Summer 2024 Transfer Window - hopes, speculation, rumours etc.

[tomd2103]

I think Diaby will be electric this year. He gave lots of glimpses of what he can do. He had some good games, found it hard at stages but adapted and continued to contribute.

I hope he stays as think he has a role to play.

If Ramsey starts and stays fit, Rogers and the returning Buendia will be in the mix for where Diaby mostly played last season. 

That's not saying that there wouldn't be a spot for him, but if a big offer came in, it would be worth considering as I can see Rogers potentially being first choice in that position come the start of the season.

[Londonvilla]

Where there is smoke ......but €60M?

We’d have a squad of about 150 players if we were living by the “where there is smoke” mantra. I’ve got us signing about 60 players this summer according to the links you’ve posted.

Topic: Summer 2024 Transfer Window - hopes, speculation, rumours etc.

Just saying that “where there is smoke” is unlikely to be the case with every rumour. Not that you shouldn’t be posting them.

Ok sorry

[Percy McCarthy]

I wouldn’t mind trading Diaby for a better player. It’s that simple really.

Whatever the stats say, IMO he didn’t turn in performances that made me think he’s as good as Ramsey, Bailey, Rogers or little Emi at their best.

Thing is though percy bailey wasnt as good as diabs was in his first season and loik at bailey now. I think diaby could be as good as bailey if not better

There is always that possibility of course. It’s a judgement call for Unai. He might think that with Bailey, Ramsey, Rogers, Buendia, Iling-Jumior. Philogene(?), Duran(?) and Watkins up front, he wants to sell an attacker to improve on the likes of Carlos, Cash, Olsen, or maybe get a shit-hot CDM in to play CL until Kamara is fit. It all has to be weighed up alongside the finite amount of money we have to spend.

Like, I’d be delighted if we swapped Diaby and Duran for Kayode, Ugarte, Philogene, Max the German, an unnamed beast at RCB and a really good Martinez understudy. I’d be even more delighted if we bought them without selling Diaby and Duran. but we might not be able to.

[AV84]

A lot of people thought Diaby didn't look happy here last season. It's entirely possible, I suppose, that he didn't settle. You'd think though that he'd look to move back to Germany or France though, if that was the case.

Anyway, I don't think we should be selling him, but we are now in a position where we don't need to be keeping players who don't want to be here, and as good as he is, or could be, most of the squad are replaceable. If the offer was right, I wouldn't be too upset if he went.

[CT Villan]

This is not the time to sell Diaby, he's had his first season to settle lets see if he improves this season. If not, next summer is the time to sell him. Still, I think he's going to be just fine anyway.

I would sadly sell Duran though - he's got so much potential, but the disruption he brings is not worth it.

[Rigadon]

Diaby might have a great second season, or he might continue to be hit and miss, or even regress.  He looked low on confidence to me last year.  The comparisons with Bailey are a bit askew on my view.  Bailey was a bit crap due to injury and having S Gerrard as his manager.  As soon as he was injured free and Unai rocked up he’s been pretty consistent.

On balance, if we could sign a better player, I’d be selling Diaby. 

[PaulWinch again]

Point of order - in terms of what he delivered he did have a good first season.

[Rigadon]

Point of order - in terms of what he delivered he did have a good first season.

Not relative to his price tag.  That’s not his fault of course, but transfer success is about value to some degree.  I don’t dislike Diaby, but I wouldn’t be heartbroken if we upgraded. 

[andyh]

This is not the time to sell Diaby, he's had his first season to settle lets see if he improves this season. If not, next summer is the time to sell him. Still, I think he's going to be just fine anyway.

I would sadly sell Duran though - he's got so much potential, but the disruption he brings is not worth it.

Or it might be exactly the right time to sell Diaby. While his value is still very high and someone seemingly wants him.
Next summer , if he has a season like the last, he might not be valued at £60m.

£60m could go an incredibly long way to buying a top, top quality player who is consistent.

[PaulWinch again]

Yeah but my point is there’s talk of him being upgraded like it’s an easy thing to do. It’s entirely possible, probably likely, that someone comes in and doesn’t get near the impact Diaby has.

[Rigadon]

Yeah but my point is there’s talk of him being upgraded like it’s an easy thing to do. It’s entirely possible, probably likely, that someone comes in and doesn’t get near the impact Diaby has.

It’s possible, you’re right.  It’s also possible we buy a new player who gets injured straight away etc.  I suppose it’s always a bit of a gamble and that’s why we pay somebody to make as much of an informed risk assessment as is possible.  All you can do is trust they know what they’re doing. 

[AV84]

Chelsea have apparently ended their interest in one of the other strikers they were looking at. Wonder if the Duran links will be revived.

[Dave]

Point of order - in terms of what he delivered he did have a good first season.

Not relative to his price tag.  That’s not his fault of course, but transfer success is about value to some degree

At the beginning of last season, what would you have said was an acceptable return, relative to his price tag?

The main reason Diaby isn't seen as a success is nothing to do with him, but because our other two main attackers had what will probably end up being the best season of their careers.

So third position from a good season looks worse than first or second off a great season.

[Dick Edwards]

If there is any truth in the report that Diaby has agreed personal terms then he’s clearly up to moving to Saudi. That would tell me the player is more interested in earning grotesque amounts of money than playing at the highest level he can. On that basis I’d have concerns about his commitment and sell him if we got our £50m back.

[ASHTONVILLA]

Diaby did well last season whilst adjusting to the pace of the league and in a team challenging for a cup and a top 4 league position. I would imagine he will do better next season, but his goal and assist contribution was hardly shabby and we saw some fine performances particularly early in the season.

If he does go then I suspect he just hasn't settled in Brum, more than he isn't wanted by Emery. That said, we are quite strong in his position with Ramsey and Buendia both returning to fitness (hopefully matching historic form) and Rogers emerging as well. If we clear our money back I would imagine the cash would go on a different position rather than on a direct replacement.

Looking at the more consistent rumours, it seems we will try and offload Moreno and or Digne (we are overstocked at keft back / left wing now), and we seem to have racked up a lot of links to attacking right backs also. I would be surprised if Duran didn't move, and the links seem to lean towards a replacement that can play as a wide forward / striker, so more similar to Watkins.

I think there are at least three more signings to come yet. Hopefully soon so they have time to settle.