Without being an expert on the Danish full back situation I don't really know how much that means. I said "meh" for two reasons: 1. I don't really see him as a marked improvement on Kiko; and 2. I don't really like the idea of blocking Ngakia's pathway to regular football. If it is the club (and the player's) view that Ngakia's development is best served going out on loan, and so we need a reliable back up to Kiko, than I can see that it makes sense. That still doesn't mean it is a signing to get excited about. He is a 30 year old depth signing who is unlikely to improve our starting 11. With that said - I am happy at the mooted short term deal rather than an Ashley Fletcher situation.
Calciomercato running a story saying they’ve contacted Watford RE Larsen to Watford, and we’ve replied there’s nothing in it. Local Udi paper usually really reliable, but do find it odd we’d say there’s nothing in it given how definitive the link is
Oh well, it’s filled another day on here eh! Linked with a player in the morning, then the link denied in the afternoon. Lots of informed opinions on said player, plus the occasional usual disagreement too. Thread soon closed, and we move on to tomorrow’s rumour. Got to love the close season eh!
Atalanta already signed him in January for £10mil, obviously. Southampton had also had bids rejected for him in the last year. He would have never been possible for us.
That’s a shame. I genuinely didn’t know if he was still going unappreciated in Belgium - our favourite shopping grounds.
Would be happy enough with this guy if we did a loan swap deal with Udinese with Ngakia going the other way, probably a safer bet to be solid in the Prem than either of our 2 main options at the moment, with Ngakia challenging for a first team spot over there. Can cover on the left if need be
He has looked decent for The Danes in The Euros, I reckon I would have more faith in him than Kiko defensively. Also a championship loan for Ngakia wouldn't do him any harm either.
He's seemed solid enough defensively though when required, plus our signing of Rose suggests we'll want our full-backs to be pretty attacking.
Must have had a quick google check and found the month old rumour! Very good cross for the Danes 2nd - but would any of our strikers be on the end of it?
Probably a rehash, but may have gained ground now that Denmark are out of the Euros. Would be an easy deal to do as he plays for Udinese. He's listed as a right back, but I doubt we'd use him as as that, although he'd be handy if Kiko gets injured. I think if we signed him, he'd be used primarily in midfield. This is where he plays most of his games at Udinese, on the left or right of midfield. For me, this would probably be our final signing, although I wouldn't rule out another centre back as we only have 4 senior pros for this position.
Get him in. I don't know that either Femenia nor Ngakia are Premiership quality defenders, although both are dangerous going forward. I also don't think I've seen either exhibit a lot or durability. Unless there's a U-something or other who we think is a capable sub, get Jens in.
Ngakia is excellent defensively, going forward is where he needs to improve, but even then he’s still quite effective.
I suspect we’d loan Ngakia out if this guy came in. No bad thing - would like to see him go to somewhere and get a full season of football. He’s not ready for that with us in the PL in my opinion. I think we will sign a few more yet. Still believe Doig will come, I think a winger will come and I agree, a CB might be on the shopping list. Then ship out some strikers. And I think Masina will go. Hopefully the two CM’s stay.
My one concern about Stryger Larsen is how good is he at defending? Plays more as a wingback for Udinese and Denmark, and while Ngakia could be a bit of a concern due to his lack of experience (whereas he could easily become a regular for Udinese or a Championship club) he does seem more defensively minded than either Stryger Larsen or Kiko which is what we'll need in the Prem. I don't know about Doig and Masina, while I think Doig will be a better player soon, he's more than likely not Prem ready, and while Masina isn't exactly a world-beater, there's no guarantee Rose will get back to the levels he showed a few years ago, I feel Masina and Rose are a much safer bet short-term. You no doubt know more than I do, but the only scenario in which I see us getting in more players who can play out wide is if the likes of Cucho and Sema go, and that's assuming we can get the deadwood like Success and Penaranda off the books. Ditto centre backs, we have one good CB for this level in Sierralta, then WTE is roughly on a par with Kabasele and Cathcart from 19/20, but if one of those two does go (more likely Kabasele), then I certainly wouldn't be opposed to signing a CB!
Can I just remind everyone Kiko isn’t a very good PL defender at all, a season in the championship doesn’t miraculously change that. The same goes for any of our previously shyte PL players.