Summer transfers

[justincredible]

but at least slot looks safe.

Yes ☺️

[Insidious]

Said it before I will say it again our club is now starting a massive re build that will set us back a minimum of 10 years.

I rarely think sides are ever as far away as we might think. That works for both directions, be it relegation spots (we finished closer in points to West Ham than to Arsenal) or to the top of the League.

The current predicament is pretty bad, but we know it only takes the right managerial appointment and a couple of good transfers for something to click - it applies at every club.

Chelsea poor this season, will be more competitive next season. Man United 15th last season, able to get 3rd with Michael Carrick at the helm this time around.

Even ourselves. Evans goes, then a few seasons later we win a Cup Treble. Houllier goes, we win a Champion's League and end up with an unbelievable team a few seasons later in 08/09 which just needed depth (which we never got sadly) to take us towards competing across all fronts. Hodgson goes and Rodgers (who none of us rate) ends up being at the helm for a title tilt because we'd landed on a brilliant player, which can happen.

I'm not saying this to be Sunshine and Rainbows. I think the 26/27 season is going to be hard, hard going. However we are perfectly capable of getting another Manager sooner rather than later (especially if fan pressure rises) and we still have capable players at the club who, with some supplementation, can get us back in the Champion's League if we drop out.

Totally understand the sense of Doom-and-Gloom just now, but a "minimum of 20 years" feels a bit extreme.

For context, Rafa was in charge of a title challenging side in 08/09 and in a 10-year spell we went through the threat of administration, Rafa's sacking, Hodgson's hiring, Meireles on the wing, Rodgers coming in, Emre Can at centre-back, a strike force of Lambert/Balotelli/Borini, Klopp being hired, the Karius Final and a Champion's League win over bloody Tottenham in a 10-year spell.

10 years in football is an eternity. I am deeply concerned (who wouldn't be?) about 26/27 and potentially 27/28 if we don't get our recruitment right, but we still have capable players here who could absolutely respond to a different voice.

New man at the helm please and a return to buying the "on the cusp" lads for semi-reasonable fees rather than cosplaying as Real Madrid and we can get back to being a Boss outfit quicker than you might think.

[Ravo19]

I rarely think sides are ever as far away as we might think. That works for both directions, be it relegation spots (we finished closer in points to West Ham than to Arsenal) or to the top of the League.

The current predicament is pretty bad, but we know it only takes the right managerial appointment and a couple of good transfers for something to click - it applies at every club.

Chelsea poor this season, will be more competitive next season. Man United 15th last season, able to get 3rd with Michael Carrick at the helm this time around.

Even ourselves. Evans goes, then a few seasons later we win a Cup Treble. Houllier goes, we win a Champion's League and end up with an unbelievable team a few seasons later in 08/09 which just needed depth (which we never got sadly) to take us towards competing across all fronts. Hodgson goes and Rodgers (who none of us rate) ends up being at the helm for a title tilt because we'd landed on a brilliant player, which can happen.

I'm not saying this to be Sunshine and Rainbows. I think the 26/27 season is going to be hard, hard going. However we are perfectly capable of getting another Manager sooner rather than later (especially if fan pressure rises) and we still have capable players at the club who, with some supplementation, can get us back in the Champion's League if we drop out.

Totally understand the sense of Doom-and-Gloom just now, but a "minimum of 20 years" feels a bit extreme.

For context, Rafa was in charge of a title challenging side in 08/09 and in a 10-year spell we went through the threat of administration, Rafa's sacking, Hodgson's hiring, Meireles on the wing, Rodgers coming in, Emre Can at centre-back, a strike force of Lambert/Balotelli/Borini, Klopp being hired, the Karius Final and a Champion's League win over bloody Tottenham in a 10-year spell.

10 years in football is an eternity. I am deeply concerned (who wouldn't be?) about 26/27 and potentially 27/28 if we don't get our recruitment right, but we still have capable players here who could absolutely respond to a different voice.

New man at the helm please and a return to buying the "on the cusp" lads for semi-reasonable fees rather than cosplaying as Real Madrid and we can get back to being a Boss outfit quicker than you might think.

I agree a rebuild this size isnt guaranteed to push us on and its to be expected that not all new faces will be a success but having the right man at the helm is a must.

[Ravo19]

Virgil one more season then get quansah back.

[Insidious]

Virgil one more season then get quansah back.

That would be ideal, though that will be a release clause situation - we would need to pay the money in one swoop and that could represent a decent chunk out of the budget, versus an amortised deal.

[faridtoxteth]

I think I read that we are not optioning the buy back clause. Slot treated him really badly, such a young lad with a promising trajectory. I don't think he would want to come back as long as Slot is in situ.

[Insidious]

I think I read that we are not optioning the buy back clause. Slot treated him really badly, such a young lad with a promising trajectory. I don't think he would want to come back as long as Slot is in situ.

The clause doesn't kick in (so I understand, could be wrong) until the end of next season - I doubt Slot is the Manager going in to 27/28 to be honest.

[Red October]

I agree a rebuild this size isnt guaranteed to push us on and its to be expected that not all new faces will be a success but having the right man at the helm is a must.

Agreed. Just looks like we're stuck with slot for now. I feel about as inspired as our players have looked since September.