2013 Summer Transfer Window Thread ......Continued

[Kenny]

First topic message reminder :

2013 Summer Transfer Window Thread
 by Dr Gregory House MD on Mon May 27, 2013 1:46 am
Now that the season has drawn to a close, I thought I'd put up a thread to discuss possible transfer business.

Rumours, Predictions, Hopes and Actualities all welcome here

[westisbest]

What I think will happen re Benteke.
 
We'll say he can leave for £25-30m.
Nobody will pay that, he'll sulk, probably sit in the reserves.
 
If a player does'nt want to play for us, i'd rather he left.
Good luck wherever you go, thanks for your contribution.
 
Lets see what Helenius is like.

[Guest]

Benteke should stay in a World Cup year, he's already out-scoring Lukaku in the PL, doing better than him for Belgium despite not starting games, and if he continues his form, I reckon Belgium pick him to lead the line in Brazil, not Lukaku.

As it is, he could go to Arsenal / Tottenham, have trouble settling in, lose form, look rubbish, miss out on the World Cup entirely. Too much of a risk imo.

[Holymiky]

"Hull's move for Charlie Austin is off after manager Steve Bruce revealed the Burnley striker failed a medical ahead of his proposed transfer."

Source: BBC Sport.

[Guest]

@Westisbest - I said that Lerner would use the Milner transfer fee of £26m as a guidance for the kind of fee expected for a player of that importance to the club. Whatever happens, whoever buys him is going to be paying over the odds, especially when multiple teams are interested. Also, Darren Bent will want to leave which furthers their problems. He's been treated badly, isolated from the first team and not favoured by Lambert. Will be interesting to see if Villa go crawling back to Bent and offer him an olive branch, now the possibility of Benteke leaving is real.

@Azzy - I don't really think it matters whether Benteke stays or not in determining how well his season will unfold. He could stay at Villa and have a stinker or endure the second season syndrome. He out-scored Lukaku by just two goals (19 to 17) not much difference really.

[Guest]

John - it matters massively. Benteke scored 19 goals in a team that very nearly went down. Lukaku scored 17 goals in a team that finished 8th, including 3 in the last game against a very poor United defence. Lukaku had a better team around him, and scored less goals.

We've seen countless times how players move to London and can't adapt immediately - if Benteke gets a big move to a London club, he needs to settle immediately, else Lukaku at Chelsea will cement his place in the Belgium side.

I'm a Belgium fan, I watch every game, follow all the national team news, my best mate is Belgian, and I can tell you, if Benteke doesn't score 20 goals this season, for any club, he won't start the World Cup. He'll be on the bench. Therefore he needs to make the right decision, stay where he's been successful, Villa have improved this summer, concentrate on scoring 20+ and getting the recognition he deserves. Imagine in a World Cup year being squad rotationed with Olivier Giroud + Lukas Podolski, or Jermain Defoe + Emmanuel Adebayor.

In Belgium's most recent game, Lukaku started and didn't score. Benteke came on at half time and scored twice in the second half. He's out-scored Lukaku at international level - 6 in 14 compared to Lukaku's 3 in 21 - but he won't get the gig unless he's proven himself as better. This is his chance.

Apologies for the long post, it's just that I care passionately about Belgium's chances of winning the World Cup

[Guest]

I agree, scoring 19 goals at Villa is more impressive than 17 at WBA.

What your saying is the difference though between a fan's wants and the players. I'm pretty confident in saying that Benteke values higher moving to a big club and being paid much more, rather than the World Cup, which firstly they still have to qualify and secondly, he could be injured by next summer. You want him staying at Villa but he wants to capitalise on his hard work last season and interest in him now in getting a big money move. If that risks him playing less time or not being as successful then that's the risk. It's the same thing with Demba Ba. Guaranteed 15+ goals a season at Newcastle and playing every game but he chose the money route and losing that chance of playing week in week out. Just the way it is.

I must say that their goalscoring records at International level are quite poor really but their still young and learning the trade I guess.

[Guest]

Benteke's caps have mostly come from the bench, I think he's only started 3/4 games. Lukaku started a lot of games when he was younger and clearly not ready for the big stage. He's playing much better now, but I think Benteke is more suited to the ST role with Hazard, Mirallas and Mertens supplying him.

I admit that from a personal level, Benteke should leave. He's got the potential to score 30 goals in that Arsenal side, maybe 25 in the Spurs side, and increase his wages from £20k a week to £60k a week instantly. He can play in the Champions League or Europa League. He could oust Lukaku from the Belgium side. It's a no-brainer for him really.

But from a Belgium viewpoint, I'd rather have him stay at Villa. Sorry Christian

[Holymiky]

One thing I will add to the discussion is that I think Lukaku started less games than Benteke last season? Quite a few of his goals were off of the bench whereas Benteke started most games. I see all of the points being made I just thought I would add that.

[Guest]

That is probably true. I'd also add that Lukaku needs three chances to score before he puts one away, a la Andy Cole. He'd miss two easy headers, flash an easy chance wide, then score a beauty header that he as no right to score. Frustrating yet brilliant.

[Holymiky]

That is probably true aswell however I also saw Lukaku create a lot of goals himself aswell as being assisted brilliantly, I really like how he is so solid and usually tucks away his chances. Both players did similar things last season they both had fantastic goal tallies, Benteke scored similar goals and he is also a solid striker and aswell as Lukaku he tucks his chances away usually too.

[Dolphin Ziggler]

I think Lukaku is still a better all round player than Benteke.

That logic does belie the fact that Benteke will be playing with better players everyday and in a better team if he leaves. Football managers understand that, national managers would rather Benteke plays 30 games for Arsenal than 40 for Villa.

[Holymiky]

I think Lukaku is still a better all round player than Benteke.

That logic does belie the fact that Benteke will be playing with better players everyday and in a better team if he leaves. Football managers understand that, national managers would rather Benteke plays 30 games for Arsenal than 40 for Villa.

Whilst Benteke is fantastic so is Lukaku and I agree with you Chris that Lukaku is a better all round player and I'm not just saying that because I support Chelsea.

[Kenny]

"Hull's move for Charlie Austin is off after manager Steve Bruce revealed the Burnley striker failed a medical ahead of his proposed transfer."

Source: BBC Sport.

Steve Bruce has just confirmed on SkySports News that Austin failed his medical due to scans revealing a problem with his knee

[Holymiky]

"@BBCSport: Liverpool target Henrikh Mkhitaryan signs for German side Borussia Dortmund"

[Guest]

I think Lukaku is still a better all round player than Benteke.

That logic does belie the fact that Benteke will be playing with better players everyday and in a better team if he leaves. Football managers understand that, national managers would rather Benteke plays 30 games for Arsenal than 40 for Villa.

Having seen Lukaku play in the flesh several times last season, I'm not sure he is. He has poor control still, makes some odd runs, and does miss some really easy chances. I've only seen Bentekkers play 6/7 times, so I can't say for certain, but he appears to be more direct, more tidy, and make better decisions. Only by seeing both at a big club will we truly find out.

[NickisBHAFC]

Barnsley sign Lewin Nyatanga from Bristol City - We were linked with him, seems a decent player and is a Wales international. 

Carlisle set to sign Lewis Guy from St Mirren - He once tormented Arsenal in a Carling cup game whilst playing for Doncaster

Torquay sign Jordan Chapell from Sheffield United - No relation to Lancashire CCC captain Glenn Chapell

Todays football league transfers  

[Mat]

I think Lukaku and Benteke are on a par, but I think Lukaku will probably be a bit better in time. Yes Benteke scored more this year for a worst side(Oh how I love saying that) but as pointed out, he started more games. Another aside is that most of Lukaku's goals came in the 2nd half of the season where on a whole, Albion actually got worse. For me, that is a sign of a good player in that not everyone around him is firing, yet he actually managed to improve. Additionally, Benteke is also 2 years older than Lukaku.

They have similar faults. Lukaku may take a few chances to score, but Benteke is exactly the same, I don't think he is that clinical a finisher. Benteke is a very good target man, he wins a lot more in the air than Lukaku, in terms of general play rather than in the box. I'd say Lukaku is better running with the ball/at players than Benteke I would say. Very even.

Kinda hope Benteke does go to Chelsea, then hopefully we can get big Rom back again next season!

[Holymiky]

We could always have both Lukaku and Benteke Mat

[Guest]

That would be ideal Mat

I see Kalou distancing himself from us, I couldn't care less tbh. Not very inspired by that potential signing anyway. I just hope Izzy Brown tells Chelsea where to go.

[Holymiky]

"@WBAFCofficial: Albion have today completed the signing of Goran Popov on a season-long loan, subject to international clearance. #WBA"

[Dolphin Ziggler]

It looks like Suarez is backtracking, now flattered by Arsenal and Chelsea interest. Suddenly England isnt too bad a place to be, as long as he can play in Europe

[Good Golly I'm Olly]

According to Talksport Ola Toivonen and Leroy Fer are in Norwich for talks with the club.

If only that didn't have "Talksport" in it

[Guest]

"@WBAFCofficial: Albion have today completed the signing of Goran Popov on a season-long loan, subject to international clearance. #WBA"

Bang goes my hopes of having a decent LB this season. This guy spat at Kyle Walker, I never want him to play for Albion again, yet here we are, going for another season

[Good Golly I'm Olly]

Norwich are close to signing Martin Olsson (the LB one) from Blackburn.

Who is WBA's other LB? Not impressed by Popov, even before the whole spitting thing

[Guest]

Liam Ridgewell. Not good enough.

[Holymiky]

Everton have signed Alcaraz on a 2 year contract I have just read.

[Ent]

"@WBAFCofficial: Albion have today completed the signing of Goran Popov on a season-long loan, subject to international clearance. #WBA"

Bang goes my hopes of having a decent LB this season. This guy spat at Kyle Walker, I never want him to play for Albion again, yet here we are, going for another season

Weren't you advocating biting and kicking someone in the head yourself the other day

 

[Mat]

That would be ideal Mat

I see Kalou distancing himself from us, I couldn't care less tbh. Not very inspired by that potential signing anyway. I just hope Izzy Brown tells Chelsea where to go.

Kalou will join I think. Done very well at Lille from what I've seen, think he'd be a good signing. Ridgewell and Popov aren't inspiring choices at left back, but they'll do the job for this season I'd have thought, far more pressing issues to address.

Brown's already started training with Chelsea, we can't do anything to stop him leaving, it's merely how much we get for him that the club can control. Glad we rejected Chelsea's bid yesterday, if we're going to lose our best youngsters(14 year old lad joined Liverpool the other day, as well as Sinclair who joined them a year ago at 16) we need to take these big clubs to the cleaners for them.

[Dolphin Ziggler]

Joel Robles has also joined Everton.

And we're being linked with Dorrans again. I'm sure journalists get sacked and leave post it notes on their desks and each new journalist thinks its new information, not years and years old

[Guest]

Kone, Alcaraz and (from Atletico but played at Wigan) Robles. Who's next?

[Good Golly I'm Olly]

The one they should be going to get would be McCarthy.

[Dolphin Ziggler]

I'm almost angry no one has bought Maloney yet. Does not deserve to play in the Championship, their best player by miles

[Guest]

"@WBAFCofficial: Albion have today completed the signing of Goran Popov on a season-long loan, subject to international clearance. #WBA"

Bang goes my hopes of having a decent LB this season. This guy spat at Kyle Walker, I never want him to play for Albion again, yet here we are, going for another season

Weren't you advocating biting and kicking someone in the head yourself the other day

 

No, I said I did it, big difference. Also, spitting is disgusting.

[NickisBHAFC]

How on earth hasn't Callum Mcmanaman been snapped up yet? Did anyone see the FA Cup final?!!!!

[Ent]

"@WBAFCofficial: Albion have today completed the signing of Goran Popov on a season-long loan, subject to international clearance. #WBA"

Bang goes my hopes of having a decent LB this season. This guy spat at Kyle Walker, I never want him to play for Albion again, yet here we are, going for another season

Weren't you advocating biting and kicking someone in the head yourself the other day

 

No, I said I did it, big difference. Also, spitting is disgusting.

Perhaps bad english but that is what I meant.

How is spitting worse than biting an opponent or kicking them in the head and trying to injure them?

[Dolphin Ziggler]

Im not sure kicking in the head was ever advocated as a good idea, but I do enjoy the difference of a opinion from a player biting and a player spitting near someone (quite purposefully not hitting if I remember?)

[Holymiky]

Im not sure kicking in the head was ever advocated as a good idea, but I do enjoy the difference of a opinion from a player biting and a player spitting near someone (quite purposefully not hitting if I remember?)

Chris sir, may i ask how you feel about West Ham possibly going to try and buy Downing?

[Guest]

Im not sure kicking in the head was ever advocated as a good idea, but I do enjoy the difference of a opinion from a player biting and a player spitting near someone (quite purposefully not hitting if I remember?)

one's a physical encounter where one player is trying to gain an advantage. The other is a player being disgusting and offensive, for no reason.

[Dolphin Ziggler]

Not really, biting is a weaselly attack like spitting, disrespectful and disgusting both.

Holy, I am actually happy about it. Liverpool's mismanagement of certain players has been quite obvious in recent years, but when Downing was really challenged by Liverpool and basically told he wasnt good enough he then turned it on and earned his way back into the team. We play with more wingplay then Liverpool, at least more natural British wingplay, and his crossing would be vital. I could see him performing much like he did for Villa, which would mean a good number of goals too. He has looked crap for Liverpool, but I think he'd rediscover his touch with us. Id prefer Milner or Young if we were to get an English winger, but a nice left footer cutting in would be very useful. Him and Jarvis on either side would be probably the best two combinations of crossers in the league, and both are comfortable on either side of the pitch and either foot. Cant complain at all.

[Guest]

I think McManaman has quite an injury lay-off at the minute, probably putting potential buyers off currently. He's still an unknown quantity really, still very young and probably six months or a year in the Championship and developing his game would do him some good. I'm also sure Whelans see's him and McCarthy as the 'prized' assets remaining at that club and will be demanding quite high fees.

Could definitely see McCarthy at Everton, Spurs or a Newcastle level of club.

[Dolphin Ziggler]

Looks like that ones done

[Dolphin Ziggler]

A Spurs, Everton or Newcastle level? So, just outside Champions League, upper midtable or lower midtable?

[James_182]

[quote="Olly"]Norwich are close to signing Martin Olsson (the LB one) from Blackburn.

Yeah I believe so. You'll be getting a decent fullback in the guy.

We need to sell someone to bring in funds to complete the Jay Spearing transfer from Liverpool.

Plus Matt Kilgallon can play at LB, and we still have Givet on the books and young Adam Henley.

[Dolphin Ziggler]

Chelsea sign Mark Schwarzer on a one-year contract. Great move

[Guest]

A Spurs, Everton or Newcastle level? So, just outside Champions League, upper midtable or lower midtable?

You know what I mean. Spurs, Everton & Newcastle are clubs in and around that 5-8 position with the quality of their squads. We had a bad year last year due to Europe & Injuries. Our squad achieved 5th the season before. I just think McCarthy is a player who would fit nicely at a club outside the top 4 and challenging for european places and those three clubs fit the bill in my opinion. That's all.

[Kenny]

Liverpool have reiterated their stance on Suarez

" Our position has not changed , Luis Suarez is contracted to Liverpool Football Club . We do not want to sell Luis and expect him back for training on the 21st July after his extended break after the Confederation Cup . After discussions with Luis agent we have informed him of this ".


maybe he might get the message that Liverpool won't be forced into selling him .

[Good Golly I'm Olly]

Makes more sense than spending silly money on Ruddy.

[Guest]

Chelsea sign Mark Schwarzer on a one-year contract. Great move

Very good indeed, wonder how the Fulham fans will feel about that?

[Guest]

I presume they won't be that bothered, seeing as they bought Stekelenberg.

[Kenny]

Chelsea sign Mark Schwarzer on a one-year contract. Great move

That has to be one of the best bits of business so far this window

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