10 Jun 2026 11:04:01
@Ed001 Do we have a shortlist of names of centre backs we're considering? Is Joel Ordóñez one?
{Ed001's Note - as far as I am aware, a centre-back is not seen as a priority right now. Though Ordonez is one of the ones at the top of the list for if it becomes a priority. We did bring in 3 last season, I know young and inexperienced, but Iraola's strength is working with players and making them better. If Gomez leaves, then a centre-back would become a priority.}
10 Jun 2026 12:19:17
Leoni, Jacquet and who else Ed mate? Can't find the other one?
{Ed001's Note - Ndiaye.}
10 Jun 2026 12:42:35
And another kid same age as Ndiaye from Austria.
10 Jun 2026 13:22:59
Ndukwe, huge lad.
10 Jun 2026 13:50:45
That's right, yeah, Ifeanyi Ndukwe. Made his senior debut last month in stoppage time and won 100% of his 1 headed duels.
We've also got Wellity Lucky & Amara Nallo, but it's probably time for them to go on loan.
Is Luke Chambers' contract up this summer or does he have another year?
Best of luck to Rhys Williams in the rest of his career!
10 Jun 2026 12:32:04
That's really good to hear in my opinion Ed001. Iraola got a very young partnership of Huijsen and Zabarnyi looking like an experienced Premier League duo. Giovanni Leoni (19), Jeremy Jacquet (20), Mor Talla Ndiaye (18), Ifeanyi Ndukwe (18) and Noah Adekoya (19) have all been signed in the last 12 months. We've spent approximately £100m on those 5 CB's so we can't just not use them because they're young.
When you then also consider Will Wright (18), Rio Ngumoha (17), Trey Nyoni (18), Milos Kerkez (22), Florian Wirtz (23), Armin Pecsi (21), Ekitike (23), James McConnell (21), Connor Bradley (22), Stefan Bajcetic (21), Owen Beck (23), Alvin Ayman (18), Samuel Martinez (17), Josh Sonni-Lambie (18) and hopefully soon Yan Diomande (19) will have all been signed in recent years, it's clear we're working on a serious long term plan.
On top of that we've brought players through the ranks from as young as 6-9 years old such as Joshua Abe (15), Kieran Morrison (19), Lewis Koumas (20), Luke Chambers (21), Joe Upton (18) and Jayden Danns (20) who hopefully can finally start to push on.
Iraola will definitely have been given the remit to start making use of all this top young talent we've prioritised signing/developing. Of course there is absolutely no chance they all succeed and have long careers here, but I'm certain Iraola has been appointed in no small part due to his incredible record at Bournemouth of making use of and coaching younger players.
10 Jun 2026 13:08:42
A right back would pretty much be my top priority this window, that position absolutely killed us last season in my opinion. Do you see is getting someone in there ed or are they looking for AI to develop the youth?
10 Jun 2026 14:34:15
Apparently we are "scouring the market" for a right back.
10 Jun 2026 14:53:37
The only position that "killed" us last season was the head coach. And thankfully we have replaced him ;)
Jokes aside, I do agree that RB is a priority position that we should look to strengthen. We don't have anyone from our youths who look remotely close to stepping up while Bradley recovers from his injury.
Tbh, I think we should look to replace him entirely.
RW is another priority though, but hopefully Diomande would be the one to fill that gap.
10 Jun 2026 16:28:13
Dracred,
Even when he recovers, Bradley won't be the answer.