Summer Transfer Thread and Gustavo Cisneros Type Rumours.

[SoccerHQ]

Yup, very good player but there would be concern that he's getting on and never played in a league with a higher pace to it.

Good point. Thought he was still only 25-26 but 29 in April so perhaps like Gana fits the one year loan option.

Would rather do that and wait for a really good target to become available in January or next summer then spunk 30-40m on someone unsuitable like Harry Winks.

[ozzjim]

Gana is playing for PSG tonight.

[SoccerHQ]

I didn’t think Smith was in charge of transfers? Or is he only in charge of the stockpiling of non specialty midfielders?

Wasn't the rumour in Jan 2020 Suso was on verge of signing Steven Nzonzi and DS overruled and got in Drinkwater instead so think it's a bit of mix and match. If we're signing 6-7 a summer, some will be who Lange identifies and other half will be Smith signings.

We had three months to find an Engels replacement and Tuanzabe returns on loan so I'd suggest DS would be behind that target otherwise it makes a mockery of all the scouts and stats we're using now.

[ozzjim]

Lange was apparently squarely being the Bailey signing.

[PeterWithe]

I always rated Nzonzi but, when I used to watch Villa games on holiday in the same bar in Spain I always got drinking with a Blackburn fan I got to know and he had a patholgical hatred of him, said his attitude stunk and was lazy and really unpopular with teammates.

[SoccerHQ]

Lange was apparently squarely being the Bailey signing.

No problem with that. Bailey is sort of signing we need to be making more of in next 2-3 years if we seriously want to do anything at top level.

Was assuming though we'd pick up a sort of development signing for CB and possibly DM aswell although that's more pressing need.

Can only think DS wasn't too happy with Engels and Gulibert so in certain positions he probably has more say than others.

[Ian.]

I didn’t think Smith was in charge of transfers? Or is he only in charge of the stockpiling of non specialty midfielders?

Wasn't the rumour in Jan 2020 Suso was on verge of signing Steven Nzonzi and DS overruled and got in Drinkwater instead so think it's a bit of mix and match. If we're signing 6-7 a summer, some will be who Lange identifies and other half will be Smith signings.

We had three months to find an Engels replacement and Tuanzabe returns on loan so I'd suggest DS would be behind that target otherwise it makes a mockery of all the scouts and stats we're using now.

With Drinkwater in your back catalogue, I hope Lange has someone in mind for this elusive missing midfielder then!

[LeonW]

If the club sign Harry Winks I have no idea what that solves/does for the side.

I'd rather wait until another transfer window to get a Plan A signing.

[SoccerHQ]

I always rated Nzonzi but, when I used to watch Villa games on holiday in the same bar in Spain I always got drinking with a Blackburn fan I got to know and he had a patholgical hatred of him, said his attitude stunk and was lazy and really unpopular with teammates.

Since he left Blackburn he had a brilliant few seasons at Sevilla playing at high level, part of France world cup winning squad and even going to Rennes that window he's done fine and think they qualified for CL last season.

So slightly better than Drinkwater's years in football since 2017!

[Dave]

Gana is playing for PSG tonight.

Pinged one in from 45 yards as well.

[Matt C]

DS (via Express & Star)

He explained: “At the moment in midfield places I have John McGinn, Douglas Luiz, Marvelous Nakamba, Carney Chukwuemeka, JJ (Jacob Ramsey), Conor Hourihane and Morgan Sanson coming back from injury.

“There are a lot of numbers in there and I think to add to that would be stockpiling players a little bit. Players would probably need to move out before we moved anyone in for that area.”

Which says to me there’s still every chance of a midfield signing but we need to move one on first.

[edgysatsuma89]

We put in a bid for JWP though *shrugs*

[Monty]

Well we do know that Hourihane is most likely on the way out.

[SoccerHQ]

Feels like Hourihane will end up somewhere like Celtic. perhaps a loan and they sign him for a million or two in January.

I'm surprised he's still here tbh.

[PaulWinch again]

Lange was apparently squarely being the Bailey signing.

He was spot on then.