Theoretical Summer Transfers

Discussion in 'The Transfer List' started by reids, May 7, 2019.

  1. reids

    reids First Team

    Let's pretend for a minute that you're Gino/Javi/Scott and have full control over the planning for next season.

    You have a £20m transfer budget - each player has a transfer value attached, we'll also presume that bids have been received for Deulofeu, Doucoure and Pereyra. You have the choice to sell anyone and to form the squad (we'll assume Cucho gets a work permit). You don't necessarily need to name who you'd bring in, just the profile of the signing will do.

    Budget: 15m
    Bids Received:
    Doucoure - 45m (and wants to go)
    Deulofeu - 30m
    Pereyra - 20m

    GKs:
    Foster - 500k
    Dahlberg - £2m
    Bachmann - £2m

    Full-backs:
    Masina - £6m
    Holebas - £1m
    Kiko - £6m
    Janmaat - £6m
    Zeegelaar - £2m
    Navarro - £2m
    Foulquier - £4m

    Centre-backs:
    Kabasele: £5m
    Prodl: £1.5m
    Cathcart: £5m
    Wilmot: £5m
    Mariappa: £1m
    Britos (out of contract at the end of the season but chance to offer him a deal)
    Hoban (out of contract at the end of the season but chance to offer him a deal)

    Centre-Mid:
    Quina: £5m
    Capoue: £30m
    Doucoure: £45m
    Chalobah: £10m
    Cleverley: £10m
    Hughes: £17.5m

    Wingers:
    Sema: £2.5m
    Pereyra: £20m
    Deulofeu: £30m
    Success: £5m
    Lukebakio: £15m

    Strikers:
    Deeney: £12.5m
    Gray: £15m
    Okaka: £4m
    Penaranda: £8m
    Cucho: £10m
    Sinclair: £1m
    Stuparevic: £3m


    What would you do?

    PS: There'll obviously be a lot of disagreement with the fees I've valued players at. Obviously, this is all subjective.
     
  2. reids

    reids First Team

    Sell
    Doucoure - £45m - Personally I'd take the money for Doucoure as we know it's just a matter of time until he leaves anyway, and I can't imagine we'd get much more for him.
    Pereyra - £20m - He's so inconsistent considering he's in his peak years, I'd take the 20m now before his value diminishes that we could use elsewhere to bolster the squad
    Prodl - £1.5m - Can't see him ever breaking into our squad again, he's 32 so won't be improving and most likely wants to go.
    Zeegelaar - £2m - No brainer
    Okaka - £4m - No brainer
    Sinclair - £1m - No brainer
    Janmaat - £6m - Foulquier is playing for the 4th best team in Spain and has impressed, was always solid for Granada as well. Most likely be a younger, better version of Janmaat.
    + £15m transfer budget = £94.5m
    Loan:

    Dahlberg - Needs experience that he's unlikely to get with Foster and Bachmann (who's really impressed in Scotland) ahead of him.
    Navarro - Needs game-time, Kiko + Janmaat + Foulquier ahead of him means he'll never play.
    Penaranda - Isn't even making our squad at the moment which is a worry if Sema is ahead of him in the pecking order. Team needs to be carefully picked though.
    Stuparevic - Scored a goal every 219 minutes in Serbia this season despite only turning 18 in August. Send him on loan to a better league and see what happens.​

    Keep

    GKs
    :
    Foster
    Bachmann

    CBs:
    Wilmot
    Kabasele
    Cathcart
    Mariappa

    Fullbacks
    Masina
    Holebas
    Foulquier
    Kiko

    CM
    Quina
    Hughes
    Capoue
    Chalobah
    Cleverley

    Wingers
    Sema
    Lukebakio
    Success
    Deulofeu

    Strikers:
    Deeney
    Gray
    Cucho


    Buy



    GK - Bachmann and Foster will likely be competing for the #1 + #2 spots, which means the #3 (hopefully!) won't get any game-time. Makes no sense us keeping Dahlberg and losing a season of his development in the progress. Either loan or get a keeper in on a short term deal (1 year) to fill the gap. Should hopefully let Bachmann or Dahlberg establish themselves the season after.

    CB - The position we should've spent big on last summer but didn't. Now it's an urgent need. Would spend £20m or so on an established CB nearing their peak (25-28 years old) from a decent club in Spain/Germany etc.

    CM - A Doucoure replacement, a similar profile would be ideal, I think Billing is a bit more defensive than Doucoure (although can't say I've watched much of Huddersfield other than our games against them), although that Camara guy we're linked with sounds like Doucoure, being more of a box to box midfielder. Probably cost £15m.

    Winger - Would definitely spend £15m-£20m on a Pereyra replacement. I don't particularly like Success + Sema, but we need depth and can't have £15m players sitting on the bench. Deulofeu, Lukebakio plus the new guy should limit their chances whilst upgrading what we currently have.

    Should leave us with 40m odd profit and arguably a better squad than we have at the moment.



    What would you do?
     
    simpleMASH likes this.
  3. RookeryDad

    RookeryDad Squad Player

    Isn't Wilmot being seen as a (Def) Mid?

    If so, 2 x CB!

    Will Gino 'do a Barry Fry' when someone tells him that?
     
  4. reids

    reids First Team

    I think that's what the club said, but he's been playing CB for Udinese and has looked great when he's played. I'd class him as a CB going forward.
     
    Ray Knight likes this.
  5. RookeryDad

    RookeryDad Squad Player

    I really hope so.

    Btw, how many mins has he clocked up there? Has been bench fodder each time I've looked.
     
  6. UEA_Hornet

    UEA_Hornet First Team Captain

    He's only 3 games away from making it to 4 minutes of game time.
     
  7. reids

    reids First Team

    189 mins apparently. 2 starts (against Juve + Lazio)
     
  8. hornetboy1

    hornetboy1 First Team Captain

    I agree with the three you've listed as being those who will receive the most interest. I would also expect their combined valuation to be around the £90m mark.

    Now I know Watford want to keep all three, but it's also down to the players whether they want to remain part of Watford. We've got no problem with contact length on Doucoure or Deulofeu, but the club need to tie Pereyra down to a longer deal or sell him. He's got two years left on his contract in the summer, and it will be the last window where Watford hold the cards on him and can demand what they want.

    Of course Watford are open to selling, but the bidding club has to match Watford's valuation or else nothing is going to happen.

    Of the squad you've listed, it really stands out how good our midfield is. I think we'll only do business in this part of the squad if we are looking for replacements.

    Goalkeepers
    Already we've been linked to Butland. I rate him, and he'd be an excellent addition, but Watford will not be spending anymore than £10m on a keeper like him. I think Bournemouth would pay Stoke what they want, so I'd be surprised if we got Butland in all honesty. Him being English, adds to the attraction for the squad roster. It'll be sad to see Gomes go, but time waits for no man.

    Full backs
    Clearly there in no future for Zeegelaar or Foulquier (although he's only a Watford player in registration only). I'd keep Navarro, even though he's been on the periphery, and see how he develops. I personally don't think much needs to be done in this area, although Janmaat only has one year left on his contract. I could well see him going, while we can still get some money for him. This would make sense of the Lala transfer link.

    Centre-backs
    Now this is an area we NEED to go to town on. Cathcart, Mapps and Kabs are all decent enough for the majority of the season, but are found wanting against the elite sides. Bournemouth troubled us far too much this season as well. Although improvements have been made, we're still conceding far too many avoidable goals. Our most recent match with Chelsea highlights the problem perfectly. Two standard crosses and two simple goals, without any challenge from the defence. We need a significant upgrade on at least one central defender of undoubted Premier League standing. If we've only got a smallish budget, I'd spend the majority of it on this area. It's critical to get us more solid. If we want to maintain a mid-table standing, we cannot be conceding 55 goals in 37 matches, a ratio of nearly 1.5 goals per game. We need to be around the 45 goal mark for the entire season, with an average of 1.1 goals per game.

    Britos is going, Prodl will go even though he signed a new 4 year deal last summer, clearly Gracia doesn't rate him. Wilmott is regarded as a midfielder by Gracia, so it seems unlikely he'll be used as a centre half. So we'll be left with just three recognised central defenders. Don't forget Kaboul also went during this season, so we're down on numbers. I'd like to see us bring in one proven EPL quality player and one young up and coming talent that could play a handful of matches, a bit like Quina does in midfield for us.

    Central-mid
    Nothing needs to be done here, apart from replacements if key players leave.

    Wingers
    Success is considered a striker, so I'd move him from this category. Lukebakio is a good one. He's probably not good enough to force himself into our first team and it doesn't seem like he wants to come anyway. The good thing with him is, he's done very well in Germany and there are clubs willing to sign him. He could provide some real bonus transfer funds without an impact to the squad. I've seen around £25m being quoted for him. Although I think that's a bit unlikely, it's clear the fee will be significant.

    Sema, as much as I like his personality and attitude, he's not really a player that will do too much. He's been given a chance, but he's not really at the level we need him to be. He's more like a Championship player. Do we really play with wingers anyway? We like the formation that includes Pererya and Deulofeu but it's going to be hard getting backups of similar quality, so if either are out, we're better off changing the shape and going with an extra striker.

    Strikers
    Now this is number two area of concern. This, as always, is the hardest area to furnish. To get significantly better than what we've got, is going to be tough, but it needs to be done. Fortunately, we've got some possible solutions. Cucho, Pedro and Stuparevic. Now of course a lot depends on work permits, but these guys are untried. We've got to give them a chance, if we're allowed to, to see if they can cut it. We've been linked with Enrich as well, and he's quite useful. Penaranda is also around, but has not forced his way in. Be that because of injury or something Gracia doesn't like in him, his chances have been extremely limited, although I'd like to see him given a run. He seems quite an exciting player.

    Okaka and Sinclair are going to go, so we're left with Gray, Deeney and Success. Success has signed a long contract, but he's really disappointed me. Not only his technical ability, but attitude. The way he just lumbered about against Arsenal, looking totally disinterested was shocking. Personally I think we've only got two viable options with Gray and Deeney, although Gray is very much an impact player from the bench. He's far too clumsy in his finishing to be considered first choice. The biggest problem with Gray is his salary. Not a concern for a supporter, but looking at it from the club's point-of-view, £70k per week, for an impact sub, is far too much for a club like Watford. That kind of money can be better used on another player. For £70k per week, any Watford player has to be a first choice starter every week. This is the only reason why I would move him on, but he is a useful player to have around.
     
  9. wfcSinatra

    wfcSinatra Predictor Choker 14/15

    Just an FYI. Bachmann is not ever going to make it here.
     
  10. simpleMASH

    simpleMASH Reservist

    Sell:
    Zeegelaar - Not defensively solid enough
    Pr*dl - No longer in our 1st team
    Doucouré - Wants to go, cash in
    Pereyra - Same as above
    Success - Had a few years with us now and never lived up to the hype
    Okaka - Clearly not worked out here and Gracia didn’t want him
    Peñaranda - A full season and he hasn’t managed to displace any of our average forwards
    Sinclair - Not good enough by a long way. We’d do well to get a fee for him.

    Loan out:
    Navarro
    Foulquier
    Cucho
    Stuparevic

    That would give us £101.5m based on valuations above (but I think that’s a bit generous for a couple of those players).

    Additions:
    CB - we need a leader and a comfortable ball player at the back. This is the most important position to upgrade. I think £15m should go a long way in the foreign market.

    CM - If Doucouré leaves we’ll need a replacement. Ideally Chalobah could play the Doucouré role but I have not seen evidence of that this season. Midfielders cost more than defenders, so I’d budget £20m for this.

    W - Given the players I’d offload, I think a new winger would be required. I would like a real wide-player as opposed to more workmanlike wide players (Hughes, Amrabat) or strikers on the wing (Deulofeu, Success). Take a punt on a young player from a smaller league, but maybe spend £5m-£10m on less of a risk than Sema!

    ST - We need a big striker with a bit of muscle that could replace Deeney when he’s suspended or woefully out of form. We’ve just seen that without him we’re too one-dimensional in attack. If only Success had a brain or the ability to kick a football in the intended direction then I could save myself the £10m of my fantasy budget I’d allocate to this.
     
    reids likes this.
  11. reids

    reids First Team

    Yeah I'm not too convinced on my statement about him competing for the #1 spot, but by all accounts, he's been one of the best keepers in the SPL this season and is attracting attention from some decent clubs. So I didn't want to completely write him off, but I can't imagine us going out and buying a new #1 in their peak when we apparently rate Dahlberg highly.
     
  12. Knight GT

    Knight GT Predictor extraordinaire 2013/14

    GKs:
    Foster - 500k
    Dahlberg - £2m
    Bachmann - £2m
    Dahlberg needs to play next season so maybe a loan to a Championship side if Bachmann returns as number 2. Certainly seems to have done well at Kilmarnock. Certainly don't need to spend money on getting another keeper

    Full-backs:
    Masina - £6m
    Holebas - £1m
    Kiko - £6m
    Janmaat - £6m
    Zeegelaar - £2m
    Navarro - £2m
    Foulquier - £4m
    Zeegelaar and Navarro to leave as it's pointless having them here. Foulquier is an interesting one as he is currently playing for the fourth best side in Spain. I can't say I've ever seen him play but he must be doing something right. I would maybe be tempted to extend Janmaat's contract by a further year and go with the same four full back as this season.

    Centre-backs:
    Kabasele: £5m
    Prodl: £1.5m
    Cathcart: £5m
    Wilmot: £5m
    Mariappa: £1m
    Britos (out of contract at the end of the season but chance to offer him a deal)
    Hoban (out of contract at the end of the season but chance to offer him a deal)
    I will be amazed if anybody doesn't think this needs a major overhaul. Britos and Prodl will leave I would think. They might offer Hoban a one year contract but he won't play for us again. Mariappa isn't good enough and we don't really know about Wilmot. Cathcart is probably the best of the lot but he's not been great recently. I would like to see two new centre backs coming in with Catchcart and Kabasele as back up and Mariappa as further back up but only in an emergency. No idea who as don't watch enough football played outside the UK.

    Centre-Mid:
    Quina: £5m
    Capoue: £30m
    Doucoure: £45m
    Chalobah: £10m
    Cleverley: £10m
    Hughes: £17.5m
    This is a difficult area as we don't know what will happen to Doucoure and if Chalobah can rediscover his form. Should hopefully see more of Quina next season but this still remains our strongest area. A replacement for Doucoure if he leaves but that aside I would be happy with this lot

    Wingers:
    Sema: £2.5m
    Pereyra: £20m
    Deulofeu: £30m
    Lukebakio: £15m
    Sema as a back up is fine but that's all. I suspect Pereyra will be off in the summer but I'm hopeful Deulofeu will stay for another season. Hope we get a chance to see Dontlookbackinanger as he's had a great season in Germany. If he gets sold though we will certainly need to add one other. Success I've moved to strikers


    Strikers:
    Deeney: £12.5m
    Gray: £15m
    Okaka: £4m
    Penaranda: £8m
    Cucho: £10m
    Sinclair: £1m
    Stuparevic: £3m
    Sinclair and Okaka can go obviously. Stuparevic I would be amazed to see and will probably go on loan. Cucho has to be worth a look. Not had a great season but the whole team has been struggling. Peneranda either needs to go on loan or needs to make the squad on a regular basis. Big season for him next year. Deeney and Gray I'm sure will still be here. Success I would look to get on loan as he simply does not look good enough, ideally to a Championship side looking at promotion/play offs. I don't expect any major in-comings on this side

    So basically, a replacement for Doucs if he leaves and two centre backs should do it for me
     
  13. Heidar

    Heidar Squad Player

    I know you say not to debate values but if Pereyra is sold for the same that Bournemouth bought Dominic Solanke I would be amazed.
     
  14. reids

    reids First Team

    We bought him for £5m less than that, has been blighted by injuries, pretty inconsistent and has 2 years left on his contract, I'd say 20m is a fair value.
     
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  15. Hogg-DEENEY!!!

    Hogg-DEENEY!!! Squad Player

    Well this thread is hard to navigate lol

    GKs:
    Foster - 500k
    Dahlberg - £2m (loan out, hopefully in a position where he can challenge for the #1 shirt in 2020)
    Bachmann - £2m (Should be at least a solid back up)

    Full-backs:
    Masina - £6m (probably keep, though I'm not convinced by him, and Holebas will need replacing at some stage)
    Holebas - £1m (probably will only get one more season out of him)
    Kiko - £6m
    Janmaat - £6m (been linked with a few right backs, think he'll be off if one does arrive, though it's definitely not an area where we desperately need freshening)
    Zeegelaar - £2m (sell)
    Navarro - £2m (looks to be far away from being a first team choice, but at least is versatile)
    Foulquier - £4m (sell, don't think we ever had any intention of using him)

    Centre-backs:
    Kabasele: £5m (keep, handy backup even if he's not good enough for a team with serious ambition in the Premier League)
    Prodl: £1.5m (Done at the top level unfortunately, back to Austria I think for big Seb)
    Cathcart: £5m (best centre back at the moment, maybe will challenge for a place in the first XI next year, although I wouldn't be surprised if we look for an upgrade)
    Wilmot: £5m (His versatility could come in handy for us next season, though he probably won't be a first team option for a while yet)
    Mariappa: £1m (keep, useful as a backup choice, and I don't think he'd grumble at that)
    Britos
    Hoban (can't imagine a time where he's not on our books lol, but sadly he's looking further than ever from making it with us. Let him go to a Championship/SPFL team)


    Centre-Mid:
    Quina: £5m (could be a serious player next year)
    Capoue: £30m (thankfully his age will keep big clubs from sniffing)
    Doucoure: £45m (Looks inevitable he'll be off at some point soon, hopefully to PSG so he can't bite us in the bum)
    Chalobah: £10m (Chaloback, finally for good, hopefully!)
    Cleverley: £10m (poor Clev looks like he'll be pushed way down the pecking order, but I wouldn't want him to leave just in case we are ravaged with injuries)
    Hughes: £17.5m

    Wingers:
    Sema: £2.5m
    Pereyra: £20m (He's had his ups and downs with us, looks like he has his heart set on Italy, and at this stage I'd say thanks for everything and let him)
    Deulofeu: £30m (will be courted for sure, though I hope we'll be able to fend them off)
    Success: £5m (desperately need some better options, even as a backup)
    Lukebakio: £15m (if Bobby leaves he should at least get a look in)

    Strikers:
    Deeney: £12.5m
    Gray: £15m
    Okaka: £4m
    Penaranda: £8m (Think he can do a job for us next season)
    Cucho: £10m (could be a useful option for us next season, but looks like he wants to stay in Spain. Maybe not ready for England now anyway)
    Sinclair: £1m
    Stuparevic: £3m (hardly know anything about him lol, but he's only 18 so get him back out on loan)

    £82.5m
    Goes without saying that we need a striker, a replacement for Doucs, and at the very least one centre back, but those are the only areas we really need to bring in reinforcements. There are other areas that could need strengthening, though that doesn't look too realistic really
     
  16. Hogg-DEENEY!!!

    Hogg-DEENEY!!! Squad Player

    Solanke is also young, English and moved to a Premier League team willing to splash a bit of cash. Somewhere around the region of £20m is definitely fair if a decent Italian team come knocking
     
  17. foxywfc

    foxywfc Reservist

    having a fire sale and getting rid of 3 top players could be devastating. Your asking the club to bring in 3 replacements that all hit the ground running, most likely foreign imports that would have to settle. You could argue we already have Penaranda to replace Pererya Chalobah to replace Doucoure and Lookbackio to replace Del Boy. Ok I know there not all like for like but that's pozzo mentality. I hope we have a European adventure that might persuade these 3 to stay.

    We missed Doucoure mid season and dropped points in games where if he'd of been fit I think we would of cantered into 7th his boots for me will be the biggest to fill.

    I'd go get butland he's in his prime and would be worth 30m in today's wacky world of transfer fees and whilst we're in Stoke get them to chuck Allen in with him. Both have proven premier league and international experience.

    Need to find a top quality centre back which won't come cheap and as for our forwards I'd bring Hernandez in and promote Cassidy spend the money in other areas.
     
  18. folkestone orn

    folkestone orn Squad Player

    I don't think we should keep any players who want out. Would sell Pererya with this in mind. He's 28 and only got 2 years left on his contract. There won't be a better time to cash in. No less than 15 million though.

    GK
    Keep Foster. No idea how good Dahlberg is. If good enough he should be No.2. If not he needs loaning to a Championship or League 1 side. Get rid of Bachmann. May need to sign a no.2. A tricky position to fill and I'm not sure about loaning back-up players in.

    CB
    Definitely lose Prodl and Britos. Happy to keep Mapps as back-up if need be. Keep Cathcart and Kabasele. 1 or 2 quality addition needed, with organizational and leadership skills, better than we already have. Loan Wilmot to a Championship team.

    FB
    Holebas should have another season in him. Would keep Janmaat and Feminia, as both have good qualities. Think Masina may come good so not too fussed about these positions. Navarro and Foulquier aren't good enough from what I've seen. May need more back-up in this position. Probably sign a youngster for potential rather than first teamer. Zeegelar needs to go.

    CM
    Obviously keep Doucoure if possible. I think the drop in results with him missing demonstrate how important he is to the side. He may sometimes, even quite often, give the ball away, but his energy would be hard to replace. Capoue has been our best player by far, this season. Quina will be in and around the team more. Think he could replace Pererya if needed. A positive performance by Chalobah at the weekend means we should remain hopeful that he can regain form. Hughes should play in the middle, where he is far more effective and good enough to start imo. Cleverley is a good rotation option. We have enough with Doucoure. If he goes he needs replacing though. Another promising youngster would be ideal, any good youth options on loan etc?

    Wing
    Keep Delia if possible. If he goes, replace him. Not fussed if Sema stays or goes. He's no more than a back-up option.
    Wouldn't mind Feminia playing further forwards with Janmaat behind him. Push Delia wide left,if need be. Wouldn't say no to another pacey wide option if possible. Maybe Peneranda and Success would be better suited to this position. Would like to see more of Peneranda. Success can go.

    Strikers
    Deeney and Grey are good options. Not adverse to Lukebakio getting a chance. Cucho (work permit permitting) should be loaned to the Championship. Okaka will go. Would like to see Cassidy get a go in the squad at some point. The Brazilian and Serbian lads will probably be loaned out depending on work permits etc. Would quite like to go in for Maupay from Brentford. I don't think this position is anywhere near as weak as the defence though. Sinclair needs to go.

    In summary, if we keep our best players:
    1x GK to compete with Big Ben
    (At least)1x First team CB (this is where money needs spending)
    1x Backup FB youngster

    If Doucoure or Delia leave, they need replacing. Pererya not so much. Happy with strikers. Lose deadwood.

    Does anyone watch the youth team play? Anyone likely to step up (Cassidy aside)?
     
    Last edited: May 7, 2019
  19. AndrewH63

    AndrewH63 Reservist

    Of course it's not the fees it's the higher wages that precludes getting established players from other UK clubs. So if we were to sell one of the three top assets to a Premier League rival I think we should try and link the deal to acquiring a youth player from their squad. So if say Arsenal offered £35m for Decoure we should ensure that the deal also includes a permanent deal for say Eddie Nketiah.

    As we need to keep looking out for home grown bargains, are their fringe players at Premier League clubs wd could go for or distressed purchases from say Bolton? If not then I expect our inbounds will be overseas players on the fringes of clubs in the top European leagues. None of whom I would have heard of.

    And while everyone goes on about the centre backs, I really do think it's forward players wd need to strengthen. Our goals against are currently ten better than Bournemouth who have that boy Ake everyone else seems to rate. And Burnley with their mean and tough back four. While better players in the back line is welcome it's the centre Mids who help the team defend as a unit. So for me it's strikers first priority, wide midfielders second, centre mids third, then full backs and finally centre backs. I think our goalkeepers are fine for next year.
     
    Last edited: May 7, 2019
  20. NathWFC

    NathWFC First Team

    In this market, with prices going higher every summer, Deulofeu is worth a lot more than £30m. That is pittance in 2019.

    West ham paid £40m for Felipe Anderson a year ago, and I'd argue Deulofeu is just as good if not better on his best day. Anything less than £40m would be a travesty if he does go.
     
    folkestone orn likes this.
  21. reids

    reids First Team

    How can we upgrade on Capoue and Doucoure? It's not possible, not sure why you're using Bournemouth and Burnley as examples. We've scored about the same as the teams fighting for 7th (same as Leicester, 1 less than Everton and 4 more than Wolves) but have conceded 11 more.

    We're 8th in the league for goals scored, that's pretty damn good. We rank 13th in goals conceded.
     
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  22. AndrewH63

    AndrewH63 Reservist

    I expect one or both will be gone within two years. So we need replacements lined up. They are our most important players. Bournemouth and Burnley are two teams we are most similar too, in terms the of budget and expectation. If you think we can compete with Leicester, Wolverhampton and Everton - all financed by mega rich owners, all large city fan bases, in larger stadiums with better squads, then I salute your optimism.
     
  23. The Voice of Reason

    The Voice of Reason First Team Captain

    I think Capoue will stay, as I think he may have found his spiritual football home with us here at WFC.
     
  24. Burnsy

    Burnsy First Team

    Butland is worth nowhere near £30m and certainly shouldn't be to us. Joe Allen is no better than Cleverley and he is struggling to get into our team. We need to sign a few players of quality, not more filler.
     
  25. Burnsy

    Burnsy First Team

    As for replacing Doucoure (if he leaves), it wouldn't surprise me if the club didn't even bother going for a like-for-like replacement. I could see them signing a youngster in the same mould and letting him develop - and giving Doucoure's spot to Chalobah. I know he would likely go to a bigger club and may also be out of budget, but I'd use the proceeds from a Doucoure sale to go after someone like Grealish. Been very good for Villa this season, has matured having been made captain, scores goals, tracks back and is a good playmaker.

    I see we have also been linked with Gian Marco Ferrari from Sassuolo/Sampdoria by Italian media. Know nothing about him but he has broken into the Italian national side who are showing signs of re-establishing themselves - and Italian CB's certainly are historically among the best at the role. I'm sure the Pozzo's will know all about him.
     
  26. The undeniable truth

    The undeniable truth First Team Captain

    It's only a fair value if we can buy someone as good or better for the same price though ?
     
  27. simpleMASH

    simpleMASH Reservist

    DD404A50-4132-4C7C-B31A-65511A0F144B.jpeg
     
  28. foxywfc

    foxywfc Reservist

    Grealish has a 60m release clause, and spuds have been looking at him. And I don’t say Butland is worth 30m just that’s what he would cost. Nobody is worth the stupid amounts paid. But for me Butland would make that position his for a good few years and challenging Pickford for England’s #1 spot. Also could potentially sell for profit. Your probably right about Allen but he would be quality back up


    Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
     
  29. Hogg-DEENEY!!!

    Hogg-DEENEY!!! Squad Player

    The Championship really is becoming like a Premier League 2 with all these mad fees being waved around
     
  30. hornetboy1

    hornetboy1 First Team Captain

    The way Watford do business is to identify players who they feel are able to hold down a place in a EPL squad, but are not really valued by their current club or they are coming to the end of their contract.

    There’s no way we’d go in for Grealish. His value is way too high. The bar for a top signing is about £15-20m but that would be a one off for the year.

    I’m also skeptical over us going for Butland. Again for the reason of transfer fee. We are clever. We know we can get good keepers for next to nothing. Almunia, Gomes, Foster all for a pittance. There would also be others wanting him. By default Bournemouth will be in for him because he’s English plus they would happily pay £20m and think nothing of it. I could see him at Palace too.

    We know how the Pozzo’s work. Nothing will change. We will go after a striker and centre back I’m sure, but the fees will be modest or free transfers.
     
    EB Hornet likes this.
  31. Burnsy

    Burnsy First Team

    I agree that Grealish will be too costly sadly.

    Given what was said by Duxbury at the last At Your Place event (just after January window closed), I do expect the recruitment to shift in nature a little. He clearly stated that they had spent the time in the PL thus far to build a squad they felt good enough for the PL in its depth.

    But he alluded that the next window would be used to raise the quality. I take this as meaning that the club believe we now have all positions covered in terms of numbers. But they want to add the required ability of some positions to help us to continue to compete in the top half. That doesn’t really come with cheap signings and free transfers. While we may add a few players of that nature, I really do think we may break our transfer record once, maybe even twice in the summer.
     
    Knight GT likes this.
  32. Mitchyman7398

    Mitchyman7398 Academy Graduate

    Think this summer it is the one to be ruthless. If we have chance to really upgrade we should jump at it. So might be a couple controversial opinions below.

    GKs:


    Foster - Keep as No.1 obviously

    Dahlberg - Loan out to a Championship club. Ideally want him ready for the season after next to take over as N0.1.

    Bachmann - Keep as No.2. Has had a cracking season up in Scotland and looks a reliable deputy.

    Wouldn't go for Butland at the price rumored, destine for Bournemouth I reckon. As for 3rd choice I'd love to trust the youth. I personally really rate Dante Baptiste in the Under 18's and would be over the moon for him and his family if he was maybe trusted. (bias as we're friends with the family).

    Full-backs:

    Masina - I quite like Masina however he just strikes me as just back up. Definitely worth keeping.

    Holebas - So here is the first controversial one. I love Holebas, I think he is brilliant and I would say he comfortably has 1 season left in him at his current level. However, he is 35 in June and if the opportunity arises to bring in someone of similar level but maybe 10 years his junior then I think it is something we should look at. What we then do with Jose, I'm not quite sure.

    Kiko - Think Kiko is brilliant, would personally push him up to being a right midfielder. Think he has the pace and defensively capability to offer a good alternative to Hughes.

    Janmaat - I would sell Janmaat. Think he is a solid player, but a year left on his deal and 29 years old I think it is a good time to move him on. If we are able to get Kenny Lala then it is an upgrade.

    Zeegelaar - Sell him. Need I say more.

    Navarro - I think a lot would say loan Navarro out, and while I think that is a viable option I would actually keep him. Seeing as I would use Kiko as a RM, and assuming we have upgraded on Janmaat, I think Navarro is a very decent understudy. However, my main reason to keeping him around would be because if we want to play a 3 at the back system I think he has all the attributes to play on the right side of a back 3.

    Foulquier - As many have said, he is playing in a really good Getafe team. At right midfield I believe for the most part. Would be interested in what he could do here but seems like one of those who is destined to never make an appearance for us.

    Centre-backs:

    Kabasele- Would keep around. Decent squad player.

    Prodl- Sell.

    Cathcart- Keep. Probably our best center back at the moment.

    Wilmot- Keep. Can see him getting plenty game time next season.

    Mariappa- Keep, Would make a perfectly good 4th/5th choice. I imagine very good in the dressing room also.

    Britos- Contract is up, let him go.

    Hoban- Feel for the kid. Contract is up, let him go.

    It goes without saying at the bare minimum we need at least 1 center back who is a level above our current crop. Ideally would want 2 but not sure if that'll happen.

    Centre-Mid:

    Quina- Would keep obviously. Once recovered from his injury I am really excited to see him kick on next season.

    Capoue- If he was 5 years younger I think we would have a battle on our hands to keep him. Fortunately he isn't and would of course keep him.

    Doucoure- Ideal world keep. Realistic world, I think he will go. Imperative we get the replacement right.

    Chalobah- Excited to see what he can do next season. Keep.

    Cleverley- Starting to pick up a fair few injuries but still a handy player. Keep.

    Hughes- I probably don't rate Hughes as much as others may do but definitely someone I keep.

    A replacement for Doucoure is important. Links to Philip Billing but he isn't the right sort of player. I wouldn't say no to him coming in but another more direct replacement is needed also.

    Wingers:

    Sema- I do not rate Sema what so ever but can see what he offers. Would keep as a squad player.

    Pereyra- Time to go I think if the right price comes in. A replacement will be needed but I suspect there are bargains to be had in this area.

    Deulofeu- Do all we can to keep him.

    Success- I'd personally let Success go. All the attributes just not the application. Was excited when he originally signed but I would cut our loses.

    Lukebakio- Not 100% sure he'll be coming back. I would like to see him at the Vic next season but if he doesn't I am sure we would of got a good deal for him off the back of the season he has had.

    Strikers:

    Deeney- Keep.

    Gray- Keep.

    Okaka- Sell.

    Penaranda- Really not sure how to feel about this one. I assume he'll be one who will be looked at closely in pre-season. If Javi decided their is no value he adds to the squad then I am happy to agree. Would be disappointing to never see what he could do, maybe a last chance saloon in England?

    Cucho- One I don't think will be here unfortunately. Clearly very talented, still unsure on his work permit situation. Could just be a money spinner for the Pozzos but would like to see him at the Vic.

    Sinclair- waste of time. Sell.

    Stuparevic- Don't know much about him. Assume he'll be out on loan somewhere.

    Absolutely have to find a player who plays like Deeney and can share that burden. (An upgrade on Okaka)

    Summary

    At a bare minimum we need at 1x Center Back & 1x Striker. Then we must replace anyone who goes. Pererya, Doucoure, Janmaat are the big ones I can see going.
     
    WillisWasTheWorst, nfh and davisp2 like this.
  33. GoingDown

    GoingDown "The Stability"

    Has anyone suggested Welbeck or Sturridge yet? Can't be bothered to read the whole thread.
     
  34. Pob

    Pob Reservist

    Budget: 15m
    Bids Received:
    Doucoure - 45m. SELL. Would love him to stay but he if he wants out he deserves to go with our blessing.
    Deulofeu - 30m KEEP
    Pereyra - 20m KEEP


    Sell:
    Zeegelaar - £2m
    Navarro - £2m
    Foulquier - £4m
    Prodl: £1.5m
    Success: £5m
    Gray: £15m
    Okaka: £4m
    Sinclair: £1m

    Which provides £105m budget I’d spend as follows

    GK 3rd choice: peanuts

    Full Back: Despite a great season we need to replace Holebas. £20m

    Centre back: £25m (assuming we can attract someone worth 25m in their mid 20s)

    Midfield: I’m not totally sure we need to replace Doucoure. If we are confident Chalobah is back fit and ready to go then a big money signing may not be helpful.

    Wingers: I’m happy to see what Lukebakio can do.

    Strikers: Bring Cucho in permit permitting. Spend up to £30m on a striker. Again can we attract a 30m player? I think we need to be targeting top up and coming talent with potential rather than proven premiership goal scorers. As with last summer links to players like Origi, that Spanish chap from Barca or young starlets from South American etc.


    Providing a squad as follows.


    GKs:
    Foster - 500k
    Dahlberg - £2m LOAN
    Bachmann - £2m
    A 3rd choice

    Full-backs:
    Masina - £6m
    Holebas - £1m
    Kiko - £6m
    Janmaat - £6m
    New up to £20m

    Centre-backs:
    Kabasele: £5m
    Cathcart: £5m
    Wilmot: £5m
    Mariappa: £1m
    New up to £25m

    Centre-Mid:
    Quina: £5m
    Capoue: £30m
    Chalobah: £10m
    Cleverley: £10m
    Hughes: £17.5m

    Wingers:
    Sema: £2.5m
    Pereyra: £20m
    Deulofeu: £30m
    Lukebakio: £15m

    Strikers:
    Deeney: £12.5m
    Penaranda: £8m
    Cucho: £10m
    Stuparevic: £3m LOAN
    New £30m
     
  35. RookeryDad

    RookeryDad Squad Player

    No need for a penetrative striker?
     

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