[Albion] Vítor Oliveira (Vitinha)

[Bridcutt]

We really don't spend much money anymore. I understand the business model (and it's working!) however I would expect money to be spent still.

 

[Chicken Run]

I won’t believe it till Fab Romano confirms it.

I won’t believe until I know Chelsea aren’t interested…..

 

[maltaseagull]

Agreed…… unless you are outbidding someone else who has triggered the release clause……. Or are Chelsea trying to buck/evade Financial Fair Play rules.

I thought FFP didn't apply to Chelsea?

 

[Commander]

We really don't spend much money anymore. I understand the business model (and it's working!) however I would expect money to be spent still.

We really do. How do you think we find this constant conveyor belt of amazing young talent across the world? Some guy sat in Lancing searching a big database?

There is a reason why we find these players when other clubs don't, it's because we've put absolutely massive investment into our scouting and development networks all over the planet. To say we don't spend much money is nonsense, we just spend it differently to the clubs who don't have an actual strategy.

 

[HCxUK]

I wonder how minor Ferguson's injury is for this to all to go away? Sounds as though there was contact between us & Braga yesterday.

I'd hope he's only out for a couple of weeks, if that...

After losing Trossard, we'd going into what could be a very busy end of season a bit light with just Welbeck and Ferguson.

It's very likely that we'll have to play Bournemouth, Palace, Newcastle, United & City in midweeks. I think they're both great, but Ferguson is still so young, and injury issues aside, Welbeck does not have 180 minutes a week in him.

 

[CheeseRolls]

Naylor wasn’t denying club were interested but saying it was very much dependent on Ferguson injury which is now more positive than they expected.

Is that the case? Quite possible we have met the release clause, but player/agents are asking for more in a bidding war. Has anyone actually denied we met the release clause?

 

[Bridcutt]

We really do. How do you think we find this constant conveyor belt of amazing young talent across the world? Some guy sat in Lancing searching a big database?

There is a reason why we find these players when other clubs don't, it's because we've put absolutely massive investment into our scouting and development networks all over the planet. To say we don't spend much money is nonsense, we just spend it differently to the clubs who don't have an actual strategy.

I understand that and agree but are we never going to spend £20m on one player now after raking in £200m? We have been losing a lot of money yearly recently and I understand most of that money is not going to be reinvested into players but we're going to struggle eventually when our conveyor belt stops, because it will eventually.

 

[Bakero]

Braga is known as the place where the Visigoths renounced the Arian and Priscillianist heresies against Christ's divinity and against sensual pleasures……

That’s the place….

I'm not saying he's pants but Braga is also the Spanish word for knickers.

 

[borat]

I wonder how minor Ferguson's injury is for this to all to go away? Sounds as though there was contact between us & Braga yesterday.

I'd hope he's only out for a couple of weeks, if that...

After losing Trossard, we'd going into what could be a very busy end of season a bit light with just Welbeck and Ferguson.

It's very likely that we'll have to play Bournemouth, Palace, Newcastle, United & City in midweeks. I think they're both great, but Ferguson is still so young, and injury issues aside, Welbeck does not have 180 minutes a week in him.

Undav may well stay

 

[Psychobilly freakout]

Undav may well stay

Very clever play with Mitoma at the weekend, they know each others strengths and obviously work well together from their time in the noddy league.

 

[casbom]

It's so frustrating if we don't get another forward in, we have Fergie who we have to manage his time otherwise he'll be burnt out so won't play constantly, we have Welbeck who is good, but nowhere near prolific and won't be able to play consistently, and Undav who isn't quite at the level required to play. Our best chance ever of getting into Europe and going far in the cup and we're not strengthening now? In any position let alone forward? Is IMO crazy and I hope it doesn't back fire on us.

 

[Brian Fantana]

It's so frustrating if we don't get another forward in, we have Fergie who we have to manage his time otherwise he'll be burnt out so won't play constantly, we have Welbeck who is good, but nowhere near prolific and won't be able to play consistently, and Undav who isn't quite at the level required to play. Our best chance ever of getting into Europe and going far in the cup and we're not strengthening now? In any position let alone forward? Is IMO crazy and I hope it doesn't back fire on us.

I trust TB completely, but even he must be REALLY tempted to push the boat out, given how good a chance we have of Europe (on two fronts). This opportunity isn't going to be come around too often.

 

[borat]

Very clever play with Mitoma at the weekend, they know each others strengths and obviously work well together from their time in the noddy league.

Undav is a clever player, and a clinical finisher. His physicality (or lack) of might be a hindrance.

I think a run of games where he starts will prove a few people wrong.

 

[Frankworthington]

WE WANT A STRIKER!!!
Boo hoo
Lol

 

[Psychobilly freakout]

WE WANT A STRIKER!!!
Boo hoo
Lol

Actually, that is not what I am that bothered about at the moment, I am happy with what we have.
The perfect window for us now, is maybe one or two rising stars to get up to speed ready for next season (although not a panic)
and too keep what we have...

Job done then.

 

[Marshy]

Ho long is Colwill out for ? I am more interested in a left footed centre half and left back cover than a striker at the moment, unless Ferguson is out a while

 

[Justice]

Ho long is Colwill out for ? I am more interested in a left footed centre half and left back cover than a striker at the moment, unless Ferguson is out a while

Six weeks I believe

 

[Marshy]

Six weeks I believe

its been a couple already.

Have we had 6 weeks confirmed ?>

 

[chaileyjem]

Is that the case?

Yes.
"The Portugal Under-21 forward was a potential contingency option, depending on the extent of the injury sustained by 18-year-old Evan Ferguson in Sunday's FA Cup win over Liverpool.

Early indications are that the knee damage suffered by Ferguson in a tackle by Fabinho in the closing stages of Brighton's 2-1 victory at the Amex Stadium isn't as serious as initially feared."
via https://theathletic.com/live-blogs/transfer-deadline-day-january-live-news-deals/IgTGm0NVH9my/

 

[chaileyjem]

its been a couple already.

Have we had 6 weeks confirmed ?>

The initial reporting was "4-6 weeks".