02 Aug 2026 18:14:06
Officially welcome Barco to our happy family. Let your performances do the talking.
02 Aug 2026 21:32:47
Second that, Tom, and it looks like our new LB is next in the door.
02 Aug 2026 21:39:44
Bill, fingers crossed, mate.
I would like a few more leaving, but then I would moan they are not the players I want to leave. Typical fickle fan, Bill.
03 Aug 2026 06:55:20
Tom
As I have said previously, we all have our own opinions, it doesn't mean they are alright or wrong, just our opinions.
03 Aug 2026 09:38:13
I think all fans have a bit of fickleness in them Tom and you have a steadier head than most!
There is still a long way to go in this transfer window and pre-season friendlies are not reliable ways to judge much if anything at this stage - though the way the youngster Satpaev played and took his goal in first one did impress in the one I watched.
Perhaps my major concern at this stage is that several of those who have left were up there with more consistent performers in a disappointing last season: Cucurella, TC (seemingly signing for Como if hasn't as I write this) and Santos.
They were among our best tacklers as well as weighing in with some goals. I just don't know how good one on one Lacroix is as a defender and Palestra v young and may take time to adapt to additional physicality and pace of the EPL. Essugo not as good as Santos yet in what I've seen of him and Lavia fitness problems and inability to date to play a whole game let alone two in a row hardly needs mentioning again. If Enzo F leaving as well, which seems more likely than not, we lose another good (if ot alwasy fair?!) tackler as well as creator and scorer of goals. Had hoped we might have tried for Bruno G from Newcastle if EF was leaving but BG seemingly off to an already v strong Arsenal squad.
At the moment, seems to me that Caicedo will have to work more miracles than ever in midfield unless still to gain another high quality partner with defensive midfield abilities. MR and CP not that. Henderson surely a bit long in the tooth - and surely a bit slower than in his prime? - though may help.
Then there is the matter of CFC GK first choice which we have all been worried about for ages. Alonso supposed to be making a decision here after pre-season but has hardly had an opportunity to my knowledge of judging Sanchez or Pendere beyond what he could look at on screen in terms of past play.
Finally, will Wellbeck be a sufficient back up or co-striker with Pedro or do we need another option as well? Isthe still very young Satpaev that option? Will Jackson be sold, Delap loaned?
03 Aug 2026 12:18:46
JBS, you raise some interesting questions, and I can only, like most fans, guess at the answers.
I can't see us buying Costa, and think Alonso will start with Sanchez at the start of the season. I think Delap will be sold to Everton or Forest. I'm not sure what is going to happen with Jackson.
I have this feeling Alonso will keep him in the squad. I assume Chalaboa, Disasi, Badiashile, plus maybe Tosin and Gusto, will be sold/loaned.
I am a very fickle fan with biased opinions, and if I'm honest, probably an agenda. The chances of the club making me completely happy are virtually zero.
03 Aug 2026 15:43:33
I think we can also include Guiu, either loaned or sold, and Mudryk loaned.