03 Jun 2022 08:07:59
Looking busy in market if rumours are true.
Obrien. The Austrian and now the Argie striker.
Thought we Sposed to be going for a prem striker.
Anyway. If above turn out true. Will be upgrades hopefully.
Still not sure about Obrien tbh.
03 Jun 2022 08:33:39
Kristensen looks the part and believe he will be a definite upgrade on Ayling. O’Brien not sure also, can’t understand why they didn’t seal the deal the first time round, makes me feel he’s sort of a second choice?!
The Argentinian Castellanos plays in the MLS, why is he playing there if he’s a good proven striker? Smells a bit like a cheap gamble, if he turns out like Raph then glory be.
Not totally convinced on that one either.
03 Jun 2022 10:37:58
I thought the argie wouldn't get a work permit when we were linked in January.
Not playing in a top league and not an international so I thought he didn't get the points on the new system?
I haven't seen a lot of O'Brian, maybe half a dozen games but I've liked what I've seen in those games.
Range of passing, fast, good running with the ball and a solid tackler, also wins a fair few free kicks. Time will tell if the Premier League is too big a step up.
03 Jun 2022 12:04:06
O’Brien could be a good signing. He is a genuine box to box midfielder, but can play DM if needed. Has great stamina and appears to be pressing machine, who is strong in the tackle despite his small stature. He’s good in possession, very rarely giving the ball away - good on short passes and what he may lack on longer passes he compensates for by being excellent at carrying the ball, and as Canada says, draws a fair few fouls. Yes, he’s been playing in the Championship, but it seems probable that he’ll get a chance somewhere in the Prem next season and many believe he’s got the attributes to prosper if so. Indeed, it’s reported that Palace are preparing a bid for the lad. That said, if we are only going to sign one new CM/ DM, I’d rather have someone who’s already played to a good standard at a higher level.
Castellanos is a strange one. I too thought he was said likely to have been ruled out as an option due to work permit issues, and further that the Club supposedly said it seemed we were being used to bump up his asking price. It is now being reported that Hammers are also monitoring him. If work permit were not an issue he might be an interesting option, as he’s still only 23 and appears to be backing up his previous season’s performance so far in 2022. The City Group clearly thought he had quality when they took him to New York, and Pep has been reported as saying he believed he would soon make the step over to a decent league in Europe, and would make a successful transition. He would say that, some would say, but Pep doesn’t like to be painted as a plonker, so would probably have paused for thought before praising the lad.
03 Jun 2022 13:04:27
Good posts Clu
Your Uncle Victor better not be looking at signing just ONE new CM/ DM . two preferably three midfield acquisitions required.
03 Jun 2022 14:21:07
Baz - I guess what the Club will be looking to do in midfield will depend on who leaves or is expected to leave (whether permanently or on loan, how much we receive/ expect to receive from transfers overall, how many other positions are judged to need replacements/ additional strength and the relative prioritisation of each such requirement. If, like many on here and elsewhere, Orta, Marsch and co believe incomings are needed in a large number of positions, if we have no CM outgoings and, against all early expectations, neither KP or Raphinha leave, we may well see only one CM/ DM addition, given the needs elsewhere in the squad. Personally, I’d let Forshaw go if someone came in for him and send Shack out on loan to the Championship and seek to bring in O’Brien and an experienced higher level player who could cover both DM and CM (Berge would be ideal as he can also play AM - and would add height in midfield) . Bate will presumably want assurances on minutes, but if possible I’d prefer him to be kept here rather than loaned out. I’d keep Klich if he’s happy to be a bit part squad player.
In the AM area of the pitch, I’d let Rodrigo and Tyro go, and hope to see Bogusz retained here next season, with Klich also being cover in that role. Sam Greenwood could play there, and even Joffy on occasion. Our wingers could potentially also be deployed in this area, particularly if Marsch chooses to play narrow. As said previously, I hope his default formation will become wider, as per the last 2 matches and against tougher opponents whilst at RB Salzburg.
03 Jun 2022 14:27:34
Instead of buying 2 or 3 budget CM/ DM’s just go all out and buy Connor Gallagher. It’s quality we need, not quantity.
The 50 Mil price tag might be a problem though?
03 Jun 2022 14:47:37
OP more chance of me being KNIGHTED than Connor Gallagher ever signing for Leeds!
agreed quality is obviously essential
BUT as is QUANTITY squad strength especially if we continue to have numerous injuries
and other than urgently needing to sign a proven quality goalscoring striker. the next biggest priority is extensive recruitment in midfield if we are to avoid last seasons serious issues.
Cheers
Sir Baz.