Playing a top style of football with a bunch of young kids who will only get better.

Sadly half of them will return to their club in the summer and we will have to hit the reset button again..

That’s the spirit

BurnleySteve_ wrote: ↑

Sat Feb 04, 2023 11:08 pm

Playing a top style of football with a bunch of young kids who will only get better.

Sadly half of them will return to their club in the summer and we will have to hit the reset button again..

Succession planning is already underway.
The 4 signings + in January showed that.

I firmly believe that Beyer, Maatsen and Tella will be in our squad game one in the Premier League.

Looking at it objectively, Chelsea will sell Maatsen. Look at the money they’re spending, they haven’t got time to ‘give youth a chance’. Maatsen has Cucurella and Chilwell in front of him already that cost a combined £110m.

Beyer will be desperate to stay, it’s a shot at the big league - possibly his only shot. BMG are a big club, far bigger than us, but our finance will allow us to offer a number they’ll accept. They also seem to have many other CB’s already, and may well be happy to deal in any case.

Tella has effectively been told, publicly, by that little runt Jones that he’s not particularly rated by him. Again, he’ll be desperate to stay you’d think and (unless Jones is sacked, which is very possible - although I think they’re going down anyway) I imagine Southampton will be happy to sell him.

THB is a different matter and I think the signings of Ekdal and Al-Dakhil are with that in mind.

Might have missed something but I've only seen some pretty honest and positive stuff from Jones re Tella. Think he said he's been doing really well here and it's best for his development to stay for now. Doubt anyone would disagree with that. Good as he's been for us, Nathan Tella isn't the answer to Southampton's woes.

quoonbeatz wrote: ↑

Sat Feb 04, 2023 11:40 pm

Might have missed something but I've only seen some pretty honest and positive stuff from Jones re Tella. Think he said he's been doing really well here and it's best for his development to stay for now. Doubt anyone would disagree with that. Good as he's been for us, Nathan Tella isn't the answer to Southampton's woes.

Although judging by the lack of tracking back from their centre midfield in the last few games I’d be more confident with him starting there given the commitment he’s shown for us.

quoonbeatz wrote: ↑

Sat Feb 04, 2023 11:40 pm

Might have missed something but I've only seen some pretty honest and positive stuff from Jones re Tella. Think he said he's been doing really well here and it's best for his development to stay for now. Doubt anyone would disagree with that. Good as he's been for us, Nathan Tella isn't the answer to Southampton's woes.

He’s certainly been honest, I personally found this (below) a bit too honest publicly though:

"But with the greatest of respect, for him to come back and do that at Premier League level, we are not sure. We've got people like Adam Armstrong who have been prolific at Championship level…”

Whilst it’s obviously a true statement (I.e, no guarantees he can be as effective a level higher), it seemed to pour a bit of cold water on Jones opinion of his PL credentials, and compared him to Armstrong who has been anything but a success there. I read it a bit as ‘well, he scored 20+ in that league and look at him, he’s been pretty useless in this league hasn’t he?’.

Just how I interpreted it personally.

jedi_master wrote: ↑

Sun Feb 05, 2023 12:14 am

He’s certainly been honest, I personally found this (below) a bit too honest publicly though:

"But with the greatest of respect, for him to come back and do that at Premier League level, we are not sure. We've got people like Adam Armstrong who have been prolific at Championship level…”

Whilst it’s obviously a true statement (I.e, no guarantees he can be as effective a level higher), it seemed to pour a bit of cold water on Jones opinion of his PL credentials, and compared him to Armstrong who has been anything but a success there. I read it a bit as ‘well, he scored 20+ in that league and look at him, he’s been pretty useless in this league hasn’t he?’.

Just how I interpreted it personally.

The rest of the quote though said that they need something different, is which I think is absolutely right. Either way it doesn't really matter, he's doing great for us so I'm more than happy for them to not want him back.

I think Jedi hits the nail on the head here.

The only concern is Maatsen for me, if he keeps putting in performances like he has been, a few bigger clubs may well just be sniffing around him. Lets hope that VK can convince him to stay with us.

BurnleySteve_ wrote: ↑

Sat Feb 04, 2023 11:08 pm

Playing a top style of football with a bunch of young kids who will only get better.

Sadly half of them will return to their club in the summer and we will have to hit the reset button again..

Kompany has attracted this level of talent to the Championship...........imagine what he'll be able to do in a few months time

Wout will fund our loan buys.

I think THB will be loaned again to us.

No panic for next year. Will be tough but we have time now. Not doing all our business this summer will be the best bit of business we do I imagine

jedi_master wrote: ↑

Sat Feb 04, 2023 11:20 pm

I firmly believe that Beyer, Maatsen and Tella will be in our squad game one in the Premier League.

Looking at it objectively, Chelsea will sell Maatsen. Look at the money they’re spending, they haven’t got time to ‘give youth a chance’. Maatsen has Cucurella and Chilwell in front of him already that cost a combined £110m.

Beyer will be desperate to stay, it’s a shot at the big league - possibly his only shot. BMG are a big club, far bigger than us, but our finance will allow us to offer a number they’ll accept. They also seem to have many other CB’s already, and may well be happy to deal in any case.

Tella has effectively been told, publicly, by that little runt Jones that he’s not particularly rated by him. Again, he’ll be desperate to stay you’d think and (unless Jones is sacked, which is very possible - although I think they’re going down anyway) I imagine Southampton will be happy to sell him.

THB is a different matter and I think the signings of Ekdal and Al-Dakhil are with that in mind.

Comprehensive post. I think 'this' is the modern terminology.

I don’t think the prospect of getting THB back next season is that unrealistic if we’re in the Premier League.

He’s still very young (only turned 21 last week) and is unlikely to break into the City side next season. Throw in the fact that we play a style of football which will help prepare him for City’s first team and the Kompany connection and another season long loan seems entirely possible.

The only question is whether or not we’re going to need him having recently signed two centre halves, particularly if we are able to sign Beyer permanently.

Should also have said same with Maatsen. Another good year out on loan, but this time in the PL, could be good for all parties.

If it came down to one or the other with THB or Beyer I think I’d (just about) be going for THB. English, slightly younger and unique passing ability makes his resale value (and ceiling) higher imo.

Tella I’m not overly concerned about, I believe Obafemi is his replacement. Would like us to go all out for Maatsen as a priority, but failing him I can see us getting Kompany’s ex Anderlecht star Sergio Gomez on loan from City (apparently will be available).

Either way, we will continue to attract more top quality youngsters, be it on loan or permanent.

agreenwood wrote: ↑

Sun Feb 05, 2023 7:23 am

I don’t think the prospect of getting THB back next season is that unrealistic if we’re in the Premier League.

He’s still very young (only turned 21 last week) and is unlikely to break into the City side next season. Throw in the fact that we play a style of football which will help prepare him for City’s first team and the Kompany connection and another season long loan seems entirely possible.

The only question is whether or not we’re going to need him having recently signed two centre halves, particularly if we are able to sign Beyer permanently.

Agree with all of this except on the final point, I can't see us playing 2 centre backs and such attacking fullbacks in the Prem. Can see us switching to a back 3 and two wingbacks in which case Beyer/Ekdal/THB would be the obvious selection.

I'd prioritize retaining Beyer, then Maatsen, on permanent deals, would like THB but don't see it happening and if forced I'd probably pick Beyer for now (even if THB might have higher resale value). I like Tella and would keep him given the chance, but I am concerned he's in that gray zone of too good for the Championship but struggling in the Prem, and he needs to cut out the falling over. But I'd still want to hang onto him if possible as he's been good for us and still young enough to step up.

The chance of Nathan Jones being in a position to make a decision on Tella's future come the summer is only very, very slightly above zero.

spt_claret wrote: ↑

Sun Feb 05, 2023 12:15 pm

Agree with all of this except on the final point, I can't see us playing 2 centre backs and such attacking fullbacks in the Prem. Can see us switching to a back 3 and two wingbacks in which case Beyer/Ekdal/THB would be the obvious selection.

I'd prioritize retaining Beyer, then Maatsen, on permanent deals, would like THB but don't see it happening and if forced I'd probably pick Beyer for now (even if THB might have higher resale value). I like Tella and would keep him given the chance, but I am concerned he's in that gray zone of too good for the Championship but struggling in the Prem, and he needs to cut out the falling over. But I'd still want to hang onto him if possible as he's been good for us and still young enough to step up.

Tella’s weakness is mainly his decision making. The instance where he robbed McLean of the ball yesterday is a good example. He rushes the shot a bit, but potentially could have taken it in a few yards or held it and laid on a simple chance to the two mates who were coming in to support him.

agreenwood wrote: ↑

Sun Feb 05, 2023 12:22 pm

Tella’s weakness is mainly his decision making. The instance where he robbed McLean of the ball yesterday is a good example. He rushes the shot a bit, but potentially could have taken it in a few yards or held it and laid on a simple chance to the two mates who were coming in to support him.

Spot on. He has a habit of making the wrong decision when given time or options, several times hangs onto the ball instead of spotting the pass. But it's something I'd hope comes with experience and coaching so it's why I'd still want to sign him.

spt_claret wrote: ↑

Sun Feb 05, 2023 12:44 pm

Spot on. He has a habit of making the wrong decision when given time or options, several times hangs onto the ball instead of spotting the pass. But it's something I'd hope comes with experience and coaching so it's why I'd still want to sign him.

Agree - you’d really hope mistakes like yesterday get coached out of him.

Can see us signing all 4
THB - 10-15mil with a buy back clause or a loan
Maatsen - 10mil with but back clause or a loan
Beyer - if the option is true the athletic reported 8mil
Tella - if Southampton go down then there’s a deal there for 10mil id say

I’d love us to sign all 4 loans permanently

Maatsen has the potential to be an elite level player as he’s got everything aside from height. Outstanding technique on the ball, bags of pace, goals and assists, and lots of football intelligence (he regularly swaps between a full back, a third centre back and a centre mid during a game). I’d spend big on him.

Beyer to me would be a comfortable PL level player in a system like ours.

Harwood-Bellis was just fabulous before his injury and clearly has potential to become a PL player for many years, but probably not at the elite level with City.

Tella I would like to sign as a squad player for his invaluable pace and infectious enthusiasm.

The problem is we’re talking tens of millions to sign those 4 and it could well be our whole summer budget. We definitely need at least more central midfielder on top of that, so some difficult choices will need to be made.

I may be wrong, but I'd guess we'd have more chance of getting Tella if Southampton stay up.
Jones can see how good he is in the Championship.

clarethomer wrote: ↑

Sun Feb 05, 2023 6:58 am

Wout will fund our loan buys.

I think THB will be loaned again to us.

No panic for next year. Will be tough but we have time now. Not doing all our business this summer will be the best bit of business we do I imagine

We are more likely to get some of the outstanding loan players to come back than find someone daft enough to pay a lot for Wout

agreenwood wrote: ↑

Sun Feb 05, 2023 12:22 pm

Tella’s weakness is mainly his decision making. The instance where he robbed McLean of the ball yesterday is a good example. He rushes the shot a bit, but potentially could have taken it in a few yards or held it and laid on a simple chance to the two mates who were coming in to support him.

I wouldn't call that a mistake. His shot was on target and I think would have beaten Krul, though of course that can't be proved. Hanley wasn't likely to make the block, though as it happened he did; I reckon that shot had a very high chance of going in. Passing up a high probability chance in the hope of a better one is usually a mistake IMO.

123EasyasBFC wrote: ↑

Sun Feb 05, 2023 5:32 pm

Can see us signing all 4
THB - 10-15mil with a buy back clause or a loan
Maatsen - 10mil with but back clause or a loan
Beyer - if the option is true the athletic reported 8mil
Tella - if Southampton go down then there’s a deal there for 10mil id say

That’d be some spending, particularly when it’s highly likely that we will need to spend reasonably big or very cleverly on the midfield.

Spike wrote: ↑

Sun Feb 05, 2023 11:12 pm

We are more likely to get some of the outstanding loan players to come back than find someone daft enough to pay a lot for Wout

Dutch Manager, Dutch Player.

Think he will do ok there. Man Utd do pay daft money for players.

Can't see him playing for us again if he is maintaining a 1st team squad presence at Utd - but could be quite easily wrong.

RVclaret wrote: ↑

Sun Feb 05, 2023 8:08 am

If it came down to one or the other with THB or Beyer I think I’d (just about) be going for THB. English, slightly younger and unique passing ability makes his resale value (and ceiling) higher imo.

Tella I’m not overly concerned about, I believe Obafemi is his replacement. Would like us to go all out for Maatsen as a priority, but failing him I can see us getting Kompany’s ex Anderlecht star Sergio Gomez on loan from City (apparently will be available).

Either way, we will continue to attract more top quality youngsters, be it on loan or permanent.

3 months ago I would agree about THB, but the way Beyer surges forward with the ball, when he has no out option is brilliant. Both of their long passing can be hit and miss. It's a very tight call imo, but I would think IF we were to buy either on a permanent deal Beyer would be a lot cheaper.
Ekdal ad Al-Dhakil (hope I got that right), show they have something about them, and will only get better from time on the pitch. So as much as I like THB, absolutely brilliant for his age, he imo is the most expendable of all the loanees.

Tella shows he still has a lot to learn. His first touch can go from the ridiculous to the sublime, and his choice of option isn't always great, but he has a massive heart, and I love the way he enjoys his football here. That smile is infectious. I would love to get him on a permanent, because I think VK can get even more out of him, and he shouldn't be too expensive. We also have Obafemi and Foster for a good competition there.

Maatsen is the hardest to tie down, started off really well, and has only improved over recent weeks. You can see why VK persisted with him over CT early doors, to unlock that potential. Chelsea will definitely sell, I went on the Shed End, and he doesn't get a mention anywhere, he means nothing to the fans or the management. The problem is Chelsea will still want top dollar, and there will likely be a lot of competition for him. Fingers crossed VK can convince him to stay.

123EasyasBFC wrote: ↑

Sun Feb 05, 2023 5:32 pm

Can see us signing all 4
THB - 10-15mil with a buy back clause or a loan
Maatsen - 10mil with but back clause or a loan
Beyer - if the option is true the athletic reported 8mil
Tella - if Southampton go down then there’s a deal there for 10mil id say

I’d be walking away from Tella and THB at those prices and would be on the fence about Maatsen.

Given the cost of our other recruits, that clearly illustrates there’s better value abroad.

DCWat wrote: ↑

Mon Feb 06, 2023 12:31 am

That’d be some spending, particularly when it’s highly likely that we will need to spend reasonably big or very cleverly on the midfield.

That spend would literally put us even from all the sales in last 12 months

Darthlaw wrote: ↑

Mon Feb 06, 2023 9:43 am

I’d be walking away from Tella and THB at those prices and would be on the fence about Maatsen.

Given the cost of our other recruits, that clearly illustrates there’s better value abroad.

You’d walk away from THB at 10-15mil? Each to their own but England u21 captain been at city learning from the best, I think that would be good value for money.

Tella at 10mil might be expensive but we have spent 8mil on foster, tella with prem experience and a good season under his belt, I still think would be good business