The Summer 2025 Transfer Window Thread

[Alan]

It would be ridiculous for us to let him walk if he’s willing to stay. I know time is undefeated, but Néls hasn’t lost a step to this point.

 

[Quirkafleeg]

Will he get his current wage anywhere else. No. So anything in a decent ballpark would get him to sign surely. He's settled over here, heard nothing regarding desire to move back near home yet so maybe.

 

[Tony Towner]

True, his steps still aren't going to create anything though. I'm in agreement that if the manager wants him then he's earned the right to have his decision backed. I'm unconvinced it's the correct one at least onfield though.

 

[Elephant Pyjamas]

It'll sure be nice not to lose a captain.

 

[NicholasG1973]

Will he get his current wage anywhere else. No. So anything in a decent ballpark would get him to sign surely. He's settled over here, heard nothing regarding desire to move back near home yet so maybe.

Not sure about that, at all.

He’d definitely get his current wages elsewhere, bearing in mind there’s no transfer fee.

 

[Quirkafleeg]

Not sure about that, at all.

He’d definitely get his current wages elsewhere, bearing in mind there’s no transfer fee.

Can Benfica go 100k a week on wages. Maybe thats one for Lycan to answer.

 

[Tony Towner]

Not sure about that, at all.

He’d definitely get his current wages elsewhere, bearing in mind there’s no transfer fee.

I don't think he would in a competitive league. Benfica have already said they aren't paying him £100k per week. So depends whether he fancies £75kpw with us (I'm guessing) or go to one of the retirement leagues

 

[Elephant Pyjamas]

We have a LOT of wages freeing up this summer too, Cunha and Sarabia are around 300k between them.

Plus the dross we hopefully get rid of.

 

[NicholasG1973]

Can Benfica go 100k a week on wages. Maybe thats one for Lycan to answer.

With no transfer fee?

I’d absolutely expect so.

 

[Kenny]

With no transfer fee?

I’d absolutely expect so.

Already been reported they won't pay him anywhere near that amount

 

[AndyWolves]

Seems like a really good insurance policy against some of the younger players coming through

 

[Tony Towner]

Seems like a really good insurance policy against some of the younger players coming through

On that salary and captain they aren't coming through, you are blocking them. Granted it's a big assumption they are good enough though

 

[sycophantia]

Seems like a really good insurance policy against some of the younger players coming through

Maybe, although it does give them time to be introduced gradually, not sure Vitor trusts Rodrigo or especially Lima to be regular starters yet. Obviously that depends on the manager being happy to give them enough time. If Semedo goes (I still think he will) and RAN is sold you're relying on 3 young players to fill in, you probably have to spend a decent chunk on an experienced player. I've seen a lot saying they'd be happy with Walker-Peters. A couple of years ago I'd have said definitely but he has been poor this season, tbf that could be cos he's playing in a terrible team.

 

[Alan]

True, his steps still aren't going to create anything though. I'm in agreement that if the manager wants him then he's earned the right to have his decision backed. I'm unconvinced it's the correct one at least onfield though.

Whilst it's obviously fair to say he doesn't create much going forward, he's still very good under pressure in those areas at holding the ball, maybe as much because he tends not to take risks in the attacking third as anything.

I might argue that if we need more goals and assists from a RB, we've probably got bigger issues.

 

[Tony Towner]

Whilst it's obviously fair to say he doesn't create much going forward, he's still very good under pressure in those areas at holding the ball, maybe as much because he tends not to take risks in the attacking third as anything.

I might argue that if we need more goals and assists from a RB, we've probably got bigger issues.

Well, he's not playing as a RB is he? Our LWB has the most goal contributions of any 'defender' in the PL, imagine if we had similar on the other side? For me it's important we get production from there when we aren't going to get much from CM if we play the same formation next season

 

[Alan]

It’d be pretty bonkers for a club our size to have the two most productive fullbacks/wingbacks in the Prem, but yeah, it’s nice to imagine.

 

[Tony Towner]

Would it? There's literally 3 teams that regularly play wing backs, so you'd expect the most contributions to come from those players. Munoz cost €8m, players that can contribute more are out there.

As I've said before if Vitor says he's playing a back 4 next year then I'm totally on board bringing him back

 

[Alan]

I dunno, seems like you hate him and hope he fucks off to a third tier club in Slovenia.

 

[Tony Towner]

I like him, have for the last 4 years - he took some time to settle, the penalty vs Villa took some getting over for me. His far post defending from crosses has always been a voyage of discovery, last week being the latest instalment. Slovenia is lovely btw

 

[Alan]

After some of the defenders we’ve put up with, just the one weakness in that area feels like something of a miracle!