25 Aug 2026 07:30:53
All the rumours are that City will be signing EF. Just one small thing, apparently some players from other clubs preferred not to play for their respective teams pending a transfer. That was not the case with EF.
25 Aug 2026 08:57:36
I don't like the boos for our own player, but I still hope he leaves. Great player, but I don't think he's tactically disciplined enough to play in the pivot, and not fast enough or good enough at ball carrying to play in one of the 10s. Let him go to City for £130m and chuck Gusto in for free.
Not sure who the replacement for Enzo is, though. Can't say I've watched that much of Alex Scott. I'd prefer a tall, strong, Matic type player next to Caicedo, although I'm not sure that exists in modern football.
25 Aug 2026 09:17:26
Siam, I'm not sure if booing was coming from our fans, but I wasn't at the game. Even if we get an Enzo replacement, we still look a bit thin in midfield. I certainly didn't like the Lavia/ James setup. I agree with you about Gusto and add Neto as an early Xmas present.
25 Aug 2026 09:33:27
I'm not 100% sure either. Definitely lots of boos from Fulham fans every time he touched the ball, but I believe some Chelsea fans also booed him when he first came on.
Midfield was similar to last season, far too easy to cut through. I really don't know who we get to stop that. Ideally we need someone who is just going to sit there, let Caicedo run around doing his thing.
Neto is also not my favourite, but I'd probably keep him as a versatile backup. Did you see that moment when Reece was screaming at Neto to get back in position after Estevao gave the ball away? Neto was whinging while Fulham were breaking, and, bear in mind, Neto was supposed to be RWB. It was good to see our captain be vocal on the pitch.
25 Aug 2026 11:05:17
Our away fans were singing Enzo's name at the end of the game, and I don't think much if any booing came from them - though perhaps G8. can update us, as I think he was going to be at the game.
If EF leaves, a top notch replacement is absolutely essential. Not sure if Scott is quite at that level, and he is still young. We are being linked with Zubamendi from Arsenal; do we think he would fit the bill? Arsenal are rather overloaded now with good midfielders. Doubt Palace would part with Wharton and Bourne, both hardly wanting Scott to leave.
Not sure who else is available.
I would keep Neto over Gusto, and though Neto was one of our more consistently ok to good players last season, I think he finished with 5 goals and six assists, or the other way around. He is versatile and has a v good work rate. Uncertainty over his future, possibly weighing on his mind last night, plus the fact that Gusto played ahead of him and Neto had looked good at wingback in pre-season.
25 Aug 2026 12:29:21
There were links to Fabian Ruiz a couple weeks ago. Not sure how realistic it would be, as PSG probably wouldn't want to lose him and he probably wouldn't want to leave, but I would take him for sure.
Zubimendi is a touch lightweight for me, and I doubt Arsenal would let him go for cheap this late in the window.
Links with Camavinga and Kone, but not particularly keen on either. I'd probably take Wharton out of all the options, but it's gonna take silly money.
25 Aug 2026 13:34:28
Saim, my guess is we make an offer for Scott that is over the top. I am not a fan, but when I saw him the other day he looked useful.
25 Aug 2026 14:10:17
Ruiz would be my dream signing, but it won't happen. He won't leave European champions defending their title again, and he will surely be on top dollars at PSG for a promising rebuild at a non-Champions League CFC.
25 Aug 2026 17:50:09
JBS, our lot were all behind Enzo Fernandez, the boos were all from the Fulham fans, and my guess is that will continue around the country whether he stays with us or goes to City. As far as the game was concerned, we were very good, and that front 3 is the best in the league, but we need a keeper.
You could feel the tension in the crowd every time the ball went in our box. Sanchez is a liability, and Alonso must sign an experienced keeper before the window closes.
25 Aug 2026 18:02:25
G8, most fans would have seen EF walking off down towards the tunnel on his own. At any stage, did he stop and applaud the Chelsea fans?
Obviously seeing a clip doesn't necessarily tell the whole story.