Summer Transfer Thread and Gustavo Cisneros Type Rumours.

[PeterWithe]

At Brentford, when they used to beat us every game, they always played with Ryan Woods as the deepest midfielder.

[Drummond]

That’s a fair post Drummond, but the problem for me are the two in front of the defence. It didn’t work very well last year, and I don’t think it will work very well this year. Luiz is a great all round footballer, great on the ball, quick feet but isn’t a DCM. McGinn is excellent joining in with attacks, but isn’t a DCM either. I think either of them playing next to a proper DCM would see their performance levels increased by 20%.

I get what you mean. But I think that's my point, we've shown it works without and perhaps that's the system we're aiming for.

However, I've always liked having a decent enforcer in there, they can really dictate the tempo of the game.

[ChicagoLion]

Something that seems to be lost on people is that you do not win many games without winning the battle in midfield.

Well you don't win many games with a shit defence or attack either....

or manager

[SoccerHQ]

At Brentford, when they used to beat us every game, they always played with Ryan Woods as the deepest midfielder.

And so you can see the logic in playing Luiz there which was working fine 12 months ago before his dip in form post January.

Still feels like DM-Luiz-McGinn is potentially a really good midfield and then you can have a few forward combinations infront of that and shouldn't be too far off a top half finish.

[paul_e]

That’s a fair post Drummond, but the problem for me are the two in front of the defence. It didn’t work very well last year, and I don’t think it will work very well this year. Luiz is a great all round footballer, great on the ball, quick feet but isn’t a DCM. McGinn is excellent joining in with attacks, but isn’t a DCM either. I think either of them playing next to a proper DCM would see their performance levels increased by 20%.

I get what you mean. But I think that's my point, we've shown it works without and perhaps that's the system we're aiming for.

However, I've always liked having a decent enforcer in there, they can really dictate the tempo of the game.

I'm fine with 3 of McGinn, Luiz and sanson/ramsey sometimes but in other games we need a different option that a proper DM brings.

[KevinGage]

Back to the thread for a second, if Arsenal complete Odegaard and Aouar as they are reputedly close to, then where does that leave ESR?

I have no clue what Arsenal are doing. The fans want Martinelli, ESR, Odegaard, Pepe, Saka, Lacazette and Aubameyang on the pitch at the same time. Then there's the 25million they're about to spend on Ramsdale. It makes absolutely no sense.

If Ramsdale is £25m, Emi is £150m now. I've seen a fair few poor keepers, but that bloke is woefully bad.

You can see why ESRs agent was looking to move him out. A lot of players to play one role. One to keep an eye on for Villa.

Nah.

You can't play us like a grand piano and say you're interested in a move and then sign on as a reserve for a meek top 10 outfit like the Gooners.

The bit I've seen of him is he's in the talented but ? category. Rather than nailed on as a top 6/7 starter anyroad.

[Toronto Villa]

JWP just signed a new 5 year deal with Southampton.

[jwarry]

Mmm another player’s agent using us

[Demitri_C]

Good luck to him. Thats loyalty for you.

He is never worth the money they were asking. There is better out there

[PaulWinch again]

We do still need an addition(s).

[Ian.]

Fair play to JWP, but a shame none the less.

[Rudy Can't Fail]

Hopefully we can now stop pussyfooting around Grealish's (and JWP's) agent and tell him what we really think of him and his client. Saints demanding £50m for JWP killed any possible deal other than a new improved contract.

Let's have a proper DM and a 10. No more musical chairs, best players in the best position. Simple.

[Flin5tone]

Thought we'd go out and make a statement and bring him to the Club.

Starting to really worry now that we are dome this window.

[Matt C]

Hope we now activate plan b…

[DrGonzo]

I'm glad for him and for Southampton, it's good to see a player willing to stand by his club!  Also at £50m we could go and get 2 players from elsewhere that may be more suited to what we need.