26 Jul 2026 08:18:52
Ed001 where do you think our transfer priorities lie going into the new season? It's clear we are looking at a versatile winger but do we need 2?
Also do you think we need another CB with experience or do we go with VVD, Jaquet, Leoni and the youngsters who I have to say looked quite good earlier today against Sunderland.
Striker wise Isak looks to be the only striker option with Ekitike a good way off being recovered from injury?
{Ed001's Note - it depends on how you view it, we do defo need 1 versatile winger, but a second would strengthen the squad (possibly team depending on who it was) but I would say that one is priority.
Again, it would be nice to have an experienced defender, but it is not the flat out urgent need, which is clearly a right-back. After that, I think the biggest hole in the squad is some bite in the centre of midfield. Then for me, we then need a forward, preferably a versatile one who can play across the front line. A centre-back would be next.
The big question is which of those gaps in the squad does Iraola see players in and around the squad that he believes can be developed to fill those gaps. That can change everything.}
27 Jul 2026 10:48:20
I'd say RB and CB are the potential holes.
RB - can Ramsey and Frimpong cover that gap until Bradley is fully match fit?
CB - VVD and Jacquet are the starters. Leoni is backup when he is match fit. Then you have the young lads minus Ndukwe.
We have a lot of players who can play in the front 4 positions and I'm including Koumas in there now.
Do we need an upgrade? I think that would be useful.
We also have a lot of central midfielders, but we need 2024/5 Gravenberch not 2025/6 Gravenberch. We probably need an upgrade in there.
27 Jul 2026 08:21:18
Completely agree Ed001. 3 priorities are a winger, a right back and a defensive midfielder. These are the positions in the starting XI that need filling. As long as the right back can also cover centre back though. You mentioned Kounde a while back, and I think he's a match made in heaven.
If funds allow then another winger and a centre back are nice to haves. These 2 signings would allow us to loan out either Chiesa or Rio and also leave Gomez in the background to wind down his career/contract without any reliance on him whatsoever.
{Ed001's Note - Kounde does seem to fit very well.}
27 Jul 2026 08:23:52
Agreed Ed01 I wonder if he's taking a long look at Ndiaye, Mconnel, Bajetic, Nyoni and Koumas just to see if he does need to fill all the holes in the squad or could he focus on 1/2 areas and use the youth for the others.
Koumas did look decent at the 9 position and could be a option