07 Jun 2021 22:07:02
Some cracking fee agent deals this summer if the club is willing to slightly increase their wage structure in lieu of not paying a transfer fee. My pick of the bunch would be the following:
GK: Matt Ryan
29yr old Australian international who has played under Postecogleu at major tournaments. Played in Belgium with Club Brugge and La liga with Valencia; over 125 premier league appearances for Brighton as well.
CB: Steven Cook
Ex Bournemouth captain, 30yrs old, would bring good experience to the back line.
RB: Nathaniel Clyne
At 30yrs old would also give good experience to our back line. Only on 19k per week at Crystal Palace last season - surely worth a punt.
CM: James McCarthy
At 30yrs old still think think would be a good bit of business and would be a natural replacement for Scott Brown. Celtic daft and knows what it’s all about.
LB: Ryan Bertrand
Now i think this one would be slightly out our reach giving his last contract was for around 60k per week but would be a fantastic addition if he was willing to take a drop in wages.
I have also read reports that Ben Davies will be available this summer. Would be great if we revised our interest and got him on board for a couple of million; would be a fantastic signing in my opinion.
Would still need another few top drawer signings but would be no bad assembling the above for next to nothing albeit they would all be on circa 30/ 35k I would imagine.
PS: Ed and Paul keep up the good work with the podcasts 👠Cracker yesterday with Gavin and Chris giving their opinions on Ange; great listen.
{Ed007's Note - Thanks mate ðŸ‘
07 Jun 2021 23:08:51
I thought Bournemouth were poor at defending.
07 Jun 2021 23:21:13
KP that’s an interesting and realistic list apart from bertrands wages possibly, I genuinely believe each of those would be an improvement on what we have in respective positions, I’d be happy with anyone of those if signed although I’ll admit I’ve not seen much of Clyne since Liverpool days, would genuinely be interested in Ryan as a number 1 and James McCarthy who everyone says is injury prone but did manage 50 prem games in last 2 seasons but again who knows what wages these guys are on.
08 Jun 2021 00:26:38
Great post KP67, id go for clyne bertrand and ryan.
I like to see a bit of research and optimism on possible future signing and its the main reason i come on here.
. Ill be shocked if we don't take advantage of the frees available this window, given the Quality that's available.
08 Jun 2021 05:26:18
I think we're still to see the best of Barkas but I'd immediately feel more confident with Ryan. Obvious links to Ange.
Cook would be a decent squad player but without Howe I think that's a no-go.
Clyne is a bam.
I've had the exact same thought process about McCarthy. Without Brown he might just add that bit of drive, leadership and dig. The fact he's a solid CM helps too.
Bertrand doesn't do enough in the opponents half for me but this season I just want our defenders to defend. Would be a good signing but can't see it at all.
I've looked at that same EPL released list I think you have KP67 and in Ryan and McCarthy you've picked 2 of my 3 ðŸ‘. I'd add Felix Nmecha to that list. Not sure if this is a mistake or if there's a problem with his attitude but providing he isn't on silly money for a 20 year old and passes a background check get him in. AM with 9 in 19 for Citeh's U23s. Been picked as captain.
08 Jun 2021 11:15:02
Not disagreeing with you. Most are over the sell on age so there will be no resale profit.
We have to buy young and ready to go get them better make a profit that's mainly what Celtic success in the transfer market is about. Our wage bill according to many on here is stupid money not sure how they would even know what any Celtic player is on as they don't. it has to be halved.
Let's look what st Johnston have do with a minimal budget clubs are judge by there success winning trophy's etc so does that mean st Johnston where the top dogs last season with a small budget.
08 Jun 2021 11:59:38
The problem with making a profit in the transfer market is Andy is that often you're left with a weaker side. That's not a success in my eyes mate.
08 Jun 2021 12:03:36
Mostly agree with your views Andy 👠but for me we need a mix of youth and experience. The wage bill is already reduced with Broony, Eddy, Ajer and a few others inc the loans being sold/ going back to their clubs but no doubt, it should be nowhere near 50M per annum.
I think we should look at investing big on the 'spine' of the team which is where the Free agents should come in (inc Taylor in goals) .
Guys like Nisbet from Hibs and some other younger players who have already have regular first team football under their belts and can come on and change games should be bought to make up the first team squad.
After his antics last season I'd offer LG 'pay as you play' as we need Strikers or potentially a swap deal for player (s) at Hibs if he doesn't like the terms. He's supposed to be on 15K a week and I'd be surprised if Ange hasn't already done his homework on Griff, we'll see.
The X factor here could be players from Asia (Australia, Korea and Japan particularly) the big guy I'm sure will have a list and some could be very handy.
If it's Ange coming in we need to back him 100%, let him pick his own coaches and players (hopefully alongside a D. O. F) but I won't hold my breath. 🤔
Just my thoughts.
08 Jun 2021 12:59:53
Hopefully we can pick up a few gems from Asia and Australia.
08 Jun 2021 13:01:20
I'd usually agree with you Andy but after the disaster of last season I think it's important to get a good mix of experience. Would pay for itself if we won the league for the CL money so definitely worth it.
08 Jun 2021 13:44:14
Offer Griffiths a pay as you play deal - come on Pedro he should have been sold immediately last season when he came back a mess.
He should be out the door and if he had any decency he would refund his wages or give it to charity - talk about a person stealing a wage - he’s right up there.
08 Jun 2021 18:10:38
I would quite like Mat Ryan as he’s a good keeper who is comfortable playing out from the back which is the new manager’s preference however he isn’t a free agent, his Brighton contract runs till next summer, he’s obviously played under AP for his national team, I’m not convinced that he’d come up to Scotland though, I personally think Barkas will get another chance.
08 Jun 2021 20:40:36
Fair doos lads. No guarantees with any of it. I just think gd young players build them up get them up to speed let all the media build our young players up, let's make a profit and go again. We have bought do many up and coming gems then they rot as they don't get a chance as certain managers are not gd enough to show these kids the way and take a risk in them,
08 Jun 2021 20:47:34
I hear you Kev T2 but we're down to the bare bones in terms of first team players and particularly Strikers.
I've got a feeling Ange might tell LG to bolt and bring in his own bhoys.
08 Jun 2021 21:01:39
Leicester are looking at Bertrand. I'd say the only realistic targets would be McCarthy and Ryan. Wouldn't knock back either.