| Transfer expectations 16:56 - May 11 with 2798 views | ottovonbismark |
I'm posting this in part to see what people think in terms of transfers this summer, mainly incoming of course.
I've read a few threads on this topic and most seem fairly grounded in reality. Whoever is in charge of recruitment at ITFC this summer certainly has their work cut out for them. It's going to be an incredibly difficult market, further complicated and maybe delayed by the WC, teams waiting to see who performs well etc.
If we get 4 to 5 key positions covered, centre forward x 2 at a minimum, a partner for Matusiwa in CM, a decent CB and keeper I'd nearly be happy with that.
Thoughts? |  | | |  |
| Transfer expectations on 16:58 - May 11 with 2376 views | NedPlimpton |
Not sure about the grounded in reality comment. I think most people that are currently speculating are expecting/wanting loads of former players and a few free transfers that are way out of our league! |  | | |
| Transfer expectations on 17:06 - May 11 with 2333 views | Marshalls_Mullet |
We should not be waiting to see who performs well at the WC. That should not be a consideration.
Hopefully out preferred targets have been long identified. The tricky bit is landing them. |  |
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| Transfer expectations on 17:10 - May 11 with 2296 views | J2BLUE |
You do have to wonder about the expectation levels when people were saying they wouldn't want someone like Soucek.
A couple of people have suggested Bowen as well... |  | | |
| Transfer expectations on 17:13 - May 11 with 2268 views | Wright1 |
I am very confident that making just those 5 signings wouldn't be anywhere near enough to keep us up - as such I wouldn't be happy with it and I doubt the club would be either. We are looking at double that amount of incomings. | | | |
| Transfer expectations on 17:21 - May 11 with 2215 views | Illinoisblue |
My expectation is we have a much better summer of signings than we did last time we went up. We need to unearth some cheaper European/African/South American gems. 3 or 4 quality signings and a couple of top tier loans. And maybe a punt or two on some lower league prospects.
Assume we’ll need to be better than Coventry, playoff winner and one other team. We have a brilliant manager, ambitious and wealthy owners. Now is the time to make a statement and kick on. |  |
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| Transfer expectations on 17:23 - May 11 with 2198 views | _CliveBaker_ |
I think we need to do a lot if we're going to be competitive next season.
We certainly need to invest through the spine of the side, I'd like to see 2 new CM's come in, certainly upgrades at #10, and a couple of 9's. Beyond that we will also strengthen on the right, probably add a keeper, and no doubt at the back given we've got 1 recognised left back, 3 centre backs and 2 right backs (neither of which are probably PL quality - although Furlong will have a role to play IMO, he's solid).
As it stands I'd say only Davis, O'Shea, Philogene, Clarke and maybe Matusiwa at a push you would want starting too many games at that level. We have another 8-10 on top of that as bench & squad players (Walton, Greaves, Furlong, McAteer, Hirst, maybe Nunez etc), but we certainly need at least 8 in who are of a higher level than what we have, as a minimum.
Specifically I'd like to see us target Flemming, had a great season for Burnley and was excellent for Millwall. Versatile to play in the 10 or 9 too. Hackney is another obvious one, he would be a great signing for us but will have other offers. I wonder if we'll be in for Ward-Prowse, he would bring some top flight experience. |  | | |
| Transfer expectations on 17:34 - May 11 with 2101 views | Marshalls_Mullet |
| Transfer expectations on 17:23 - May 11 by _CliveBaker_ |
I think we need to do a lot if we're going to be competitive next season.
We certainly need to invest through the spine of the side, I'd like to see 2 new CM's come in, certainly upgrades at #10, and a couple of 9's. Beyond that we will also strengthen on the right, probably add a keeper, and no doubt at the back given we've got 1 recognised left back, 3 centre backs and 2 right backs (neither of which are probably PL quality - although Furlong will have a role to play IMO, he's solid).
As it stands I'd say only Davis, O'Shea, Philogene, Clarke and maybe Matusiwa at a push you would want starting too many games at that level. We have another 8-10 on top of that as bench & squad players (Walton, Greaves, Furlong, McAteer, Hirst, maybe Nunez etc), but we certainly need at least 8 in who are of a higher level than what we have, as a minimum.
Specifically I'd like to see us target Flemming, had a great season for Burnley and was excellent for Millwall. Versatile to play in the 10 or 9 too. Hackney is another obvious one, he would be a great signing for us but will have other offers. I wonder if we'll be in for Ward-Prowse, he would bring some top flight experience. |
I would agree with a lot of this. And theres even question marks over the 4/5 that you mention as starters. I think O'Shea and Davis would benefit from an experienced, expensive top level CB to help guide them through matches.
Matusiwa has been amazing, but I'm not convinced he is a certain starter either. | |
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| Transfer expectations on 17:45 - May 11 with 2010 views | _CliveBaker_ |
| Transfer expectations on 17:34 - May 11 by Marshalls_Mullet |
I would agree with a lot of this. And theres even question marks over the 4/5 that you mention as starters. I think O'Shea and Davis would benefit from an experienced, expensive top level CB to help guide them through matches.
Matusiwa has been amazing, but I'm not convinced he is a certain starter either. |
I think O'Shea is firmly a PL player, but agree about someone alongside him. DO'S is a good captain and well integrated now after 2 years, he'll also be stepping into his 4th season at that level so has a bit of experience. Playing well for Ireland too and approaching his prime years, I think he's the 1 I would confidently say wouldn't look out of place in most sides outside the top 6 at that level. Greaves would be a strong and versatile bench option, and perhaps a handy different left back profile to utilise at times, but a top left sided CB next to O'Shea would be near the top of my list this summer.
I think we're woefully short in the CM. I'd worry about Matusiwa's speed of thought and execution on the ball, we've seen how good he is off it and he might surprise me, but even this season he's looked a bit limited at times in possession IMO. | | | |
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| Transfer expectations on 17:50 - May 11 with 1962 views | surreyblue |
| Transfer expectations on 17:34 - May 11 by Marshalls_Mullet |
I would agree with a lot of this. And theres even question marks over the 4/5 that you mention as starters. I think O'Shea and Davis would benefit from an experienced, expensive top level CB to help guide them through matches.
Matusiwa has been amazing, but I'm not convinced he is a certain starter either. |
Im not sure the framework of starters plus back up works next season either. More a framework of 15-17 players that are largely interchangeable and will start the majority of matches, plus 8-10 that act as backup in case of injury, drastic loss of form or tactical changes.
The five listed fall into that first camp. Potentially also Greaves. But probably need a GK, RB CB, 2x CM, 2x AM, 2x ST at minimum to flesh that out.
Walton, Furlong, Kipre, Taylor, Nunez, McAteer, Mehmeti, Walle Egeli, Hirst, plus an LB and 3rd choice GK probably rounds the squad off. | | | |
| Transfer expectations on 18:08 - May 11 with 1819 views | algy |
| Transfer expectations on 17:50 - May 11 by surreyblue |
Im not sure the framework of starters plus back up works next season either. More a framework of 15-17 players that are largely interchangeable and will start the majority of matches, plus 8-10 that act as backup in case of injury, drastic loss of form or tactical changes.
The five listed fall into that first camp. Potentially also Greaves. But probably need a GK, RB CB, 2x CM, 2x AM, 2x ST at minimum to flesh that out.
Walton, Furlong, Kipre, Taylor, Nunez, McAteer, Mehmeti, Walle Egeli, Hirst, plus an LB and 3rd choice GK probably rounds the squad off. |
Think recruitment this year needs to bear in mind that staying up may beyond us, and as we did in summer 2024 and the following midseason window recruit towards bouncing back. 3 promotions in 4 years has gone down well. Be ready for 4 in 6 perhaps as Champions rather than runners-up. | |
| Never forget that on 7th. April 2021, for ITFC, the Game Changed. |
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| Transfer expectations on 18:17 - May 11 with 1770 views | Swansea_Blue |
I think we need shedloads. Considering several in the squad were bought for the PL and failed miserably, we need upgrades all over the pitch. But it’s a balancing act between new players and not too much disruption, not that we had a lot of team cohesion on the ball this season but we’re generally well organised off it. |  |
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| Transfer expectations on 18:42 - May 11 with 1652 views | Superblue95 |
1 keeper
1 right back
1 centre back
2 centre mids
1 right winger
1 number 10
2 strikers
The above would fill the obvious gaps in the squad for me. Aim for quality over quantity as we aren’t going to accumulate 20+ premier league level players immediately.
The likes of Nunez, Mehmeti, Greaves, Walton, Taylor and Johnson probably won’t be good enough (or have already shown they aren’t good enough) but will be needed for depth |  |
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| Transfer expectations on 18:49 - May 11 with 1608 views | Jon_456 |
If we only sign 4-5 players this summer we will be relegated by March.
From the team we had two seasons ago, we’ve lost Omari & Delap and replaced Morsy with Matusiwa. So we need to sign two top players before we’re even on par with our team that rarely looked like winning last time.
We realistically need at least 6-7 permanent signings and 3-4 top loans. | | | |
| Transfer expectations on 18:57 - May 11 with 1577 views | armchaircritic59 |
I don't know about reality, but there's one thing I do know. If we don't have a genuine PL quality player in every position and on the bench too, it will be hello again to the Championship in 27/28, and you can imagine the warm welcome we'll receive from everyone there! It's a very simple equation, we're in with the big boys again, to compete you have to play big boy games. Over to you recruitment, let's see what you're made of. |  | | |
| Transfer expectations on 19:58 - May 11 with 1438 views | ottovonbismark |
| Transfer expectations on 18:57 - May 11 by armchaircritic59 |
I don't know about reality, but there's one thing I do know. If we don't have a genuine PL quality player in every position and on the bench too, it will be hello again to the Championship in 27/28, and you can imagine the warm welcome we'll receive from everyone there! It's a very simple equation, we're in with the big boys again, to compete you have to play big boy games. Over to you recruitment, let's see what you're made of. |
I just think it's almost impossible to succeed when you're a newly promoted club, the stats bear this out, even allowing for Sunderland and Leeds.
I remember the last PL campaign being defined by one word - gelling.
This time will be the exact same, and we may not have the same manager at the start of the season. (Pure speculation at the moment but it's in the background).
I think we will probably sign quite a few unproven Pl players, we won't have much of a choice really, and after that it's down to the coaching staff etc.
A tough prospect ahead, but I'd rather be in our position at the moment than Leicester. | | | |
| Transfer expectations on 09:28 - May 12 with 1041 views | LegendofthePhoenix |
Here are my thoughts:
Position Surname 1st Name
GK1
GK2 Walton Christian
GK3 Palmer Alex
RB1
RB2 Furlong Darnell
LB1 Davis Leif
LB2
CB1 O'Shea Dara
CB2 Greaves Jacob
CB3
CB4 Kipre Cedric
CM1
CM2 Matusiwa Azor
CM3
CM4 Taylor Jack
RW1
RW2 McAteer Casey
LW1 Clarke Jack
LW2 Philiogene Jaden
No 10 1
No 10 2 Nunez Marcelino
CF1
CF2
CF3 Hirst George
Utility Johnson Ben
U21 Egeli Sindre Walle
Essentially 2 players for each position. It's harsh, but that's a squad of 25 + 1 x U21 and only 4 are shown as our preferred starter in those positions - the others are competition, e.g. CM3 and CM4 compete with CM 1 &2.
That's 10 new players needed of which 6 would be starters. I love Wes like I love Chappers, but he isn't getting younger, so I've left him out.
On a positive note, every single player in our current 25 is at least good enough t be a 1st choice starter in most mid table Championship teams. That is a big difference from 2 years ago, where a few in our squad were more L1 or L2 level. So we should get decent fees for the players we need to move on.
A caveat - players coming in might be better on paper, but our defensive unit was really strong for the last few months, so there's an argument for keeping the entire defensive unit intact. But that is something for McKenna to assess in pre-season. [Post edited 12 May 9:31]
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| Transfer expectations on 09:35 - May 12 with 992 views | TRUE_BLUE123 |
| Transfer expectations on 18:42 - May 11 by Superblue95 |
1 keeper
1 right back
1 centre back
2 centre mids
1 right winger
1 number 10
2 strikers
The above would fill the obvious gaps in the squad for me. Aim for quality over quantity as we aren’t going to accumulate 20+ premier league level players immediately.
The likes of Nunez, Mehmeti, Greaves, Walton, Taylor and Johnson probably won’t be good enough (or have already shown they aren’t good enough) but will be needed for depth |
Spot on |  |
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| Transfer expectations on 09:36 - May 12 with 979 views | Yppswyche |
| Transfer expectations on 09:28 - May 12 by LegendofthePhoenix |
Here are my thoughts:
Position Surname 1st Name
GK1
GK2 Walton Christian
GK3 Palmer Alex
RB1
RB2 Furlong Darnell
LB1 Davis Leif
LB2
CB1 O'Shea Dara
CB2 Greaves Jacob
CB3
CB4 Kipre Cedric
CM1
CM2 Matusiwa Azor
CM3
CM4 Taylor Jack
RW1
RW2 McAteer Casey
LW1 Clarke Jack
LW2 Philiogene Jaden
No 10 1
No 10 2 Nunez Marcelino
CF1
CF2
CF3 Hirst George
Utility Johnson Ben
U21 Egeli Sindre Walle
Essentially 2 players for each position. It's harsh, but that's a squad of 25 + 1 x U21 and only 4 are shown as our preferred starter in those positions - the others are competition, e.g. CM3 and CM4 compete with CM 1 &2.
That's 10 new players needed of which 6 would be starters. I love Wes like I love Chappers, but he isn't getting younger, so I've left him out.
On a positive note, every single player in our current 25 is at least good enough t be a 1st choice starter in most mid table Championship teams. That is a big difference from 2 years ago, where a few in our squad were more L1 or L2 level. So we should get decent fees for the players we need to move on.
A caveat - players coming in might be better on paper, but our defensive unit was really strong for the last few months, so there's an argument for keeping the entire defensive unit intact. But that is something for McKenna to assess in pre-season. [Post edited 12 May 9:31]
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Hard to argue with this sensible summary, if we remove the last modicum of sentiment though I could see Hirst going and and 3rd #10 in his place. |  | | |
| Transfer expectations on 09:37 - May 12 with 979 views | BseaBlue |
| Transfer expectations on 17:10 - May 11 by J2BLUE |
You do have to wonder about the expectation levels when people were saying they wouldn't want someone like Soucek.
A couple of people have suggested Bowen as well... |
I'd take Soucek in a hearbeat.
Sunderland landed Xhaka and it was a masterstoke. If we are able to pull off someone with that amount of Premier League experience it could be huge. Phillips was meant to be that last time round but it just didn't work.
Someone else mentioned Wan Bissaka as someone Kieran wants which I would be delighted with for the same reasons.
I think we need at least 12 in to be honest and I know some will say that is too many but again, look at Sunderland and the business they have done to stay up comfortably. [Post edited 12 May 9:41]
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| Transfer expectations on 09:45 - May 12 with 927 views | rickw |
I think a lot on here are making too many new signings, and by the time they gel half way through the season it will be too late! Last time we made too many new signings, most who didn't improve us and we lost those patterns of play so well drilled into the team which won 2 promotions. This season we were poor at the start but gradually improved as we went on.
For players looking to start or make an instant impact I would sign 2 x ST, 1 x CM, 1 x RW and 1 more CM/CAM. Then other players in other positions look again in January, but I think if we can get genuine quality in each of those positions who all improve us then the team continuity will be better than a whole new team |  |
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| Transfer expectations on 09:54 - May 12 with 884 views | TRUE_BLUE123 |
| Transfer expectations on 09:45 - May 12 by rickw |
I think a lot on here are making too many new signings, and by the time they gel half way through the season it will be too late! Last time we made too many new signings, most who didn't improve us and we lost those patterns of play so well drilled into the team which won 2 promotions. This season we were poor at the start but gradually improved as we went on.
For players looking to start or make an instant impact I would sign 2 x ST, 1 x CM, 1 x RW and 1 more CM/CAM. Then other players in other positions look again in January, but I think if we can get genuine quality in each of those positions who all improve us then the team continuity will be better than a whole new team |
Why does it have to be half way through the new season before they gel ? | |
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| Transfer expectations on 10:01 - May 12 with 841 views | jas0999 |
We need significantly more than five signings. 10 minimum as we need depth. Few of our current squad are good enough to start and we need much better just to stand a chance of staying up. | | | |
| Transfer expectations on 10:05 - May 12 with 826 views | baxterbasics |
| Transfer expectations on 10:01 - May 12 by jas0999 |
We need significantly more than five signings. 10 minimum as we need depth. Few of our current squad are good enough to start and we need much better just to stand a chance of staying up. |
I think five is the max we can expect in terms of big-name marquee signings that you'd expect to start most games. That alone would probably exhaust the kitty.
The rest will be filler/bench options/speculative prospects we can pick up on the cheap and bring some depth. |  |
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| Transfer expectations on 10:39 - May 12 with 718 views | WolfieAtTheBack |
The signings for me this summer are going to dictate where the club sees it self over the next few seasons.
If we start signing Azeez, Hackney and what have you then they do not think it is realistic to stay in the top flight, these players are not good enough to beat a Palace or a Brighton never mind take a game to Man City, Arsenal it not even be a game.
The fact is some clubs just don't have the people on board to get to the top level, like any business everything has a ceiling.
We all know about Ashton, if you are a top, top tier football industry professional at a really really high level would you deal with him, who knows but he is the main cog in the wheel and jury is well out on him right now to deliver what it takes to be a sustainable top class outfit, | | | |
| Transfer expectations on 10:46 - May 12 with 678 views | Len_Brennan |
Most posts on potential transfer requirements are operating on the assumption that we will be playing in the same McKenna 4-2-3-1 formation that we start & almost always have finished with this season, but I think it's unlikely to be the case given the quality of opposition we'll be facing next season. Additionally, it's not even a 100% certainty that he will still be our manager come August.
If we are going to move to 3 at the back, we will need to sign 2 new centre halves, even if one of them will be the kind of Tuanzebe hybrid role. Similarly, we may need to recognise that playing 3 in midfield will be needed against the top PL sides, so 2 new quality centre mids will be needed, even with Matusiwa in the holding/defensive role.
2 centre forwards that can finish, as well & battle & link, are an absolute must also.
After those, a goalkeeper, a RB, a LB, a RW & a #10 will also be needed, although I see us returning to the 2 #10s system that we had in L1 with Chaplin & Harness, in order to accommodate the 3 at the back or 3 in midfield. | |
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