Summer Transfer Window 2025 Thread

[Eggs]

Onana was getting singled out for praise last weekend, playing for (threat of) Villa as an orthodox DM.

Dare I say @Zatara probably nodding along to that one.

Anyway, we could do with locating the next one of that ilk, if Gana doesn’t sign - and even if he does, probably.

….never been a doubt about Onana’s ability, he can be a monster but he’s always lacked application and there’s a reason he’s not a regular starter for Villa.

For us, it was no good having a player who’s teammates had to persuade him to stay on the pitch when he got a knock and that he asked to come off a number of times at half-time because he was tired.

His ability wasn’t why he was left out of our key end of season games.

 

[Eggs]

The only time I was impressed with Garner was when he played right back.

….players like him are rarely fans favourites because they do lots of the transition work that’s invaluable to the team. I actually think he’s ok, I always comment that he’s brave in possession and has belief in his own ability to not panic, try and keep the ball in tight situations.

I don’t think he’s outstanding but there’s more tempo when he plays rather than the likes Iroegbunam. He did produce one of the passes of the season for Beto goal in the Park End earlier in the season, so has some quality. I’m not a huge fan but he’s versatile & I don’t mind him.

 

[blueboy72]

I really hope this is lazy journalism, because this is not Moyes building for the future at all

This is where TFG Need to step in, Moyes won’t be here in 3yrs maybe less and we don’t want to be left we a load of 30 somethings and another expensive rebuild

 

[toffeeblue9]

….players like him are rarely fans favourites because they do lots of the transition work that’s invaluable to the team. I actually think he’s ok, I always comment that he’s brave in possession and has belief in his own ability to not panic, try and keep the ball in tight situations.

I don’t think he’s outstanding but there’s more tempo when he plays rather than the likes Iroegbunam. He did produce one of the passes of the season for Beto goal in the Park End earlier in the season, so has some quality. I’m not a huge fan but he’s versatile & I don’t mind him.

I think that's fair. There's always clamour with players to label them "brilliant" or "insert expletive here". In reality there's a middle ground where most players inhabit. Garner is alright. Versatile, decent delivery, has some quality and does a bit of everything. I don't think he's necessarily good enough to be starting for us if we want to be a top half team, but I'd be perfectly happy to have him as a squad player.

 

[blueboy72]

We have already contacted Hammers about Soucek, fee around 10 million spoken about, this was over three weeks ago, came from the Ex WH-employee and that Gonzo and Geo on their podcasts, Soucek said he wanted to stay in London and wasn't keen on the move, so I don't know what has changed, but again very old news.

Also, he is on $80k at Spam, he isn't worth that!

Sunderland midfield, not really excited over that, there is better out there in Europe, so much cheaper with a more immediate effect!

Not according to the bobble from about 2 weeks ago , there had been no contact whatsoever. He did say that Moyes would be interested, but Would depend on the price. I suppose it’s who you believe, if discussions and a price had taken place I’d guess people like Joyce would know and would have reported it

 

[ToffeeScot]

Is it just me or is there others who think Garner is bang average?

I think he's one of those that looks better with better players around him. He won't raise the level of others but his level can raise due to others. A good squad player to have though, but also why I would highlight the urgency to get actual top quality CMs rather than go bargain hunting in this position.

 

[Rooney_Tunes]

Seemingly...

 

[MisterJ]

Soucek would be a great Doucoure replacement as a midfielder who doesn't actually do anything in the middle of the field but run a bit but who will score a few goals which will make people think he's super important to the team when really his presence is hugely limiting.

He can also control a football, which is a notable improvement

 

[Yarrgh]

Is it just me or is there others who think Garner is bang average?

Lower to mid table PL player. He is right at his level with us.

I wouldn't get rid of him as a priority but if the chance came to improve the team and it meant him leaving then I wouldn't lose any sleep over it.

 

[st.domingo]

….never been a doubt about Onana’s ability, he can be a monster but he’s always lacked application and there’s a reason he’s not a regular starter for Villa.

For us, it was no good having a player who’s teammates had to persuade him to stay on the pitch when he got a knock and that he asked to come off a number of times at half-time because he was tired.

His ability wasn’t why he was left out of our key end of season games.

Probably fair - Gana's legs aren't going to last forever tho and Jimmy G is steady if unspectacular, as you say in another comment. Feel we could do with an injection of dynamism at CM, even if it's more of a buy to bed-in next season with an eye on the seasons after.

 

[Eggs]

Probably fair - Gana's legs aren't going to last forever tho and Jimmy G is steady if unspectacular, as you say in another comment. Feel we could do with an injection of dynamism at CM, even if it's more of a buy to bed-in next season with an eye on the seasons after.

…I do think we need players for the ‘now’, buying youngsters with potential should be a strategy anyway.

 

[blueboy72]

Is it just me or is there others who think Garner is bang average?

Yes I’d sell him if we can, he has a year left and not sure If there’s been any talk of a new contract, he could be a decent profit which will fund a signing or two

 

[st.domingo]

…I do think we need players for the ‘now’, buying youngsters with potential should be a strategy anyway.

In an ideal world, yes - am just aware that CM is somewhere down the list of priorities for many and perhaps the manager also. And funds are constrained - exactly how much, we don't know.

If Gana chips/gets injured/suddenly gets too old then we are in a world of pain tho.

 

[Eggs]

In an ideal world, yes - am just aware that CM is somewhere down the list of priorities for many and perhaps the manager also. And funds are constrained - exactly how much, we don't know.

If Gana chips/gets injured/suddenly gets too old then we are in a world of pain tho.

…CM can’t be low priority if Gana and even Doucoure leave next season. Indeed, even if Gueye stays I’d imagine a CM is on the shopping list.

 

[davids]

I think Delap will end up as a journeyman footballer gracing teams at the bottom end of the table. He's worth a gamble at 30m - that's the world we're living in - but I don't think he'll ever shine for a top 6 club.

Think there is far better value on the continent. At 30 million plus the wage he'll want it's too much of a gamble. He's not outstandingly quick or dominant in the air and doesn't create his own chances with clever movement.