c1982

Read a couple of bits saying they expect him to eventually play as a defensive midfielder. Good age, athletic and versatile - ticks a few boxes for me... biggest tick is that it sounds like Ancelotti is pushing this one.

He’s on fire!!!

I think Dom comes across really well whenever interviewed - he’s just a really likeable character. He’s doing really well this season after tailing off (in a poor team) after the restart. I do feel we could do with another striker - I want Kean to be able to do it but it hasn’t quite happened yet. Ideally, we sell Tosun and Sandro and maybe get an ‘impact striker’ or maybe someone like King who can play a few positions including the main striker role.

Allan for being so steady and reliable just ahead of James for making me say ‘WOW’ every time he touches the ball and Coleman for another excellent performance - thought he was nearing the end for us last season but now just looks great again.

Ideally, Romero comes in now and puts a rocket up Pickford’s arse. Donnarumma is out of contract next summer but a lot of teams are going to be in for him... Juventus probably at the top of the list. If Carlo could somehow work his magic... think we’d need to be in at least the Europa come next season. I would happily see Pickford leave though - just not a fan of his.

1st goal wasn’t solely Pickford’s fault but surely he’s experienced enough to know when to launch it... hey-ho, things like that happen now and again with this style - remember Alisson having a similar howler - the one Pickford actually commented on through the media (not been the same since!) 2nd goal is truly shocking though - the positioning on the initial cross - half coming then changing his mind - then the flap at the finish - pretty sure no one will be more disappointed than Pickford.

Getting a lot of stick on Sky in the post match analysis - deserves it too. First goal - Keane doesn’t help but, when he receives a ball like that, just launch it - similar to Mina pass on Sat. 2nd goal - inexcusable - so poor. I hope he can prove me (and others) wrong but I just don’t think he will. The £15m-20m Villa have just paid Arsenal for Martinez looks very cheap.

I was wondering if the sun played a role - I sat behind that goal for years and it was always a killer on days like today. I’m surprised he doesn’t wear a cap more often as it must be a factor.

This signing gets better by the day...

Gordon for me - loved his direct play and always looked dangerous. Nkounkou looked very bright too - they linked up really well. It’s clear many on display don’t have a future here but I’d confidently say that this pair do.

James - genuine world class player. He wasn’t always involved but every single touch was top, top quality - we’ve lacked this for so long - SO GOOD! Same can be said for Allan and Doucoure and low and behold Gomes suddenly looks quality, Coleman shines, Gylfi comes on and does well... even Pickford - I’ve criticised him in the past but under less pressure, he did what he needed to do very well. I haven’t felt this good/relaxed watching us for a long time. COYB!!!

Refused to celebrate... maybe not for us but possibly pushing for a move or maybe promises were made last summer e.g. ‘Give us one more season Wilf...’

1) Richarlison 2) Gordon 3) Richarlison 4) James 5) Gbamin 6) 5th

He’s already signed for Villareal... next!

Didn’t see that - yep, pretty much.

I see it as Keane, Mina, Holgate and Tomori being our 4 cbs. I would prefer Tomori be a bit part player here and Gibson/Branthwaite be playing every week at Championship level for a year. In an odd way, this signing gives Gibson/Branthwaite more opportunities long term. Chances of us signing Tomori long-term are slim but maybe we don’t actually need him beyond this season as one of our youngsters could come back ‘ready’ next season. Could prove a smart move.

Standard EFC...

I expect Noble wants a reaction... I’d guess he’s more popular with fans than Gold, Sullivan and Brady. It could be a way for Noble to get out of the club as a hero/‘legend’ and could help build momentum with the fan vendetta against the ownership.

On Watford’s owner... Pozzo runs an international scouting team of 25 to 30 people who seek players through attending every significant competition around the world, especially in developing markets like South America, Africa, and Eastern Europe.[6][7] Pozzo is reported to have a pattern of investing small sums of money into high-risk players. His larger clubs’ network has helped his business to minimize player acquisition costs while maximizing the profit from surging transfer fees as players are transferred and loaned among ‘sister clubs’ and later sold at a premium achieving high returns.[8][7] Pozzo's career experience and business model has led to identifying talent at his three clubs and has been consistently applied to Udinese Calcio for over 25 years, leading some to call it the "talent factory".[9] Granada CF and Watford achieved promotion to LaLiga and Premier League, respectively, through Pozzo's network and transformation from distressed situations. Pozzo's success includes the development of the clubs' own stadiums.[6][7][10]

Despite this, they’ve just had one of the best periods in the clubs history - 5 years (not certain of this?) in the top division and a FA Cup runners-up in that time. It seems ridiculous what they do but, up until the Pearson sacking, it kind of worked for them. As for players, despite the huge turnover of managers, the team always seems pretty settled (bar post lockdown/ Pearson) so I’d feel pretty confident should we send players there. The big advantage they seem to have is with their links with Udinese and Granada (I think?) - they seem to get decent players in and I think this will see them dominate the Championship next season.

I’m sure he was linked last time Thiago was linked to Man U when Moyes took over. Could make sense that if Thiago’s going to Liverpool, his brother/agent may explore the option of getting a move over too - it’s whether we want/need him.

I personally think Watford will dominate the Championship next season so am quite happy for a couple of our young fringe lads to be part of that.

My 2+2 = Ospina Ancelotti signed him at Napoli. Brother-in-law of James Rodríguez. Adds to the Colombian connection.

The fee will be nowhere near £40m! The fee will be less than £10m and reported as undisclosed - similar to us selling Schneiderlin - it’s about getting the player off the wage bill. James will have to take a big wage cut for it to happen. 3 year deal now is perfect in my opinion - there’d be no guarantee that he’d choose us as a free agent next summer and it’s whether Real would sanction a loan in the final year of his contract anyway. He’s clearly someone Ancelotti knows, rates and trusts so we need to put our faith in that.