£40m Sigurdsson fee finally agreed

Tuesday, 15 August, 2017 306comments  |  Jump to most recent
The seemingly endless Gylfi Sigurdsson saga could soon be over amid reports that the midfielder will undergo a medical tomorrow.

Multiple reports have emerged this evening that a deal between Everton and Swansea City has now been struck after weeks of wrangling, clearing the way for the Icelandic player to complete a transfer to Goodison Park this week.

The Blues have pursued Sigurdsson for a year and seen successive offers starting at a reported £25m rebuffed, including what is believed to have been a £40m bid earlier this month.

The Swans looked as though they were going to dig their heels in over their £50m valuation of their star player, who has missed their last few pre-season games and the season-opener against Southampton on Saturday because of the ongoing uncertainty over his future, but a compromise package of around £40m, with a further £2.5m dependent on appearances, appears to have been concluded.

That would smash Everton's previous club record fee of £30m paid for Jordan Pickford in June — Michael Keane's final price could reach that level as well — as, backed by Farhad Moshiri, Ronald Koeman and Steve Walsh have put their top targets in place.  



Reader Comments (306)

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John Keating
1 Posted 15/08/2017 at 20:31:06
Thank God for that. Now a striker asap please !!!
Gordon White
2 Posted 15/08/2017 at 20:32:55
Yahoo! At last. Welcome to Goodison! And now a striker please
Ciarán McGlone
3 Posted 15/08/2017 at 20:34:26
Can he play right wing back?
Terence Tyler
4 Posted 15/08/2017 at 20:34:59
Hinchcliffe corners are back on.
Chris Gould
5 Posted 15/08/2017 at 20:35:47
Those weeks of negotiations have cost Sigurdsson a pre-season but saved us £5 million.
If that £5 million is needed for another deal to go through then the delay will have been worth it. The fact that we fought so hard, and hung Sigurdsson out to dry in the process, suggests that we have an absolute limit to our spending and every million counts.
We are far from free spending and that's very sensible.
I think once this one finally gets over the line others will quickly follow. Out and in.
I think he'll turn out to be a fantastic signing.
David Morgan
6 Posted 15/08/2017 at 20:37:35
Brilliant player, he will be 28 next month though, so we get four good seasons or so. How true is the McCarthy to newcastle story,for £25m? To recoup some of the money back. And can someone explain to me where Sigurdsson fits into our tactics, what will our best 11 be and in what formation on September 1st?
Frank Wade
7 Posted 15/08/2017 at 20:37:56
Ciaran, possibly left wing back with Giroud on right.
Jack Convery
8 Posted 15/08/2017 at 20:38:47
Sky Sports' links to Moshiri appear to have failed them on this one as the Torygraph broke the story.

That's one of my dream 3. Now on to Vardy and Van Dijk. Come on Koeman and Walsh you both know it makes sense. Still money to come in from Niasse, McCarthy and Ross - £50m plus from those 3, plus another £20m from the Lukaku deal. Money's not a problem then is it.

Brent Stephens
9 Posted 15/08/2017 at 20:39:05
Yes, Chris. And that stubbornness over the extra £5m, if this is what happened, might have been as much to say to any other club that we're not going to be screwed (well, not too much!). Sometimes the long game is more important.
Steve Cotton
10 Posted 15/08/2017 at 20:39:49
Great business.
Terence Tyler
11 Posted 15/08/2017 at 20:40:18
Expect some clubs coming in for McCarthy now.
Graham Coldron
12 Posted 15/08/2017 at 20:44:08
Good news as these seemingly never ending sagas always used to leave us in the shite eg the Dean Saunders and Stan Collymore deals that bit the dust now for Welbeck!
David Pearl
13 Posted 15/08/2017 at 20:45:25
Hope he's worth all the hype. It's dragged on for so long the mystique has left the building. And now for a striker to get on to those crosses?
John Owens
14 Posted 15/08/2017 at 20:47:39
Hope this is true and he's finally a blue! Striker and defender now the priorities.

Need to offload McCarthy and Niasse. I'd get Dowell back if that's possible. Giroud and van dyke would be my preferences. I'd keep Barkley too , he could learn plenty from Rooney and Giroud!

Steavey Buckley
15 Posted 15/08/2017 at 20:49:01
I hope he can add something special to the Everton team because they have been dour of late. The Everton team needs movement and direct threat on the opposition's goal, otherwise, Everton fans will be in for a very disappointing season.
Chris Williams
16 Posted 15/08/2017 at 20:49:22
4 3 2 1 ?

Back 4
Klaassen Schneiderlin Gueye
Rooney Sigurdsson
Sandro or whoever comes in

Tony Hill
17 Posted 15/08/2017 at 20:49:38
The lack of pre-season could be a big factor and I think this feller is poor business, but I realise I'm in a minority.
Kunal Desai
18 Posted 15/08/2017 at 20:49:55
Thank fuck for that, what an episode. Move quickly now and now get a striker and centre back and stop working at snails pace.
Terence Tyler
19 Posted 15/08/2017 at 20:50:21
Frank. According to Wenger he opened the door for Giroud to leave the club a couple of days ago, Giroud turned the chance down saying he wanted to stay and fight for his place. I suspect it was Everton who where knocking on the door.
Michael Burke
20 Posted 15/08/2017 at 20:54:08
John, didn't giroud state last week he was staying put. Think he may have given the badge a kiss when scored (for what good that means!).
Jack Convery
21 Posted 15/08/2017 at 20:54:31
Lets hope this particualr Icelandic Saga has the conclusion we all hope for i.e. Siggy becomes an EFC legend and lays waste to all our foes. I for one think he will.
Tim Greeley
22 Posted 15/08/2017 at 20:54:46
So does he come in to replace Klaassen?! A very good player that adds some grit and some skill. But not pace. Overpriced, but so is everyone else.

And Frank Wade (#7), funny comment – Giroud was born to be a right wingback.

Kim Vivian
23 Posted 15/08/2017 at 20:55:07
Sounds a bit mealy, this, and that's not usual for me, but I don't know why but I am not that delirious about this.

Probably just the protracted saga and hope to Christ he comes up to expectations but playing for Everton is going to be more than a tad different to playing for the Swans. We'll see once he is up to speed but as I say hopefully he will justify his price tag, and some.

Welcome to blue heaven Sigs.

Chris Williams
24 Posted 15/08/2017 at 20:55:26
Should be introduced to the crowd Thursday night.
Daniel Lawrence
25 Posted 15/08/2017 at 20:55:37
He's on an NHS waiting list for a medical now...
Kevin Tully
26 Posted 15/08/2017 at 20:56:23
According to Wenger, Giroud was given permission to talk to other clubs, but decided to stay at Arsenal. Welbeck may be an option. A new striker and a couple more will take our spending near to the £200m mark, but apparently, it's all for shits & giggles because we got £75m for Lukaku. 7th it is then...same old same old.

Disclaimer: We are 7th after the 1st round of games. P. Walling was spotted naked, drinking rum and dancing round a fire on a beach in Cyprus.

Dave Ganley
27 Posted 15/08/2017 at 20:59:48
Really pleased with this signing finally. Saturday showed that we were sadly lacking someone behind the front two to make something happen. Hopefully Siggy will provide the chances for the front men to score
John Owens
28 Posted 15/08/2017 at 21:03:25
Striker is top priority! As I've said before Giroud would be my first choice, he would get 20 a season for us! As for a defender Van Dijk would be my first choice but he's more likely to go to one of Utd, city or Chelsea! Reid from the hammers would be a good choice but can't see much else out there! Koeman wants players who will challenge for a starting place not just simply a squad player!
David Currie
29 Posted 15/08/2017 at 21:03:35
David 6, he is a good player not a brilliant player, hope he is a success. Now we need a striker urgently and a center back.
Good luck to Barry it is a good move for him.
Simon Bradley
30 Posted 15/08/2017 at 21:04:47
Great news! Now, a striker, a winger and another central defender, and we will look (better) than we already do.

Yup, we have not yet replaced Lukaku's goals, and the Sigurdsson deal dragged on, but we got our main target, and have added quality and depth in other areas - therefore its been a massively successful window already.

If we get the three other positions I mention above - fantastic!

Trevor Peers
31 Posted 15/08/2017 at 21:10:02
At last ! We've signed a quality creative midfielder, entertainment guaranteed, him and Rooney will light the old place up, can't wait.
John Owens
32 Posted 15/08/2017 at 21:11:07
Pretty certain you've right Michael but it's clear Wenger is happy to let him go so no harm in making a bid and see what happens! He wins games regularly and that can make a huge difference. He would also help with the development of DCL Lookman and Sandro! I've mentioned before that it was a mistake to let dowell go out on loan! Get rid of McCarthy, Niasse and Barkley and give forest a few quid to bring him back!
Christy Ring
33 Posted 15/08/2017 at 21:12:24
A grea dead ball specialist, and great vision, but what position is going to play? A striker is our no.1 priority now.
John Davies
35 Posted 15/08/2017 at 21:14:39
Great news. Great signing who will strengthen our squad without doubt. A STRIKER IS NOW ABSOLUTE PRIORITY PLEASE MR KOEMAN.
Colin Glassar
36 Posted 15/08/2017 at 21:16:39
A striker (Wellbeck, Dembele, Dzeko etc ) and left sided defender to cover for Funes and Bainsey. I'd like a left winger (Mahrez?) as well but that ain't going to happen.

Anyways, welcome aboard Siggy.

Rob Birks
37 Posted 15/08/2017 at 21:17:16
Don't care that much that Giroux has decided to stay in London. LONDON being the operative word. He's a big time Charlie who wouldn't deem to move anywhere north of Arsenal. His loss
Rob Birks
38 Posted 15/08/2017 at 21:22:04
Spellchecker. Giroud
Paul Ellam
39 Posted 15/08/2017 at 21:23:01
Won't be happy til he's on the official site holding up the shirt!
Great signing though should we see it through.
Striker required quickly now - best options for me are -
Dost
Teodorczyk
Benteke
Dembele
Tom Bowers
40 Posted 15/08/2017 at 21:23:46
Finally and just in time with Man City coming up. Maybe we will see more shots on goal from midfield now. He is proven in the Premier League, unlike Klaassen, who scored a few in the weaker Dutch league, and Gana, who is not known for goals either.

Hopefully the extra striker will come in before the deadline.

Colin Glassar
41 Posted 15/08/2017 at 21:24:20
Rob, they say London has better French restaurants than in France. Wasn't it Desailly who said he wasn't interested in visiting any part of the UK outside of London? Sod him, his loss.
Terry White
42 Posted 15/08/2017 at 21:26:45
Mahrez is a luxury player who plays on the right hand side, not a number 10, whatever that may mean as a position, and NOT a left-sided player. In fact, Kieran Dowell will be that player when he returns from loan next season so I don't see the point of paying multi millions of pounds for Mahrez when we can effectively have have the same player next season for nothing.
Paul Holmes
43 Posted 15/08/2017 at 21:29:02
He's an upgrade on Ross Barkley, whose Everton career is now over! Get in a big centre forward who can hold the ball up and is good in the air.

Once our right full-back/wingback Coleman and flying machine Bolasie are back, we will be great to watch!

John Owens
44 Posted 15/08/2017 at 21:29:03
Colin not so sure about dembele. He's not played in the prem so would be a risk( just like Sandro) Giroud for me he scores plenty and can help develop the exciting young lads we have.
Mark Morrissey
45 Posted 15/08/2017 at 21:38:31
Tomorrows headline " Sigurdsson fails medical " or " Talks break down as Sigurdsson can't agree personal terms"
I just hope we land a Striker and another defender. Here's hoping
Lorcan Walsh
46 Posted 15/08/2017 at 21:39:08
Hrmm - cannot fathom the prices being paid anymore for - let's face it - average professionals. I would have thought that the renowned Walsh network could have unearthed us a gem somewhere on the continent. This Iceman is perfectly suited to a mid table team - not what we need IMHO.

We could have a starting 11 now of midfielders .

A New striker on the other hand...

Matt Muzi
47 Posted 15/08/2017 at 21:39:14
Finally this saga looks like its coming to an end. It's been the only reminder of our former transfer dramas this summer IMO.
We desperately need a target man, indeed I'd say 2 strikers, but who if Giroud wants to stay at Arsenal, I don't know. A left sided centre halve, is another key area we need to get someone in for as well.
I still think we need a left winger & I think we could do with cover at left back.
I think McCarthy will be going, I think Ross will still be with us come September if this further injury speculation has any merit, which softens the blow letting Dowell go out on loan.
I would be suprised if anyone comes in with a purchase offer for Nissse I think he'll go out on loan again. The other player I think could be going is Lennon.
Then there's Robles who I think if speculation is to be believed wants out to get regular first team football. The worrying thing there is the player we're looking at to replace him, may be off elsewhere.
Gordon White
48 Posted 15/08/2017 at 21:40:21
Sigurdsson is the real deal and worth every last penny. Glad we didn't roll over and pay £50 Million though. Sends out a message. Giroud is not an option. He's staying with the arse. 2 more signings and we'll be in business. Need someone who's powerful, a bit of pace, and can hold up the ball. There are plenty of goals in our team already. What we need is CREATIVITY! If that comes with a few goals too, then all the better.
Colin Glassar
49 Posted 15/08/2017 at 21:41:03
John, Giroud has said he's staying so you may as well forget him. 99.9% of all foreign players have no prior premier league experience before they get here so that argument doesn't really wash.

I've seen the kid tear apart some of the best defences in Europe. He's two-footed, fast, skilful and superb in the air. Remember the likes of Forster, Wanyama, VVD etc all cut their teeth is Scottish football before moving south.

John Mckay
50 Posted 15/08/2017 at 21:41:06
I've thought this was a done deal the moment he pulled out of preseason. Smokes and mirrors from the club's.

Just like Lukaku was sold long before he was sold so we could get players in. I think the siggy deal was done but needed time for Swansea to get s couple of deals lined up first so people don't think they got rockafella money.

Barry goes to west brom, chadli to Swansea from west brom by the looks of it and siggy to us, football merry go round...

Now just for a striker, centre back and left back left winger...
Oviedo anyone?

Tony Everan
51 Posted 15/08/2017 at 21:45:16
Sigurdsson' s a great signing..and one one of his main attributes is his dead ball skill.

Koeman will be after a player to maximise this threat, someone like Giroud who can always get on the end of a quality ball into the box.

If it's not Giroud it will be a player with similar style, with some height and a reputation for headed goals as well as being a good finisher.

I only hope they have a few irons in the fire and are keeping their cards close to their chest.

Matt Muzi
52 Posted 15/08/2017 at 21:45:45
Bit of a theory, but I wonder if us letting Barry go to West Brom will mean they'll let Chadli go to Swansea & Swansea finally accept our offer for Sigurdsson.
I know Barry is not at all the same type of player as Sigurdsson or Chadli, but just something that I have just considered.
Gordon White
53 Posted 15/08/2017 at 21:49:53
Colin #41
Spot on mate. Spot on. If nothing else we have learned from Lukaku, it's that we need players who want to play for our great team. They shouldn't need an excuse. Siggy wants to play for us. The other signings want to play for us. Sod Giroud. When Wenger reverts to form and Giroud finds himself on the bench again following sanchez's return, then I'll have an ironic smile.
Tony Everan
54 Posted 15/08/2017 at 21:51:57
How about a one season loan for Diego Costa , before he goes to Atletico. Give us plenty of time to line up a quality CF for next season.
Geoff Lambert
55 Posted 15/08/2017 at 21:52:23
Just seen Costa in Liverpool 1!!!!!!!


And Starbucks as well.

Dave Speed
56 Posted 15/08/2017 at 21:52:45
Siggy is so good he can play anywhere except defence or holding mid. He has the highest km stats in the prem. His skill with the dead ball is well documented. He is, I read somewhere, a naturally fit player, and he hasn't sat on his arse in pre-season. He has been training. The same rubbish was said about Rooney's fitness but I pointed out that he came back early at Man U and trained alone. This showed in his movement against Stoke. He may be thrown straight in against Citeh, and I believe that he will also play the second leg against Split, unless there is some UEFA rule to stop him. He is RK's top target and he's going to play him at 80%-90% fit if he has to. I also think that it is a further 'statement' that will entice some of the other players we have been linked with to look more favourably on coming here. Van Dijk? Giroud? one of the continental players linked? Who knows? Not so keen on Wellbeck though unless it is job creation for the medical staff. Someone said he could be our Sturridge but I don't think we really want that. Joey Barton is a looney but even loonies can be lucid now and again. When he says we should be beating a path to Diego Costa's door I agree with him. Imagine him ruffling the RS feathers in the derbies! It will show them what it's like to play against a cnut like Suarez. I wait to be derided again but it wouldn't surprise me to see him holding up the shirt next to that bloke with the specs!
Roberto Birquet
57 Posted 15/08/2017 at 21:56:06
like for many others, about bloody time is the overwhelming sentiment.

We can focus on the game with Hadjuk. Here's to Pickford showing his best

Gordon White
58 Posted 15/08/2017 at 21:56:58
Tony and Geoff. Not funny.
Well, it is. But it's not.
Ray Robinson
59 Posted 15/08/2017 at 21:57:43
Tony #54, it'll take Costa several months just to regain match fitness. Give wide berth in my opinion.
Jon Withey
60 Posted 15/08/2017 at 21:58:21
Forget Giroud, they need him.

I wouldn't be against Wellbeck as he scores some great poachers goals - but he isn't unlike Sandro in physique and style.

I like Sigurdsson a lot - but the price tag is hard to adjust to - I'll try and forget it and enjoy a great player.

Gordon White
61 Posted 15/08/2017 at 21:58:25
Dave #56.
Well said.
Tony Williams
62 Posted 15/08/2017 at 21:59:42
Still think apart from a striker we need another top class central defender.
Denis Richardson
64 Posted 15/08/2017 at 22:02:19
Fantastic signing!! We've been crying out for quality delivery into the box for years. Also a great FK taker now that Baines' powers seem to have gone.

Am very curious to see what formation RK adopts once Siggy is fit to play.

Well happy even if the price is ridiculous. Also apparently our previous record signing is actually Lukaku at £31.8m, after we had to pay some add ons to Chelsea.

Sean Patton
65 Posted 15/08/2017 at 22:02:56
Not at all Tony @17

I'm not jumping through hoops at this he is not what we need at all the team is crying out for pace and width and Sigurdsson just doesn't help with that.

Anthony Jones
66 Posted 15/08/2017 at 22:02:58
I don't really get this move.

He is decent but we are desperate for a visionary.

Without an orchestrator in midfield we will struggle to catch the top 6.

Dave Speed
67 Posted 15/08/2017 at 22:03:37
Ta Gordon #61. I usually get ripped or blanked!
Gavin Johnson
68 Posted 15/08/2017 at 22:04:37
Relief more than excitement that we're finally getting this deal over the line.

Now we need to sign a striker, My own choice has always been Dembele. The boat has sailed for Giroud, he doesn't want to come and the names being banded around are getting less and less appealing. I think a goal scoring target man is the kind of player we need, especially now we're signing a dead ball specialist, so now Giroud is out of the equation, I'd make a concrete offer for Bentake who is the best in the league for heading a ball IMO.

Failing that, it would be an anti climatic signing but I'd get Islam Slimani who is good with his head and would thrive in a team that play to his strengths. Leicester didn't do that last season.

I don't think Welbeck would be a good signing. He gets injured too much and has never been a striker who plays down the middle and can command the box. Although to be fair, that may be because he's never had a the chance to do that consistently at United and Arsenal. Perez would be a snip at £13m and would be a better choice, if we have to target all of Arsenals strikers before we finally sign one.


Roberto Birquet
69 Posted 15/08/2017 at 22:04:56
Chris Gould 5
It would have cost us a lot more than £5 million if we had stumped up the Swansea asking price. Everyone would know "Everton are pushovers desperate for players and we can ask what we like".

And it is only fair that there is a limit to the amount we pay. It ain't "our" money

Andrew James
70 Posted 15/08/2017 at 22:04:59
Colin

We don't have better French restaurants than in France, but we certainly have more expensive ones...

For me, if we retain Barkley to give the attack some power and it will be good for him to play with nippy, technically gifted players like Sandro, Rooney and Sig, then our attack just needs one more striker to chip in some goals. We've lost Kone, Naismith, Lukaku and Niasse in quick succession and whatever our opinions, they were all senior strikers.

Denis Richardson
71 Posted 15/08/2017 at 22:10:37
Andrew 70: hope you were grinning when you described Kone, Naismith and Niasse as 'senior strikers'.

Realise they were in the 'senior' squad but that was more to do with age than ability!

Brian Furey
72 Posted 15/08/2017 at 22:10:38
I was amazed at some of these numbers from the BBC website about Siggy. Especially the last one.

7 - Since his Premier League debut, Sigurdsson has scored more free-kicks than any other player

8 - Sigurdsson provided more assists last season from dead ball situations than any other player in the Premier League

34 - With 34 goals Sigurdsson is Swansea's top scorer in the Premier League

29 - With 29 assists Sigurdsson is Swansea's most prolific creator of goals in the Premier League

433 - Sigurdsson covered more distance (kilometres) in the Premier League than any other player last season

Joseph Terrence
73 Posted 15/08/2017 at 22:10:54
Pleasantly surprised at the fee from what the media has quoted. I was in the boat of 'pay the extra 5 million' (from a quoted 45m) but at 40m and 2.5 in addons, it looks as though the boards patience has paid off. The fee is still inflated, but 40m sounds much better than 50m, and the plain fact is that he will improve us
Rob Dolby
74 Posted 15/08/2017 at 22:11:43
This deal seems to have run longer than the Riquelme saga. Anyhow how about Ben Gibson Matt Ritchie and Dembele next up.
Neil Thomas
75 Posted 15/08/2017 at 22:13:03
Why do people keep banging on about him having no pace, he is 5 yards quicker than most players in his head. Look at Walcott speed of lighting but got no speed of mind that's why he as struggled fitting in at Arsenal players like Sanchez are three yards ahead thinking
Neil Thomas
76 Posted 15/08/2017 at 22:13:03
Why do people keep banging on about him having no pace, he is 5 yards quicker than most players in his head. Look at Walcott speed of lighting but got no speed of mind that's why he as struggled fitting in at Arsenal players like Sanchez are three yards ahead thinking
Colin Glassar
77 Posted 15/08/2017 at 22:14:16
Andrew, I wouldn't know tbh just something I heard on the telly once. Most of France's top chefs now work in London.

Gavin, Dembele, for me, ticks all the boxes but I doubt we will make a bid for him.

Neil Thomas
78 Posted 15/08/2017 at 22:15:55
Just to back up my comment look at Sheringham, my nan had more pace but ask Shearer who his favourite partner was
Jon Withey
79 Posted 15/08/2017 at 22:17:20
I suppose in a world cup year someone like Wellbeck might be a good fit just because he will be extremely motivated to impress - no good if he is injured of course.

I'd prefer Dembele anyhow.

Jon Withey
80 Posted 15/08/2017 at 22:21:24
It's true that pace isn't everything , Barcelona never struck me as pacy before Sure or Neymar and they won everything.

Still it can't be effective in attack and difficult to defend against.

If we are going to lumber about we definitely need a more effective target man.

Gavin Johnson
82 Posted 15/08/2017 at 22:23:04
Same, Colin. We never bid for players when they seem an obvious choice.
Neil Thomas
83 Posted 15/08/2017 at 22:25:00
Dembele? What cause he scored a shit load of goals in a crap league we're the title was as good as won by Christmas. Then why not buy the whole Celtic team it would only cost us about 60m
Gordon White
84 Posted 15/08/2017 at 22:28:42
Roberto #69
Exactly.
Neil Thomas
85 Posted 15/08/2017 at 22:29:35
That's right Jon Iniesta or Xavi couldn't run but in there day best players Barcelona had. I rated Xavi above Messi as to what he brought to that team
Ray Robinson
86 Posted 15/08/2017 at 22:30:20
Neil #80, Henrik Larsson played on the same crap league for 7 years but was signed by Barcelona! Sometimes players play better with more gifted players around them.
Derek Knox
87 Posted 15/08/2017 at 22:31:47
What a surprise signing, (imminent) I didn't realise, that we were even in for him! :-)

Why ffs, did it take this long?

I think they must live in a different world, than we do!

This guy, to me, is world class, but it beggars the question, who does he replace, in our team?


I know it's one he'll of an outlay, but I do think, in the long run, he will prove his worth to us.

I just pray and hope, that he will adjust quickly to our system, whatever that is!

A bit premature, or belated, welcome aboard, Fulfil!

Neil Thomas
88 Posted 15/08/2017 at 22:34:32
Ok Ray name me another 4 or 5 from Scotland in recent times and I will be happy to take my comment back. And when I say recent I don't mean the 1950s
Dave Speed
89 Posted 15/08/2017 at 22:36:34
Didn't Walcott knock in 19 or 20 goals last season? I'd prefer him to Wellbeck or Giroud, if we have to shop in the one store. However, the way RK is building this team it screams out for a big lad in the Everton No 9 tradition, as our play would not suit Walcott's style. It also fits in with how RK likes to play. That's why he signed Pelle for the Saints and I think he scored just under a goal every 2 games.
Paul A Smith
90 Posted 15/08/2017 at 22:40:13
It will be a great window if the club can now add a top striker and some much needed pace and skill to the team.
Colin Glassar
91 Posted 15/08/2017 at 22:40:19
Neil, Suarez scored a shit load of goals in a poor league (Uruguay) before moving to Europe as did Forlan, Lukaku, Hugo Sanchez, Mikhitaryan, Dzeko to name a few. They all began in what you would call crap leagues.

Very shortsighted comment imo.

Neil Thomas
92 Posted 15/08/2017 at 22:41:45
Dave but how many did Sanchez knock in, and how many of those 20 Walcott scored was in the CL or Premiership? We already have a player of that type in Sandro
Si Cooper
93 Posted 15/08/2017 at 22:44:27
According to Wikipedia, In the seven seasons prior to this one Danny Wellbeck has had 217 appearances and scored 47 goals. In the last two it is 35 apps and 9 goals.
The lad is physically imposing and may have overcome his injury problems but to me it is a big gamble that he will ever be prolific. If Arsenal let him go they will obviously have decided he won't be.
Ray Robinson
94 Posted 15/08/2017 at 22:45:29
Neil, I don't have to. My point is don't dismiss a player just because he comes from an inferior league. Many players go on to have great careers at a higher level. It's nothing to do with whether Dembele plays in a crap league, all about whether he has the potential to play in a better one.
Neil Thomas
95 Posted 15/08/2017 at 22:46:21
Colin don't remember any of those places being in Scotland. And Dembele aint played and proved himself in a decent European league like most of those did before they moved to premiership
Peter Mills
96 Posted 15/08/2017 at 22:47:05
Sigurdsson is a very good footballer, and as such he is most welcome at our club.
Ian Linn
97 Posted 15/08/2017 at 22:50:23
Very pleased, seems we have had a very structured approach to our transfer business and are not scrabbling around for last minute overpriced deal to make up the numbers
Neil Thomas
98 Posted 15/08/2017 at 22:51:15
Ray but as he? We aint a Chelsea or City we're we can afford to splash out 30m on a gamble then ship out at a loss the season after we need a proven top level goal scorer and we need one who can produce right now
Dave Speed
99 Posted 15/08/2017 at 22:52:06
Colin #91 - thanks on the other thread! I agree wholeheartedly that it would be worth a punt for Dembele. Apparently he had PL options but his agent guided him up to Scotland where, yes, he would most likely bang in a hatful of goals for the champions (before the season kicked off!) The lad will be buzzing with confidence which perhaps was the aim, and even if his return was only 50% down here of what he got up there, it would fit RK's philosophy of not looking to replace Rom's goals with one player, but sharing the load through 3 or 4. It would also release midfield players from the burden of looking for the one striker all the time. I've said before that we don't necessarily have to play with a big No 9, as most teams have pacy players with good movement. This enables the creators such as Rooney, Klasson and hopefully Siggy to have more options, especially when the bus is parked.
Gordon Crawford
100 Posted 15/08/2017 at 22:54:05
I really hope he does a great job for us.
Dan Brierley
101 Posted 15/08/2017 at 22:58:06
Happy if this one is finally over the line, but struggling to see how all the midfield pieces fit together. Don't Rooney, Sigurdsson and Klaassen all play as advanced centre midfielders? Can't quite figure this out.
Ian Hams
102 Posted 15/08/2017 at 22:59:43
For those questioning where he'll play does anyone think that both Rooney and Klaassen will both manage 50 matches each?

Far more likely I think that Rooney Klaassen and Sigurdsson would manage 100 between them.

That said a striker required as well although very impressed with Calvert-Lewin so far.

David Booth
103 Posted 15/08/2017 at 22:59:50
Love Sigurdsson, wanted him at Everton for three or four years and delighted we have signed him - but puzzled as to where Koeman will play him.

We appear to be signing players to replace players we have only just signed?

Unless he sees him as part of a front three with Rooney and Sandro, with Klaassen, Gueye and Schneiderlin behind them?

Which would rule out a centre forward coming in?

Ray Robinson
104 Posted 15/08/2017 at 23:00:04
Neil, I can agree with you that we should go for a proven striker but then you are talking Lukaku money - and would he come to us anyway? I think we're going to have to go for an unproven but promising individual such as Dembele because there's no other alternative. I repeat that just because he comes from a crap league doesn't mean he doesn't have potential. That's Walsh's job to decide.
James Watts
105 Posted 15/08/2017 at 23:00:18
At last!! Happy it's finally happening, not so happy with the fee but we have little choice if we wanted him. Should be a good player for us.

Like others have said, Striker, Defending and hopefully a winger now and squad should just be about ready.

And what is with the plums calling for Giroud (who doesn't want to leave), bring back Dowell (what to see in the U23's?), keep Barkley (who wants to leave) and get Van Dyke (who is another way over priced player who wants to play for the RS). Some people can't see the wood for the trees!!!

Tom Bowers
106 Posted 15/08/2017 at 23:01:17
Walcott and Welbeck are not shoe ins at the Emirates and have had their injury problems but both could fill in at Goodison as they are both proven goalscorers at the top level. Welbeck is very mobile and Walcott is speedy.
I would go for either of them if they were available but having said that I think DCL is starting to come along and who knows may make the position his own. He, like Welbeck is mobile,decent in the air and has youth on his side. Given that Bolasie will return maybe sooner than we think and Dowell doing his apprenticeship,so to speak at Forest. the future regarding strikers looks to be rosy come next year or sooner.
There are some tough games coming up and for now I would like that extra something to add to the offence besides Gylfi but time is running out and the powers to be may just stick rather than twist again.
Neil Thomas
107 Posted 15/08/2017 at 23:02:05
Yes Ray some teams don't have big hold up players but like you just said they have pace, but does Rooney,Klasson or Sigurdsson have pace? No so a player who could hold on to the ball and give those 3 a chance to get into the positions those players are known for getting into would be a lot more beneficial
Dave Speed
108 Posted 15/08/2017 at 23:02:57
Neil I take your point. However, we are not going to be able to buy another Rom type, i.e. proven in a top league, as they are all staying where they are or have already been snapped up by the CL teams. If the likes of Giroud are saying "Non!" then we are limited. I believe that Dembele is a decent example of the next tier that we would be taking a risk on anyway. BTW, with regard to Walcott, I don't know the breakdown of his goals, it's just that the numbers sound good, and that's what people on this thread have been using as evidence for their comments. I did also say that he probably wouldn't fit in, it was just an example of who I thought could be better than Wellbeck from the same stable.
Derek Knox
109 Posted 15/08/2017 at 23:04:47
Dave @ 99, I tend, on one hand to agree with you, but as other posters have said, It's one he'll of an outlay, (£40 M'ish) for an untested player player, in the Prem.

Having said that, as far as I know, the goals are the same dimensions, and in the same place, as they are in England, and this lad knows where they are!


We have got money, so let's invest wisely, get him in, and Van Dyke, job done!

Declan Martin
110 Posted 15/08/2017 at 23:07:37
Not overly impressed with Klassaen to date.
Would love to see Barlkey and Sigursson together in midfield - with Scheiderlein behind them and Rooney in front

Just need a couple of decent forwards to complete the equation

Declan Martin
111 Posted 15/08/2017 at 23:07:38
Not overly impressed with Klassaen to date.
Would love to see Barlkey and Sigursson together in midfield - with Scheiderlein behind them and Rooney in front

Just need a couple of decent forwards to complete the equation

Tony Everan
112 Posted 15/08/2017 at 23:07:41
Ian

I think DCL will thrive this season too, maybe too soon to put the pressure of being no1 striker on him ?

Saying that though , the lad is the real deal . His unequalled determination to win and do well will make it impossible to leave him out of the team .

Neil Thomas
113 Posted 15/08/2017 at 23:07:44
Ray I'm not talking about a 25 goal a season 23 year old that would cost 70m plus im talking about a player who could bring our attacking midfielders who got 10 plus goals a season in each of them into the game
Amit Vithlani
114 Posted 15/08/2017 at 23:08:08
Wait. Aren't we a sell to buy club? Where did we get this cash from? Did we agree a huge fee for Barry? Are the injured Barkley and McCarthy about to be sold?

On a serious note. I am glad the saga will be over soon with 2 weeks of the window remaining. The focus has to be on a striker.

Barry Jones
115 Posted 15/08/2017 at 23:10:38
Anyone seen this and know if there is any truth in it?

The Wellbeck "rumour"

http://www.tribalfootball.com/articles/rooney-reunion-arsenal-striker-welbeck-keen-to-hear-from-everton-4194765

Chris James
116 Posted 15/08/2017 at 23:11:48
Yay! Genuinely happy with this.
We do still need a striker though for Siggy and others to feed.
Neil Thomas
117 Posted 15/08/2017 at 23:12:23
Dave personally I wouldn't entertain any of those 2 would be nice to have a player who could at least play half a season on the pitch and not the treatment bed
Ray Robinson
118 Posted 15/08/2017 at 23:12:25
Why on earth do people still bang on about Virgil van Dyk when Chelsea and the RS want him? Without Champions League he's not coming to us, I'm afraid. Look elsewhere!
Ray Robinson
119 Posted 15/08/2017 at 23:15:42
Neil, ok. I'd rather go for an out and out forward.
Bill Gienapp
120 Posted 15/08/2017 at 23:16:37
Thank Christ. Fantastic signing (assuming there's no last-minute hitch), though, as many have said, it's almost more relief than excitement at this point.

Very curious to see how the striker search pans out (if it in fact pans out at all). Seems pretty clear Koeman favors someone who's battle-tested in the Premier League. I was initially underwhelmed being linked to the likes of Slimani and Welbeck, but at this point I'd take either one of them. Slimani could function in a similar capacity to Giroud and Welbeck, while injury-prone and inconsistent, would supply a much-needed dose of pace.

Dave Speed
121 Posted 15/08/2017 at 23:22:19
Neil - agreed. We don't need any more sick notes. I have confidence that RK and Walshy are going to do a Paul Daniels and pull a rabbit out of the old hat and we'll all be happy. Let's see what happens if and when Siggy is wearing the shirt next to the bespectacled gentleman! Once he's signed I think it will make the job easier when our next target, hopefully the proven striker, sees who is going to be providing the ammo.
Neil Thomas
122 Posted 15/08/2017 at 23:26:29
Yeah Dave I trust our management team and like you said seeing the players we have who can provide will only help in our recruitment of a striker
John Mckay
123 Posted 15/08/2017 at 23:26:52
I'd give McCarthy to Celtic and £10m and get Dembele, yes he is a risk but he looks Good, a risk worth taking in my opinion, I'd then go and bid £60m in for van dyke. Test Chelsea and RS Steele.
If either Chelsea or RS not wanna spend 60m then he could be ours, slim chance of van dyke in my opinion he worked with Koemen who brought the best out of him and coming to a club on the up. Think he could be tempted with a good pay packet as well.

Just a few more pieces of the puzzle to solve, defo need someone up top though don't think we quite got it yet looked a bit shit against stoke and the Europa league qualifier.

John Pierce
124 Posted 15/08/2017 at 23:30:09
I'm happy we've signed him just to stop Rooney and Sandro 'effing about at corners.

They were truly atrocious on Saturday, beyond Sunday league. Who has both their centre forwards taking a short corner?

Mike Green
125 Posted 15/08/2017 at 23:30:25
Winner. Winner. Chicken Dinner.
Mark Pringle
126 Posted 15/08/2017 at 23:30:25
Here you go Neil: Van Dijk - Celtic - Southampton- £60-70m potential move now.
Andy Robertson - Queens Park then Dundee Utd - now £10m move to redshite.
Our very own McCarthy - Hamilton to Wigan then to us - now mooted for £20-25m move.
Larsson as prev mentioned- Celtic - Barcelona &Man Utd.

Less successful but big fees were Craig Gordon (who Chelsea tried to buy last season) who went for record fee for gk in UK as well as Alan Hutton going from Rangers to Spurs for £10m.

Very naive comment from you. Scottish football in the doldrums yes, a lot to do with the obscene difference in finances, but to say no good players come from there due to the standard of league is nonsense!!
Stephen Brown
127 Posted 15/08/2017 at 23:31:01
As a slight aside- why do our incoming transfers get reported as the full price including the add ons (Siggurdson 45m , Pickford 30m, Keane 30m) but Lukaku always gets reported at 75m not 90m?!

I don't know why but I find it annoying!

On Siggurdson, I've seen him play a great deal and he is an excellent player who will bring quality to the side!

Mike Green
128 Posted 15/08/2017 at 23:31:35
Boss striker next and we're on our way. COYB.
Ciarán McGlone
129 Posted 15/08/2017 at 23:34:41
Reading this thread.. I'm genuinely concerned whether some people understand that we can only field eleven players at any one given time. I think we'll spend a lot of this season struggling to find our best eleven from a lot of similar players.
Mark Pringle
131 Posted 15/08/2017 at 23:36:34
Neil I also notice you dismiss everyone else's suggestions without offering up any of your own. Easy to say he's crap or unproven or not good enough and easy to spout that we can't afford a £30m gamble but need a proven striker just not Giroud, Welbeck, Walcott or Dembele. Who fits your criteria then?
John Malone
132 Posted 15/08/2017 at 23:42:36
Great news glad to get this one done another proven premiership quality player to go along with Pickford, Keane and Rooney!!

Now we need a quality target man up front and some pace out wide and we have the makings of a decent team!!

COYB!!!

John Pierce
133 Posted 15/08/2017 at 23:43:00
Ciarán,

One less defensive midfielder .here is to hoping.

We have enough midfielders to string across the park. A bit suspect to the long ball .

Barry Williams
134 Posted 15/08/2017 at 23:47:30
This may have been described as a saga, but in comparison with other transfer windows we seemed to have gotten this over the line 2 weeks earlier than usual. There will be a number of outgoings, a few more incomings and only then can we truly assess the balance of the squad. We will probably see a little more of Lookman and there might be another surprise U23 who comes to the fore too. Whatever, it'll be interesting.
Sam Hoare
135 Posted 15/08/2017 at 23:49:08
Siggurdsson covers a lot of ground and is possibly the best set piece taker in the league. In open play he is a pretty mediocre playmaker.

His arrival will facilitate Koemans plan to build a very organized team that works hard and is tricky to break down but also is a team bereft of pace and genuine creativity, a team that will play the percentages and hope to grab a goal or two, possibly from a set piece. 1-0 to the Everton!

Steve Ferns
136 Posted 15/08/2017 at 23:51:29
I hope he proves me wrong. I'll be fully behind him, as I am with all boys in blue. Still don't think he's good enough. Still can't see how he fits into the same side as Klaassen, Rooney, and Sandro.

As for his deadball skills, what good are they with a team of midgets? We need someone similar to Llorente or it means. Nothing.

He can't play in the EL as he's not registered. He could play in the next round though.

John G Davies
137 Posted 15/08/2017 at 23:52:46
Don't play games with the Mosh.
Only ever going to be one winner in this one.
Mr Moshiri and Koeman will get us back dining on the top table.
Darren Hind
138 Posted 15/08/2017 at 23:57:01
When ?

John G Davies
139 Posted 15/08/2017 at 00:00:29
After pre dinner drinks.

I'll have a martini.
Shhhaken not shhirted 😁

Darren Hind
140 Posted 16/08/2017 at 00:02:55
Idle boast will only ever be idle boast.

Courage of your convictions please. where will we finish this season and when will the Zombie football stop hurting everyones eyes ?

Colin Glassar
141 Posted 15/08/2017 at 00:03:41
Don't forget BK John. He will be serving the booze and providing the banter.
John G Davies
142 Posted 16/08/2017 at 00:10:14
Hopefully Siggy will settle in straight away and become the player we thought Ross would.
Pity about Ross but he won't get in the side now
It just goes to show we are wrong when we all thought diamonds are forever.
Brendan Fox
143 Posted 15/08/2017 at 00:12:26
Hopefully this is not just paper talk and we get to see Gylfi wearing the shirt in a presser very shortly.

Not sure where he fits into the current system but is proven quality with a good track record in the league.

A centre forward who can hold the ball well, decent pace, is skilful and with good heading ability will hopefully follow Gylfi very shortly. As to whether this happens due to funds being available and the right player/s being available or wanting to come we'll find out soon enough in what has been the busiest transfer season I've seen as a blue.

I'd suggest either a £15m ish bid if funds are available or a season long loan if they are tight for Wilfried Bony who is excess to requirements at Man City is at a good age, has a good goalscoring record in the premier and other leagues and has a point to prove Pep & Co given how things have panned out for him at City since leaving Swansea.

Some migth not think a signing like Bony is ambitious enough but proven quality in the league, excess to requirements at a rival in a world cup year might turn out a prudent signing if it were to happen.

Jamie Sweet
144 Posted 16/08/2017 at 00:13:57
Going to stick a tenner on Keane being our top scorer this season!
Colin Glassar
145 Posted 16/08/2017 at 00:15:21
Ross will be out until early October John. He's not going anywhere.
Ken Rushton
146 Posted 15/08/2017 at 00:16:12
we have certainly as a club improved somewhat from when we lost a decent manager because we couldnt afford a modest amount to bring in Dion Dublin Our squad is still small if we hope to compete on all fronts. have a look at squad sizes the 6 ahead of us have .R.K. etc well aware we need a proven goalscorer hardest bit of the jigsaw .I think signings to date excellent Will take time for newbies to gel I await with anticipation the next 2 signings hopefully that goalscorer plus another quick player wide Lookman and DCL both look pretty quick to me.What do they say about how Rome wasnt built?
Ken Rushton
147 Posted 15/08/2017 at 00:16:12
we have certainly as a club improved somewhat from when we lost a decent manager because we couldnt afford a modest amount to bring in Dion Dublin Our squad is still small if we hope to compete on all fronts. have a look at squad sizes the 6 ahead of us have .R.K. etc well aware we need a proven goalscorer hardest bit of the jigsaw .I think signings to date excellent Will take time for newbies to gel I await with anticipation the next 2 signings hopefully that goalscorer plus another quick player wide Lookman and DCL both look pretty quick to me.What do they say about how Rome wasnt built?
John Owens
148 Posted 15/08/2017 at 00:16:32
Colin Dembele is definitely not for me! If he was playing regularly in one of the top European leagues that would be fair comment. He's playing on a league where the average standard is league 1 at best! I'd be more than happy to be proved wrong mind!!
John G Davies
149 Posted 16/08/2017 at 00:17:59
I don't think he is Colin. Equally I don't think he will get in the side barring injury.
Colin Glassar
150 Posted 16/08/2017 at 00:22:17
We (Everton) will probably never know John. He'll go to Spurs or Arsenal and end up being a world beater and then we can all lament our lack of vision.

I remember when a certain Kevin Keegan signed for the rs from lowly Sc**thorpe and how we all laughed at them. Or when we signed a lad from shitty little Luton called Andy King. Sometimes you just have to take a risk.

John G Davies
151 Posted 16/08/2017 at 00:28:39
I sincerely hope he does Colin.
Thought he would be a world better when I first watched him before he broke into the first team. Never quite happened for him.
Darren Hind
152 Posted 16/08/2017 at 00:29:04
100m on Midfield players and many would argue we still haven't brought in players as good as the local lads who Koeman inherited for free
Don Alexander
153 Posted 16/08/2017 at 00:38:29
What'll interest me most is the length of contract he signs. I hope it's a three-year one because as far as I'm concerned that'll concentrate his mind, should he need it, on working his bollocks off to get another, top price, contract before nature starts taking its course when he's entered his 30's.

I've enjoyed what I've seen of him because he is a very good footballer with some time still available to become even better. I haven't seen any glaring weakness in him and whilst I'd like a talismanic colossus at centre-forward I think Gylfi will deliver just fine even if we don't get one.

As an aside, top teams regularly have benches with a proliferation of £30mill players on them. 'Tis the weird way of the world these days.

COYB!

So there!

Don Alexander
154 Posted 16/08/2017 at 00:41:49
Darren, even by your standards your latest remark is preposterous.
David Israel
155 Posted 16/08/2017 at 00:42:27
No, Rob #74, the Riquelme saga hasn't ended yet, as far as I know!

Of all the players linked to Everton this summer, Sigurdsson was always my favourite one, and that includes Rooney. He is very versatile and exceptionally skiled, as we all know from his free-kicks, for instance.

I'm worried about the striker, though. Giroud seems to have told us off, Wellbeck I think we should keep well clear of. We could go for someone from the Continent. Who's this guy Dost some of you keep speaking about on here? Where is he playing?

Colin Glassar
156 Posted 16/08/2017 at 00:45:51
I didn't make myself clear John, I was talking talking about Dembele, in response to John Owens #148.

I also think Ross, with a different team and manager, can become the player we all hoped he would become with Everton.

David Israel
157 Posted 16/08/2017 at 00:47:57
On Ross Barkley, Colin, I'll just say this: I hope we are not doing a Steve McMahon.
John G Davies
158 Posted 16/08/2017 at 00:49:11
Sorry mate.
Agree 100% on Dembele.
Can definitely play Prem football.
One we can get as well.
Gerry Quinn
159 Posted 16/08/2017 at 00:49:12
At long last a player that can hit a chuffing free kick or corner past the first chuffing defender!
Kevin Sheedy left Everton a short while ago - he obviously knew that he didn't need to tell Gylfi how to take a useful free kick...
James Watts
160 Posted 16/08/2017 at 00:50:07
Don. For that kind of money it has to be a 5 year contract. Can't imagine the club only giving him 3 years. Investment in his fee is too high. I don't think you'll need to question his commitment and work ethic though as what we know from all the reports he's a honest lad who works his arse off.

Be great to see him finally in blue shirt. A quality player who gives up more options. Can't grumble with this, well apart from the fee that is.

Will no doubt need a few weeks now to get up to speed so wouldn't expect to see him start until after the international break.

PS best ignore darren. He's on one tonight trying to wind people up I think. Yes! Even more than normal!

Geoff Lambert
161 Posted 16/08/2017 at 00:50:30
Darren! Not to far off the mark there...
Geoff Lambert
162 Posted 16/08/2017 at 00:53:17
Just have a look on youtube who Sigi scores against!!!
Utd, City, The Arse, The RS, Chelskie, and thats last season
Darren Hind
163 Posted 16/08/2017 at 00:53:42
I wonder if you had a poll amongst Evertonians, How many would still have Davies and a fully fit Barkley in the starting eleven ?

I'd bet it was a sizeable number

John G Davies
164 Posted 16/08/2017 at 00:56:59
Davies a sizeable number yes,no argument there.
Barkley, afraid not IMO
Ernie Baywood
165 Posted 16/08/2017 at 01:03:36
So it looks like an overhaul in style from Ronald. From playing solely to a single reliable goalscorer to expecting goals from a number of players.

The striker signing (if it comes) will be interesting. I can't imagine he'll be a top scorer type - more likely a solid contributor leading the line and providing a focal point. I'm thinking he'll look a lot like a more seasoned DCL. I can almost hear the disappointment already.

Darren Hind
166 Posted 16/08/2017 at 01:04:00
You only have to go to an Everton game to know Barkley has an army of fans. Yeah he certainly has his detractors too, but I wouldn't be surprised if he came out top in an opinion poll asking who our best midfielder is.
John G Davies
167 Posted 16/08/2017 at 01:05:33
😁

Goodnight chaps.
A pleasure debating as always.

Don Alexander
168 Posted 16/08/2017 at 01:20:47
So according to the thesis of "Hind-sight" all the top-division clubs in the whole world are missing a trick in not striving to sign someone from our reserves to immediately improve their own midfield.

Hmmmm.

Someone, if they're sane, is 'avin' a larrf!

Nick Entwistle
169 Posted 16/08/2017 at 01:31:54
Since when does TW do emojis?

£40m? Wow. As my Utd mate says the Neymar transfer spoiled everything. Its all rather disgusting but the market is the market.

Geoff Lambert
170 Posted 16/08/2017 at 01:34:19
This is good to watch hope to see more of this for the blues...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SRnr0iuXgiY

Dan Davies
171 Posted 16/08/2017 at 02:00:40
F**k me, every time I come on here no matter what thread the same old boring Koeman this Koeman that agenda.

Scratched record. Must be Martinez incognito surely?

John Owens
172 Posted 16/08/2017 at 02:05:36
Never been called a plum before James!! Every player is available and who cares if other teams are interested! Giroud is a proven match winner and would greatly improve us! Dowell should never gone out on loan! We need him now. Koeman is not ashamed to admitting to mistakes! Besides us plums are entitled to an opinion whether you agree or not!
John Owens
173 Posted 16/08/2017 at 02:13:14
Colin only time will tell! I think we need someone with a bit more experience for now! It will be interesting to see if any of the big clubs come in for him if Celtic miss out on the CL
Barry Jones
174 Posted 16/08/2017 at 02:17:51
I just looked at the league table and we are 7th again. Damn, all that money spent and we are no better than last season.
James Watts
175 Posted 16/08/2017 at 02:38:06
But John #172.

Giroud has said he's staying. Putting a bid in for him is pointless.

Dowell has gone one loan so no discussion needed as he ain't coming back this season.

Barkley wants to leave, assuming Koeman hasnt lied. We can't force him to stay.

Van Dyke. Good player but he wants champions league, so even if we could afford to spend 70m on a defender he's unlikely to want to come. It's like the calls for Mahrez. Good player but has had one excellent season, went missing last season when the chips were down and wants champions league. With Walsh's connections yo him there must be a good reason why we haven't gone for him.

I would love a team of world class talent at exorbitant cost but we have to be more realistic.

Also apologies for the plum comment. Just woken up and was grumpy. Wasn't solely aimed at you either. But like I say, I'm blaming 530am morning pre-coffee grumpiness.

David Ellis
176 Posted 16/08/2017 at 02:48:53
John Owns 173
I am surprised you haven't been called a plum more often!
"Every player is available"...er well yes to Real Madrid perhaps
"who cares if other teams are interested"...because it means we are wasting our time if the other teams are offering CL football
"Dowell should not have gone out on loan"...yes he should - he's not yet a first teamer, but hopefully he will be having spent a year out on loan.
But apart from that I agree with everything you say! And I genuniely like you gung ho optimism
John Owens
177 Posted 16/08/2017 at 02:51:59
No worries James being called a plum actually made me laugh!! My dad (a massive blue until his last breath) always told me that if you compromised you had faiiled! I've always believed that he got this from NSNO!! I don't care who we buy as long as they are top quality! Pickford, Keane and Sufi are great examples!

If we see the best we should go after them no matter what. I believe that is what Moshiri is trying to achieve.

I'm in the states at the moment with the family so still nice n early for me. Not back for another 10 days or so! Thank god for wifi and ESPN.

John Owens
178 Posted 16/08/2017 at 03:01:12
David I didn't say every player is available to every club. Neymar to PSG is a good example! The point I was making with Giroud is that Arsenal are happy for him to move on and in my view he would improve our team! Dowell is ready for the 1st team now so bring him back now even if it costs a few quid! We're playing with the big boys now, for far too long we've been plucky old Everton. I would like us to rattle a few more cages. We've got the money and we are a great club to play for so don't settle for second best.
James Watts
179 Posted 16/08/2017 at 03:04:20
Enjoy your holiday John. They do nice plums over there too 🤣
Eric Myles
180 Posted 16/08/2017 at 03:27:38
Colin #41, London is the second biggest French population in the world, only Paris has more French people.
Ashley Roberts
181 Posted 16/08/2017 at 03:40:43
I think Sigurdsson is a good player but I just do not understand where he will play in the midfield system. He does not have the pace to play out wide and so will be better suited to playing centrally behind Rooney and Sandro or the new striker we will hopefully buy. As a result, where does Klaassen play as he is also not a wide player?

Maybe it doesn't matter as Koeman will rotate the midfield. We have made 2 excellent signings in Pickford and Keane who will make us stronger at the back but I do not believe the midfield signings are an improvement on last season and we have lost our goal scorer, so from my perspective overall we are significantly weaker as an attacking force.

From what I have seen of Klaassen who cost £24M, he does not look 3 times better than Cleverley who we sold for £8M. Also I just see Sigi as a like for like swap for Ross who is 5 years older and will cost more than we get back when Barkley leaves; so not good economics.

And where are the goals going to come from, will it be Dembele, Gironde or Benteke. I am not sure any of them will come and none of fill me with a great deal of confidence that they will score 20 goals a season.

So overall, I can only see another 7th position at best with a possibility of making a top 6 but not a top 4. Also in signing Sigurdsson, I am presuming that will mean Tom will be a bench warmer this season which is a big negative as I really see him as the future of the club as we had once hoped for Ross.

Joseph Terrence
182 Posted 16/08/2017 at 03:55:24
Ashley, Sigurdsson is capable of playing on the wings but is much more effective in the hole as a number ten. His results playing on the left, cutting in, are generally good though. If Koeman sticks to the 433 I can see him either playing on the left, or more likely, as a center mid with a more free role as Gana and Schneiderlin will provide solidity in the midfield. The question then becomes what will come of Klaassen as he would then be left without a place in the first XI.
The only other alternative I can think of is that Koeman shifts to a 442 diamond formation - which could explain his lack of winger purchases and could particularly work once Coleman returns to give width through the fullbacks - but he does seem to favor the 433 so I am unsure how plausible this is.
https://www.transfermarkt.co.uk/gylfi-sigurdsson/leistungsdatendetails/spieler/90466
Here is Sigurdsson's career in terms of games played, scroll down a bit to view his career games by position.
Eric Myles
183 Posted 16/08/2017 at 04:02:28
Pure guesswork on my part but I don't think we'll see much more transfer action until the second legs of the CL and EL are finished and Euro games are certain.

That could affect our attraction to the likes of VVD or Giroud (or others) and whether Coutinho pushes for a move.

Rick Tarleton
184 Posted 16/08/2017 at 05:31:36
I hope Sigurdsson is worth the hype, he didn't really cut it when he was with Spurs. Not sure where he'll play if Rooney is playing as the number ten. He's not a winger, and we have a dead ball specialist in Baines if we ever bother to use him.
Sigurdsson may well prove to be the player who'll change things, I hope so. I agree with the comments above(Joseph Terrence) about where this may leave Klaassen. Don't see where there is room for them both and Rooney.

James Watts
185 Posted 16/08/2017 at 06:04:37
Rick (#184). It's a long season assuming we go through in the Europa. There will be plenty of game time for all of them.

I would imagine Gylfi will play any one of the wide left, wide right or number 10 roles. And no doubt interchangeably between them during the games as well. I don't expect it to impact Klaassen too much, more Rooney / Sandro / Mirallas areas for me.

Either way it's nice problem to have as at last we are getting squad depth behind an excellent first xi. Something everyone wants.

Gerald Foo
186 Posted 16/08/2017 at 06:58:43
I honestly don't get the debate on where Gylfi would fit into our starting eleven. For years, we've been looking at envy at other teams that have deep benches and no discernible drop in performance when 'substitutes' come in. For once, we actually can afford to have strength in depth and its a beautiful thing! :)

Who cares how we'll fit Gylfi, Rooney, Klaassen, Ramirez, Lookman, Mirallas, Calvert-Lewin, Bolasie (when fit), and our incoming striker... the point is we have a myriad of options now. With games coming thick and fast this year, we're going to be needing all the options to suit different opposition.

Just typing that list above gets me all giddy as we only had Mirallas from 2 years ago still in there. We've definitely improved the team and with that comes higher expectations. Will there be days that nothing works? Obviously. But we will also have many many days when everything clicks and we can just kick back, sip our beers and enjoy the immaculate sight of our boys in blue in full flight.

We're moving in the right direction and that's all that matters to me. :)

Bring it.

IMWT. IKWT. COYB.

Tony Everan
187 Posted 16/08/2017 at 07:03:07
Yes James,

A long season and we now are close to having a squad which can compete on all fronts. The fact that we can cover injuries and rotate when necessary to keep the team fresh will stand us in good stead.
The whole squad will have to get used to the fact that apart from 1 or 2 , for the good of the team , they won't be starting every game.
So it doesn't matter "who fits in where" it will be more "who fits in and when"

Paul Birmingham
188 Posted 16/08/2017 at 07:35:57
Glad it's done , a Legendary Icelandic/Norse saga. Now for a proven CF, and CB, as if we don't, I see us consolidating 6th position.

If DCL emerges asa true CF, great, but it won't happen in time. Still 2.5 weeks to in the window. Priority plans by SW and RK, remain to be seen in terms of xfers in the days remaining before shut down.

Split should be a test..

Phil Head
189 Posted 16/08/2017 at 07:38:08
Fantastic, now all we need is two extra spaces on the bench for the other two summer signings that play in his position, a left winger, right winger, striker, a Barry replacement, right back, left back cover and left sided centre-back – all in time for the new season... 2018-19!
Andy Meighan
190 Posted 16/08/2017 at 07:46:32
Another midfielder. We'll be that lopsided soon the pitch'll topple over Most fans screaming out for a quality striker and the biggest of the lot a right back and I still can't believe he hasn't addressed them two positions.

Unless... no surely.... It can't be. Sigurdsson hasn't been bought to play right-wingback has he??? Hey stranger things have happened look where Calvert Lewin has been employed at times. And who'll ever forget his masterplan at Anfield in April. Tactical genius, our Ron.

Don't expect Sigurdsson to hit the ground running either – he hasn't kicked a ball in anger for months. No, I'm underwhelmed by this signing. We're crying out for an exciting playmaker, a quick striker, and a pacy right back – someone like Jonjoe Kenny... er....

No, we 'll end up with a Peter Crouch type forward – someone to lob balls into all game. Take it from me, folks, one thing's certain – we won't be easy on the eye... of that, I'm sure!

Phil Head
192 Posted 16/08/2017 at 08:06:21
I can already see how this is going to end up. We're gonna get to the mid-point of the season, Koeman's gonna be still no closer to working out how you fit all these square pegs into round holes. He'll then turn round and say, "these weren't my choice of signings" and then Steve Walsh will take the flak.

Is no one else concerned that we've yet to be linked with somebody no-one[s heard of? I'm thinking I might apply for a position in player recruitment, I could fit it in during my lunch break. Simply circle all those Premier League players in the Monday papers, with the highest performance ratings, then contact the club immediately.

I think I could do that in half an hour, what do you think?

Jon Withey
193 Posted 16/08/2017 at 08:09:39
Can we do that thunderclap thing now at Goodison ?

We had a top striker and he left - so we have to go with potential anyway - Dembele is a decent shout depending on cost.

Peter Lee
194 Posted 16/08/2017 at 08:17:52
Very good player, no doubt. Clubs should buy good players to improve but it needs to fit a shape, a vision going forward.

RK has bought five MF/number 10s.

Yes we need cover and rotation but after three turgid competitive games we still look like the team of RM's third season with a better defence.

RK talked about fitness and press. Well we are fitter but Ruzrmberok out-pressed us in both games for 180 minutes and we hardly tried against Stoke in that respect.

Great to see us having money to spend but can't for the life of me see where it's going.

If we need a big target man, or whatever, you play with the best alternative in his position, DCL, you don't stick him out wide.

Signed

Baffled from Bootle

Dave Ganley
195 Posted 16/08/2017 at 08:19:24
Good to see Darren and Ciaran being so positive as per usual. Young Tom Davies will be a very good player, is a very good player but hardly the same kind of creative player that Sigurdsson is. Tom is more of a get at you kind of player and arriving late in the box, more of a Tim Cahill player rather than Sigurdsson so that comparison is just way off.

As to comparing Barkley, well when Barkley can have a run of games showing he can play consistently then we shall know the answer to that. The fact that 150 games in he still can't show it suggests that comparison may be a long time coming. That and the fact that Barkley has never remotely come close to scoring the winner at RS says he's on a loser from the start.

Welcome, Siggy – most of us are wishing you well if not all.

Geoff Evans
196 Posted 16/08/2017 at 08:24:08
Welcome to Sigurdsson,; goodbye McCarthy and Barkley.
James Hughes
197 Posted 16/08/2017 at 08:31:15
Jon #193 Do you mean this Thunderclap?

Link

Glad we got this deal finally completed, I was half expecting the usual Everton performance. Bluster and apologies on deadline day and talk about how close we were to getting it over the line.

Chris James
198 Posted 16/08/2017 at 08:33:36
Very excited about the creative potential of our midfield/forward line now - with Rooney, Klaessen, Siggy, Lookman, Mirallas and Bolasie to return plus the likes of Davies and Gana also able to surge forward (and Dowell back next season!) and maybe Barkley too?
Obviously we need more striking options now for them to feed - DCL and Sandro could both do well, but we need a bit of height/presence for either to play off. I'm sure this isn't lost on Koeman and co (clearly we'd been approaching the likes of Kalinic and Giroud) and hopefully will be sorted in the next week or two. Less keen on Wellbeck than others here - goal record has never been great and has had consistent injuries. TBH we might be better giving Niasse a run out.
Ray Roche
199 Posted 16/08/2017 at 08:34:44
Darren#152

"100m on Midfield players and many would argue"

"many would argue" .is that you? Many?

And who has Koeman inherited who is better than Sigurdsson? In your, and "many" other peoples, opinion.

Dermot Byrne
200 Posted 16/08/2017 at 08:42:59
Was going to say the same Ray but somehow couldn't find motivation. Still, encouraging to see "many would argue" he is talking tosh. I think our new midfield additions will make us a much stronger team and, if we can just get that striker, a better attacking side.
Graham Mockford
201 Posted 16/08/2017 at 08:47:12
1995-2015: Why will the club not invest and buy top class players?

2017 Why is the club buying top class players and denying our homegrown players opportunities?

Go figure.

James Watts
202 Posted 16/08/2017 at 08:52:02
Simple explanation Graham. People like to whinge, and will use any weird/warped/dumb/made up reason to bash the board or the management.

I'm personally very happy with what's going on now, the potential and what the future holds. Lots of work to do, but we're making progress.

Phil Walling
203 Posted 16/08/2017 at 08:52:38
Martina a top class player. Go ponder !
Ray Roche
204 Posted 16/08/2017 at 08:54:35
Dermot, that is a strategy old Darren uses, claiming his sometimes ludicrous statements have the backing of "many" ToffeeWebbers. He also seldom responds to direct questions when he's been found out and if he bothers to respond to this, well, I'm washing my hair today so I'll be busy .I've also got a nose to pick and a very important chair to sit in.
Neil Thomas
205 Posted 16/08/2017 at 08:55:09
Well done Mark you really pulled out some world class players there all on Barcelonas wishlist those players are with exception of Larrson. As for me not suggesting who, it's cause I not sure what type of player or system Koeman will play if you do then perhaps your in the wrong job
James Morgan
206 Posted 16/08/2017 at 08:59:36
I think he will be class for us. Work rate, vision, set piece specialist, big game player, sounds good to me.
A lot of people are saying where will Rooney, Sigurdsson and Klaassen all fit but I think the latter is there to compete with Schneiderlin, Davies and Gana in the middle three rather than the creative spots up top.
As for people saying bring Dowell back, why? Let the lad have a season of first team football week in week out. Better him doing that for 40 odd games than 10-15 as a sub for us.
Now just bring in a bloody striker, left sided defender and a winger!
I would love us to get young Sessegnon from Fulham and loan him back there for the season as well, we need a long term Baines replacement and he would be perfect.
Neil Thomas
207 Posted 16/08/2017 at 09:04:58
James I got to agree on every comment you made there,great signing and at the moment im not to sure Dowell is ready as for the Fulham lad I think he will turn out a quality player
Graham Mockford
208 Posted 16/08/2017 at 09:11:44
Phil

You are obtuse sometimes, no rewind mostly.

A back up right back picked up for nothing.

Pickford, Keane, Klaassen, Sandro, Rooney and Sigurdsson in the same window. Just a typical Everton August.

Phil Sammon
209 Posted 16/08/2017 at 09:13:30
Klaassen, Sigurdsson, Rooney, Davies, Schneiderlin, Gana... Plus maybe Barkley, all fighting for three central spots. Meanwhile we have Mirallas as the only recognised First Team winger that Koeman trusts to start, no fit right back and a 20-year-old striker who hasn't played in the Premier League.

We have some really good players but we seem massively overstocked in some areas and threadbare in others.

Does Koeman know what he's doing?

Len Hawkins
210 Posted 16/08/2017 at 09:16:24
Brian 72#

Don't spoil the defeatist moaners with POSITIVE stats. This last couple of weeks the crap on here has forced my mrs to lock the pills and razor blades away.
Two Euro games WON 1-0 Fist league game WON 1-0 if Everton WIN EVERY GAME 1-0 there will be some seriously pi55ed off pessimists on this site.
Even the DOWNSIDES are POSITIVE we are feeding a British club not a bloody Spanish one like the Shite.

Alan McGuffog
211 Posted 16/08/2017 at 09:16:38
Hope he has got a bit of "attitude" to his game. We need less Noggin the Nog and more Nogbad the Bad.
Paul Tran
212 Posted 16/08/2017 at 09:20:14
Premiership experience, effective against the top sides. Consistent crosser of the ball. Consistent scorer/deliverer of set pieces.

I think that's why we've bought him.

Can someone please name the current Everton player who can do these things?

How about we put our agendas away and enjoy a good player?

Iain Johnston
213 Posted 16/08/2017 at 09:22:00
Well done blues, now how about testing Swansea's resolve by offering them Niasse and the £5m for Alfie Mawson?
Dave Abrahams
214 Posted 16/08/2017 at 09:24:37
Welcome to the club Siggy, hope you are the spark that gets us moving upwards, wishing you the best of luck.

Graham (208) a free transfer who moves right into the first team squad, let's give him a chance and see if he is better than Jonjoe Kenny, who isn't getting that chance even though he is well ready.

Paul A Smith
215 Posted 16/08/2017 at 09:32:14
I don't think Dembele is a bad shout. Talking about what league he scores in doesn't really matter when 100 examples can write that idea off.
Its about whether he can step up a level.
He has done that once and it has worked well for him. He is a good age with plenty of years in front of him.
With most signings it is a case of can they step up a level and look as good around better players.
Siggurdson struggled with that before but I think he is better equipped to deal with a bigger club now.
Dembele has the luxury of being at a big club now so nothing will be a suprise to him.
If Jelavic, with limited ability and very one footed can score a handfull of goals here I am sure Dembele can keep improving.
Sam Hoare
216 Posted 16/08/2017 at 09:32:41
Phil 209 I agree. No-one would argue that Siggurdsson is not a good player who will have his uses but its the balance of the squad that concerns me. In particular the lack of a striker and genuine wide players. Would love us to sign a Mane/Salah/Sane/Son/Willian type; a hard-working wide player with searing pace who will score goals too.
Alex Doyle
217 Posted 16/08/2017 at 09:35:07
Sensational signing. For someone who's statistics are through the roof, 40 million is not that bad.

https://twitter.com/EFC_Statto/status/884129726478127105

Genuinely excited about the potential of this team.

Paul A Smith
218 Posted 16/08/2017 at 09:36:22
Just because I have disagreed with a certain point on here, doesn't mean I refuse to read that persons next point or refuse to agree.
I have never been one for for Bingo antics and anyone can be right at least once.
In all the debate some great points are made on here.
Michael Burke
219 Posted 16/08/2017 at 09:37:00
Phil, Cuco Martina was on a free so we didn't actually buy him. He can't fall under Graham's comment!!!
Tony Abrahams
220 Posted 16/08/2017 at 09:39:43
Neill@205, all on Barcelona's wish List? The same Barcelona, Dembelle scored a hat-trick against in the champions Lge, whilst playing for 2nd rate Celtic, last season?

I skirted through the posts before and the one that made me shake my head the most Neil, was the one were you said Iniesta, had no pace. Possibly the finest midfield player I have ever seen play, (bold statement) because players just couldn't get near him, and he had no pace?

Good points made about the centre forward needing to bring other players into the game though Neil, I would agree with you on that one 100% mate!

Brent Stephens
221 Posted 16/08/2017 at 09:50:13
Not disappointed with this signing (that's not too positive is it?!).

Am I allowed to be a self-proclaimed optimist yet? Or do I have to be doom-monger?

Laurie Hartley
222 Posted 16/08/2017 at 09:55:24
No doubt in my mind Siguarddson is going to cost an existing midfielder his first team spot - he is a class act. However, like a lot of us, I am not quite sure which one it is going to be.

Sam # 216 - I think we have two, and at a stretch, probably 3 genuine wide players in Mirallas, Lookman, and Lennon. I do agree with you that we need a striker (target man)

Interestingly with all the debate on this thread about midfielders and possible combinations, I have not come across one single mention of Besic who was on the bench against Stoke. I think Koeman likes Mo and that is why he was prepared to let Gareth Barry to West Brom.

The position that I think we are most vulnerable in is full back, unless of course, he changes his mind about Kenny.


Nicholas Ryan
223 Posted 16/08/2017 at 09:56:15
'The Iceman Cometh'!
Tony Abrahams
224 Posted 16/08/2017 at 09:59:02
Don't worry Brent, I think we are all Schizophrenics, it's what Everton does to us? its something I've come to believe anyway!
Mike Allison
225 Posted 16/08/2017 at 10:03:43
Laurie, I think Sigurdsson will play more in the front 3 than the middle 3, and that there will be lots of rotation at that end of the pitch. This is the right way to do things I think, keep the core and foundation of the team stable and rotate the creative players who are expected to produce something special.

As for full back, it seems we are trying to sign a versatile defender who can play left back (Vermaelen is the one most often mentioned) but also I think it's worth noting that Koeman is prepared to play players 'out of position' at full back. Both Davies and Calvert-Lewin have played wing back already this season. The Dutch generally have less fixed ideas about where a player plays than we do, and full back is probably the easiest position for good players to adapt to. There are examples of players of nearly every position doing well when adapted to play full back.

Mike Allison
226 Posted 16/08/2017 at 10:06:58
I've said this before but seems worth repeating: it doesn't matter where Sigurdsson will fit into an '11'.

We're going to use 14 players per match, 18-20 per week and probably at least 30 over the course of the season. We want them all to be as good as possible.

Tony Graham
227 Posted 16/08/2017 at 10:09:10
So who is this mystery STRIKER, we all want in.. where do we find a Lukaku clone, name some names, cos I can,t...
Bob Parrington
228 Posted 16/08/2017 at 10:10:23
Jack #8 Seems just about everybody has not taken the bait on your Vardy suggestion. However, we need some pace up front and, if you take his pace and intuitive ability on how to find the net, I reckon he would be a good choice. The Siggy fine cross/pass to the old fashioned, big beefy CF would soon be sussed out and snuffed out by other PL and Euro sides.

Now to the "Lighter Side". Like Ciaran's 10 right sided wing backs team idea but would prefer Pickford to also play in this position. We'd have to score some goals and, with so many defensive minded players, how could the opposition score?

Bring in JJK please!

Neil Wood
229 Posted 16/08/2017 at 10:11:45
Kasper Dolberg. Get him. Now.
Laurie Hartley
230 Posted 16/08/2017 at 10:13:10
Mike your comment regarding the front three makes sense to me but I am having difficulty getting my head round the full back position.

Tom Davies at right back I could come at, at a pinch, but Calvert-Lewin? I am an old fashioned sod - I just don't get it. But OK - I am not Dutch ;)

Tony Abrahams
231 Posted 16/08/2017 at 10:17:38
Mike, very good points that you make, especially with regards to rotation, and also the core of the team, but one thing really worries me about the style of our play.

Unless the manager is going to move away from having two sitting midfielders, then it's going to have to be down to our fullbacks, to provide real width, and I just don't think we have the personnel for it just now.

But, Siggy, is another piece in Koeman's jigsaw, and he must be getting pretty close to the team he's after considering not one player signed by his predecessor, (after only twelve months) seems to be in his plans?

Neil Thomas
232 Posted 16/08/2017 at 10:20:05
Tony not really a bold statement when talking about a player who as won every cup for club and country not to many players can boast that. As for pace he was never electric but had speed of mind a first touch that gave him 2 yards and a understanding with Xavi that it was his slight movement that meant players couldn't get near him
Neil Thomas
233 Posted 16/08/2017 at 10:30:52
But back to subject a great signing.
Brent Stephens
234 Posted 16/08/2017 at 10:32:54
Tony #224 only one of me is schizo (I keep telling him).
Tony Abrahams
235 Posted 16/08/2017 at 10:36:16
I thought about it after I posted Neill, and the way he used to go past players, like they genuinely weren't there, was just something a player couldn't do without pace.

He was also a powerful little fucker, in his own way, so determined, his little turns, jinks, and non-stop little movements, are probably why he was one of the quickest little players, I have ever had the pleasure to watch.

You prefer Xavi, who was another great player, but Iniesta, was even up another level on him, for me. I remember watching Madrid the team, smash Barca the individuals, years ago, and thinking that if all (any) of the Barca players, could play for each other like this kid, played for them, then they would have a chance?

A few years later, Barcelona, became a great team, and I always thought back to that day, when I had watched the ultimate team player, surrounded by a team of individuals.

Sorry for the rant Neil, but Iniesta, had EVERYTHING!

Tony Abrahams
236 Posted 16/08/2017 at 10:42:38
Brent, if you have got one of those Kodi Boxes (shushhh) go and put true romance on, and talk to Elvis mate. Tell him I was wrong because Iniesta, couldn't head the ball!
Barry Williams
237 Posted 16/08/2017 at 10:48:27
As said in a previous post, we can only properly assess the balance of the squad when the transfer window closes.

I am still not sure about some people's worries here. Laurie Hartley (222), I agree entirely in what you say, the full back positions do look vulnerable, though would argue that Davies can do a good job at right-back, as can McCarthy if he stays. Martina didn't look too bad as a left-back when I saw him play a half there in preseason. At a push, could Besic play left-back?

We do have wide players. Mirallas, Lennon, Lookman and Bolasie when he comes back. In a certain system Baines and Coleman can provide width. Sandro looks capable of playing wide too.

Yes, we do need a target man, not to exactly replace Lukaku, but to provide a focal point and let Calvert-Lewin learn the job without having too much pressure heaped on his shoulders. I think Koeman is aware of this. The problem being trying to find one that wants to come and that his team are also willing to release. On top of this he'll have to get up to speed pretty quickly. I can't argue with the names put out there, but how hard will it be to get them?

As for having a glut of midfielders and No 10s etc. I call this competition. As Graham Mockford – #201 mentioned, damned if you do damned if you don't. Davies, Lookman, Calvert-Lewin and Holgate have all been given chances under Koeman, and I feel this will continue, but at least we'll have the luxury of taking them out of the spotlight when required, thus being more measured in their development. Maybe, Barkley would have benefited from treatment like this. Competition is a good thing, right?

We have done stellar business so far, no matter how you dress it up, so far being the operative phrase.

Pickford, Keane, Klaassen, Sandro, Rooney, Martina plus hopefully Sigurdsson and the lad we sent out on loan, Onyekuru as well as a number of good youngsters. It ain't bad. Yes, we do need a CF, we still have 2 weeks to get one, as said this will prove possibly the hardest position to fill well.

Also, I just don't understand people's negativity on Klaassen after just 1 premier league game in a new country, in a new league. The 84-85 team got beat 4-1 at home on the opening day of the season, imagine the slagging off they would have gotten if ToffeeWeb was available then. We followed that by losing to West Brom. The forum would have exploded!

Overall, I can't see how people aren't happy. But, we all have different expectations and perceptions. Who knows how the season will pan out. At least we have cause for optimism, you only have to go back to spring 2016 to see how we have improved.

Neil Thomas
238 Posted 16/08/2017 at 10:50:39
To be honest Tony saying I preferred one over the other was incorrect, they were a unstoppable unit together with both bringing the best out of each other as well as the rest of the team
Derek Knox
239 Posted 16/08/2017 at 11:02:44
Neil @ 229, good shout mate, I have not heard his name linked with any other clubs.

The only problem I foresee, is would Ajax let another of their players come to us, after all we have taken their Captain in Klaassen?

The other being he has only played for Ajax as far as I know, and has been seen in the case of Klaassen, it takes a lot of adjustment, to the Prem, I have no doubt Davy Klaassen will get there, the sooner the better.

Tony Abrahams
240 Posted 16/08/2017 at 11:11:58
I also think Kasper Dohlberg, is a great shout. Only saw him play twice, and although he was poor and got took off the second time I watched him, he was fantastic the first time, so I have already made my mind up on him!

Same as Dembelle, in the sense that he doesn't play in a very competitive league, but Kasper, looks to have a real touch of class, whilst Dembelle also got "a trick" in an old firm game last season, so why not get the both of them, because I'm also sure Dolberg, could play in a deeper lying role!

Steven Jones
241 Posted 16/08/2017 at 11:17:23
On this lots of players and how they fit in debate - it is all part fo RK's master plan and mode of operation

I think you will find that RK and his brother have a very consistent method of looking at each fixture.

They look at the opposition, see their style, strengths and weaknesses - pick out one or two and decide whether to play with three or four at the back and then decide a few basic tactics - they then send the team out to execute this. every fixture and every team different.

As per Stoke they felt there would be space down the oppositions left and decided to use 3 at the back and then a shock of DCL as the wing back .

It failed and RK changed it at half time.

This way of operating has a lot of benefits - the coaching team are well aware of what to do, look for etc . and he has readymade approaches.

This also means that they are not easy to read from the opposition coaching teams and more importantly they on occasion get it right and make some big wins against some of the top teams away and at home...

This is why they need lots of options and personnel - especially with 60 games this season on the cards .

Laurie Hartley
242 Posted 16/08/2017 at 11:19:53
Barry # 237 - if we had Coleman & Bolasie in the mix it would all look rather exciting. Unfortunately, I can't see either of them being available any time soon.

I just think he has to do something about right back - or is Martina the answer? I think we will find out soon enough against City with Sterling on their left wing. (Wish I hadn't thought about that).

I think the ToffeeWebbers that are unhappy at this stage would, by and large, be those who are miffed that Lukaku has gone and hasn't been replaced. I might cop a bit of flack for this but I reckon Rondon or Benteke would suit us down to the ground.

Sam Hoare
243 Posted 16/08/2017 at 11:23:33
Laurie@222. In name yes. In practice I'm not so sure.

I don't know where Lennon is at and whether Koeman likes him (rumours of him being loaned out to Watford) If he is truly match fit and sharp then great.

Mirallas has been far too inconsistent for the last few years. 4 goals in 37 appearances last season, not enough goal threat for me; especially when compared to the likes of Mane/Sane/Son etc.

Lookman I really like but only has a handful of starts. I hope we'll see him emerge into a top talent this year but we cannot rely on it.

I still think we lack reliable quality out wide, at least until Bolasie returns (and even then his end product is questionable).

Think PSG might be looking to ship out Draxler now they have Neymar and possibly Mbappe coming in. Very unlikely I know but for me that would be a signing that would really make a statement!

Steavey Buckley
244 Posted 16/08/2017 at 11:24:25
Everton need a big nasty and fast striker to replace Lukaku, fast. Batshuayi of Chelsea would be a good shout. All he needs to know is to be on the move towards goal when a forward player has the ball.
Steve Cotton
245 Posted 16/08/2017 at 11:38:40
as a side issue I really like the purple and black 3rd kit… nice...
Barry Williams
246 Posted 16/08/2017 at 11:46:50
Laurie Hartley - 242

Agreed, the problem is if you are a RB with a lot of ambition, would you want to play second fiddle to Coleman when he returns. Yes, a few questions will be answered against Mn City no doubt!

Matthew Williams
247 Posted 16/08/2017 at 11:47:11
Finally done... good news, still need a Striker though asap.
Terry Underwood
248 Posted 16/08/2017 at 11:52:05
Awwww no, not this useless twat etc, etc .Just getting in early.
Joe Clitherow
249 Posted 16/08/2017 at 11:53:45
Batshuayi is definitely my shout Steavey
Chris Williams
250 Posted 16/08/2017 at 11:57:34
There is a very good article about Gylfi in today's Guardian. By the sound of it we're getting a very special player and a decent man too. Another captain who leads by example.
Terry Underwood
251 Posted 16/08/2017 at 12:09:16
Just seen on BBC website. Barry has signed for West Brom for an undisclosed fee. If true, Thanks for your four years with the blues and good luck. Pity he could not break the EPL appearance record with us.
George Cumiskey
252 Posted 16/08/2017 at 12:13:05
It's Benteke and Sahko for me, plus sell Mirallas he's not making any impression. Surplus to requirements now me thinks.
Chris Williams
253 Posted 16/08/2017 at 12:18:13
Some talk about getting Vermaelen on loan. Had his fair share of injury problems by all accounts.
Sam Hoare
254 Posted 16/08/2017 at 12:23:28
Chelsea will only have Morata, Batshuayi and maybe Remy once Costa leaves. Don't see any chance of them letting Batshuayi go sadly...
John G Davies
255 Posted 16/08/2017 at 12:30:04
Sorry put this in the wrong thread.

Well worth a listen this lad.

https://youtu.be/Bwk38srACrA

Brian Harrison
256 Posted 16/08/2017 at 12:34:24
We have known for a long time that neither Lukaku or Barkley would be playing for us this season. Plus we sent Valencia back to West Ham and finally got rid of Kone. So you would have thought that our main priority this summer was to replace them with Strikers.

But all we have done is signed midfield players, and apart from Sandro a promising player no doubt no strikers. Giroud made his feelings perfectly clear weeks ago he wanted to stay at Arsenal, and his goal the other night has made it impossible for Wenger to sell him even if he wanted too. There has been some speculation about Benteke oh please do me a favour, people critisized Lukaku but he was 10 times the player Benteke is.
So we have wasted the whole summer with no quality striker brought in, and lets face it our major problem apart from Lukaku is scoring goals.

Now I agree Rooney will score some goals and Sigurdsson will definitely score goals. But if Sandro gets injured we have no back up for the main striker role despite spending a fortune this summer. I just hope that Koeman and Walsh will delight me by bringing in 2 top strikers and please not Benteke.

Steavey Buckley
257 Posted 16/08/2017 at 12:47:54
Sam, since Chelsea have just sold Matic to Manu if would be a good idea to swop Schneiderlin+cash for Batshuayi - Chelsea are in the market for a holding midfield player.
Daniel Lawrence
258 Posted 16/08/2017 at 12:57:58
Bit of a punt, but want about Slimani at Leicester? There is definitely a player in there in the right team.
Jim Knightley
259 Posted 16/08/2017 at 12:58:18
We did sign three strikers this summer - Rooney, Sandro, and Onyekuru. I think part of the issue might be the signing of Onyekuru.

He is back next season - he has a massive future ahead of him. It was a big coup. In him and Sandro we have two young strikers with room to grow. In Rooney we have a player with two seasons left in him.

So who do we buy? I like Dembele personally - but then 4 of our 5 strikers would be 21 or younger. Giroud is great but he doesn't want to leave Arsenal and Wenger doesnt want to let him - he also isn't exactly pacey and our front line is lacking in that respect.

We also do not want to buy a striker who can play deeper really - Sandro and Rooney already offer that. Both peel off, come deep for the ball, and Sandro drifts wide even when playing through the middle.

So we need an out and out striker willing to compete with several others for his position. Someone who can start for us through the middle, hopefully offering the pace we lack. Or else a real target man who can benefit from Sigurdsson's crosses - but then that will leave us potentially a little static.

I think the perfect buy has already gone for a pittance - Hernandez. There was talk of us offering a contract to him too, but that ship has sailed. He is quick but great in the air - a poor man's Morata.

Batshuyai is not a bad shout, but Chelsea are not going to let him go are there? They already have a small squad. Welbeck offers pace and a decent return per start recently, but has alot of injury problems. Batshuyai also goes missing and would likely cost £30 million.

I'd personally look at Vardy - he has pace, has scored remarkably well under the Shakespeare, and guarantees goals. He has the ability to take us up a level and would threaten the best defenders - we don't have anyone capable of doing that currently. He is older, and in time will be displaced by our younger talents.

I'd also consider Villareal's Bakambu - he can lead the line, and is strong and quick. He has signed a new contract but does not start every week - his goals per game ratio is very impressive. I think we could do worse than go in for Perez - he did not get much of a chance at Arsenal, but is capable of leading the line, and could work well with Sandro in particular. I also think Slimani is being overlooked by Leicester - as target men go, him and Llorente are both capable of scoring 15 league goals. I'm a fan of Josh King, but I doubt Bournemouth would let him go. Dolberg looks good too.

The issue, I think, is getting in the right striker for the right fee so close to the end of the window. I expect the delay is in part because of our current trio - The form of Sandro and Rooney in training and games is surely going to impact on the nature of our replacement. Will he be a starter? Or a back up?

Ray Roche
260 Posted 16/08/2017 at 13:01:40
Jim, Hernadez would have been one of my choices too, however, he is on a reported £140k-£150k a week which may well have scuppered any wage structure we have. I don't know what Rooney is on.
Victor Jones
261 Posted 16/08/2017 at 13:05:35
Who now drops out to make space for Sigurdsson? Let's hope its not Tom Davies. Davies and Siggurdsson and Rooney playing in front of Gueye should go some way to producing this much sought after pressing game. And Sniederlin makes way. Calvert-Lewin and Sandro up top . At least until another forward is brought in. Go 4-4-2. It sort of works. Mirallas and Lookman to feature from the bench. Also Klaassen on the bench.

But I expect that Koeman will most likely bench Davies. And stifle our midfield with Gueye...Schneiderlin and Klaassen all running around the same space. With Siggurdsson getting starved of ball.

Who knows? Our manager has some strange views on how the beautiful game should be played. He's stuck in some time warp thinking that this Everton set up can play the total football that Ajax and Holland once played.A pressing game? They can't play that way. We need tactics that suit our players. FFS. Calvert-Lewin playing as a RWB. Maybe Koeman might try Siggurdsson in that position. Anything is possible.

Dale Rose
262 Posted 16/08/2017 at 13:13:08
Strength in numbers are what this squad is about, Wayne is top draw at the moment but as the season wears on and with Europe, we need cover. At last we have this in abundance.

The only thing we need is a striker, Welbeck would fit the bill nicely.

With what we have in the kids, there would be an excellent fusion of talent coming into the team.

Andy Dempsey
263 Posted 16/08/2017 at 13:17:40
Koeman will play him wide, and it won't work. Christ, we need some pace and width! Break the bank for Mahrez!

We've got Lookman, but big Ron won't play him. We've got Kenny, but he won't start either – it's a bloody myth that Koeman 'is dutch so he loves young players... Prove it!

Look at the other right-backs being given a go at the moment – Kyle Walker-Peters at Spurs and the Liverpool's young lad, Arnold.

Just far too conservative a manager, who'll never take us below or above 7th – Moyes 2.0

And No! Schneiderlin and Gueye shouldn't be in the same team – it doesn't work! Yes, we need a left back, but I don't know who's out there. Jags and Williams are liabilities.

My team: Pickford
Kenny Holgate Keane Baines
Gueye
Davies Klaassen
Sigurdsson
Sandro Lookman

Don't get me wrong – I think Rooney should play, but where do these players fit in together? I'll tell you – it'll be Davies Lookman and Kenny who are on the bench, plus Dowell at Forest, Liam Walsh in the U23s. These players aren't getting a sniff this year. You better believe a manager like Alec Ferguson would capitalise on the chemistry of these young lads – they win the Premier League 2, they win the U20 World Cup – and they're not even under consideration from this manager.

If I'm wrong, good! I hope I'm wrong.

ps: Long-time reader, first time contributor. I went to the Ruzomberok game and nearly lost the will to live. Had a lot to get off my chest. Ta!

John Owens
264 Posted 16/08/2017 at 13:45:06
I would go for Benteke, Vardy and Welbeck. In fact I'd try and sign 2 of them!

Not going to mention Giroud, apparently he's not available!

Tony Twist
265 Posted 16/08/2017 at 14:03:30
We have plenty of so called strikers, Rooney, Sandro, lookman, etc we need at least one centre forward. someone who plays the central role, strong and defiant and able to rough up the opposition, push and pull defenders giving space to the strikers. Don't want a welbeck type of player, that's the strikers job, we need a hard as nails in your face player who can score his quota of goals also. A young Costa.
Rob Halligan
266 Posted 16/08/2017 at 14:08:12
Sigurdsson passes medical. Just now awaiting official confirmation that he's signed.
John Owens
267 Posted 16/08/2017 at 14:18:16
Great news! Just get that CF now please!
Steve Brown
268 Posted 16/08/2017 at 14:19:41
How about Eden Dzeko?
Paul Kossoff
269 Posted 16/08/2017 at 14:39:34
Since his Premier League debut, Gylfi Sigurdsson has scored more free-kicks than any other player.

Provided more assists last season from dead ball situations than any other player in the Premier League.

With 34 goals he is Swansea's top scorer in the Premier League.

With 29 assists he is Swansea's most prolific creator of goals in the Premier League.

Covered more distance (kilometres) in the Premier League than any other player last season. I'm surprised at the last stat.
Will Ross leave now or will he see he's been a silly boy and stay?

Paul Kossoff
270 Posted 16/08/2017 at 14:41:27
John, Benteke, Vardy and Welbeck for me also, in fact all three please.
Brian Wilkinson
271 Posted 16/08/2017 at 14:45:48
Excellent signing, think we are all singing from the same hymn sheet in now wanting to get a striker in to make this one of our best transfer windows.

I have no doubt this will be done next and some good shouts from posters on various attackers.

For now I am sitting back and enjoying seeing our number one target pass his medical and waiting for the photo of him holding the Everton shirt up.

John Owens
272 Posted 16/08/2017 at 14:46:44
All 3 would really make a statement!

We can but dream!

Paul Kossoff
273 Posted 16/08/2017 at 14:50:38
Please no more Sakho for us, he's the biggest dopiest awkward inept carthorse poor excuse for a player I've ever seen.
Get wizard Walsh and his mythical wand to find another of his equally mythical gems and treasures for us.
Jay Harris
274 Posted 16/08/2017 at 14:56:45
Some good shouts there including Vardy, Dzecko and Dembele.

I have said all Summer that we should go balls out for Vardy and spend Lukaku's level of fee on someone who can really take us to top 4 potential.

As it stands right now despite the euphoria and even with Koemans coaching I still cant see us breaking the top 6 over a season.

That top class striker may be the difference so cmon Mosh get the final piece of the jigsaw sorted.

Jay Woods
275 Posted 16/08/2017 at 15:05:15
Has a puff of madness descended on ToffeeWeb?

By which I mean the clamour (by some) for Welbeck. You might as well advocate signing Usain Bolt.

John Owens
276 Posted 16/08/2017 at 15:06:55
Need that new striker now. RK has said in his press conference this morning that he's not finished yet so I'm sure they are already in discussions with a few clubs!

Hoping for a 2 0 win tomorrow! I'll be following on BBC Sport or here depending on signal!! ESPN are not the best.
Yn..-66

John G Davies
277 Posted 16/08/2017 at 15:07:00
That's the club 35 million in the red and counting. More to come.

"It can't be, we only sell to buy . We definitely won't sign a player until Barkley is sold Etc etc

Brian Hennessy
278 Posted 16/08/2017 at 15:14:08
Diego Costa anyone??
Seamus McCrudden
279 Posted 16/08/2017 at 15:23:44
100% Brian
Charlie Lloyd
280 Posted 16/08/2017 at 15:26:50
Paul Kossoff @ 273.

I totally agree regards Sakho. He's an accident waiting to happen. Few decent games for Palace doesn't constitute the fee the RS are asking. If they rate him at such a high value why don't they just keep him.

John Owens
281 Posted 16/08/2017 at 15:27:33
Good shout Brian. He certainly falls into the mean n nasty criteria! Take him on loan with a view to permanent in the same manner as Lukaku. So many options let's hope RK chooses the right one.

Still think we 18/20 players who can seriously challenge for a first team starting place.

Tony Everan
282 Posted 16/08/2017 at 15:29:26
Dzecko I have always rated , and is the type of striker RK will be after
. Dembele looks the part but I'm concerned that the premier league is such a different game to up there. A gamble.
Benteke always looks too static to me , a great header of the ball but wouldn't want us to persue him.
Welbeck , injuries and a bit of a lightweight .
DCL may well turn out to be better than most of the above.
I can see RK and SW signing someone from Europe , I m not convinced the answer is here.
Paul A Smith
283 Posted 16/08/2017 at 16:01:23
The difference in opinion in football is wild.
I look at Danny Welbeck rumours and see his last 3 years and think, why bother. Whats the basis for going for him.
Then I read others really think its a good move. If he is good I want someone great. Theres tons of players I think are great but would never sign but generally I believe if we want to be better than Arsenal its no good signing players that can't do the business for them.
His injury record not great either.
Ray Roche
284 Posted 16/08/2017 at 16:08:16
Andy Dempsey#263

"Kyle Walker-Peters at Spurs and the Liverpool's young lad, Arnold."
To be fair, Andy, these lads have got some game time due to injuries to the regular incumbent. They'd be on the bench otherwise.
And didn't Koeman play more young players than any other manager last season? I recall a stat along those lines.

Alan J Thompson
285 Posted 16/08/2017 at 16:26:21
That's the goalkeeper, centre half and midfield XI sorted, only the full backs and strikers to be resolved.
Iain Johnston
286 Posted 16/08/2017 at 16:27:14
Regarding the youngsters, I see Kenny isn't in Unsworth's squad for the Notts County game.

I'd have Janssen from Spurs, they want to move him on and have never really given him a chance, strong, fast, good hold up play, good passer plus if Van Nistelrooy & Van Basten single you out for praise there must be something to this lad?

Alexander Murphy
287 Posted 16/08/2017 at 16:33:01
Tony 282

I agree almost entirely. Probably could add that VVD played in the same league as Dembele and has progressed well since.

Glad that you referenced DCL here too, he plays far better through the middle. Plenty yet to prove admittedly.

Dermot Byrne
288 Posted 16/08/2017 at 16:50:34
Just strikes me that back in the real world, the good negotiating will probably cover his wages for a year. Makes sense.

Just hope we can give him 3 games to settle and not write him off as quickly as some have already written off Klaassen (Darren H and Mr Larkin obviously excluded due to problem with manager and need to criticise the signing as part of their roles in a kind strange Groundhog Day!).

Andy Dempsey
289 Posted 16/08/2017 at 17:24:20
Ray Roche #284

Yes. But they are playing aren't they? Coleman is injured but Kenny is not playing, he signed Martina to cover Seamus.
Klopp and Pochettino haven't gone out and bought a bang-average utility player and played him instead, they've played these youngsters and trusted them, and they'll probably keep their places in the side now because they have looked the part.
I really hope Kenny and Lookman are in the starting XI for the Europa League group games (if we make it) because I'm sure they're games these lads can handle, plus rotation will surely be necessary.


Mike Gaynes
290 Posted 16/08/2017 at 17:30:38
A truly splendid piece on Gylfi in the Guardian that encapsulates why we should be so happy that he's coming:

https://www.theguardian.com/football/blog/2017/aug/16/gylfi-sigurdsson-everton-swansea-transfer

Some excerpts:

"A quiet man in the dressing room, Sigurdsson was always seen as a model professional, inspiring those around him with his performances and commanding the respect of players and staff with his dedication on the training ground."

"Sigurdsson has been directly involved in 53 Premier League goals since the start of the 2014-15 season, which as a midfielder is second only to Tottenham’s Christian Eriksen. To provide a bit of context, next on that list after Sigurdsson is Mesut Özil, then Eden Hazard, followed by Cesc Fàbregas, Sadio Mané, Riyad Mahrez, Dele Alli, David Silva and Philippe Coutinho – you get the picture. Ross Barkley, for what it is worth, is down in 13th place."

"There is a misconception about Sigurdsson that he is no more than a set-piece expert. Sigurdsson, without question, is brilliant in dead-ball situations... he is comfortably top of the pile for chances created from set-plays... yet the 27-year-old has much more to his game. An intelligent player who likes to roam and link play, Sigurdsson is at his best when he finds pockets of space to open teams up with a first-time pass or clever backheel. That bright football brain makes up for the fact that he lacks pace: he is, by his own admission, “not the kind of player who is going to get the ball and run past the full-back”. For that reason Sigurdsson needs to play through the middle as a No10, where he can have the biggest impact on the game."

"Managers, coaches and players came to admire his work ethic in training as much as his goals and assists on a match day. Team-mates would talk about the way the goalkeeper coach would look at Sigurdsson on a morning at the training ground and ask: “Today?” More often than not Sigurdsson would give a nod back, which meant that he wanted to do some extra shooting once the session had finished. He would spend hours striking the ball from the edge of the area with both feet – naturally stronger on his right, he scored some terrific goals for Swansea with his left, and got his reward in those headline statistics."

I will be ecstatic to see him in blue.

John Pierce
291 Posted 16/08/2017 at 17:33:33
The focus, as it should be, to turn to what's needed to balance the squad out.

Of dire importance is a right back. Koeman loves to play narrow, just look at what we've bought.

Full back is the only real outlet for width. The fact we've not bought a geniune replacement there is baffling.

Whilst JJK is treated like the second coming on the basis of virtually no premier league minutes.

Baines is slowing down, and Coleman is a question mark, no matter what we think, you just never know with bad injuries like that. The fact we've to this point ignored the position so key to freeing space for the players we've gotten in is criminal.

Bodging a player in there for 5/6 months will affect the team for sure.

Somewhat ironically we do need a lazy, statue up front to complement the free moving parts we have. Sandro, Rooney, Gana, Klaassen, & Davies all move a lot, I mean a lot!

Maybe it stretches our shape too much, but lets see. Watching Klaassen gives me so much hope. Late arriving in the box, a la Platt, Lampard, Cahill, Speed needs the totem that keeps the ball.

Dzeko would for my money be the chap. Snide, technically sound, goal scorer and used to the prem. Good qualities for our requirements.

As for the right back, Michael Antonio at West ham is the dude we need. Up and down, can play both RB & RWB, auxiliary forward, excellent in the air, oh the lad can finish too.

As Koeman wants the flexibility for a back three, we will get a LCB in but I think that's not as important, 4 at the back is more attacking, 3 without a distributor is soooo defensive.

Could be an exciting deadline day.

Ray Roche
292 Posted 16/08/2017 at 17:43:14
Andy Dempsey #289

Andy, it's a good point you make but if you think that Trippier won't get straight back in I think you're mistaken. Kyle Walker left was ALLOWED to leave...because Trippier looks the real deal and can do as good a job as Walker defensively and can cross the ball better.

And you're pushing against an open door when you mention playing Lookman and, yes, Kenny. I've seen Kenny play several times and would have liked to see him get a run out but I'm not the manager. Whether Martinez can do a decent job remains to be seen.
But to imply that he, Koeman, doesn't play young players is a bit unfair.

Brent Stephens
293 Posted 16/08/2017 at 17:45:58
Excellent article, Mike. Gets the juices flowing. Optimistic he'll make a big impact.

And now that striker.

John G Davies
294 Posted 16/08/2017 at 18:19:57
Congratulations to Ron and Mr Moshiri for getting this one done.
Only ever going to be one winner in the game of who blinks first between Mosh and Swansea.
Brian Williams
295 Posted 16/08/2017 at 18:23:40
Is it done though? ;-)
John G Davies
296 Posted 16/08/2017 at 18:33:27
Is that a blink Brian?
Brian Williams
297 Posted 16/08/2017 at 18:34:53
Just being paranoid because it hasn't been announced yet John.
Gordon Crawford
298 Posted 16/08/2017 at 18:41:27
Matuidi for £18.2 million and Sigurdsson for £45 million. The world has went mad.
Mike Gaynes
299 Posted 16/08/2017 at 18:47:14
John #291, I would LOVE to see us in for Antonio, but apparently neither he nor West Ham are interested in a move.

If they're out of contention by January, however, I hope we make a move. Powerhouse of a player.

Nigel Munford
300 Posted 16/08/2017 at 18:53:38
How come it seemed to take 10 minutes to do the Gareth Barry deal and this one still hasn't been announced. Has he signed yet?
John G Davies
301 Posted 16/08/2017 at 18:53:57
That's part of being a Blue Brian 😀
Steve Mink
302 Posted 16/08/2017 at 19:06:08
Tidy player, but £40m!! World's gone maaaaad.

The highest sum Ajax have ever paid for a player = 16.5m euros.

Duncan McDine
303 Posted 16/08/2017 at 19:09:59
Anyone else think that Koeman and Walsh are basing their team entirely on the film 'Moneyball'?

We know the stats regarding Gana before he came in (distance covered, tackles made etc), and Sigurdsson seems to fit into the same catagory. Very impressive goal, assist and distance covered stats, so hopefully it will work out.

John Pierce
304 Posted 16/08/2017 at 19:31:14
Mike, West ham out of contention for what exactly?

Surely you have to be in contention for that to happen. *cough*

Their best player by a mile. Surprised that he hasn't attracted more interest.

Got him for next to nothing from Forest. Excellent player, would cost a lot!

Jonny Evans is the fella for LCB. Strong, can play both positions, first team and prem ready. A lot of snobbery about a player like this, but won with united, and is superb at international level with NI.

Darren Hind
305 Posted 16/08/2017 at 19:38:23
Dermot Byrne

I "wrote Klaassen off " Did I really ?

I learn something new about myself every day on here.


Lenny Kingman
309 Posted 16/08/2017 at 19:54:19
The great Gordon West will be turning in his grave tonight. The dogs abuse he got from the Street for letting 2 goals in against Keflavik, a less than talented team from the laughably regarded football nation Iceland.

Now £45million for one Iceland player. Could be this new arrival will be getting the Gordon two fingered salute sometime in the not too distant future.

Strange days.

Jay Woods
310 Posted 16/08/2017 at 19:56:15
Stout fellow!
Gary Williams
311 Posted 16/08/2017 at 20:24:32
Good Evening everyone from a very hot Malaga. Well, Coin to be precise. I am new to this but have read lots and lots of comments over time. Not sure where I just saw it, but the Geoff Nulty quip was in bad taste in my opinion. And yes, Jimmy Case was/is a twat.


Mike Gaynes
312 Posted 16/08/2017 at 20:30:59
John #304, they believe they have a chance to qualify for Europe. Really. They've brought in Hart, Arnautovic, Chicharito, Zabaleta and they're in for Carvalho and Mangala. I figure it'll probably be December before reality crashes in and they're ready to start selling.

Definite no for me on Kneecapper Evans. Too many mistakes. Besides, WBA is desperate to add another CB... strongly doubt they'd sell one.

Gary Williams
313 Posted 16/08/2017 at 20:33:21
Is tomorrow's game on BT or ITV .does anyone know? Thanks in advance!
Christy Ring
314 Posted 16/08/2017 at 20:49:30
Next up, a striker, a centreback and left back. Evans would be a great buy, but WBA are offering him a bigger contract, I can't see Pulis letting him go.

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