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Comment | Southampton Said To Have Agreed Terms With Brazilian Defender
at 14:15:14
(to Bowlercow). Think I read that we also sold Perraud for around 3 million.. and a bit.
(highfield ) ...I agree with you about Stephens.... and his contract goes out summer 2025.
Manning and Bree may have managed OK-ish in the Championship, but I don't see either as first choice Prem. players. It means Bednarek is the only experienced CB in the club.
Interesting that the mooted signings of; Ghoddos, O'Riley, Jeronimo and Welington might help create interest in their home countries as the big money clubs have always tried to recruit overseas players and it helps to get attention for Prem. clubs. |
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Comment | The Calm Before The Storm The Transfer Scrum Begins On Monday
at 10:09:55
The last two seasons has seen a massive turnover of players, but now we will likely see the biggest influx since Ronald Koeman started his managerial reign with 9 new signings.
Last season we finished with 5 loan players on the books, and 3 others who then went out of contract. Now that the dust has settled, we have Harwood-Bellis permanent, and then hopefully Fraser and Downes back in the fold, plus an untold number of new recruits.
Lallana will be the Stuart Armstrong replacement (for however long he lasts) but we need to fill quite a few more gaps - to get a squad even good enough to SURVIVE next season.
We will see some of the " dead wood " leaving (already Perraud and Lyanco gone) and a number of our promising young talents going out on loan to Championship / L1 sides where they will regularly play against seasoned pro's who have been around a while.
Keeping McCarthy - even for a season - seems a sensible move, but with KWP likely on the move we need at least two more FB's, two more CB's (you can never have enough central defenders in my book)...plus an extra pair of experienced legs in midfield and at least two strikers who can score regularly and not just on high days and holidays. Nuff said! |
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Comment | Saints Set To Agree Deal With Keeper
at 09:45:22
(read above)...seems to be split judgements on our goalies capabilities already.
Clearly age is not an issue for goalkeepers, as many can still get lucrative contracts when they are past 35, and McCarthy DAJFU in the play-off games and helped get us promotion.
In the present circumstances it's a common sense decision to keep him for another season ..(or two) ..until we can get a stable group of custodians to choose from.
Whether people see Bazunu as a promising young keeper with prospects, the real issue has to be - WHEN he will return and be the fit, agile keeper we need for the future. In the long term we need to sign "another Bazunu" capable of challenging for the role, and /or be good enough for the No.1 spot (if and when required).
I expect / hope to see a good young keeper with league experience on the books soon and see McCarthy start the season, continuing - as long as necessary - until we get it sorted.
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Comment | Saints Set To Bid £6 Million To Bring Back Former St Mary's Hero
at 09:47:39
Depends what we have as alternatives. There are some arguments against this deal.. his age, fitness and recent form, but the main reason that players " fail " after a move is they have to play in another formation to that which brought their success. Danny wasn't first choice for David Moyes' set-up (only as sub. for Antonio,) whereas DM was happy to sign Prowsey, for his midfield but now might end up being "frozen out " under the new WHam manager who uses a different formation.
I don't see Danny getting 20 goals ever again, and he won't get a 4 year contract again either, but acouple of seasons of " vintage Ings" might make the difference between survival ...and relegation. What we know is that on his day he can be a " match-winner " and helped save us over two seasons before our eventual relegation without him.
For our first season back up we need to consolidate and survive our first couple of seasons, and signing some " smart kid ", who has scored a lot in someone's U21 side is not the same as starting in a Prem. League game every week, and whenever he does score, we suddenly declare a special holiday in the city to celebrate. No thanks - too chancey.
Even if we get a little " Ings-action " for only 60 minutes each match, and few goals more he'd bring experience to our already " too-young " squad and help " the young and the newcomers " settle in before they have to bear the burden of being first on the team sheet every week and needing to perform.
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Comment | Southampton Back For Third Attempt To Sign Defender
at 05:47:53
Agree (Dell Boy Wally) that KWP was a good deal for us, but Levy screwed us on the deal for Höjbjerg who was clearly worth much more that 18 mill. at that stage of his career.
The irony is that, Spurs have squandered more than 60 mill. in trying to find a suitable RB, without success and if " the rumoured buy-back clause " does exist , then Spurs can get KWP back for around 30 mill. (an absolute steal in the current market, as his form in the last 2 seasons has been excellent and even got him international recognition).
we will get screwed and Spurs will win again. |
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Comment | Romain Perraud Set To Leave Southampton In Permanent Deal
at 05:35:22
Having signed Manning - even for nothing - I think RM feels compelled to support him, although clearly someone who is "not good enough" for the Championship will find life even harder at the highest level, and we have no obvious replacement at present. I liked Perraud and although he was thrown into the Prem.at a time when the whole team was struggling, I thought he DAJFU but like many FB's looked good going forward, but struggled for pace when expected to do his job as a defender.
In reading reports that a deal has already been agreed, we have certainly seen the last of him - for which I am somewhat saddened. |
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Comment | Southampton Back For Third Attempt To Sign Defender
at 17:16:56
Dealing with Spurs has always been a minefield (DellBoyWally) and Daniel Levy is a master of getting the last drop of blood out of every Tottenham deal that he oversees.
Not sure if Rodon is right for us, but Russell Martin is best placed to know Wood - perhaps even more than our scouts. Even if we retain one of the loans - when they get back , IMHO you can never have too many CB's. |
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Comment | Southampton Interested In Bournemouth Defender
at 12:20:36
Signing a full back who can play both sides of the pitch is a bonus (see KWP) and it maybe no coincidence that he previously played for Norwich and is known to Russell Martin.
Every manager has his favourites and maybe his face didn't fit at B'mouth, after changes of management, or playing style. At the moment Saints may be a more attractive as the Cherries seemed to have gone off the boil a bit and have now lost Kelly, and will likely have to sell best striker. Perhaps if he tosses the coin again, he may make a different call?.
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Comment | Southampton Set To Sign Out Of Contract Brentford Midfielder
at 12:09:48
The previous contact that Sport Republic had with Brentford may have played a part in this decision - but as a free transfer - who would argue that - except those who think anyone over 30.. AND on a free transfer is rubbish ?
Apparently the guy was born in Sweden and even played for their national team when younger, but was invited to switch his allegiance to Iran and has since played over 50 games for them at international level. (see Wikipedia). At least we will be saving a big transfer fee and getting some more experience in the squad.
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Comment | It's Official Adam Lallana Returns To Southampton
at 11:13:57
Now wait for the split opinions .
Those who think he's a washed-up, injury-prone player past his prime, or those who feel that the presence of a former England international whose won a Champions League title, and played at the highest level can be a big benefit to our ..yet to be finalised Prem. squad for next season.
A voice in the dressing room with loads of experience who will command respect from everyone, and a source of encouragement to the up-and-coming youngsters.
Even for one season, his influence on the pitch could be enormous.
I know which group I would support. |
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Comment | Southampton Interested In Bournemouth Defender
at 12:16:35
This is typical during the summer break and some of these " deals " are either generated by agents looking to create interest in their clients, or on a site run by some kid who has a PC in his bedroom and thinks he's I.N.K and wants deals for his favourite players. Fake News !
So far I've noted around 20 ( yes twenty) names listed on various sites and the window doesn't even open till Friday. Personally, I'll wait till I see the interview after the player has signed his contract at Staplewood.
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Comment | Trabzonspor Demand Southampton Lower Price For Striker
at 10:33:23
The Turkish club might desperately want him, but are pleading poverty - well sorry fellas
but Saints have the same problem in the Prem. as even an ordinary bench player from a
" big name club " could set you back 30 million+. There has to be a better solution.
If we accepted their paltry offer for Onuacho we would lose a lot on the original investment, but perhaps now is the time for Sport Republic to organise " swap / loan " type transfers between their various clubs and not totally lose out on the deal. |
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Comment | Southampton Already Linked With New Goalkeeping Target
at 10:21:54
to ElSanto......TWO Irish goalkeepers ?. I wonder how long that friendship would last?
I think I might have reservations about that as they both want the Irish no.1 jersey.
There are some good European keepers out there who haven't had a mention yet, and someone with International / Euro type Cup experience wouldn't be a bad thing. |
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Comment | Southampton Agree Permanent Deal For Key Loanee
at 12:15:12
This has to be a win-win situations for both clubs. Two years left on his contract at Newcastle and he's not even on conversation terms with the manager. Many of his appearances last season were nothing short of brilliant, both in goal-scoring and assists. He is popular in the dressing room, and that can't be a bad thing.
30 isn't old for a good player, and the likes of Steven Davis and Shane Long could still put on a turn when they were past 34. He won't get a 5 year contract, but could go a way to help stabilizing the team now that we are back in the Prem. IN SHORT - A GREAT DEAL.
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Comment | Turkish Super Lig Giants Bidding For Joe Aribo
at 12:03:58
Clearly on a good day Joe looks the part, but I'm not convinced that he is a Prem. level player in the long term, and we might do better with a pair of " younger " legs.
IF ...we can recoup a good fee for him then I'd say take the money and run. |
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Comment | Southampton Linked To Reunion With Armando Broja
at 11:58:35
Given our situation at the time we loaned Broja... he DAJFU and scored a few goals before he was crocked around Christmas and never got back to his early season form.
Chelsea are just one of the big money Prem. clubs looking to clear out their bench players who aren't " their sort of Prem. player " and bring in fresh blood.
Should we have him back ?....if all else fails and we can afford to meet the asking price, it might be a necessity to buy him as a partner for Adam A. , but I think there are others in line before we get to his name. Probably not.
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Comment | Southampton Considering Move For Wembley Play Off Opponent
at 09:49:17
Being a stand-out player with a Championship side (in this case 5 years ago with Swansea) doesn't guarantee even a bench place at a Prem. club. Although not having seen him that much, I was seldom impressed with Rodon, and his subsequent loan-outs to various clubs did little to enthuse fans that he was " the real thing ", and may never make it in reality.
Our transfer committee will have the last say, but my real concern is.. .buying yet another player from Spurs ..and falling for the sort of deal Daniel Levy will dream up to sc*ew us. He is a master negotiator and would do well with a place on Dragon's Den.
Clearly we got a nice deal with KWP, (but that was an exception) because the majority of the deals that Spurs have put over on us in the past are too painful to recall.
If any potential deal over-states Rodon's valuation and they expect a swap with KWP , I fear we may be conned - yet again. I hope I'm wrong but he looks like another Holgate.
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Comment | Would Southampton Fans Welcome Back Adam Lallana To St Mary's
at 16:12:41
I was waiting for this one to come up. Those fans who derided him when he left will be angry, but at a time when he was peaking and Saints were in the doldrums. Few people were angry at Lambert for leaving , but why when AL left at the same time.(?)
A career at the top level can be short , but for some fans AMBITION is a dirty word but I for one would not blame him for taking the chance, but Liverpool (pre Klopp) were the real losers as Brendan Rodgers rarely played them together when that was their real strength when they played for us. Lambert and Lallana could have played blindfolded and still scored goals and Lallana's assists with Saints were very impressive for a young man.
Would I have him back - YES -like a shot. My generation remembers 36 year old Alan Ball
playing across the field and making a career for the young Steve Williams.
Lawrie McMenemy's quote was always .. "old heads and young legs" , and the thought of playing Lallana alongside Smallbone and Downes (even for 60 minutes a game) would
be an incredible prospect.
Having Lallana (and even Ings) back for a year or two who help bring stability to the squad and bring on the next generations new / younger talents who are on the way up. |
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Comment | Could Adam Lallana Make A Surprise Return To Southampton
at 11:17:55
More of the " old guard " names mentioned. After Theo, then Alex Ox..a nd now.. Lallana.
Obviously not 90 minute players every week (injuries permitting) but having a few old heads in the dressing room can do no harm. They know the club well and wouldn't need a GPS to find the way to Staplewood or SMS.
Whether its one of them, or someone else.. it's essential to have experienced players with some pedigree as we have such a young squad - and especially if we get back to the Prem.
; I agree with West Sussex above,
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Comment | Southampton Sell Out St Mary's For The West Brom 2nd Leg Play Off Semi Final
at 11:47:22
with all the posts sbout " money stats." being bandied around here , I wonder if there is a likelihood of a new attendance record ?. As memory serves we had in access of 32,500 for the final game of the 2011-12 season before the promotion back to the Prem.
It would men selling all the hospitality box space as well.. ..who knows , and if we come away from the game at The Hawthorns with a positive goal advantage it might encourage a few companies , or family groups to show up for the return leg. |
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