The Summer 2020 Transfer Window Now Closed: Zungu signs on loan with option to buy

[CammyF 6,775]

6 minutes ago, Franc Ergs said:

According to French publication L'Equipe, via the Shields Gazette, Maja now takes home €65,000-a-week at Bordeaux, which equates to approximately £57,000.

 

Mmmm.

Didn't say we were or / are likely to sign him, just what's reported in the French media. May be true, may be a pile of sh1t ?

[Rousseau 9,358]

3 hours ago, T-1000 said:

A mobile forward would be fine but our build-up play at times can be so slow that it partially negates the mobility of any forward due to the lack of space when the opponents have the time to arrange their defence.  If we want to utilise mobility we need to be quicker in our build-up play.  I recognise having a front line that can interchange is beneficial but more so if we break quicker.  On many occasions we seem to rely on Barisič or Tav slinging crosses into the box.  This being the case then we need a forward who has a physical presence in the box.  This is part of the reason Defoe can look ineffectual in games because he relies on predatory instinct and for that he needs to be able to make a yard or two of space which in a crowded area is difficult.  To provide us with alternatives I would hope we sign two forwards, perhaps Roofe for the mobility and versatility and maybe Dykes for the physical presence.  It would be useful if our midfield could also chip in with some goals but last season suggests that they are not very prolific in this area.

You're right, but my idea of mobility and movement is that which would unlock those packed defenses. Mobility and speed on transitions is one thing, but I think we need more/better movement against those packed defenses too: We need to be moving and stretching those blocks. I believe SG wants a fluid and narrow front three, like Liverpool, and they unlock packed defenses through their movement, not by playing it into a target man.

 

However, I agree a more physical presence would be beneficial too - I'd hope we're looking at both these types. We certainly need more than one new forward addition.

[JFK-1 1,668]

3 hours ago, ian1964 said:

 

Maybe there were but not now.
 

 

[Gonzo79 13,581]

It's certainly going to be an interesting and long transfer window. 

Edited July 26, 2020 by Gonzo79

[JFK-1 1,668]

I sometimes wonder if some of these clubs get their info by reading mad Phil. Rangers are skint, admin anytime, (every quarter) throw ten bob at them and they will snap it up.

[MacK1950 2,231]

58 minutes ago, Rousseau said:

You're right, but my idea of mobility and movement is that which would unlock those packed defenses.

Oh for the days of Wee Wullie,Davy Wilson,Alex Scott and also last century  Davy Cooper,Brian Laudrop what fluidity they had, run at defences,turn them inside out, and just score if need be.

In the words of song "Oh it was so simple then or has time re-written every line,if we could do it all again would we could we?",sorry just dreaming and woke up.

Never mind come on the Gers.

[DMAA 3,603]

8 hours ago, Rousseau said:

You're right, but my idea of mobility and movement is that which would unlock those packed defenses. Mobility and speed on transitions is one thing, but I think we need more/better movement against those packed defenses too: We need to be moving and stretching those blocks. I believe SG wants a fluid and narrow front three, like Liverpool, and they unlock packed defenses through their movement, not by playing it into a target man.

 

However, I agree a more physical presence would be beneficial too - I'd hope we're looking at both these types. We certainly need more than one new forward addition.

Yes, we need a forward with a bit of guile and intelligence to break down stubborn defences. A player who can play a defence splitting pass himself, as well as pulling centre backs from their position to make space for others. Defoe actually does this pretty well. But I do believe it would be a waste not to have a forward who is good in the air too given we have Tavernier and especially Barisic who specialise in crosses. 
 

If Morelos is sold, I trust our scouts to find a good replacement and I still wouldn’t be averse to having Dykes as a squad player too. 

[DMAA 3,603]

Josh Maya is an intriguing link, but I’m skeptical that one could be done. 

[Bill 13,717]

Honestly, I feel like a football dunce. Every day I read about people linked with Rangers who I've never heard of, then I learn they play for some obscure club in French Guyana, Botswana, Bolivia, Moldova, etc ..... but everyone else already knows all about them - what position they play, who they scored against with their left foot, etc. How do people find the time or inclination to be such experts on world football ...... and why aren't they starring on Mastermind?

[Rousseau 9,358]

I like the profile of Maja: young, emerging talent, with a clear sell-on value.

 

From the clips I've seen there's two strikers there: the League One striker with Sunderland was quite raw, picking the ball up anywhere and running; and then with Bordeaux his goals have come from the penalty box. (I reckon at Sunderland he was played wide, whereas with Bordeaux he was a striker.)

 

The latter striker is more important to me, because he was in a packed box, getting on the end of crosses by creating that wee bit of space for himself. He certainly looks like he has the athleticism to deal with our game, but he's perhaps not got the finesse, yet. 

 

He's not prolific, but to be fair, he was too young at Sunderland and is not starting every game at Bordeaux.