2023 Summer transfer window - hopes, needs, expectations and rumours.

[Dave]

I thought he was mainly a DM. He's one of these players that has eyes in the back of his head and knows the runs people are making without looking. He played a lovely pass in a game the other week (I think against Leeds).

Neves sure, I thought the conversation had moved on to Williams.

[eamonn]

I've been a bit disappointed with Cash as I think I've expected him to show more going forward since he joined, maybe as I had in mind all his assists and goals as a winger at Forest.

I think he's still a decent option but that he needs younger competition than Young and someone who offers things he doesn't.

Our 2022 Supporter's Player of the Year..?

Yeah...he wasn't mine!
Decent attitude, works hard, good rapport with the fans...it was enough to win the day. We'll base it more on consistency of performance this year 😉

[brontebilly]

Any hope of Grealish coming back? 😄

[Drummond]

Any hope of Grealish coming back? 😄

Hope? No, he can fuck off. I never thought I'd be desperate for Real Madrid, Arsenal and Sheffield United to win; not only to stop the cheats, but to wipe the smug look off his face.

[AlexAlexCropley]

Shame Rakatic is 35, still classy

[brontebilly]

Any hope of Grealish coming back? 😄

Hope? No, he can fuck off. I never thought I'd be desperate for Real Madrid, Arsenal and Sheffield United to win; not only to stop the cheats, but to wipe the smug look off his face.

On the flip side, if they win the CL I'd expect Guardiola to leave and their team to break up a bit as a result, particularly if any of those charges against them can stick this time. Mind you, they will probably get in likes of Bellingham over the summer to replace Gundogan and be stronger again.

[nigel]

Any hope of Grealish coming back? 😄

Hope? No, he can fuck off. I never thought I'd be desperate for Real Madrid, Arsenal and Sheffield United to win; not only to stop the cheats, but to wipe the smug look off his face.

On the flip side, if they win the CL I'd expect Guardiola to leave and their team to break up a bit as a result, particularly if any of those charges against them can stick this time. Mind you, they will probably get in likes of Bellingham over the summer to replace Gundogan and be stronger again.

I can see Haarland going, too. Maybe not next season, but the following season

[Russ aka Big Nose]

Reuben Neves looks to be a quality player. Aged 26 and 246 appearances for the YamYams in six seasons - so consistent and largely injury-free.

Though he will be sold for big money - if he goes - and with Kamara and Dougie we are arguably better off for DCMs than in other areas of the squad. Big Donk is decent-ish cover.

I know we need options, particularly if we qualify for Europe, though my expectation would be 2 or 3 players coming in for big fees, e.g., £30m+ and if that is the case, I'm not sure I would see a DCM as one of top three priorities to bring in for that kind of fee. UTV.

[Axl Rose]

Any hope of Grealish coming back? 😄

Hope? No, he can fuck off. I never thought I'd be desperate for Real Madrid, Arsenal and Sheffield United to win; not only to stop the cheats, but to wipe the smug look off his face.

Well said Drummond.

I hope he picks up a niggly injury, just to keep him out for the rest of the season, misses all the games that they then lose. And win nothing.

I hope to see him in full tracksuit with an arm around a dejected Foden, the chavvy prick, sometime soon.

A ****** playing for ******

[Rudy Can't Fail]

Big Nose, Wolves are asking £40m for Neves with both Man Utd and Liverpool said to be interested. I very rarely watch Wolves games but for Portugal I always think he's not quite at the level of his teammates. He's great when you need somebody to run around and kick people.

We were strongly rumoured in January with Porto's Otávio but I can't see that happening either. He's industrious, quick but at 1m72 he's a skinny version of Buendia, we need to think of Risso's health. Overpriced too. The great thing is Emery has had time to access the squad and by now probably knows exactly what he wants and most likely who.

Just to add, I'm normally extremely against appointing a new manager midseason but Emery has been the exception. If we'd brought him in last summer he'd have been cornered into bringing in new players without fully understanding what we already have.

[paul_e]

When I look at players like Neves and Otavio I can see why we might be interested but I think I'd prefer us to go back for Guendouzi if we're signing someone like that.

[Rudy Can't Fail]

Absolutely, Paul.

[eamonn]

Percy agrees vociferously

[Russ aka Big Nose]

Thanks Rudy and paul_e.

I agree - Neves is not enough of an upgrade to two quality performers (Kamara and Dougie) to merit being a priority this summer.

I think Guendouzi offers energy and, perhaps, the potential to cover a more advanced role as well as being a DCM. Plus if t'internet is to be believed, he would be cheaper than Neves. Perhaps 20-25m Euros.

[Rudy Can't Fail]

I think Guendouzi offers energy and, perhaps, the potential to cover a more advanced role as well as being a DCM. Plus if t'internet is to be believed, he would be cheaper than Neves. Perhaps 20-25m Euros.

Reports today claim Newcastle are after him but I did like the quote they carried:

'Guendouzi is a fan on the Villa gaffer, gushing praise on him after he guided Villarreal to the Europa League in 2021. "What a journey! This Football… so smart and elegant. You made the dream of an entire city, of a club, a team, and of all the fans come true!

“You did it! You know how to win trophies! Hats off Monsieur Emery. You are so unique.”

He added: “I am honored (sic) and proud to have had the opportunity to evolve by your side. Words will never be strong enough to qualify your personality, your benevolence and your authenticity in human relationships."

I'd hoped we'd made an agreement with Marseille back in January to sign him in the summer.