18 Jun 2022 21:51:01
According to reports coming from Nizaar Kinsella a Chelsea correspondent for goal it could be a long frustrating summer for us blues. From what he's said Boehly and the club are focusing on matters internally before signing players. Obviously the major one is Lukaku.
Hopefully he joins Inter permanent and then we can concentrate on other outgoings. Kepa, Alonso, Azpi, Emerson, Loftus-Cheek, Barkley, Werner and maybe one of Pulisic or Ziyech also to be moved on.
Then contracts for the like of Reece James and Mount who are vastly underpaid compared to some of our highest earners.
Also seeing what to do regarding Kante and Jorginho who have one year left on their deals. I'd expect one of them to be extended by a year and the other to leave.
Nizaar said he expects Slonina (who will go on loan back to MLS) and Kounde to be only early signings and then it's sell to buy. Bit worrying but I'm also excited by the return of Colwill, Ampadu and Gallagher who can make a mark. I would keep an eye on Ampadu he has been impressive in Italy and outstanding for Wales as a defensive midfielder and a centre back. He could be ready to explode this year.
If Lukaku leaves I wouldn't sign a new striker I'd aim for a goalscoring winger (Bowen, Nkunku) as I'd give Havertz a crack at the 9 it's sink or swim time for him there. I do think he has the potential to be a fantastic false 9 though. Keep Broja as rotation he faded away towards the end of the season at Southampton but he'll be in a better team now and his pace and aggression coming off the bench will cause defenders a lot of problems.
Hope you enjoyed my first post ??.
{Ed002's Note - Did he mention yesterday’s signing or not?}
18 Jun 2022 23:51:08
NW, interesting post. I think Gallagher will get a chance in first team squad but I don’t think Broja is ready yet. As for Ampadu, I don’t see him exploding any time soon. Not quite sure what you mean by saying it’s sink or swim time for Harvertz who is one of our most talented players. I don’t hold with this false 9 rubbish: if you identify a player as a no 9 what’s false about it. It is either tactical or used when you do not have a recognised striker. Harvertz is not an out-and out striker and therefore should not be judged in that position.
18 Jun 2022 23:30:51
I'm going to break my imposed exile to say this: Nizaar Kinsella hasn't got a clue. Has reported we've agreed fees for Koundé at least twice and was miles off on the takeover and numerous other stories. He's a United fan as well so whenever possible he puts a negative spin on things.
Truth is, journalists know very little about what we are doing this summer as the ownership has changed hands. Most 'inside sources' won't be privy to that information.
And no Ed002, he didn't mention Eddie Beach, assuming you are referring to him.
19 Jun 2022 00:35:20
Yesterday's singing?
19 Jun 2022 07:52:32
You're such a tease, Ed. I will refrain from asking which signing it is, but you sure do get my blood flowing on such a grey, Danish sunday morning!
19 Jun 2022 10:53:24
Jimbo
Ampadu is 21 I am far from sure that they have worked out his best position yet
To be writing him off I saw him as a 15 year old playing for Exeter against Chelsea u21s he was head and shoulders the best player on the pitch.
He is a regular Welsh International played 33 times and will be at the WC, he has played 66 times in top European leagues and as I say he is just 21.
He maybe needs a good load at the likes of Palace but I see a real talent waiting to breakout.
19 Jun 2022 12:00:02
Terras, fair enough if Ampadu turns into a top class player I will be pleased but he is not the answer for next season. Also, I think he needs to focus on what is best position is. A PL loan would be good for him.
19 Jun 2022 13:53:42
Emil, the club signed a young GK this past week. I think that is whom Ed was referring to :)