And just like that we are here again, the start of the summer transfer window and what is arguably our most important one for many a year. Last summer we brought in a lot of players under the watchful eye of Tim Steidten with some input from Lopetegui and Sullivan. At the time it seemed like it was a productive and successful window but shortly into the season it was clear, due to injuries and struggling to adjust to the English league, a number of those signings did not work out. The stand out successful signing was Wan-Bissaka. Kilman had a solid season but will need to do more in my eyes to justify the price tag we have paid and Summerville was good before his injury. The others have all shown glimpses of potential but on the whole, have not delivered enough which means we must get it right with this summer or face another struggle.
Key Positions Required: Up Front and In Midfield
Key positions for me are, as they always seem to be, centre forward and central defence. I also think we need at least two powerful central midfielders, a new keeper and at least one more winger. A lot of the required positions though will depend on player departures and I expect there to be a lot. We also have the ongoing situation with Lucas Paqueta and not knowing how his court case will go.
The Financial Reality: Sales Must Fund New Purchases
These departures – or players who stay – will obviously shape what players we bring in. The club have been very clear in their transfer briefings that we need to raise money through these sales before we can purchase anyone. This is why at this stage it appears the only players we have approached so far appear to be out of contract players. We made some ambitious approaches to Jonathan David and Angel Gomes, both of whom play for Lille, our likely final opponents of preseason. Neither of those players seem likely to join with a host of top clubs who are in European competitions next season in for them.
Early Targets: The Out-of-Contract Duo and Ambitious Approaches
We have, however, got some interest in Burnley out of contract duo Josh Brownhill and CJ Egan-Riley. As of writing this, I believe we have made at least a firm offer to Egan-Riley although again he has interest in him elsewhere. I also think we may approach Kyle Walker-Peters who is on a free from Southampton too. Other out of contract players may be considered too. As stated though the real players coming in will come when players depart and I think aside from maybe AWB and Bowen, any other player will have their price in Potter’s eyes.
The Pressure is On Potter and Macauley
There is no doubt about it, this is a massive summer for Potter and his chosen head of recruitment Kyle Macauley. Potter has almost had a free pass since he has been at the club with any bad result and performance often excused by the line: ‘He needs time to create his own squad’. Well now is his time to do that. Whilst it is hard to complete a squad overhaul in one window, he will not be allowed that free pass much longer and will need to deliver. I believe the two of them and David Sullivan will be working together on deals and let’s hope it is a team that produces the goods.
Be the first to comment