06 Sep 2026 22:47:32
Once the Traore signing is confirmed and he is up to fitness and Trippier is back fully fit, the squad looks a lot better and the team should be:
Sa, Trippier, Djiga, Krejci, Hugo Bueno, Bertrand Traore, James, Andre, Rodrigo, Lopez, Raul.
Subs, Virginia, Mosquera, Konan, Lima, Jackson, Munetsi, Doyle, Neave, Said, Mane and Bellegarde.
I've left Jackson and Toti out purposely.
07 Sep 2026 09:45:22
In order to include Traore, we need to lose one player presently in squad. Beggars can be choosers, and it may well depend on who, out of Santiago Bueno and Bellegarde, attracts interest. Given that buying club can do the math, we are going to have to settle for a loan with option. Not ideal, but the result of little interest being shown in those surplus to requirements.
I would prefer to keep Bellegarde. I think he has shown glimpses in the past of being able to create opportunities by his willingness to carry the ball from central positions.
He played that role for Haiti in the World Cup, and is more effective there than when deployed wide.
It's a bit of a concern that we have had to settle for loans with those who have been shipped out. Hopefully they will play well enough to attract offers next year. Certainly don't want any returning irrespective of the league we are in (unless it's League One!!!!).
07 Sep 2026 10:01:32
Can we sell Jackson?