Take Doucoure on a loan in January. His contract at Everton is ending in 2023, he is not in the team. Getting matches under his belt helps him prove to Everton he is worth a year extension. Another loan option could be Marquinhos from Arsenal. He isn’t going to get game time as they push to retain at least top four finish. Going next door and playing alongside fellow Brazilian in the Championship will do him a power of good.
Can’t see he would have any interest in coming back - plus he is free to talk to clubs about a summer free transfer from January so I’d say it’s impossible Everton sanction a loan move unless they literally are desperate to get rid. And, as seems likely, if we sign Matheus Martins in January, I don’t see us going after another player of that profile like Marquinhos. As mentioned above, Christos Zafeiris is a move to keep an eye on.
Really?! I loved him here: https://wfcforums.com/index.php?threads/scouting-thread.59642/#post-3174536
So I’ve been told. Talks underway etc. Seems to have a profile of a much better version of Kayembe - but can use 2 feet, and is a threat in the oppositions half. Not to mention the ability to take a set-piece. Would/will be shrewd and clever business if it happens. (So I fully expect it to break down/come to nothing, 6 months to pass by and a smarter, bigger European side to pick him up for the relative peanuts I’m being told it’ll take to get him…does look a bit like a Ben Manga type signing though possibly?!)
At 5"8 I found Zafeiris was prone to getting bullied at times, as @wingco said I'd imagine it's more of a Louza replacement/deputy - really progressive passer, tries to make things happen. Would certainly give us a bit more balance in midfield. Although I do wonder if he'll be too similar to Asprilla - technically very good but physically might not suit being played in a CM role. Norway > Germany is a common transfer route so wouldn't surprise me at all if it's a market he's very familar with.
I’ll certainly bow down to you when it comes to knowledge on these things - but he certainly seems broader than Asprilla and a bit more ‘built’ for the hustle and bustle? Age aside, he certainly looks physical enough to play CM on appearances?
I think he does have a slightly broader skillset than Asprilla (and I still think he'd be a great addition), it's been a couple of months since I last watched him so have forgotten a lot of the finer details, but in my report I said he was tenacious for his size and wasn't afraid to put a foot in and challenge for the ball (but i'd say Asprilla isn't afraid to get stuck in either as much as he can!) and most of his mins in Norway (which is a very physical league) have been as a defensive midfielder so I'm hopeful that he can match the physicality required - it's just whether his technical attributes are currently bailing him out in a physical and technically poor league which may see him struggle when moving to a much better technical league, that's also just as physical that would give me some concern. But overall I'd be a big fan of the move if it were to happen. Loves to try and make things happen, loves a through ball, great crosser, can take a set-piece (including direct free kicks) - lots to like.
Been told by a HoR at a Championship clubs that it's ridiculously easy to get a work permit for anyone provided they're U21 and have youth caps (from memory there were a couple of examples of that in the Champ this season), he's played at every age group from U15 to U21 (and has made the Norway U21 squad again for the upcoming internationals), so I'd imagine it shouldn't be an issue.
He's certainly rated in Norway. A forward progressive midfielder which I like. Would be a shrewd move if it can be sorted bc as @Burnsy said will be snapped up on the cheap very soon.
He seems to be getting linked to jobs but not getting any. Do they look like a team that would suit his style ? And would their fans take to him ..
Couldn't tell you about their style, but I highly highly doubt they'd care deeply about a bloke who only spent a few months here, I don't think I would give a **** about the reverse, even if they did go from them to us without any other teams in between
No, no this can't be right because we invented the "rule of eleven" nonsense that means you can't possibly sign overseas players when in the Championship.
Cedric Soares on loan from Arsenal would seem like an obvious loan move to solve our RB issues - he's only made one start this season for Arsenal and that was in the League Cup during the week which they got knocked out of.
Any of the Japan squad please Gino, I said this at the last WC and you ignored me and look where we are now you ******* clown.
Think most are out our price range. There's a few nice u21 players playing domestically in Japan that would fit the bill though!
Might be out of reach for the Championship, but there seemed a fair few talented players from relatively small clubs in that Ecuador side which drew with the Netherlands who might be worth looking at if we got promoted. Jackson Porozo (22), CB at Troyes. Felix Torres (25), CB at Santos Laguna (in Liga MX) Gonzalo Plata (22), RW/AMC at Real Valladolid
I think we've been linked with Plata before Actually here's the reference https://www.90min.com/posts/6578154...-19-year-old-sporting-cp-winger-gonzalo-plata
I didn't know that, but he's not going to be good enough for City, plus there are no clubs between Troyes and City in the group for him to move up to. So if they wish to cash in they'd have to sell. A lower level PL club would still be more attractive for him than Troyes.
I was surprised seeing that Cesar Montes, 25 year-old Mexican CB, was still at Monterey in Liga MX. Watching the game I assumed he'd be at some lower La Liga club already; won everything in the air and seemed comfortable with the ball at his feet. Espanyol rumoured to be interested though.
In general I'm always surprised about the lack of Mexican players in Europe, most have very desirable attributes technically, mentally and physically and those that do end up playing in Europe generally do well. I think (with no evidence to back it up) that Mexican clubs must have a decent amount of money so price European clubs out for most players meaning only the very best make it over?
The top clubs like Atlas, Pachuca etc,etc have decent stadiums, wage budgets. What is amazing is that despite having a football mad nation, a decent playing base that their juniors aside from a few moments never produce a generation or a real superstar. I mean top drawer aside from perhaps Hugo Sanchez. There's an issue with junior football and a lot of corruption. No regional academies, no proper physical preparation. The budget seems spent on wages not equipment. MX Liga has no relegation for the next few seasons I believe which breeds complacency and leaves junior players with nowhere to really develop. And they love to import strikers. Clubs certainly their owners have too much power versus the federation. They don't play sufficient games against top national sides anymore either. Perhaps they might start relying on the diaspora in North America.
