So we plan to keep an unhappy player, that normally works out well 😉.
Chalobah is better than Mavrapanos? Dewsbury-Hall would improve our midfield? Have to keep reminding myself not to take any notice of reports!
In your opinion, of course. For me, Dewsbury-Hall is basically a left footed Ward-Prowse. He’s not what I would think we would need in centre midfield.
And obviously nobody is saying not to pay attention to any reports. If a report links us with Dewsbury-Hall then it’s fair to discuss the merits of the player. It’s not as fair to question the managers decision making, though, because who knows if the report is accurate or not.
In isolation Brownhill doesn't do anything (imo) to improve our midfield, if he simply joins Soucek, JWP, Alvarez, Rodriguez, Irving and, say, Potts. However, given I expect at least 3, and maybe even 4 of the first 5 to leave, then he's a cheap, experienced player to add some depth alongside one, or preferably 2 younger, faster, more dynamic players coming in.
He is 30 next year. So much for lowering the average age of the squad.
Younger than Guido, Soucek and JWP, 1 or all of whom could leave....so technically he is lowering the age of the squad
Not an exciting signing but we've lost a fair bit of experience already this summer and Brownhill, white limited, is a solid player with a good attitude and has boundless energy
Him being a free clearly appeals to us if we're gonna be a bit cash poor this summer
Think turning to Man City academy players they may let go look like potential smart moves, namely McAtee and Callum Doyle, 2 players who prefer in positions we need to strengthen and would probably cost £40mil for the pair
Probably something similar for Chelsea who always need to turn around players given how many they signed over the last few years, Madueke maybe to expensive but you got guys like Chalobah, Dewsbury-Hall, Petrovic etc. That are probably available for cheaper than their market value
But opens again next Monday, it's just a technicality around the number of days allowed and catering for the Club World Cup, so add it to the list of things to blame Infantino for.
Yeah. I can't see that the temporary closure is going to make much difference to what clubs/agents are actually doing. Although no-one can actually be signed/registered during that period, it will be (all other transfer) business as usual, imo.
Kurt Zouma confirmed departing on 30 June and Antonio listed as a free transfer on the same date. His recovery, if it happens, may change that. Others listed as definitely leaving are either development or academy players.
Guardian and Times both say Antonio has been offered a short term contract on a reduced salary with appearance bonuses but he wants a longer contract with a larger basic salary.
Guardian and Times both say Antonio has been offered a short term contract on a reduced salary with appearance bonuses but he wants a longer contract with a larger basic salary.
Tbh I don't think Antonio was showing enough to warrant anything other than that even before his accident, 1 goal in 15 appearances.
Given that he's a long way through his rehabilitation, given he's in the latest Jamaica squad, and that we've offered him a contract, I think we can say thanks and wish him well for the future without any feelings that we should do more for him.
Doesn’t say that on the OS. Just that he’s on a free.
“Given Michail Antonio’s unique situation, following his serious road traffic accident in December 2024, there will be no formal decision and announcement on his future until such time that it is considered right and appropriate,” read a club statement. “However, as his current contract is also due to expire on 30 June, for the purposes of the Premier League Retained List procedure at the end of the 2024-25 season, Michail will be listed as a free transfer.” https://www.theguardian.com/football/2025/jun/09/michail-antonio-nears-west-ham-exit-new-deal-agreement-elusive?CMP=Share_iOSApp_Other
Not too difficult when quoting verbatim. What would they have said if they got in first
Probably that he wants a longer contract and more salary than being offered.
Indeed, it's also probably an attempt to get us to compensate him for the reduced wages he'll be getting there; as annoying as it it, it's probably worth our while if it gets his wages off our books (ie we use part/all of any transfer fee we receive to pay him off).
It's arguably better to do that than have to pay part of his wages while he's off playing for another club for the next two seasons if it's deemed he won't be up to playing in the PL again.
I am happy to see De Bruyne go to Napoli and reject the Saudi and US approaches. I don't doubt he has sacrificed income but will get to play in the best leagues still, as his talent should.
He will be adored by the fans. If anyone has watched the Maradona documentary you will recall how absolutely lose your mind crazy the fans went when Maradona arrived at the club. He isn't quite Maradona but is one of the best I have seen.
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And obviously nobody is saying not to pay attention to any reports. If a report links us with Dewsbury-Hall then it’s fair to discuss the merits of the player. It’s not as fair to question the managers decision making, though, because who knows if the report is accurate or not.
Not an exciting signing but we've lost a fair bit of experience already this summer and Brownhill, white limited, is a solid player with a good attitude and has boundless energy
Him being a free clearly appeals to us if we're gonna be a bit cash poor this summer
Probably something similar for Chelsea who always need to turn around players given how many they signed over the last few years, Madueke maybe to expensive but you got guys like Chalobah, Dewsbury-Hall, Petrovic etc. That are probably available for cheaper than their market value
Others listed as definitely leaving are either development or academy players.
Given that he's a long way through his rehabilitation, given he's in the latest Jamaica squad, and that we've offered him a contract, I think we can say thanks and wish him well for the future without any feelings that we should do more for him.
https://www.theguardian.com/football/2025/jun/09/michail-antonio-nears-west-ham-exit-new-deal-agreement-elusive?CMP=Share_iOSApp_Other
He only played 7 games with just two starts due to injury but scored two and provided an assist
It's arguably better to do that than have to pay part of his wages while he's off playing for another club for the next two seasons if it's deemed he won't be up to playing in the PL again.
He will be adored by the fans. If anyone has watched the Maradona documentary you will recall how absolutely lose your mind crazy the fans went when Maradona arrived at the club. He isn't quite Maradona but is one of the best I have seen.
Joined on a 5 year contract last summer, £1.7m plus add ons from FAR Rabat
Scored 16 in 46, made his full Moroccan debut in March, 8 minutes against Niger but has stayed on the bench for the last three matches