Some good work was done last summer in slashing the wage bill. That should continue this year with Gomes and Dele leaving- that’s £220k a week/ £11m a year saved on players who have contributed very little. I’d offer Gana another year on reduced terms.
We need to try and move on other players who don’t play/contribute. Keane, Maupay, Holgate. The loans of Danjuma and Harrison haven’t been particularly successful so they’ll hopefully just be sent back. That’s approximately another £250k a week/£13m a year saved.
Thelwell needs to go back to the
Moyes approach of young, ambitious players from the Championship. someone who can kick the ball into the goal would be nice and some players who are fast would be luxurious!
Chris Rigg, 18, from England ➤ Sunderland AFC, since 2023 ➤ Attacking Midfield ➤ Market value: €25.00m ➤ * 18/06/2007 in Hebburn, England
www.transfermarkt.com
He and Archie Gray are the two most highly rated young midfielders in the championship in their age groups.
If we were to keep Branthwaite and Pickford then that could help us to attract these young English players.
However, everyone else wants them too.
We should be shopping in the Championship though. Wharton at Palace has been great, they’ll easily double their money on him. Young players moving up to the Premier league who are hungry and keen to prove themselves are infinitely preferable to cast offs from Man U or Chelsea who see us as a step down.