Transfer Rumour 25/26 Summer Transfer Window (56 Viewers)

Earlsdon_Skyblue1 · Jul 17, 2025

long way home said:
Yes ask, Dovin, BTA, Simms, Tatsu, Kitching, thats what progressive clubs do....We are competing for promotion to the premier league FFS Not midlands combination.

Dovin is number 1
Kitching is one of the first choice defenders on the team sheet, and was largely only omitted due to his own poor performances under Robins.
BTA, Simms, and Tatsu all play in positions which command higher fees, and therefore is not a comparison on value. Even without this, the latter two are regular starters anyway.

If we sign a central midfielder for several million pounds, he will be brought in with the idea that he is going to be a regular starter.

Put the beers down Mr Midland Combination.

Mucca Mad Boys · Jul 17, 2025

Earlsdon_Skyblue1 said:
So we are going to sign a player for 3 million to sit on the bench?

It’s possible. Torp is a £2m signing and hasn’t ever been considered a first choice yet in 1.5 seasons.

Earlsdon_Skyblue1 said:
Not really a fair comparison though, is it? He's a striker.

We also spent 2.5m on Bassette. On top of £7.7m for Wright and £3m initial for Simms. We’ve spent £15-16m on strikers and we’ve predominantly played a formation with 1 striker.

Before anyone says Wright was a LW, we signed EMC for £4.25m. So take your pick which multimillion pound forward sits on the bench.

Gone are the days where we have a bench filled with loanees and free agents.

Hutch11 · Jul 17, 2025

Hincha said:
There were people on here after we signed Grimes arguing that Sheaf would be benched, only for him to play every game once fit

What is evident is that he only manages 30-35 games, ideally he wouldn’t start twice in a week. To compensate for that you need solid backups

I dont know what Eccles has to do to be considered a quality back up.
The guy was superb at the beginning of last season and in the play off semi at Sunderland, he gets so much unjust hate on here

Ccfcisparks · Jul 17, 2025

Hutch11 said:
I dont know what Eccles has to do to be considered a quality back up.
The guy was superb at the beginning of last season and in the play off semi at Sunderland, he gets so much unjust hate on here

as a role player we arent going to get much better to be hoenst

procdoc · Jul 17, 2025

I doubt Pereira would be starting immediately. If we sign him, he’s moving to a new continent, getting to know new teammates, new coaches and new tactics. Having two experienced pros like Grimes and Sheaf around him would hopefully accelerate his settling in period

ClarkeZ · Jul 17, 2025

Earlsdon_Skyblue1 said:
Dovin is number 1
Kitching is one of the first choice defenders on the team sheet, and was largely only omitted due to his own poor performances under Robins.
BTA, Simms, and Tatsu all play in positions which command higher fees, and therefore is not a comparison on value. Even without this, the latter two are regular starters anyway.

If we sign a central midfielder for several million pounds, he will be brought in with the idea that he is going to be a regular starter.

Put the beers down Mr Midland Combination.

I get the point you're making, but I disagree. Grimes, Sheaf, Rudi, Torp, Eccles and Pereira are all worth approx £3m or more right now.
So I don't think a £3m price tag mandates a starting position. And yes it's bonkers to say that given our recent history

For me Grimes and Rudi are more or less auto-picks if fit and not suspended, so i do agree it's likely 1 of eccles/sheaf leaves. I'd say eccles is more likely with the AV/MR links, but who knows.

The others all add something different depending on the game and provide vital depth which weve not seen in decades but must have to compete at the sharp end of the league.
Knowing nothing of pereira I'd start Torp v Hull, but I've zero doubt pereira and sheaf/eccles will get lots of minutes and will all start games as the season progresses.

Matt smith · Jul 17, 2025

procdoc said:
I doubt Pereira would be starting immediately. If we sign him, he’s moving to a new continent, getting to know new teammates, new coaches and new tactics. Having two experienced pros like Grimes and Sheaf around him would hopefully accelerate his settling in period

MLS season is ongoing too

Jimmy87 · Jul 17, 2025

Deity said:
What’s the story @Jimmy87 ?

Other than what i posted a couple of weeks ago, about the agent talks with 2 right sided players and a keeper, he's not said too much more about incomings. Since he originally told me that, we've signed KKH. So i presume the winger and keeper are still in the talks phase.
He's mentioned we are looking to get 3 out on loan.
Told that Lampard will be backed, money is there.
Also said that so far no concrete interest in MVE as yet this window, though lots of paper talk. Perhaps his change in management will see that alter.

He never said anything about Daniel Pereira, but it wouldn't surprise me as we came very close a couple of summers ago. He's obviously been on our radar for a long time.

If we were to sign him, it begs the question of are we looking to offload Allen or Sheaf? Maybe both? Maybe even Eccles though i personally wouldn't sell him. I understand though, the need to generate money where we can.
If you're looking at having depth, i don't think you need all of Sheaf, Allen, Grimes, Eccles and Pereira. Would rather see Torp and Rudoni competing further forward.
From a business perspective, you can't be sentimental, you'd have to take into consideration Allens age, Sheaf and his injury record, plus time left on contracts etc, if there is a chance to take a decent fee from anyone, and bolster other areas of the squad, or bring in younger models, then it's understandable.
Would rather see more depth in the winger department, that's just my opinion though.
All ifs and buts, plus we need to have clubs interested in players.

I think we'll see an experienced addition to the defence before the deadline.

Earlsdon_Skyblue1 · Jul 17, 2025

Bigelvesy said:
I think you’re really just hyper fixated on Sheaf. You, I, We dont need to worry about squad harmony. There’s people who are paid to do that.

There will absolutely be outgoings, likely 1 or 2 of the midfielders, and with that we could end up with a really well balanced squad with real strength in depth.

Modern football quite simply isnt just about having a best 11 and fielding that by default every single game. Each opposition presents different challenges and so each week the starting 11 is likely to be tinkered with, add onto that that the championship fixtures tend to congest themselves tightly every month or two. There will be injuries, dips in form and suspensions to deal with and thats exactly why you build a squad, not an 11.

on top of that again, not all midfielders are the same either.

In my opinion, we’ll see rotation of the midfield very often next year, with Sheaf (if he isnt sold), Torp, Grimes, this new guy (if he signs) and Rudoni all playing a large number of games.

Ideally we’ll see Eccles andAllen moved on as the weaker of the remaining central midfielders.

And just say that ive got that exactly right come september 1st. Would you be dissatisfied with that?

I wouldn't be dissatisfied with it at all. Neither am I saying we shouldn't have any strength in depth. I am just pointing out what is right in front of most people, and it has hit a nerve. If we do bring in Pereira, not a single person fighting against the idea that he would be starting has been able to soundly break down and understand the reasoning behind the transfer with any logic.

We can't pick a starting 11 with Grimes, Pereira, and Sheaf, because it looks stupid - so we will largely swerve that question when asked. We can't bench Sheaf either because that comes with a trigger warning - so let's not consider that. Instead, let's suggest that signing someone for some serious money in what is - by all accounts - an unsexy position is only being done to boost the squad, and that player will go on the bench. When challenged, we will go off track and make comparisons about non-league football, or compare the value of academy players, or strikers who command much higher transfer fees to get out of having to rationalise it.

Let me explain in meme form what the prospect of signing Pereira has done to this forum:

I'll admit, I have enjoyed this one! Looking forward to the next few weeks and what the transfer circus brings. I think we will be looking good come the start of the season regardless!

Bigelvesy · Jul 17, 2025

Earlsdon_Skyblue1 said:
I wouldn't be dissatisfied with it at all. Neither am I saying we shouldn't have any strength in depth. I am just pointing out what is right in front of most people, and it has hit a nerve. If we do bring in Pereira, not a single person fighting against the idea that he would be starting has been able to soundly break down and understand the reasoning behind the transfer with any logic.

We can't pick a starting 11 with Grimes, Pereira, and Sheaf, because it looks stupid - so we will largely swerve that question when asked. We can't bench Sheaf either because that comes with a trigger warning - so let's not consider that. Instead, let's suggest that signing someone for some serious money in what is - by all accounts - an unsexy position is only being done to boost the squad, and that player will go on the bench. When challenged, we will go off track and make comparisons about non-league football, or compare the value of academy players, or strikers who command much higher transfer fees to get out of having to rationalise it.

Let me explain in meme form what the prospect of signing Pereira has done to this forum:

View attachment 44604

I'll admit, I have enjoyed this one! Looking forward to the next few weeks and what the transfer circus brings. I think we will be looking good come the start of the season regardless!

This did make me laugh and i do, now, understand the point you’re making.
I do think there is a world, or rather a few game scenarios, that see us start all 3 though, box midfield would be one with the addition of rudoni.

Also, this lad is potentially coming from the MLS, which aint exactly the highest quality, i think its likely he will have to do some time on the bench and coming off it to (potentially) replace Sheaf whilst he gets up to speed with English football regardless of how much he costs.

and on that point, £3-4m doesnt seem to be alot of money to us nowadays, we will spend that on squad players, maybe we all need to get used to that too.

Bigelvesy · Jul 17, 2025

Bigelvesy said:
This did make me laugh and i do, now, understand the point you’re making.
I do think there is a world, or rather a few game scenarios, that see us start all 3 though, box midfield would be one with the addition of rudoni.

Also, this lad is potentially coming from the MLS, which aint exactly the highest quality, i think its likely he will have to do some time on the bench and coming off it to (potentially) replace Sheaf whilst he gets up to speed with English football regardless of how much he costs.

and on that point, £3-4m doesnt seem to be alot of money to us nowadays, we will spend that on squad players, maybe we all need to get used to that too.

Replying to my own comment like a loser, but we also have to remember that on the ball, Grimes isnt even usually in midfield he’s stood holding hands with Bobby and Kitch, so i still dont think it would be too mental to see Grimes, Sheaf and New boy on the pitch at the same time.

Trueskyblue20 · Jul 17, 2025

Jimmy87 said:
Other than what i posted a couple of weeks ago, about the agent talks with 2 right sided players and a keeper, he's not said too much more about incomings. Since he originally told me that, we've signed KKH. So i presume the winger and keeper are still in the talks phase.
He's mentioned we are looking to get 3 out on loan.
Told that Lampard will be backed, money is there.
Also said that so far no concrete interest in MVE as yet this window, though lots of paper talk. Perhaps his change in management will see that alter.

He never said anything about Daniel Pereira, but it wouldn't surprise me as we came very close a couple of summers ago. He's obviously been on our radar for a long time.

If we were to sign him, it begs the question of are we looking to offload Allen or Sheaf? Maybe both? Maybe even Eccles though i personally wouldn't sell him. I understand though, the need to generate money where we can.
If you're looking at having depth, i don't think you need all of Sheaf, Allen, Grimes, Eccles and Pereira. Would rather see Torp and Rudoni competing further forward.
From a business perspective, you can't be sentimental, you'd have to take into consideration Allens age, Sheaf and his injury record, plus time left on contracts etc, if there is a chance to take a decent fee from anyone, and bolster other areas of the squad, or bring in younger models, then it's understandable.
Would rather see more depth in the winger department, that's just my opinion though.
All ifs and buts, plus we need to have clubs interested in players.

I think we'll see an experienced addition to the defence before the deadline.

Thanks for your updates as always Jimmy.

What makes you think we’ll be after an experienced defender or is that more of a hunch?

Earlsdon_Skyblue1 · Jul 18, 2025

Bigelvesy said:
This did make me laugh and i do, now, understand the point you’re making.
I do think there is a world, or rather a few game scenarios, that see us start all 3 though, box midfield would be one with the addition of rudoni.

Also, this lad is potentially coming from the MLS, which aint exactly the highest quality, i think its likely he will have to do some time on the bench and coming off it to (potentially) replace Sheaf whilst he gets up to speed with English football regardless of how much he costs.

and on that point, £3-4m doesnt seem to be alot of money to us nowadays, we will spend that on squad players, maybe we all need to get used to that too.

As Brighton mentioned on the other thread, it would be good to be able to pick from a strong set of midfielders based on your opposition. For the record, I include both Eccles and Sheaf in that. I really do want to see more of Torp this season though. He is one of those players that you just feel has the ability to make something happen, either from a killer pass, or great finishing. He just hasn't quite nailed down a spot for prolonged period, and I think that is where there are some questions over fitness/injuries. I hope he can kick on from that because technically I think he is one of our better forward thinking players.

We are certainly better off financially now, so I do get the point about spending money to strengthen the squad. I just think in this case if we are going to be doing it, they'll be some outgoings. Not because we are a loser club or something like that, but because it doesn't make sense to manage 8 midfielders when we have a leaky defence, and some strikers who have poor conversion rates.

It's slightly odd that we don't really have much ITK input this year. We were probably spoilt in that respect previously! The transfer window has now become less of a predictable path, and more of a guessing game. Let's see what happens.

Jimmy87 · Jul 18, 2025

Trueskyblue20 said:
Thanks for your updates as always Jimmy.

What makes you think we’ll be after an experienced defender or is that more of a hunch?

Just my own hunch, therefore it probably won't happen

kg82 · Jul 18, 2025

Earlsdon_Skyblue1 said:
It is. It's batshit.

Our fans just cannot deal with the idea of selling or benching Sheaf, which has become pretty evident from this thread!

If we are signing a 3 million pound player in central midfield, he is going to be playing.

Actually, it seems more that people are discussing options but you keep banging on the Sheaf drum. It’s very obvious you don’t rate him.

It’s definitely not “batshit” to have a £3m player that will maybe start some on bench and some on the pitch. Exactly what a squad is for now.

HJones23 · Jul 18, 2025

Besiktas pulled out of signing Walker-Peters, could fill another potential landing spot in the prem for MVE

Gibbo · Jul 18, 2025

Hincha said:
It isn’t that wild

It's a waste of valuable money to have a 3m player on the bench. And what player who is good enough to attract that kind of fee is prepared to come here and be on the bench.

I can see Eccles as bench material but not this guy.

On a separate note, much as I like a lot of what he brings to the team, do we think Torp will ever be a commanding midfielder

RoboCCFC90 · Jul 18, 2025

Seems to be a fairly reliable source.

SkyBlueDom26 · Jul 18, 2025

RoboCCFC90 said:
Seems to be a fairly reliable source.

Apparently the Romano of USA transfers, consider the deal dead

Balli001 · Jul 18, 2025

Just says about to leave...doesn't mean he isn't leaving

SkyBlueDom26 said:
Apparently the Romano of USA transfers, consider the deal dead

SkyBlueDom26 · Jul 18, 2025

Balli001 said:
Just says about to leave...doesn't mean he isn't leaving

I’d file it under not happening, shame
Really as looks decent.

Viktor17 · Jul 18, 2025

Oh well that was fun few hours!

Balli001 · Jul 18, 2025

SkyBlueDom26 said:
I’d file it under not happening, shame
Really as looks decent.

Both of them are legit journalists. You are of course choosing to believe the negative outcome.

Viktor17 · Jul 18, 2025

We were linked with about 5/6 players in last 24-48 hours so at least today may be fun again!

Kingokings204 · Jul 18, 2025

RoboCCFC90 said:
Seems to be a fairly reliable source.

I think most of us realized it probably wasn’t true. We really don’t need an average CM. I mean he seems ok but for 3m quid and him to be average and from the MLS isn’t exactly what we need right now.

We need a keeper and CB. As a priority.

fatso · Jul 18, 2025

procdoc said:
I doubt Pereira would be starting immediately. If we sign him, he’s moving to a new continent, getting to know new teammates, new coaches and new tactics. Having two experienced pros like Grimes and Sheaf around him would hopefully accelerate his settling in period

If hes not capable of coming straight in against the mighty Hull City we may be about to make another Rapha style mistake

SkyBlueDom26 · Jul 18, 2025

Balli001 said:
Both of them are legit journalists. You are of course choosing to believe the negative outcome.

What are you talking about, I’d rather believe the specific MLS journalist who probably and better contacts over one from Argentina

Balli001 · Jul 18, 2025

SkyBlueDom26 said:
What are you talking about, I’d rather believe the specific MLS journalist who probably and better contacts over one from Argentina

Good for you. I just pointed out it's totally in character for you to believe the negative one though. Looking forward to him signing so you might finally say something positive.

SkyBlueDom26 · Jul 18, 2025

Balli001 said:
Good for you. I just pointed out it's totally in character for you to believe the negative one though. Looking forward to him signing so you might finally say something positive.

lol I want us to sign him, I’d be disappointed if we don’t

Skyblue_CP · Jul 18, 2025

Earlsdon_Skyblue1 said:
I wouldn't be dissatisfied with it at all. Neither am I saying we shouldn't have any strength in depth. I am just pointing out what is right in front of most people, and it has hit a nerve. If we do bring in Pereira, not a single person fighting against the idea that he would be starting has been able to soundly break down and understand the reasoning behind the transfer with any logic.

We can't pick a starting 11 with Grimes, Pereira, and Sheaf, because it looks stupid - so we will largely swerve that question when asked. We can't bench Sheaf either because that comes with a trigger warning - so let's not consider that. Instead, let's suggest that signing someone for some serious money in what is - by all accounts - an unsexy position is only being done to boost the squad, and that player will go on the bench. When challenged, we will go off track and make comparisons about non-league football, or compare the value of academy players, or strikers who command much higher transfer fees to get out of having to rationalise it.

Let me explain in meme form what the prospect of signing Pereira has done to this forum:

View attachment 44604

I'll admit, I have enjoyed this one! Looking forward to the next few weeks and what the transfer circus brings. I think we will be looking good come the start of the season regardless!

We get it mate. You don’t rate Sheaf.

Tea & Busquets · Jul 18, 2025

Kenneth Paal who we were interested in a few yrs ago released by Milwall, could be a nice backup target to Toffolo if were still after a LB and can move on Bidwell.

Skybluedownunder · Jul 18, 2025

Gibbo said:
It's a waste of valuable money to have a 3m player on the bench. And what player who is good enough to attract that kind of fee is prepared to come here and be on the bench.

I can see Eccles as bench material but not this guy.

On a separate note, much as I like a lot of what he brings to the team, do we think Torp will ever be a commanding midfielder

EMC was a bench player for us first half of the season at £4.25m
BTA and Bassette were both £2.5m players sitting on the bench
Kitching was a £4.5m player sitting on the bench

That’s the championship norm mate

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Terry_dactyl · Jul 18, 2025

RoboCCFC90 said:
Seems to be a fairly reliable source.

Ted Lasso has spoken.

Earlsdon_Skyblue1 · Jul 18, 2025

kg82 said:
Actually, it seems more that people are discussing options but you keep banging on the Sheaf drum. It’s very obvious you don’t rate him.

It’s definitely not “batshit” to have a £3m player that will maybe start some on bench and some on the pitch. Exactly what a squad is for now.

Skyblue_CP said:
We get it mate. You don’t rate Sheaf.

I'm making a fair point, which you both have just proved!

Deity · Jul 18, 2025

Earlsdon_Skyblue1 said:
I'm making a fair point, which you both have just proved!

A fit and firing Ben sheaf is a top top midfielder in the championship:

Transfer Rumour 25/26 Summer Transfer Window (56 Viewers)

Well-Known Member

Well-Known Member

Well-Known Member

Well-Known Member

Well-Known Member

Well-Known Member

Well-Known Member

Well-Known Member

Well-Known Member

Well-Known Member

Well-Known Member

Well-Known Member

Well-Known Member

Well-Known Member

Well-Known Member

Well-Known Member

Well-Known Member

Well-Known Member

Well-Known Member

Well-Known Member

Well-Known Member

Well-Known Member

Well-Known Member

Well-Known Member

Well-Known Member

Well-Known Member

Well-Known Member

Well-Known Member

Well-Known Member

Well-Known Member

Well-Known Member

Well-Known Member

Well-Known Member

Well-Known Member

Well-Known Member

Users who are viewing this thread

Privacy & Transparency

Privacy & Transparency