22 Jun 2026 00:24:25
If we can sort out the Diomande and Ratiu deals then I think that's it for now. Once Iraola sees the players he can decide if we need an experienced CB. Chiesa has said he would like to stay but would ideally like to get 1500 minutes over the season. For me if Iraola likes Jones and Elliot then offer new deals.
Both love the club and low wages. Only big outgoings I could see is Macca and Gakpo who would be replaced. Now if they both stay then that's great news. Only contracts that would need sorting would be Dom. Then in 2027 Virg, Ali, Gomez, Tsimikas leave for free.
22 Jun 2026 06:47:44
I agree with giving Elliot a chance. I think his game would suit a pressing side. Jones not so much. Chiesa needs to leave as his body is not suited to the Premier League and that's no slight on him, he just needs a league where he has time and can pick and choose when to make runs.
22 Jun 2026 06:51:16
We need to sell to buy/replace though.
Even last season, when we spent big, we recouped over £240m, I think, or thereabouts.
For me, I would look at moving the following players on:
Gakpo £65m
Jones £25m
Frimpong £25m
Macca £70m
Chiesa £10m
Endo £10m
Total £205m
Buy Palestra or Kayode £50m
Buy Diomande £95m
Buy Sadiki, Sangare, Kone or similar £50m
Buy Scott £65m
Buy Ayari £40m
Total £300m
Outlay £95m (Prem money).
22 Jun 2026 07:29:45
Can't see anyone paying anything for Chiesa, and is Endo not out of contract?
22 Jun 2026 07:39:00
I agree, we are going to have to sell and recoup costs, but our squad is very thin at the moment, so we can’t be selling Gakpo and Chiesa whilst only buying one attacker.
Also, not convinced on selling Macca, World Cup winner in his prime age, and people want to sell after one poor season where every player stunk the team out, not for me, I’m afraid.
{Ed001's Note - one poor season? He is simply not that good, he was poor in the title winning year as well, but scored the odd goal so everyone forgot how bad he was the rest of the time. Please get rid!}
22 Jun 2026 07:45:55
Once the fitness levels are improved, Chiesa will improve, as will all the players in the squad. Let's hope there is a Spanish Inquisition on the training field, blow off all them cobwebs left by Slot and Peeters.
22 Jun 2026 07:51:12
Chiesa will never be a prem player.
He wouldn't get into Everton's 1st team. Why would you want him in our squad?
22 Jun 2026 07:54:35
Chiesa has done nothing. No reason to stay another season.
22 Jun 2026 08:08:53
Our MF is too lightweight - we need 1/2 more robust players.
22 Jun 2026 08:13:42
Shughes, which club is paying those big fees for our players? Endo has one year left. Chiesa, our valuation is too high. Macca, no one is paying in 70m, more like 50m. Jones, maybe Spurs, as Inter don't want to pay even 25m. Frimpong won't be moved on, leaving us with no RB depth. Only real saleable assets are Macca, Gakpo and Jones.
22 Jun 2026 10:33:04
Shughes, do you want to decimate the squad even further? With Mo, Robbo & Ibou already gone plus the 6 sales you listed, we'd be losing 9 players this summer and only bringing in 6, which would be absolutely ludicrous.
No, there's absolutely no way we're losing 9 first team players this summer.
Iraola football demands high intensity. We need to be adding to the squad, not making further cuts. Not to mention, some of those prices are pretty far removed from reality.
22 Jun 2026 11:00:41
I will stand by my original post.
£10m less for Macca than, say, Wharton to us, seems fair enough to me. Spain, Germany would look at him.
Chiesa must go. Endo, ok, maybe £5m. It was just an assessment, mate, not scientifically analysed!!
All of the others seem realistic to me, and I insist Frimpong should be sold. He is complete cack.
22 Jun 2026 14:45:18
Sell Jones for £25m, then buy Scott for £65m...
A stroke of genius that is...
22 Jun 2026 15:42:16
Perhaps that's a accurate reflection of their worth, Kameron. Ever think of that?
22 Jun 2026 23:41:41
Lol.
Curtis Jones over Alex Scott every day of the week, and twice on Sundays.