23 Jun 2026 19:54:17
If we are about to sign Palestra, I assume we are selling Gusto.
The rumours are that everything is agreed. We will see!
23 Jun 2026 23:14:15
Yeah, looks like we've come in late and, financially, blown Inter out of the water. Can't imagine Gusto will be staying now, probably off to City - not a massive loss, in my opinion.
Palestra will take some time to settle, but is a player that can play FB or WB on either side, allowing Alonso to be tactically flexible.
I think we'll add Barco, Lacroix and a left sided 10, on top of Palestra. That'll pretty much be it.
24 Jun 2026 00:15:12
I agree with that, J. Slim possibility of a GK in Maignan if we can find a suitor for Sanchez or if Penders is happy for another loan.
24 Jun 2026 00:18:07
Haven't ever watched him play, but know there are high expectations and happy to see us through the checkbook at a deal to get it done.
If it also means we sell Gusto to a rival, it's the cherry on top.
24 Jun 2026 09:20:47
So what has happened to the idea of buying experienced players, who are Premiership-ready with great talent & character?
To be fair, I have never seen Palestra play, but how many of those boxes does he tick?
Maybe just talent, but that's not what we currently need.
Once again, I think our transfer policy is confusing.
24 Jun 2026 14:19:28
Swcfc, I had also wondered about this, as I had thought the Alonso appointment meant we were now more open again to buying seasoned
top-tier proven players.
24 Jun 2026 14:21:42
Instead, it seems more likely that we will sell more than we bring in, starting with Cucurella. But the transfer window has a very long way to go, of course.
24 Jun 2026 20:16:58
I think the change was that the manager now has more overall say, & I assume the age profile of players has been relaxed. It sounds like Palestra was an Alonso pick, though.
Just seen Chelsea apparently want £75m for Gusto. ? I think we'll probably ask/want around the £40m mark myself.
24 Jun 2026 20:50:34
Why would you sell Gusto for less than we are paying for Palestra? He's playing in the Premier League already and Palestra is unproven.
24 Jun 2026 21:50:39
Proven to be what. ?
Value is not just about ability, it's about contractual term, age, amortised valuation, wages... A £45m Palestra might be better value than getting £45m for Gusto.
A £75m Gusto?
It's hard to negotiate when the other side can't stop laughing.