[Albion] Three improvements for next season

[hoof hearted]

But how do we solve the striking issue?

They must practice in training every day and obviously our lack of goals suggest we need a new forward or two, but where from?

Connolly seems to have gone backwards, Zeqiri and Tau don't seem to have garnered much faith (as yet) from GP, so where do we get another striker from?

A fringe Prem player like Abraham? Another unknown from abroad hoping he'll adapt and be effective, or take another punt from the Championship or even League 1?

The problem is clear to see, but in our position (finances etc) I just don't how we're going to solve this. Even large sums like Newcastle spent on Joelinton confirm money is no guarantee.

It's the preverbial Elephant in the room and his footsteps are getting louder. Unless this issue can be resolved I fully expect a similar finish next season as to that of this season.

There's a few possible options out there, but unless they are Premier League proven (and those available players are few and far to come by) then it will always be a gamble who the club brings in. Obviously careful scouting of targets and data analysis help to reduce the odds of getting a flop, but it's no guarantee.

Personally I like the look of Terem Moffi from Lorient, he's big, strong and athletic and has a decent scoring record and only 21 so should hopefully only get better. Lorient (in Ligue 1) only bought him last season for around 8m, so they would obviously want a decent profit from him if he's to leave in the summer. But might be an option.
Patson Daka would be a really interesting signing, but might cost a bit too much (even though he plays in the Austrian league) and he's been on the radar of a lot of big clubs,

 

[Baldseagull]

If Brentford don't go up, I think we'd be stupid not to put a bid in for Ivan Toney.

The wise of NSC said no this time last year, when he had banged in ridiculous numbers for Posh. Personally I liked him then, and like him now.

 

[um bongo molongo]

1. Get non-contributing higher end earners off the books: Locadia, Ali J, Izquierdo, Andone, Bernardo, Duffy, Propper, Ryan, Tau
2. Reinvest those wages (and prob funds from Biss sale) in 3 out and out first teamers: Striker (Eduoard, Abraham, Toney), Attacking midfielder who scores goals (Buendia, Pereira), LB/LWB (Sessegnon, Henry)
3. Get Lamptey fit.

 

[Icy Gull]

He’s just signed a new contract

Good, he is absolutely fine as a squad player. A new contract doesn’t mean we aren’t going to try and upgrade him. His experience will be invaluable in the right game and time. We need better though.

 

[maltaseagull]

1) Potter OUT
2) Barber OUT
3) Breast OUT

Mouldy boots sanitised.

 

[Blue Valkyrie]

1. Sort out the striker options.

The transfer window shuts 2 weeks after the season starts so there is a small opportunity to shop-window Andone, but presumably he stays.

Welbeck new contract ( just waiting for the official confirmation ).

Retain Zeqiri in the squad to learn here.

SING another striker.

Work on Maupay's head.

Move Connolly on ( sell / loan ).



2. Vastly reduce the massive squad numbers. Where to start on that...!? Ryan, Walton, Bernardo, Duffy, Pröpper, Tau, Connolly, Gyökeres, Mlakar, Jahanbakhsh, Izquierdo, Locadia etc. etc.



3. Integrate Østigård and Khadra into the squad.

 

[Motogull]

1. Don't fanny about when playing the bottom half teams, especially those below us.

 

[Cheshire Cat]

We have tried lower league players before and it rarely works, with a few exceptions.

Anyone want another CMS to add to the list of also-rans?

 

[Blue Valkyrie]

He’s just signed a new contract

Trying to find confirmation of this nugget... but can't see it mentioned anywhere ..?

 

[southstandandy]

If Brentford don't go up, I think we'd be stupid not to put a bid in for Ivan Toney.

Agreed, but I was saying we should have taken a punt last summer on him when he went to Brentford for £5m. How much would he now cost us? £30m to £35m if you believe some of the papers. Can't see us paying figures in that region.

 

[Swansman]

We have tried lower league players before and it rarely works, with a few exceptions.

Anyone want another CMS to add to the list of also-rans?

Rob Sanchez, Adam Webster, Lewis Dunk, Solly March, Adam Lallana, Steven Alzate and Neal Maupay all played in lower leagues before they played in the PL. Same with Shane Duffy, Dale Stephens and Glenn Murray.

 

[blue-shifted]

Agreed, but I was saying we should have taken a punt last summer on him when he went to Brentford for £5m. How much would he now cost us? £30m to £35m if you believe some of the papers. Can't see us paying figures in that region.

Have you considered applying for some sort of recruitment advisory position at the club in that case? You could have saved them a fortune.

Who knows, maybe we'll come into some money this summer

 

[Harry Wilson's tackle]

Goals! Goals! Goals!

Boys Boys Boys!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l1MGszM4Xb0

 

[southstandandy]

Have you considered applying for some sort of recruitment advisory position at the club in that case? You could have saved them a fortune.

Who knows, maybe we'll come into some money this summer

No, I got ridiculed by many on here for the suggestion. I agree there's no guarantee he will be a success in the Prem but for £5m last season I thought he was worth a risk.

 

[Couldn't Be Hyypia]

I assume we will have to sell Yves. So get £40m plus for him.

Use the £40m wisely. Use some to help balance the books and some to buy an out and out goal scorer.

Move some players on to improve the overall quality of the squad.

It's not just about the fee. Package for a decent scorer seems to put many beyond our reach.

 

[Doonhamer7]

It’s all too easy
1. Sign pereira, sessingion and origi (covers goal scoring midfielder, lob and striker - that will probably cost part of £60m but I don’t think any of them are huge wages (unlike Abraham’s of the world) and all have track record in premiership
2. Release / sell non players - Duffy, Ryan. Localised, Ali j, - gets some funds and reduce wage bill
3. Integrate new players / loans into 1st team - caceido, both polish lads, oestegard, Clarke into first team

 

[Justice]

Agreed, but I was saying we should have taken a punt last summer on him when he went to Brentford for £5m. How much would he now cost us? £30m to £35m if you believe some of the papers. Can't see us paying figures in that region.

Big jump from league 1 to the PL, He probably needed a Championship season to develop.

 

[saafend_seagull]

> Get rid of Ali J, locadia, izqueirdo, andone, propper, connolly (loan to champ)

> sign goal scoring midfielder

> sign striker for 35-40m


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[warmleyseagull]

- finishing

- finishing

- finishing

 

[amexer]

Have now had 4 seasons of fighting relegation and to improve big decisions have to be made. Potters way of keep improving will not be the solution. Our squad must be strong enough for Gross to not play at WB, White at RB and Burn at LB or WB A goal scorer is obvious but will be hard to find. Dont know why he didnt look at Zaqiri once we were safe. When March was playing ok as WB many were saying this was because of defensive work but not good enough in attack. I agree and think we need an upgrade. A left back needed.. Although Bissouma has been our Defensive midfielder he has also the only one who drives forward to set up attacks. Need someone to do this role and get close to forwards, Not sure if Lalana has the engine for this To sum up to go forward need a CF, Attacking midfielder, LWB and a LB