Summer 2013: Villa Transfers, Speculation, Suggestions and Rumours

[pr_N'villa]

http://www.birminghammail.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/aston-villa-target-leandro-bacuna-4310327

[Concrete John]

And talking of voodoo, this is what, 4 players we seem to be in advanced stages of signing and it's not even the middle of June yet? I'm loving this, although a bit scared by this strange new world as well.

Indeed but how many of the 4 will go straight into the first team, improving what we currently have? My guess is one.

I think we need to stop thinking of it in terms of the first team and rather view it as overall squad strength.  Especially with the way Lambert likes to switch things around.

Presuming they do all sign, then Okore is probably most likely to get most games, given our weakness in his position last season.  After that, our good run in the last third of the season was mainly down to finding the right balance in midfield and attack, but who do we have if one of them is out?  Well, now we have Bacuna (hopefully!) and Tonev.  Helenius will probably pay least as he's obviously the Benteke cover with Bant going.   

[manic-road]

Bloody hell.

From that video he looks massive, brave, quick as anybody, an excellent passer, confident on the ball and good at reading the game. That was a good Chelsea side too.

Yeah I don't like to get excited over you tube footage but how quick does he look? He made up distance on Cole and Moses who are really quick and great on the ball I like the sliding challenges where he gets the ball but stays on his feet.

I have to say in both instances I felt some movement in my underpants. Is that healthy?

Depends on whether that movement is because you have a turd lodged there in your underpants.

[Toronto Villa]

all of these players are rising stars in their own country and they will all view a move to the PL as a massive step up and chance to really propel their careers forward. The players they are replacing in the squad are mostly towards the end of their careers, or are complete and utter wasters. These new kids, while young and inexperienced at this level will works their balls off to get into the side and keep their place. Now, I am sure we all would like to see some experience added if the right player becomes available but what they are creating is an environment where no player can take anything for granted and that those with the most desire will win out.

This might be the best summer most of us can ever remember from Villa in terms of optimism. Certainly the most positive since 2006.

[RussellC]

Christ alone knows how many dossiers must have been written at Villa Park in the last year.

[Mister E]

And talking of voodoo, this is what, 4 players we seem to be in advanced stages of signing and it's not even the middle of June yet? I'm loving this, although a bit scared by this strange new world as well.

Indeed but how many of the 4 will go straight into the first team, improving what we currently have? My guess is one.

I think 1 probably, but then if Bacuna is more of an all action central midfield player that some dutch correspondents are saying, all of them will significantly increase the strength and options from the bench.

Interestingly, Bacuna and Okore would also offer the flexibility for us to play 5 / 3 at the back - with a Baker / Vlaar / Okore back three and wingbacks from Bennett, Lowton, Delph and Bacuna.

[Surrey Villain]

And talking of voodoo, this is what, 4 players we seem to be in advanced stages of signing and it's not even the middle of June yet? I'm loving this, although a bit scared by this strange new world as well.

Indeed but how many of the 4 will go straight into the first team, improving what we currently have? My guess is one.

I think 1 probably, but then if Bacuna is more of an all action central midfield player that some dutch correspondents are saying, all of them will significantly increase the strength and options from the bench.

Interestingly, Bacuna and Okore would also offer the flexibility for us to play 5 / 3 at the back - with a Baker / Vlaar / Okore back three and wingbacks from Bennett, Lowton, Delph and Bacuna.

Delph is no wingback.

[Mister E]

And talking of voodoo, this is what, 4 players we seem to be in advanced stages of signing and it's not even the middle of June yet? I'm loving this, although a bit scared by this strange new world as well.

Indeed but how many of the 4 will go straight into the first team, improving what we currently have? My guess is one.

I think 1 probably, but then if Bacuna is more of an all action central midfield player that some dutch correspondents are saying, all of them will significantly increase the strength and options from the bench.

Interestingly, Bacuna and Okore would also offer the flexibility for us to play 5 / 3 at the back - with a Baker / Vlaar / Okore back three and wingbacks from Bennett, Lowton, Delph and Bacuna.

Delph is no wingback.

probably not but he certainly has the ability to be so if required.

[Malandro]

If Bent and Benteke left, would you be happy with what we have up front?

I think Weimann could step up again this year. May still be a striker short, I'd never gamble on Gabby playing all season.

[Mister E]

all of these players are rising stars in their own country and they will all view a move to the PL as a massive step up and chance to really propel their careers forward. The players they are replacing in the squad are mostly towards the end of their careers, or are complete and utter wasters. These new kids, while young and inexperienced at this level will works their balls off to get into the side and keep their place. Now, I am sure we all would like to see some experience added if the right player becomes available but what they are creating is an environment where no player can take anything for granted and that those with the most desire will win out.

This might be the best summer most of us can ever remember from Villa in terms of optimism. Certainly the most positive since 2006.

True and it also means that if they succeed and then get drawn to Chumps League clubs we can cash in. As long as the scouting machine keeps doing its magic we could really develop both the playing and the financial side of things.

[Mister E]

If Bent and Benteke left, would you be happy with what we have up front?

I think Weimann could step up again this year. May still be a striker short, I'd never gamble on Gabby playing all season.

If Bent and Benteke left, we'd have £40m to play with ...

[Toronto Villa]

If Bent and Benteke left, would you be happy with what we have up front?

I think Weimann could step up again this year. May still be a striker short, I'd never gamble on Gabby playing all season.

no. Benteke is a clear difference maker and makes us scary to every opposing defender that have to deal with his power and pace coupled with the supporting cast. It is very rare to find a player of his quality, so one can only hope that Helenius is close to that in a year or so. Bent leaving isn't in any way an issue because he no longer fits. Benteke is perfect for how Lambert wants to play.

[pr_N'villa]

@nmashiter_star: Bacuna is believed to have agreed a three-year deal at #avfc. Waiting for official confirmation of course. Need that rubber stamp, as always

[Mister E]

Signing another predominantly right-sided CB does also seem to give CC and NB a massive endorsement from PL, unless he has another LCB in his sights from elsewhere.

[Phil from the upper holte]

Bent can live without, I'd worry if benteke left, I was starting to think he was off but now he's being used for images I'm a bit more confident