Summer Transfer Thread: Speculation, Lies, Absolute Cr*p and Bosman Rumours

[Monty]

Re Ibrahimovic, no thanks, no way he would cut it in the prem, too hurly burly,  Such a precious flower for one so big and an ego the size of Russia!

He's way too selfish too. I reckon a player like that could poison a dressing room. If anything, we need more togetherness at villa.

I'm sorry, is the Ibra debate serious or tongue in cheek?

I know right. Arrigo Sacchi described him, both as a compliment and criticism, as 'the best all-round individual player in the world'. We're not in any position to dream about having a player as good as him.

[Matt Collins]

Ian Taylor quoted in the mail saying we need a central midfield general to replace Barry / Milner. 100% agree. But I still really don't have any ideas on who. Even if makoun comes good, I don't think he's that man. Gardner doesn't look able to do that (yet, hopefully, tho I have been a bit underwhelmed thus far).

I'm really not sure there is anyone gettable in England even if we do have a bit of cash. There must be a cabaye like player abroad, I just don't know who they are. Getting this signing right is probably the single most important signing this summer

[Matt Collins]

Ps I'm pretty sure the answer isn't Charlie Adam before someone suggests it. He's really slow.

[JJ-AV]

Lambert wants 'hungry players not motivated by money'. That automatically rules out the egos of Ibra and Sturridge, and one would imagine, quite a few others! For the record, I'm with Lambert on that, but are there actually any footballers in the game who aren't motivated by money any more?

I think it's all just PR spin and Lambert would tear his arm off to sign Ibrahimovic. This is a manager who's played at the top and played alongside world class players, remember. However, as one of the best players in the world he'd rightly command circa 200k a week and a starting role at a Champions League competing side.

I think Sturridge is possible, however we'd have to pay big wages and there'd be bigger clubs in for him. I really doubt being a Villa supporter would have any impact on his career decision.

[JJ-AV]

Ian Taylor quoted in the mail saying we need a central midfield general to replace Barry / Milner. 100% agree. But I still really don't have any ideas on who. Even if makoun comes good, I don't think he's that man. Gardner doesn't look able to do that (yet, hopefully, tho I have been a bit underwhelmed thus far).

I'm really not sure there is anyone gettable in England even if we do have a bit of cash. There must be a cabaye like player abroad, I just don't know who they are. Getting this signing right is probably the single most important signing this summer

There's a few in England who may be available (albeit with differing levels of ability): Song, Adam, Diame, Guthrie, Milner, Holden, Sandro, Frimpong...

I think most of those are better than anything we've got currently. Our midfield was one of the worst in the league last season, IMO.

I'd prefer us to get value abroad though, too.

[JJ-AV]

Ps I'm pretty sure the answer isn't Charlie Adam before someone suggests it. He's really slow.

He was fantastic at Blackpool and decent at Liverpool while Gerrard was out. One bad season doesn't make a bad player. Especially at that club. Is Downing shite too?

There was a reason that some of the bigger clubs were after him at that time; ourselves and Spurs had bids for him in the January and I believe even Ferguson was interested.

He's nothing amazing but he sort of fits the profile of the player we need and if the system will suit him, why not?

[Matt Collins]

I agree they're all better than what we've got, though not convinced by diame or Adam. I like Holden, but still think that leaves a hole at the base of midfield. Holden's more of an attacking midfielder isn't he? Holden and frinpong would be good.

Don't think sandro, song or Milner are gettable or affordable. All would be stellar however.

[Matt Collins]

I think Adam looked excellent for Blackpool, and seemed to start reasonably for 'The Mighty Reds YNWA'. But I really think he's too slow to play central midfield. He can't tackle but needs to play deep. Perhaps if you're going to play him in a midfield three you could carve out a niche pirlo type role for him. But I really thought he looked plodding when I saw him last year

[Steve67]

I've always quite rated Tom Huddlestone but I wonder how fit he can keep himself.  He's not the quickest player around but has something of a presence in the middle of the park due to his size.  Good passer of the ball.

[hartman_1982]

Ian Taylor quoted in the mail saying we need a central midfield general to replace Barry / Milner. 100% agree. But I still really don't have any ideas on who. Even if makoun comes good, I don't think he's that man. Gardner doesn't look able to do that (yet, hopefully, tho I have been a bit underwhelmed thus far).

I'm really not sure there is anyone gettable in England even if we do have a bit of cash. There must be a cabaye like player abroad, I just don't know who they are. Getting this signing right is probably the single most important signing this summer

There's a few in England who may be available (albeit with differing levels of ability): Song, Adam, Diame, Guthrie, Milner, Holden, Sandro, Frimpong...

I think most of those are better than anything we've got currently. Our midfield was one of the worst in the league last season, IMO.

I'd prefer us to get value abroad though, too.

As in Alex Song? No chance he would be available. Adam - No thanks. Sandro has bigger fish to fry than us. Always rated Holden and Frimpong though.

[spaf]

Re Ibrahimovic, no thanks, no way he would cut it in the prem, too hurly burly,  Such a precious flower for one so big and an ego the size of Russia!

He's way too selfish too. I reckon a player like that could poison a dressing room. If anything, we need more togetherness at villa.

I'm sorry, is the Ibra debate serious or tongue in cheek?

I know right. Arrigo Sacchi described him, both as a compliment and criticism, as 'the best all-round individual player in the world'. We're not in any position to dream about having a player as good as him.

And his game has matured immensely from what it was in the early 00s. One of the 10 best players in the world, I say.

[Gareth]

Ps I'm pretty sure the answer isn't Charlie Adam before someone suggests it. He's really slow.

Think you got the four letter word beginning with 's' wrong there Matt.

I've never seen a midfielder who is rated as good give the ball away as much as Adam - he has that problem that Gerrard frustrates in an England shirt & Bannan did for us last year in that they keep trying to play the 50 yard worldy pass when occassionally keeping possession might be more prudent

[supertom]

Adam's not a 90 minute player. I think he's overrated. He can pass a ball well, but over does the Hollywood passes as some mentioned. My feeling is that we could get someone cheaper overseas who does that but is far more mobile and far fitter than Adam. I actually think it's less a case of one bad season and more a case of a one season wonder. His set pieces are ace, but like I say, we need more mobility and more technique in midfield. If we want someone who won't offer much physical presence or dynamism but who might hit the odd extravagant free kick or 50 yard pass then Bannan's already here.

Our record over the years with Liverpool cast offs is not good either. Lets not go that route again.

[SoccerHQ]

Why would Ibrahimovich want to come here? No idea where this "link" has come from.

[Monty]

Why would Ibrahimovich want to come here? No idea where this "link" has come from.

It must be hypothetical. I bet if he were actually linked most of the people saying "oh he's not a good team player" and so on would drown in their own excited drool.