Summer Silly Season Transfer Thread 2024

[General]

It's amazing reading this forum at times. Everyone wants the club to thrive/succeed and win silverware.. yet every transfer window everyone seems to be happy to talk about selling most of the players in our squad and our best players, as if they're actually happy with mediocrity.. it's an odd form of self sabotage and I wonder whT other areas of everyone's life the twisted logic of essentially getting in your own way, or self sabotaging happens when for a large majority it doesn't need too.

A fascinating watch and perhaps something to reflect on if you find yourself not happy with your life.

Maybe I've missed a post somewhere but those I've seen talking about selling first team players are based on the assumption that the fee will be more than enough to replace the outgoing player with someone better, or just as good but younger. In one's personal life that would be a bit like selling a nice 2-bedroom flat so you can buy a 4-bed house. I'm struggling to see the "self-sabotage" here. Is there someone who's said we should sell Muniz and just play Vinicius up front next season, or sell Palhinha and rely on Reed instead?

Hmm, I see what you're saying, but footballers aren't like property.. if it was that straightforward then upskilling a squad would be easy.

You're saying sell a player for a premium and just simply get in better players..

Firstly, Muniz is 21? And was one of the most prolific strikers in the league last season for two months or a bit longer.

You're saying take £30m for him, when in a couple of years he could be worth double, whilst getting national team recognition could go up, and build the clubs profile in Brazil (a country with a population of 215 million football mad people), not including the diaspora of and if we do succeed on the pitch, then we could potentially see better income from ticket sales, sponsorship, league placements and perhaps even a European run.

It's very short term thinking from my perspective to get rid of someone for so little when they're starting to show so much potential.. what's the point if you want to be successful as a club in selling players with that level of potential who is just at the beginning of his career.

He could end up being worth more than that too. If he gets better over the next 4 years and gets international recognition, his age puts his price up even further.

Who are you going to get who's better than Palhinha? florentino Luis, who we were linked with before and chose not to come to us according to press?

Palhinha is the best if not one of the very best CDMs in the league. You don't just find these players readily in the market and can just buy them. The best ones for the most part will be known, expensive and competitively sought after.. I consider us extremely lucky to have Palhinha.

Similar to losing Mitro and everyone thinking it was the right thing to do and then spending half a season trying to figure out how to score goals again.. worked just about, but where would this club have been in the table with him? In Europe? Possibly.

Selling a two bed for a four bed seems straightforward maths, but do you need the extra space, where is the four bed vs the two bed.. are you exchanging a two bed in an up and coming area in London for a four bed house in the countryside that people may not want to live in.. the space is there, but the two bed price could go up exponentially more than the four bed.

Does the four bed need work on it, is the two bed in a new build..

As I said, and maintain, getting rid of a prospect like Muniz for a relative unknown entity and a quick buck is not a good idea in my mind. It's short term thinking.

[LC]

According to skysports Jacob Ramsey is available as they need to raise funds for FFP. I think he's a top player and would be a very good signing for us

[Lordedmundo]

I would be happy enough if we signed:

Chalobah
Smith-Rowe
Sessegnon

Then the most important position would be a pacy forward who can play anywhere across the front line - I'm thinking Wilfried Zaha (as he won't be too pricy)

Can only see us signing Nketiah if Muniz is sold

Gabriel Sara I think is probably an alternative to Smith Rowe - can't see us signing both unless two similar midfielders are outgoing (Cairney and Lukic?) which is unlikely.

If Ream leaves then I think a replacement left sided centre back will be signed, but I can't see us spending big for what is essentially a back-up player for Bassey.

Hopefully Willian and BDR stay - I see both as very valuable players in the squad, even if both end up with less playing time next season.

[Bassey the warrior]

Here is the rest of the release list too.  Shame about Francois, I really hoped he would make it.

Tyrese Francois
Terence Kongolo
Luciano D'Auria-Henry
George Okkas
Caelan Avenell
Ma'Kel Bogle-Campbell
Montague Conway
Armando Broja (end of loan)
Fodé Ballo-Touré (end of loan)

Was surprised by Francois too. Can't help but feel he could be like Matt O'Riley but obviously way too early to tell.

He's a lot older than O'Riley was when he left - 23 vs 19. Could still happen but I doubt it.

[Bassey the warrior]

I have to admit that losing Tosin on a free then paying Chelsea £30m for Chalobah, a player at a similar level, would really grate.

I'd rather we look elsewhere.

[Bassey the warrior]

https://twitter.com/HJWatkinson/status/1798298665855181087

Source is definitely dodgy so take it for what it's worth

This one is quite upsetting if true.

Solid performer and a useful player to have in the squad. If he was offered a new deal he's clearly part of the plans so it's just another position we are gonna have to look at replacing

It depends how you spin it. BDR is probably thinking it's his last major contract, so he might be holding out for a huge salary. Would that be a good idea for the club? He's not going to get any better, we know what he can do, and we might be able to get better. Let's see where it goes.

I think this is a deal that suits both parties. We're well covered in the positions he plays and this is a chance to bring in a younger prospect. That being said, we'll miss his finishing prowess, and area we are already lacking.

[filham]

If BDR leaves it will not be long before we see him back at the Cottage in different colours scoring a winning goal against us.

[KJS]

If BDR leaves it will not be long before we see him back at the Cottage in different colours scoring a winning goal against us.

No great loss if he goes, Championship player at best now

[MickTheBeard]

If you look at previous transfers when we signed macdonald,cairney and ream we kept them too long never earned a penny,then the situation of bdr,the winger from brighton and the winger from wolves we altered to loan temporarily and then because we got promoted we had to pay more now they are almost gone which combined was 40 mill we have not earned a penny that's a good example how not to run a football club.

[Fulham 442]

If BDR leaves it will not be long before we see him back at the Cottage in different colours scoring a winning goal against us.

No great loss if he goes, Championship player at best now

I think he could still have a part to play in our team.  One thing is for sure, he always gives his all.  If he does go I would only wish him all the best.

[LC]

If you look at previous transfers when we signed macdonald,cairney and ream we kept them too long never earned a penny,then the situation of bdr,the winger from brighton and the winger from wolves we altered to loan temporarily and then because we got promoted we had to pay more now they are almost gone which combined was 40 mill we have not earned a penny that's a good example how not to run a football club.

It's worth pointing out that if you have players that are at the club for almost a decade then getting money back for them means significantly less- especially when they've played key roles over the last few seasons.

Having said that, for other players who have been with the club for a shorter period of time then yes I would prefer to cash in on those players. I probably would have sold Tosin last summer. On the other hand, you need to weigh up whether that player can help you stay in the league and if he can, you are probably open to have him leave on a free transfer- which is exactly what the club did.

[demeant0r]

If you look at previous transfers when we signed macdonald,cairney and ream we kept them too long never earned a penny,then the situation of bdr,the winger from brighton and the winger from wolves we altered to loan temporarily and then because we got promoted we had to pay more now they are almost gone which combined was 40 mill we have not earned a penny that's a good example how not to run a football club.

It's worth pointing out that if you have players that are at the club for almost a decade then getting money back for them means significantly less- especially when they've played key roles over the last few seasons.

Having said that, for other players who have been with the club for a shorter period of time then yes I would prefer to cash in on those players. I probably would have sold Tosin last summer. On the other hand, you need to weigh up whether that player can help you stay in the league and if he can, you are probably open to have him leave on a free transfer- which is exactly what the club did.

To be honest, we would not have gotten much from his sale as there's a sell on % we need to pay City.

[Sting of the North]

If you look at previous transfers when we signed macdonald,cairney and ream we kept them too long never earned a penny,then the situation of bdr,the winger from brighton and the winger from wolves we altered to loan temporarily and then because we got promoted we had to pay more now they are almost gone which combined was 40 mill we have not earned a penny that's a good example how not to run a football club.

It's worth pointing out that if you have players that are at the club for almost a decade then getting money back for them means significantly less- especially when they've played key roles over the last few seasons.

Having said that, for other players who have been with the club for a shorter period of time then yes I would prefer to cash in on those players. I probably would have sold Tosin last summer. On the other hand, you need to weigh up whether that player can help you stay in the league and if he can, you are probably open to have him leave on a free transfer- which is exactly what the club did.

Agree with this. Players are not solely acquired for resale value. They are also acquired to achieve relative success on the field. Players like Cairney and Ream are amazing transfers, because they have given us 9 years each if largely good contributions. Poor examples of bad transfers.

Bobby is largely the same. He has played his part in establishing us in the Pl, which is worth a lot of money.

Ideally you get both the contribution and the large transfer net profit (like Mitro), but to "only" get the contribution does not in itself constitute a poor transfer. Just think of all the money we haven't had to spend on replacements for Ream and TC for almost a decade.

Knockaert and Ivan are of course good examples of poor transfers, with little contribution and even less monetary return.

[General]

If BDR leaves it will not be long before we see him back at the Cottage in different colours scoring a winning goal against us.

No great loss if he goes, Championship player at best now

Think that's overly harsh, he's done well when called upon all over the park for us at this level and continues to score and get assists at this level. He's clearly got the ability. He's technically great and a really intelligent player too.

The club are offering him a new contract for a reason. I'd like him to stay.

[Mullers OG]

It's a difficult one. DR works extremely hard, pops up with the odd goal, can play in a number of positions and presumably causes no problems to the management. But, and it's a big but, is he actually good enough to be a premier division player. To my mind he's not quite the level we ought to be aiming at. He's no longer a youngster and is probably looking for a substantial wage.

I don't think a new contract at a large salary taking up one squad place would be a good move. If he can get a big offer, maybe a division lower, then he should leave with our thanks for his service.

It does leave us with a number of places to fill.

[Deeping_white]

The only problem with BDR and Ream leaving in the same window is that you potentially lose a lot of the leadership and experience within the changing room which is one thing that money can't buy. Now if they're replaced with experienced PL players or senior pro's it's not the end of the world, but something to be considered

[Surlyc]

I'd rather keep BDR and sell Reed, but either way it's a good thing to refresh the squad. Can see us bringing in 5-7 players this summer, which would indicate we will be spending the Mitrovic cash.

[Deuce]

Okay so would everyone be happy if we were to secure the following names- presuming fees are reasonable:

- Emile Smith Rowe
- Eddie Nketiah
- Gabriel Sara
- Trevoh Chalobah
- Ryan Sessegnon

I think you are looking at about £90m for those players combine. Sessegnon is in a free transfer, if wages were reasonable he would provide a solid option if Robinson were injured and competition for the wide left forward position.

I would be well happy but I would be without Sess (although great if we get him on a contract that suits us) and I don't think he's going for a midfielder if we don't lose anyone there. He also said he might want two centre backs.

This would do me from the big rumours so far:

- Emile Smith Rowe £20 mil
- Eddie Nketiah £30 mil
- Trevoh Chalobah £25 mil
- Morato £20 mil

That is £95 mil but hopefully negotiate a few for a bit less with add ons so maybe £90 mil.

So many options if you got those 4 and all bring average age down significantly. Even if Willian went I think we'd have enough....

Morato played left back loads for Benfica so although we still have Ream for one more year him and Bassey are left back cover for Robinson as well as centre half so that is covered and then already replaced Ream next year.

Smith Rowe can play 10 or left. Also got Iwobi and Stansfield who can play left so covered even if Willian leaves.

I wouldn't be surprised if we got Nketiah that Raul would go to Mexico as Silva has said Stansfield will be with us and he sees him mainly as a striker. As mentioned before Nketiah has 19 goals and 5 assists in 45 prem games of actual playing time. We could go for someone like Pavlidis for £25 million but nothing proven in the prem. looks at Beto for £25 million. Not sure who everyone who thinks he is useless despite that record thinks we are going to get for less. Strikers are ridiculously expensive and I'd take nearly a goal every other game for £30 million.

Chalobah looked brilliant a few years ago and Chelsea fans seem to be gutted he's going so seems like a solid option.

All young and all a load of prem experience apart from Morato but all with a huge point to prove which has of course gone well for us before. All should improve us dramatically if Marco gets them ticking.

Prob get none of them but I'd be well excited for next year if we pulled it off.

Should we really have two 20 m LCBs? Surely money should be spent on a RCB?

Chalobah is the right, Morato is the left. To be honest I was surprised when Silva said it having given Ream an extension but said he prob wants 2 this summer. Would defo have to recruit next year as doubt we extend Ream again but if we have the FFP room and someone like Morato who is very highly rated is available and who with Bassey can cover left back it makes sense I think.

Yeah I know, but still: having 2 20m LCBs when were not even playing in Europe is a bit careless imo. We should have competition for places but not at these prices.

 Maybe not this year or next, but sooner or later our transfer dealings will affect us. If we dont do things smart, then were just wasting money on nothing and sooner or later that will come back to haunt us. 

Id rather us just going for Chalobah and look for a young under study for Bassey. We found Robinson and Tosin, in confident we can continue in the same vein

[Drewry66]

Okay so would everyone be happy if we were to secure the following names- presuming fees are reasonable:

- Emile Smith Rowe
- Eddie Nketiah
- Gabriel Sara
- Trevoh Chalobah
- Ryan Sessegnon

I think you are looking at about £90m for those players combine. Sessegnon is in a free transfer, if wages were reasonable he would provide a solid option if Robinson were injured and competition for the wide left forward position.

I would be well happy but I would be without Sess (although great if we get him on a contract that suits us) and I don't think he's going for a midfielder if we don't lose anyone there. He also said he might want two centre backs.

This would do me from the big rumours so far:

- Emile Smith Rowe £20 mil
- Eddie Nketiah £30 mil
- Trevoh Chalobah £25 mil
- Morato £20 mil

That is £95 mil but hopefully negotiate a few for a bit less with add ons so maybe £90 mil.

So many options if you got those 4 and all bring average age down significantly. Even if Willian went I think we'd have enough....

Morato played left back loads for Benfica so although we still have Ream for one more year him and Bassey are left back cover for Robinson as well as centre half so that is covered and then already replaced Ream next year.

Smith Rowe can play 10 or left. Also got Iwobi and Stansfield who can play left so covered even if Willian leaves.

I wouldn't be surprised if we got Nketiah that Raul would go to Mexico as Silva has said Stansfield will be with us and he sees him mainly as a striker. As mentioned before Nketiah has 19 goals and 5 assists in 45 prem games of actual playing time. We could go for someone like Pavlidis for £25 million but nothing proven in the prem. looks at Beto for £25 million. Not sure who everyone who thinks he is useless despite that record thinks we are going to get for less. Strikers are ridiculously expensive and I'd take nearly a goal every other game for £30 million.

Chalobah looked brilliant a few years ago and Chelsea fans seem to be gutted he's going so seems like a solid option.

All young and all a load of prem experience apart from Morato but all with a huge point to prove which has of course gone well for us before. All should improve us dramatically if Marco gets them ticking.

Prob get none of them but I'd be well excited for next year if we pulled it off.

Should we really have two 20 m LCBs? Surely money should be spent on a RCB?

Chalobah is the right, Morato is the left. To be honest I was surprised when Silva said it having given Ream an extension but said he prob wants 2 this summer. Would defo have to recruit next year as doubt we extend Ream again but if we have the FFP room and someone like Morato who is very highly rated is available and who with Bassey can cover left back it makes sense I think.

Yeah I know, but still: having 2 20m LCBs when were not even playing in Europe is a bit careless imo. We should have competition for places but not at these prices.

 Maybe not this year or next, but sooner or later our transfer dealings will affect us. If we dont do things smart, then were just wasting money on nothing and sooner or later that will come back to haunt us. 

Id rather us just going for Chalobah and look for a young under study for Bassey. We found Robinson and Tosin, in confident we can continue in the same vein

Yeah fair enough points mate. Like the look of Morato but much better if we could find a £5 mil player to come great. Not easy of course however and Morato could increase in value as Bassey will have done. Anyway May not even be after him so see what happens.

[Thames Bank 1]

Really enjoyed watching BDR, but there were a lot of games last season where he was not at it, that said he is Fulham's version of Milner, does what he is told.