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Transfers Summer 2026 Transfer Thread

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Is he any good though?

I saw him in the play off final - granted coming back from injury - and didnt really look up to much. But thats a very very small sample size and eye test.

Havent seen loads of him, tbh, but what I have seen has been a bit mixed

On form he can dictate the entire team, good all round player, good on the ball - makes things happen

Off form, just not really standing out (not a bad thing, people stand out for the wrong reasons too!)

I dont know if he is ready to step up, but I do agree with the poster who said yesterday, this feels like one of those buys where an Everton or someone get him - he is really good - and then we are priced out and wish we took the chance when he was available (now)
 
Re van Hecke - This is exactly how a proper club replaces a big outgoing talent. Top priority is getting the preferred replacement in. Nice to see the club operate in a serious manner for once.
 
Not sure how we protect Van hecke and Senesi as they are both very slow centrebacks. Particularly Senesi has cost goals due to his lack of pace.

High line with them two is suicide.
Senesi is such a liability that Bournemouth didn’t lose for 18 games.

Honestly, it’s a nice if a CB has pace, but give me one who is dominant in the air, wins his duels, can pass the ball under pressure. All of these are far more important. And if you have VDV it’s not an issue against the very few teams who really can hurt you on the counter.
 
Not sure how we protect Van hecke and Senesi as they are both very slow centrebacks. Particularly Senesi has cost goals due to his lack of pace.

High line with them two is suicide.
We haven’t played a high line since Postecoglou. Chelsea did ok with Terry and Cahill. Neither Alderweireld or Vertonghen were rapid. Under RDZ we have kept the ball and teams have rarely got in behind us.
 
Havent seen loads of him, tbh, but what I have seen has been a bit mixed

On form he can dictate the entire team, good all round player, good on the ball - makes things happen

Off form, just not really standing out (not a bad thing, people stand out for the wrong reasons too!)

I dont know if he is ready to step up, but I do agree with the poster who said yesterday, this feels like one of those buys where an Everton or someone get him - he is really good - and then we are priced out and wish we took the chance when he was available (now)

The google AI search bit (dont moan) does a good job of summarising him:

Key Playing Characteristics
  • Deep-Lying Dictator: He excels at dropping deep into the build-up phase to collect the ball from centre-backs, instantly shaking off markers and turning on the half-turn to initiate attacks. [1, 2]
  • Elite Progressive Carrying: Ranked among the best in England's second tier for progressive carries, he uses his low centre of gravity and agility to drive forward into space and beat opponents on the turn. [1, 2, 3]
  • Line-Breaking Passing: He boasts high passing accuracy, frequently springing wingers and forwards with searching, disguised balls into the final third. [1, 2, 3]
  • High Motor Off the Ball: While his primary value is in possession, he remains incredibly active in the defensive/middle third, posting top-tier numbers for ball recoveries in the midfield. [1, 2]

Statistical & Tactical Profile
  • Press Resistance: Because of his tight control and intelligent body positioning, he is incredibly difficult to dispossess when tightly marked. [1, 2, 3]
  • System Fit: He thrives in possession-dominant, tactically complex systems that prioritize circulating the ball rather than direct, long-ball styles. [1]
  • Accolades: His standout performances in the Championship earned him the Sky Bet Championship Player of the Season award. [1]

All of which sounds VERY RDZ doesnt it? If he really is £10m I feel like we should go for it

Even if we get someone else too


This guy definitely worth paying attention to this window, seems to be bang on the money, posted back in April


View: https://x.com/szyexcl/status/2062479118667559040?s=20



He's the one that was VERY reliable on team news - player injured, Spence starting RW, all sorts like that

Im not sure if he is as reliable on transfer stuff, but so far I dont think Ive seen anything obviously bullshit from him
 
Il be very very suprised if we actually signed Hackney. Good player but would create such a cm conundrum for us in terms of CM pairings

Our midfield is a conundrum, its been fucked over the way we've handled the squad the last few years

Much to my dismay I still cant shake the idea of Gray or (more likely) Bergvall being let go just to accomodate the players we need

Im still far from convinced we'll go for Palinha, we will be letting Biss go, lots of rumours of Sarr leaving...

I feel like Bentancur and Gallagher are the only "safe" players, and Gallaghers more a 10 than CM anyway...

BUT - to get some harmony in midfield, I feel like we are going to have to accept some moves we probably wont like
 
I like the idea of Van Hecke. This is the kind of player we should always be looking at, PL experienced, In his prime age wise, Leader.

We need depth all over the pitch.

Would be a great signing, skeptical ENIC gets it over the line as he is valued at £70m. (though does only have one year left on his contract I believe)
 
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