he may have bigger suitors to be honest.

27m on ESR
27m on Andre
30m on Mctominay
6.5m on Cuenca

That's just over £90m already - 25m for Chalobah would take us to £115m, so that's not out the question. Would that be business done then? You'd think so unless we can grab a random loan or other cheap options for any further attacking additions although I think we'd be pretty good as it is there.

I like the idea of Chalobah but I'm not expecting it to come off at this stage with a number of clubs likely to be in for him. If it does happen, happy days but we may have to look at alternative options at RCB at this point. Mengi not a bad option at all in that instance. As ever. Well see

[itombomb]

On top of ESR and Cuenca think it is clear we are after 2 CMs and a RCB and we have quite a lot of money to play with.

My guess is how much those three players cost will dictate whether we do other interesting business - i.e. I reckon we did want Jota Silva as well, but Forest were willing to do the deal now, whereas we had to wait to see what is left over when our priority positions have been filled.

[FreiBird]

That feels cheap for a starter in La Liga at his age. Is he running down his contract or is the contract length short then?

Didn't have a brilliant season last year. Villareal let in a lot of goals. Only ones with a worse defensive record ended up last and second last.

Did you ever watch a minute of him play?

[btffc]

Andre and a RCB in the next week and we are absolutely cooking. 3rd GK, 8 and another striker/winger can wait for deadline day as far as I'm concerned

Agree with you completely on this. I'd even be fine of we don't get some of those other signings, providing we keep everyone else.

Yeah I'd be perfectly fine if those 3 spots are filled by Josh King, Martial Godo and whoever the best academy keeper is. Just get Andre and a starting RCB.

[iansthailand]

Would anyone like to see him at the club?

https://www.twitter.com/CravenTheHunter/status/1818592216887037954

He'd be brilliant to be honest. Versatile too. But one I feel is likely out of reach.

why not,Aim high Fulham.

That's why the Hammy End Toilets are so bad.

[iansthailand]

https://twitter.com/talkingwolves/status/1818659639774298320

He's extremely tall, 206cm!

How tall is that in English ?

VERY!

[Holders]

https://twitter.com/talkingwolves/status/1818659639774298320

He's extremely tall, 206cm!

How tall is that in English ?

VERY!

Google says 6'9".

[USNA90]

Anybody else think that if the McTom rumour is true that if we make an offer that they accept it is likely to happen after the opening game?

I was at the Man U / Real Betis match in San Diego tonight. He started and played 60 minutes. You may be right about this.

[Hugh Janus]

https://twitter.com/talkingwolves/status/1818659639774298320

He's extremely tall, 206cm!

How tall is that in English ?

VERY!

Google says 6'9".

In heels.

[Thailand Mick]

Anybody else think that if the McTom rumour is true that if we make an offer that they accept it is likely to happen after the opening game?

I was at the Man U / Real Betis match in San Diego tonight. He started and played 60 minutes. You may be right about this.

what was your assessment of his performance, was he involved alot or did he just drift through the game? Many utd fans think he does very little during games but has a knack of popping up and scoring a goal late on.

[Cottages]

I don't think we will go for Chalobah. Asking price is high and injury prone. Mengi is young, physically imposing and will want to come.

Let's also not forget, the more we spend now, the tighter the restriction net gets in following windows. Mengi makes more sense to me. 

[FFC007]

https://twitter.com/talkingwolves/status/1818659639774298320

He's extremely tall, 206cm!

How tall is that in English ?

VERY!

Google says 6'9".

Probably a like for like replacement for Adarabioyo...

Good to see moves in place to lower the squad age too.

[hovewhite]

With what is major surgery being done to the squad all on decent length contracts if all's well it should mean minor trims to add to it in the next couple of windows.

[JimmyConway]

I don't think we will go for Chalobah. Asking price is high and injury prone. Mengi is young, physically imposing and will want to come.

Let's also not forget, the more we spend now, the tighter the restriction net gets in following windows. Mengi makes more sense to me. 

I am not convinced about Mengi personally. Though cost might be favourable do we at least want someone on a par or better than Diop? Luton got plaudits last season for there efforts for three quarters of the season but defensively they were quite poor.