May as well get going with this since with Sullivan at the helm, season ticket renewals slow, and the football vacuum to commence, this will soon be all the "news" there is.
Can Potter and MacCauley pull multiple rabbits out of the hat, or will Sullivan 'try really hard' with all of them before grabbing a few aging bargains from Big Willie Salthouse?
Window this close season comes in two parts:
Part 1: 1st June to 10th June
Part 2: 16th June to 1st September
The irritating thing is we DID identify him last year.
And didn't move for him.
I meant identify as a target and go for him, not simply be aware who he is and that he’s available.
Ah, well adding the 'and go for him' is quite key then.
Yup I agree. There's almost a growing laundry list of players we were interested in or linked with but never pursued when they were comparative peanuts but then went on to become very good, very expensive players.
Two of them just arrived at Arsenal and Liverpool right now, indeed.
This is exactly my point about bad business. We are not in a position to bully clubs for their best players, like Liverpool and Arsenal. We can’t afford it, as if it doesn’t work out there isn’t a second tier of clubs that will take our cast offs, like Chelsea Arsenal etc. We need to be the club that takes the gamble, like Palace, Brighton and Bournemouth and sell to the big clubs.
A good example was Alfie Mawson at Swansea, as soon as he was in form we were linked with him and his value went up from an initial rumour of a 20m bid, to Swansea wanting 50m. He went a year later to Fulham for 20m and was utter shit. At 31 he is playing league one football for Wycombe.
Jaan Kenbrovin" wrote: ↑14 Aug 2025, 16:17
We haven’t got 50m to spend and certainly not all one player. So it’s pointless comparing us to the transfer policy of Chelsea.
Even at 35m Fernandes would equal what we paid for Paqueta or Kudus, who were far more established players. Or a better comparison is he is currently valued almost as costly as the combined fees paid for Wan Bissaka, Bowen and Soucek.
The club needs to be more careful with how we spend money, and need to identify players like Fernandes before the likes of Southampton.
The irritating thing is we DID identify him last year.
And didn't move for him.
I meant identify as a target and go for him, not simply be aware who he is and that he’s available.
Ah, well adding the 'and go for him' is quite key then.
Yup I agree. There's almost a growing laundry list of players we were interested in or linked with but never pursued when they were comparative peanuts but then went on to become very good, very expensive players.
Two of them just arrived at Arsenal and Liverpool right now, indeed.
Jaan Kenbrovin" wrote: ↑14 Aug 2025, 16:17
We haven’t got 50m to spend and certainly not all one player. So it’s pointless comparing us to the transfer policy of Chelsea.
Even at 35m Fernandes would equal what we paid for Paqueta or Kudus, who were far more established players. Or a better comparison is he is currently valued almost as costly as the combined fees paid for Wan Bissaka, Bowen and Soucek.
The club needs to be more careful with how we spend money, and need to identify players like Fernandes before the likes of Southampton.
The irritating thing is we DID identify him last year.
And didn't move for him.
I meant identify as a target and go for him, not simply be aware who he is and that he’s available.
Jaan Kenbrovin" wrote: ↑14 Aug 2025, 16:17
We haven’t got 50m to spend and certainly not all one player. So it’s pointless comparing us to the transfer policy of Chelsea.
Even at 35m Fernandes would equal what we paid for Paqueta or Kudus, who were far more established players. Or a better comparison is he is currently valued almost as costly as the combined fees paid for Wan Bissaka, Bowen and Soucek.
The club needs to be more careful with how we spend money, and need to identify players like Fernandes before the likes of Southampton.
The irritating thing is we DID identify him last year.
And didn't move for him.
It doesn't matter how many times we point this shit out it seems that most people on here once they have done a lap of the goldfish bowl have completely forgotten what the original point that was being made three fucking seconds beforehand
Re: Summer Transfer Window 2025 | Official Thread
Posted: 14 Aug 2025, 16:26
by El Scorchio
Jaan Kenbrovin" wrote: ↑14 Aug 2025, 16:17
We haven’t got 50m to spend and certainly not all one player. So it’s pointless comparing us to the transfer policy of Chelsea.
Even at 35m Fernandes would equal what we paid for Paqueta or Kudus, who were far more established players. Or a better comparison is he is currently valued almost as costly as the combined fees paid for Wan Bissaka, Bowen and Soucek.
The club needs to be more careful with how we spend money, and need to identify players like Fernandes before the likes of Southampton.
The irritating thing is we DID identify him last year.
And didn't move for him.
Re: Summer Transfer Window 2025 | Official Thread
Posted: 14 Aug 2025, 16:17
by Jaan Kenbrovin
We haven’t got 50m to spend and certainly not all one player. So it’s pointless comparing us to the transfer policy of Chelsea.
Even at 35m Fernandes would equal what we paid for Paqueta or Kudus, who were far more established players. Or a better comparison is he is currently valued almost as costly as the combined fees paid for Wan Bissaka, Bowen and Soucek.
The club needs to be more careful with how we spend money, and need to identify players like Fernandes before the likes of Southampton.
Re: Summer Transfer Window 2025 | Official Thread
Posted: 14 Aug 2025, 16:07
by THUNDERCLINT
We had no ihterest in Ramsey, it was just noise from Salthouse to force Newcastle's hand.
We have no interest in Fernandes and knew Soton's price weeks before the " bid".
Both stories were pantomime to fill column inches until, as I told you, mid August when Brownhill signs.
We'd need to shift Alvarez, Aguerd, Areola, Guido and Mavropanos before the books could afford that spend.
Fuck me. You do realise that just two years ago someone (Chelsea) paid £50m+ for a 19 year old from the Championship? And Southampton must know it, seeing as they were the club who were paid it (for Romeo Lavia).
Yeah, but that transfer is now seen as bonkers given Lavia’s fitness record. It has made him a bit of a disappointment, even aged just 21. It’s a salutary warning against paying whopping fees for unproven Championship talent. And, as you say, surely Soton know it.
LOL. Now you're trying to act like you were thinking of the Lavia deal before you made that first statement? It's fucking nonsense anyway. A "salutary warning", as if the injuries he got later were because his team got relegated or something. Don't be daft.
Neither Lavia nor Fernandes are "unproven Championship talent" anyway. Lavia hasn't played in the Championship in his life and Fernandes made his debut there last week. Both played a full season in the Premier League, earning big plaudits there while playing in a shit team.
So, to be clear beyond the dick-waving: you would pay £50m for Fernandes?
If so, fair enough. I don’t think he’s worth that. He looks like a good young player (only seen him 4/5 times). But not at £50m. I think you could get similar quality for less.
But that’s football, isn’t it? Game of opinions for fans.
southbankbornnbred wrote: ↑14 Aug 2025, 14:41
Fernandes does seem considerably over-valued at £50m, especially as it’s legs we need in midfield (assuming Paqueta stays and remains the more creative force).
I get that Soton fans rate him. But we shouldn’t pay that for him. He just hasn’t shown that value yet.
As a marker (and it’s only that), you could lure Konrad Laimer out of Bayern’s stiffs, plus Hayden Hackney, for around £40m - £45m combined. Then you have legs. I’m sure there are many other options, too.
Coincidentally, I had lunch today with one of my company's suppliers. He is a Boro fan. And he said to me, and I quote, "Why are you fucking around Fernandes at £40m. Hackney is available for £20m and he is literally made for West Ham's midfield"
Made for West Ham? 35 years old and injured then is he?
southbankbornnbred wrote: ↑14 Aug 2025, 14:58
I doubt anybody (except equally-stupid Newcastle) would pay £50m for a 21-year-old from the Championship. And Southampton must know it. My guess is they see him as central to getting them back up. But money talks when deadlines loom.
Fuck me. You do realise that just two years ago someone (Chelsea) paid £50m+ for a 19 year old from the Championship? And Southampton must know it, seeing as they were the club who were paid it (for Romeo Lavia).
Yeah, but that transfer is now seen as bonkers given Lavia’s fitness record. It has made him a bit of a disappointment, even aged just 21. It’s a salutary warning against paying whopping fees for unproven Championship talent. And, as you say, surely Soton know it.
LOL. Now you're trying to act like you were thinking of the Lavia deal before you made that first statement? It's fucking nonsense anyway. A "salutary warning", as if the injuries he got later were because his team got relegated or something. Don't be daft.
Neither Lavia nor Fernandes are "unproven Championship talent" anyway. Lavia hasn't played in the Championship in his life and Fernandes made his debut there last week. Both played a full season in the Premier League, earning big plaudits there while playing in a shit team.
southbankbornnbred wrote: ↑14 Aug 2025, 14:41
Fernandes does seem considerably over-valued at £50m, especially as it’s legs we need in midfield (assuming Paqueta stays and remains the more creative force).
I get that Soton fans rate him. But we shouldn’t pay that for him. He just hasn’t shown that value yet.
As a marker (and it’s only that), you could lure Konrad Laimer out of Bayern’s stiffs, plus Hayden Hackney, for around £40m - £45m combined. Then you have legs. I’m sure there are many other options, too.
Coincidentally, I had lunch today with one of my company's suppliers. He is a Boro fan. And he said to me, and I quote, "Why are you fucking around Fernandes at £40m. Hackney is available for £20m and he is literally made for West Ham's midfield"
I agree.
It’s not that I don’t rate Fernandes. I just think Hackney is a good and hard-working player with quality on the ball, for a lot less, and probably ready to play in the first team. Put a tough, quicker holding player alongside him and Paqueta, and you’ve got a midfield trio.
southbankbornnbred wrote: ↑14 Aug 2025, 14:41
Fernandes does seem considerably over-valued at £50m, especially as it’s legs we need in midfield (assuming Paqueta stays and remains the more creative force).
I get that Soton fans rate him. But we shouldn’t pay that for him. He just hasn’t shown that value yet.
As a marker (and it’s only that), you could lure Konrad Laimer out of Bayern’s stiffs, plus Hayden Hackney, for around £40m - £45m combined. Then you have legs. I’m sure there are many other options, too.
Coincidentally, I had lunch today with one of my company's suppliers. He is a Boro fan. And he said to me, and I quote, "Why are you fucking around Fernandes at £40m. Hackney is available for £20m and he is literally made for West Ham's midfield"
Made for West Ham? 35 years old and injured then is he?
Re: Summer Transfer Window 2025 | Official Thread
Posted: 14 Aug 2025, 15:36
by El Scorchio
They key is Southampton absolutely don't have to sell. They aren't like us with Kudus, wandering around with our pants round out ankles, begging anyone to dry shaft us for him. They can quote whatever price they want and if no-one meets it just keep him provided he doesn't kick off (also like Kudus seemingly did, to be fair)
They hold the cards in this one, just like we handed spurs all the cards with Kudus.
Fauxstralian wrote: ↑14 Aug 2025, 15:17
I think we might stretch to £40m for Fernandes as a midpoint between 30 & 50 & that may be enough. Maybe , maybe not
With the Lavia deal Southampton just let Liverpool keep upping their bids over a 3 week period. They finally accepted the 4th bid, which was about 50% more than their first bid had been, by which time Chelsea had bid for him too. You'd imagine Southampton might hope for similar to happen again.
All speculation, but I could see Sully trying to do what happened with Hermansen again - pretend to have cooled interest, look at other options, then come back to Southampton in a week or two with a final offer and tell them otherwise we'll get someone else. If they don't have any other potential buyers they'll probably go for it, as this would be getting close to deadline day.
There's a sweet spot for that approach. Too late and they sit it out until January as they don't have time to find a replacement
Re: Summer Transfer Window 2025 | Official Thread
Posted: 14 Aug 2025, 15:35
by Russ of the BML
southbankbornnbred wrote: ↑14 Aug 2025, 14:41
Fernandes does seem considerably over-valued at £50m, especially as it’s legs we need in midfield (assuming Paqueta stays and remains the more creative force).
I get that Soton fans rate him. But we shouldn’t pay that for him. He just hasn’t shown that value yet.
As a marker (and it’s only that), you could lure Konrad Laimer out of Bayern’s stiffs, plus Hayden Hackney, for around £40m - £45m combined. Then you have legs. I’m sure there are many other options, too.
Coincidentally, I had lunch today with one of my company's suppliers. He is a Boro fan. And he said to me, and I quote, "Why are you fucking around Fernandes at £40m. Hackney is available for £20m and he is literally made for West Ham's midfield"
Re: Summer Transfer Window 2025 | Official Thread
Posted: 14 Aug 2025, 15:35
by southbankbornnbred
Lavia can’t play two games a week - so was deregistered in Europe by Chelsea last season. He’s not an advert for paying big in the Championship, despite his obvious talent.
Re: Summer Transfer Window 2025 | Official Thread
Posted: 14 Aug 2025, 15:35
by onsideman
Liverpool have just paid £30m odd for an 18 year old centre back I've never heard of. Likewise Bournemouth for Diakite. £40m for Ramsay... £30m for Dewsbury-Hall. Nothing comes cheap unless you pick them up at an earlier stage... and that's something we've proved to be spectacularly shit at
Fauxstralian wrote: ↑14 Aug 2025, 15:17
I think we might stretch to £40m for Fernandes as a midpoint between 30 & 50 & that may be enough. Maybe , maybe not
I’d like to see him and the Lille player but it’s Sullivan (short arms, deep pockets , complete cսnt) that is running the show
Bung in Ward-Prowse into the deal and maybe that swings it!
southbankbornnbred wrote: ↑14 Aug 2025, 14:58
I doubt anybody (except equally-stupid Newcastle) would pay £50m for a 21-year-old from the Championship. And Southampton must know it. My guess is they see him as central to getting them back up. But money talks when deadlines loom.
Fuck me. You do realise that just two years ago someone (Chelsea) paid £50m+ for a 19 year old from the Championship? And Southampton must know it, seeing as they were the club who were paid it (for Romeo Lavia).
Yeah, but that transfer is now seen as bonkers given Lavia’s fitness record. It has made him a bit of a disappointment, even aged just 21. It’s a salutary warning against paying whopping fees for unproven Championship talent. And, as you say, surely Soton know it.
Re: Summer Transfer Window 2025 | Official Thread
Posted: 14 Aug 2025, 15:31
by Jean-Luc Paul Goddard
Fauxstralian wrote: ↑14 Aug 2025, 15:17
I think we might stretch to £40m for Fernandes as a midpoint between 30 & 50 & that may be enough. Maybe , maybe not
With the Lavia deal Southampton just let Liverpool keep upping their bids over a 3 week period. They finally accepted the 4th bid, which was about 50% more than their first bid had been, by which time Chelsea had bid for him too. You'd imagine Southampton might hope for similar to happen again.
All speculation, but I could see Sully trying to do what happened with Hermansen again - pretend to have cooled interest, look at other options, then come back to Southampton in a week or two with a final offer and tell them otherwise we'll get someone else. If they don't have any other potential buyers they'll probably go for it, as this would be getting close to deadline day.
Fauxstralian wrote: ↑14 Aug 2025, 15:17
I think we might stretch to £40m for Fernandes as a midpoint between 30 & 50 & that may be enough. Maybe , maybe not
I’d like to see him and the Lille player but it’s Sullivan (short arms, deep pockets , complete cսnt) that is running the show
Bung in Ward-Prowse into the deal and maybe that swings it!
