Summer 2025 Transfer Window - hopes, speculation, rumours etc.

[Dante Lavelli]

As others have mentioned we desperately need to rediscover some of our spark going forward. We’ve had some great moments, but there was nothing like the consistency in that space that we saw in the first half of last season. I think pace on the flanks is a key part to that, or at least on one flank.

Agree. McGinn, Ramsey and Rogers can be inverted LW, with the LB overlapping.  Pace is needed on the RW, basically Rashford but on the other side.

[IFWaters]

I think Mings will go because I dont think Unai trusts him in the big matches. Plus Ozcan will be coming back into the frame.

I dont want him to go because I think he is our best defender, just I'm trying to read the tea leaves

[LeeS]

I think Mings will go because I dont think Unai trusts him in the big matches. Plus Ozcan will be coming back into the frame.

I dont want him to go because I think he is our best defender, just I'm trying to read the tea leaves

For me, Ming’s is the kind of player you put in when we simply mustn’t lose. Like the semi final or the United game. Unai clearly disagrees with me though.

[ozzjim]

As others have mentioned we desperately need to rediscover some of our spark going forward. We’ve had some great moments, but there was nothing like the consistency in that space that we saw in the first half of last season. I think pace on the flanks is a key part to that, or at least on one flank.

Agree. McGinn, Ramsey and Rogers can be inverted LW, with the LB overlapping.  Pace is needed on the RW, basically Rashford but on the other side.

I think this is about right, even when we played Diaby and Watkins together, Diaby would run the channel to the right. That diamond box in midfield worked well with Youri at 10, but needed the pace of Diaby to pull the opposition.

It's also clear that we compressed the pitch much more with an ultra high line last season.

[ChicagoLion]

We have pace, Mallen.
Hardly ever used, no idea why we bought him.

[Dante Lavelli]

We have pace, Mallen.
Hardly ever used, no idea why we bought him.

There’s been a few players that Emery holds back whilst they’re brought up to speed (tielemans and maatsen come to mind) so I’d hope to see more from him next year. He’s looked busy and a threat despite minimal minutes imo.

Personally I see him as a striker. The eye test suggests that and also his perceived success at PSV (striker) and Dortmund (winger).

[brontebilly]

We have pace, Mallen.
Hardly ever used, no idea why we bought him.

It seems obvious he was bought without knowing Asensio and Rashford would follow a week or so later. Emery has valid doubts about his workrate off the ball but that can be addressed in pre season. He looks a good addition, certainly a step up from this seasons version of Bailey and Philogene.

[Dogtanian]

I think we will see more of Malen this season. Six months adaptation and coaching, full pre-season, then unleash.

I always think you need to give a player a good six months to get settled before you start to see what they are capable. Some hit it from the start, but they're the exception, and some start amazingly and then trail off.

So, I have no judgement of Malen as of yet, and I am eager to see how he gets on next season because it could be brilliant.

[PaulWinch again]

Agreed, although I get the impression Malen will be more effective centrally than out wide.

[ozzjim]

I do wonder whether we'll target a "market" with a player signing this summer. Obviously they'd have to fit the team etc, but one way to boost revenue is through growth in other markets, US, Asia etc.

[Drummond]

My slight worry is that Emery is a bit like Guardiola, and that they want to change the players they sign rather than evolve them.

Emery made a huge difference to players when he first arrived, it didn't take long at all, so why should it take 6 months after signing a new one?

I know I've argued before about giving players time, and I still believe it, I just worry it's the manager rather than the players...

We see with news players that they come in, show glimpses of what they've done before then have it coached out of them.

[DrGonzo]

"Villa enter Joao Felix race.

Aston Villa have reportedly entered the race to sign the Chelsea flop.  Despite two appalling stints at the Blues Emery appears to remain convinced that he could be Aston Villa's next Niccolo Zaniolo.
Maresca, who is desperate for a bit of peace and quiet, has suggested he'd be willing to swap him for two piglets and a go on Morgan Roger's Segway.  Transfer tap in merchant Fabrizio Romano revealed,  "Maresca just loves pigs and Segways, I can see this really happening.""

From @DrGmakesitup

[Dogtanian]

My slight worry is that Emery is a bit like Guardiola, and that they want to change the players they sign rather than evolve them.

Emery made a huge difference to players when he first arrived, it didn't take long at all, so why should it take 6 months after signing a new one?

I know I've argued before about giving players time, and I still believe it, I just worry it's the manager rather than the players...

We see with news players that they come in, show glimpses of what they've done before then have it coached out of them.

I think it's different when a player comes into a new league, in a new country, like Malen. The ones when he arrived already know the club and each other and the league, plus there's a lot of quick wins when you walk into a shit show and have a whole squad to work on.

[nigel]

I've got around to thinking Kamara might be one of the players we sacrifice and using Barrenechea as his replacement.

I’ve been thinking exactly that

[ASHTONVILLA]

I am more relaxed about losing Ramsey and Kamara than most on here I think.

Both are talents, but both seem to be injured a lot and we invariably spend at least a third of the season with them either injured or finding form post injury anyway.

If it fixes FFP and allows two similar level players to come in then I think we will cope just fine. Barrenechea and Onana are decent and can play in Kamara's position. Rogers best position is where Ramsey plays, and we may be able to bring in Rashford if he went (who is a better fit for the team).