Summer Transfer Window - Credible Rumours Only Please

[LinekersLegs]

I am sure...but i cant recall anyone recently in an Everton kit having a legitimate season during the twilight of their career.

Maybe years ago a players swan song could last a little longer but with modern football...i think young players like Shakiri just offer more than a veteran. (for clarity i consider 29+ on the back of the career)

Lots have but Jags just won POTY at 32 and you would probably have him fitted up for pipe and slippers instead!

Mertens has only just turned 28 though, hardly twilight and even with your ridiculous definition he still has a year to go before he is on the "back of his career"

 

[Goat]

exactly so its not a sheer drop off a cliff either. think Mertens being 28 and more experienced is more what we need right now. we already have two highly rated 21 year olds in Ross and Del, don't think adding another talented but unfinished attacker is what we need

People seem to focus on the future far to much in my eyes.

I know its great having all these young players with BAGS of potential, but potential wont help us in the 2015/16 season.

Not saying we should ignore the 2016/17 season, but our main focus should always be the next season, the most important match in football is the next game you play, our next game is Watford, potential doesnt win games, highly skilled footballers do.

 

[USABlue]

I will concede Distin. I had already thought him the exception to my point. Barry...hmm. One above average season 2 years ago at age 32, not sure if I would agree that is quality. He did boss some games but in others a liability. Look at the fume this forum has over Howard... another example

Dont get me wrong a team needs experience, it does, but if i were a coach i would focus on youth over experience. Occasionally you will get a father time player but unless his name is Pirlo do you truly want him taking minutes better spent on adding experience of the youth?

the thing is though your argument is all based on players 32+ while mertens is 28

 

[Goat]

the thing is though your argument is all based on players 32+ while mertens is 28

Great isnt it, to prove his point he talks about a 37, 34 and 35 year old.

Mind boggling.

 

[USABlue]

People seem to focus on the future far to much in my eyes.

I know its great having all these young players with BAGS of potential, but potential wont help us in the 2015/16 season.

Not saying we should ignore the 2016/17 season, but our main focus should also be the next season, the most important match in football is the next game you play, our next game is Watford, potential doesnt win games, highly skilled footballers do.

exactly mate. need to find the right balance between youth and experience which is what we add two years ago. Plus we already have a ton for the future as Zat points out everyday. the prem and cups aren't a u-23 tournament so we need to add quality no matter what the age

 

[marty mcfly]

Mertens age isn't an issue and it won't be much of an issue for the next 4 years which is probably how long his contract will be.

The only problem is if we keep Kev and buy Mertens then in a few years we're going to have two very good players that will need replacing with no resell value. Maybe by then Henen will be ready to step up but it's a risk.

 

[Goat]

Mertens age isn't an issue and it won't be much of an issue for the next 4 years which is probably how long his contract will be.

The only problem is if we keep Kev and buy Mertens then in a few years we're going to have two very good players that will need replacing with no resell value. Maybe by then Henen will be ready to step up but it's a risk.

4 years.

8 transfer windows.

Yeah I think we will manage to replace them mate.

 

[jazzy]

Mertens is a team player , Shaqiri plays for himself

Mertens or Shaqiri?

 

[CahillsCornerFlag]

Mertens age isn't an issue and it won't be much of an issue for the next 4 years which is probably how long his contract will be.

The only problem is if we keep Kev and buy Mertens then in a few years we're going to have two very good players that will need replacing with no resell value. Maybe by then Henen will be ready to step up but it's a risk.

Plus I just like Shaqiri. I think he's a fantastic player and could be a real star. Mertens has never impressed me like that when I've seen him.

If they fire us into the champions league it won't be much of a problem at all.

 

[Goat]

Mertens is the 1 keeping Kev out the Belg side isnt he?

 

[marty mcfly]

4 years.

8 transfer windows.

Yeah I think we will manage to replace them mate.

I suppose. I just like Shaqiri. I think he's a fantastic player and could be a real star. Mertens has never impressed me like that when I've seen him.

I think he's a good player and probably will fit the team but Shaqiri has always looked like he has that bit of something special.

 

[Kurt.]

Yes Sir No Sir Three Pints Full Sir.

just pipe down you tit

 

[Goat]

I suppose. I just like Shaqiri. I think he's a fantastic player and could be a real star. Mertens has never impressed me like that when I've seen him.

I think he's a good player and probably will fit the team but Shaqiri has always looked like he has that bit of something special.

From the very fleeting look ive had at them both, I honestly wouldnt be to fussy which 1 we signed, they both seem very able footballers.

 

[marty mcfly]

If they fire us into the champions league it won't be much of a problem at all.

That's why I would go for both. We are so close, don't have Europe and if both are available I would go for it.

For once we would have the problem of too many top class footballers in our squad which isn't a problem because it would allow the manager to select a top team depending on the opposition and to avoid falling prey to an injury crisis. Which are the real reasons why the top 4 are the top 4.

 

[Goat]

That's why I would go for both. We are so close, don't have Europe and if both are available I would go for it.

For once we would have the problem of too many top class footballers in our squad which isn't a problem because it would allow the manager to select a top team depending on the opposition and to avoid falling prey to an injury crisis. Which are the real reasons why the top 4 are the top 4.

We cant afford both.

I know it would be great having 4 top class wingers, but as we have seen with Kev this season, top class players dont enjoy sitting on the bench.