Transfer Rumour Summer Transfer Window 2026 (17 Viewers)

[Ccfcisparks]

Not maximising our loan numbers is a little disappointing, there must be a lot of good players out there that would improve the squad as it is right now.

Yes find that really odd

 

[Lamps]

I haven’t written off the season, but I have raised a number of early red flags, most of which aren’t going to be addressed today.

The one which can is Lampard’s tactical approach with the really weak left hand side of the pitch and undercooked midfield.

We will know better when the new players have settled in and have an idea what their role is.

We're not the only side with a bad start. We're the only side to have played at Arsenal and we're not even in the bottom 3

 

[Ccfcisparks]

We will know better when the new players have settled in and have an idea what their role is.

We're not the only side with a bad start. We're the only side to have played at Arsenal and we're not even in the bottom 3

All the sides with a bad start have the quality to pull together 3 wins in a row. Im not sure we do

 

[shmmeee]

Hull and Sunderland now spending some real dough today, still feel we’re missing a classy, experienced operator in midfield. I trust in Dean Austin and co but I’m not sure.
Time will tell but I’d love one more in today a calibre of midfielder that stands out and has been there and done it. God knows what the craic is with Cherif but sooner he gets up to speed and shows his worth and attributes the better, fitness only comes from playing games.

We aren’t getting that touch of quality cos they’ll want at least average PL wages and we aren’t offering that. Hence our signings all being U21s or players on fringes of squads who are old or with questionable fitness.

 

[jto123]

I don’t think we can have any complaints about the money spent in the window. From that perspective it’s 10/10.

In terms of position depth, I would say 5/10. LW, CM and LB a big worry.

In terms of quality, will have to wait and see. Some worrying and positive signs against Hull.

 

[M3rcian]

Im not fussed about going down as lets be honest that was a nailed on probability before the window even opened. What I want is to not be humiliated and put us on good footing to return in 28.

The reason I am in team glass half empty is because we have spent 120M on new players yet have glaring gaps in the squad with players who shouldn't be near a top half championship team let alone the PL. And that's not to disparage them because they have worked wonders for us - but the prospect of Bidwell, Lati, BTA etc having rings ran around them every week is pretty sad tbh.

Its mostly the gaps im concerned with, as I think the business we have actually done is decent, although I do fear we have overpaid for a few of them.

King always wings it with huge gaps in the squad which Lampard has done wonders to overcome. We wont get away with it at this level and this will come back to bite him.

I tend to agree. Clubs our size are just points potential for the top 6. Survival alone is not exciting to me, so much prefer that we compete, in a league that doesn't require 50k plus stadiums and global marketing reach (and that's before the mega bucks investors get involved). The Premier league is just not exciting because it's a closed shop, but hopefully it fills our coffers for future campaigns with incremental quality improvements on and off the pitch.

 

[covcity4life]

And it changed. Hence I’ve raised things so far as a red flag which could change.

Good to see you using your time productively anyway.

Thing is if you have experienced so many of your red flags be corrected in past few years why do you still always panic? Just chill out

 

[Brighton Sky Blue]

Thing is if you have experienced so many of your red flags be corrected in past few years why do you still always panic? Just chill out

Maybe I just like a bit of a vent while playing a bit of a character.

 

[shmmeee]

I tend to agree. Clubs our size are just points potential for the top 6. Survival alone is not exciting to me, so much prefer that we compete, in a league that doesn't require 50k plus stadiums and global marketing reach (and that's before the mega bucks investors get involved). The Premier league is just not exciting because it's a closed shop, but hopefully it fills our coffers for future campaigns with incremental quality improvements on and off the pitch.

Can’t agree with this tbh. Clubs our size are regularly getting into Europe and that’s what I want to see. Sure we aren’t likely to win the title, but the chance to see world class player playing for you and to go on a European jolly more than makes up for that IMO. Not to mention the much higher quality stats and opinion stuff you get. That Redknapp clip alone we never got in the Championship and I love that stuff same for knowing which is out faster player or whatever.

Being the whipping boys as it seems we will be is shit, but I’d take us as a lower midtable club with the odd chance of a Carabao Cup win or a one off decent season sending us to Europe all day.

 

[Scoreamoto]

There isn’t a ‘told you so’ mentality in this case.

Certainly comes across that way, but alas

 

[clint van damme]

Can’t agree with this tbh. Clubs our size are regularly getting into Europe and that’s what I want to see. Sure we aren’t likely to win the title, but the chance to see world class player playing for you and to go on a European jolly more than makes up for that IMO. Not to mention the much higher quality stats and opinion stuff you get. That Redknapp clip alone we never got in the Championship and I love that stuff same for knowing which is out faster player or whatever.

Being the whipping boys as it seems we will be is shit, but I’d take us as a lower midtable club with the odd chance of a Carabao Cup win or a one off decent season sending us to Europe all day.

The clubs of our size who've made Europe nearly all had a relegation or 2 back to the Championship to go through before they established themselves and got Europe. Maybe that's something we'll have to go through?

For a long time I never thought I'dsee us in the PL again. I turn 60 next year, but if we go down Im convinced, (as long as I live out my natural!) this season won't be the last time I do.

Though hopefully we stay up obviously.

 

[2024/25 League 1 Champs?]

it is a tad frustrating when you see Ipswich and Hull both still strengthening on deadline day, and with players we could be competing for, Flemming, Norton-Cuffy for instance….

I know people are stressing about left back and wing, but I’m more concerned about the lack of composed, experienced heads in the middle of the park and up front

We have zero aggression, and I think that will be far more of an issue than playing JDS week in week out - I know I’ll get laughed off the forum but someone like Gyokeres on loan (someone like I said, before I get the ‘no way Arsenal let him go / can’t afford his wages blah blah’) and also Ross Barkley or Loftus Cheek would be exactly what we need.. it’s been said before on here, but look at what Xhaka did for Sunderland - that for me is what we are missing most, and I think that along with the lack of direct attacking threat is what might very well do us over

There’s always January, but it could be too late by that point in terms of availability, inflated price tags and also possibly a large points deficit

Time will tell…

 

[Lamps]

All the sides with a bad start have the quality to pull together 3 wins in a row. Im not sure we do

I've heard Palace will struggle for the next 6 weeks. Must be to do with injuries but didn't ask.

Villa have financial problems and have broke the Prem record for the amount of money brought in by selling players in one window. They're just 1 player off from breaking the all time record.

 

[Ccfcisparks]

it is a tad frustrating when you see Ipswich and Hull both still strengthening on deadline day, and with players we could be competing for, Flemming, Norton-Cuffy for instance….

I know people are stressing about left back and wing, but I’m more concerned about the lack of composed, experienced heads in the middle of the park and up front

We have zero aggression, and I think that will be far more of an issue than playing JDS week in week out - I know I’ll get laughed off the forum but someone like Gyokeres on loan (someone like I said, before I get the ‘no way Arsenal let him go / can’t afford his wages blah blah’) and also Ross Barkley or Loftus Cheek would be exactly what we need.. it’s been said before on here, but look at what Xhaka did for Sunderland - that for me is what we are missing most, and I think that along with the lack of direct attacking threat is what might very well do us over

There’s always January, but it could be too late by that point in terms of availability, inflated price tags and also possibly a large points deficit

Time will tell…

It was probably our most crucial signing in my opinion. Frank and other posters seem to have nailed their flag to the matt grimes mast. We will see if it proves right or costly

 

[Ccfcisparks]

I've heard Palace will struggle for the next 6 weeks. Must be to do with injuries but didn't ask.

Villa have financial problems and have broke the Prem record for the amount of money brought in by selling players in one window. They're just 1 player off from breaking the all time record.

Villa aren't gonna go down or be anywhere near. They will be mid table

 

[Ccfc_Addy]

I have to trust the process that's gotten us this far, and have liked what I've seen of all of our additions, particularly Yirenkyi and Awoniyi.

That said... Being in the PL with only BTA as backup to EMC, a player who for all of his obvious talent and importance to this team is consistently injured or on managed minutes, and with only Mfuni as serious backup to JDS... They both feel like pretty striking omissions to me.

 

[robin.starling]

Every comment you ever make is how right you are btw

Narcissistic behaviour

Perfectly said.

 

[David O'Day]

it is a tad frustrating when you see Ipswich and Hull both still strengthening on deadline day, and with players we could be competing for, Flemming, Norton-Cuffy for instance….

I know people are stressing about left back and wing, but I’m more concerned about the lack of composed, experienced heads in the middle of the park and up front

We have zero aggression, and I think that will be far more of an issue than playing JDS week in week out - I know I’ll get laughed off the forum but someone like Gyokeres on loan (someone like I said, before I get the ‘no way Arsenal let him go / can’t afford his wages blah blah’) and also Ross Barkley or Loftus Cheek would be exactly what we need.. it’s been said before on here, but look at what Xhaka did for Sunderland - that for me is what we are missing most, and I think that along with the lack of direct attacking threat is what might very well do us over

There’s always January, but it could be too late by that point in terms of availability, inflated price tags and also possibly a large points deficit

Time will tell…

Why do we want Norton-Cuffy?

 

[Grendel]

It’s pretty obvious this season is going to be rather challenging for a lot of supporters

I never thought for one minute we are likely to survive - there’s always a possibility - but this nonsense we can just spend to survive is for the birds.

We have clubs spending £50 million on a striker who’s scored 2 goals in the premier league.

I’d say to be relatively secure on survival )and even then we might not be) we’d have to spend around £700 million and increase our wage bill by 500%.

Given the underwhelming probability the club will be relegated (and I’m sure that’s been discussed as the likely option and how to plan for it) then you adopt a transfer strategy as we’ve done in the main to try and get players who will become progressive players and rapidly escalate value.

It’s a season of watching big name players with the odd surprise positive result. You have to prepare for statistical probabilities in any business.

 

[rob9872]

I have to trust the process that's gotten us this far, and have liked what I've seen of all of our additions, particularly Yirenkyi and Awoniyi.

That said... Being in the PL with only BTA as backup to EMC, a player who for all of his obvious talent and importance to this team is consistently injured or on managed minutes, and with only Mfuni as serious backup to JDS... They both feel like pretty striking omissions to me.

I think when fit, Wright will be the LW option with EMC.

 

[2024/25 League 1 Champs?]

Why do we want Norton-Cuffy?

There’s a whole post and you focus on one name I happen to mention as an example because he’s moving to Hull today - having said that, one reason is that we have no cover at RB at the minute and MVE may need a break, plus it would free up KKH to also cover LB

 

[Cally Fedora]

do you really think our depth is strong enough as it currently is?

No. But equally I think we’ve done what we can. And I think we have a fighting chance

 

[Gustavo38]

I tend to agree. Clubs our size are just points potential for the top 6. Survival alone is not exciting to me, so much prefer that we compete, in a league that doesn't require 50k plus stadiums and global marketing reach (and that's before the mega bucks investors get involved). The Premier league is just not exciting because it's a closed shop, but hopefully it fills our coffers for future campaigns with incremental quality improvements on and off the pitch.

Yeah. I am watching other Premier League games not how I viewed Championship games I watched last year that we weren't involved in. It is a weird feeling as I thought I would embrace the Premier League but it just doesn't feel right and that is a worry. I actually dislike it. It is as like we are in this league but we are not, I just can't describe it. The only thing I will say is that we did what Ipswich and Hull never did last year and won the Championship and I will settle for that if we are doomed to relegation.

 

[Cally Fedora]

I can’t really believe that some posters thought we could spend enough to guarantee not being in a relegation fight. It really is naive to think we could do anything like that. Some of our players arent PL standard. But I think we’ve recruited well based on our limits.

 

[Evo1883]

I can’t really believe that some posters thought we could spend enough to guarantee not being in a relegation fight. It really is naive to think we could do anything like that. Some of our players arent PL standard. But I think we’ve recruited well based on our limits.

Remember many thought wed spend less than 70/80 mill

 

[Gustavo38]

Exactly. You look at the cash that is being thrown about and 50 million only gets you a ban average player. The sort of money that is being spent is crazy and we have a tiny budget. How can that be enjoyable when you are one of the smaller clubs in this league.

 

[David O'Day]

Remember many thought wed spend less than 70/80 mill

Some believed the Hull manager when he said we'd only spend 40m

 

[Bristol sky blue]

Im not fussed about going down as lets be honest that was a nailed on probability before the window even opened. What I want is to not be humiliated and put us on good footing to return in 28.

The reason I am in team glass half empty is because we have spent 120M on new players yet have glaring gaps in the squad with players who shouldn't be near a top half championship team let alone the PL. And that's not to disparage them because they have worked wonders for us - but the prospect of Bidwell, Lati, BTA etc having rings ran around them every week is pretty sad tbh.

Its mostly the gaps im concerned with, as I think the business we have actually done is decent, although I do fear we have overpaid for a few of them.

King always wings it with huge gaps in the squad which Lampard has performed miracles to overcome. We wont get away with it at this level and this will come back to bite him.

Most sensible post on here for a while, well said.

I think you are right about King - he has done a very good job indeed so far, but this idea that a thin squad will create greater unity among the players won't hold if we get ravaged by injuries to key players and cut adrift by Xmas.

 

[stupot07]

All the sides with a bad start have the quality to pull together 3 wins in a row. Im not sure we do

And most of them changed managers.

 

[Lamps]

I can’t really believe that some posters thought we could spend enough to guarantee not being in a relegation fight. It really is naive to think we could do anything like that. Some of our players arent PL standard. But I think we’ve recruited well based on our limits.

Spurs have spent hundreds of millions in the last couple of years added to a squad worth well over 1B and have still been in relegation battles.

Sunderland have used players like O'Nein and managed to get 7th in the Prem

 

[lowblocklounge]

Most sensible post on here for a while, well said.

I think you are right about King - he has done a very good job indeed so far, but this idea that a thin squad will create greater unity among the players won't hold if we get ravaged by injuries to key players and cut adrift by Xmas.

Agree, very good post! I think we as a club may have over estimated some of the players ability to step up. Milan a prime example so far, but we are only 2 games in so lets see where we are after 8-10.

 

[stupot07]

I can’t really believe that some posters thought we could spend enough to guarantee not being in a relegation fight. It really is naive to think we could do anything like that. Some of our players arent PL standard. But I think we’ve recruited well based on our limits.

It's not about what your spend but how you spend, for example Cheriff looks an exciting prospect and there's already a lot of pressure on him from the fans but he's a 19 year kid with 6 career goals to his name. There's already an expectation he's going to fire us to survival.

 

[HuckerbyDublinWhelan]

I like the recruitment 2bh, got to give it 10 games to see where we’re at.

My only concern is the tactics employed by Lampard. Not gonna work in this league - I expect him to change up pretty sharpish though

 

[robin.starling]

I think it's fair to say that being in the PL has finally sunk in.

 

[Skyblue03]

Im still surprised that with Lampard being a Chelsea legend and his stock with them, we've not signed any player in all the transfer windows we've had with him.

Surely he would of had some pull, and must be some players they have within our criteria