Julian Brandt - Signed for Ajax

[Victor_OTT_17]

Wages we can afford. It's the Transfer fees in today's football ecosystem that are a killer when trying to obtain top players. And I think it will take a 4 year contract to get him here.

I don't think we will give more than 3. 4 for Wilson at 29 was our limit I think. 33 is the age you gotta be careful at...

[WhiteRose]

He's 30? What is he good for? 2 seasons? Is he THAT good? Should we be excited? I'm not as excited about this news as some are. Maybe I know nothing...

Scum just paid £35 million for tielemens and signed him on a 5 year deal, he’s 30 next May.

[SG90]

It could go either way, he could be brilliant or expensive, lazy and fat. Stach was great, but Wirtz was a flop. Germans can be quite hit and miss in England.

[Cjay]

My only concern would be with a Brandt, DCL, Wilson front 3 it's slow.

Brandt had some pace (probably still does) and is capable of beating a man still, but that side of his game will be on the slide you'd think?

Wilson and DCL aren't, neither of them are running in behind or beating a defender with skill.

Would it be a bit pedestrian?

But actually if we go to ploddyball Brandt and his ability to play creative passes may become more important

We go very safe with ploddyball so you need that player capable of playing the eye of the needle pass perhaps.

Just worry it may be a bit one paced.

[Barlow Boy]

My only concern would be with a Brandt, DCL, Wilson front 3 it's slow.

Brandt had some pace (probably still does) and is capable of beating a man still, but that side of his game will be on the slide you'd think?

Wilson and DCL aren't, neither of them are running in behind or beating a defender with skill.

Would it be a bit pedestrian?

But actually if we go to ploddyball Brandt and his ability to play creative passes may become more important

We go very safe with ploddyball so you need that player capable of playing the eye of the needle pass perhaps.

Just worry it may be a bit one paced.

Highly unlikely DCL will be our main striker next season.

What difference that makes to what you’ve said, I’ve no idea.

[BlackHillsPaul]

My only concern would be with a Brandt, DCL, Wilson front 3 it's slow.

Brandt had some pace (probably still does) and is capable of beating a man still, but that side of his game will be on the slide you'd think?

Wilson and DCL aren't, neither of them are running in behind or beating a defender with skill.

Would it be a bit pedestrian?

But actually if we go to ploddyball Brandt and his ability to play creative passes may become more important

We go very safe with ploddyball so you need that player capable of playing the eye of the needle pass perhaps.

Just worry it may be a bit one paced.

But did we have any more pace last season? The answer for me is no.

The question is are Brandt and Wilson upgrades for Aaronson and Okafor? Brandt is ABSOLUTELY an offensive upgrade over Aaronson. And Wilson is at least another equal, if not different option for Okafor. A much better defensive player for sure. So we would have more options, if not more pace IF we can pull off a deal for Brandt. Fingers crossed!!!

[Victor_OTT_17]

Okafor is a nailed on starter on the left. Wilson on the right and maybe Brandt in the middle. James, Aaronson, Gruev and Tanaka probably have no future here...

[Cjay]

Was an itk assemble elsewhere this morning.

All saying the same thing.

We now feel we will sign Brandt.

Not done but positive.

[BlackHillsPaul]

Okafor is a nailed on starter on the left. Wilson on the right and maybe Brandt in the middle. James, Aaronson, Gruev and Tanaka probably have no future here...

I think it depends on the shape Victor. But I like having quality options!

Having said that, I wouldn't be surprised to see James and Tanaka leave.

[weasel]

I think it depends on the shape Victor. But I like having quality options!

Having said that, I wouldn't be surprised to see James and Tanaka leave.

All about options and as shown last season the ability to change formations - not just to 5 at the back but then back to 4 at the back mid match and stuff like Rodon or JJ playing right wing made us so much better and gave us the opportunity to compete in matches where the initial formation wasn't quite working.

[SG90]

Was an itk assemble elsewhere this morning.

All saying the same thing.

We now feel we will sign Brandt.

Not done but positive.

Agent Stach, get to work.

[Victor_OTT_17]

as shown last season the ability to change formations - not just to 5 at the back but then back to 4 at the back mid match and stuff like Rodon or JJ playing right wing made us so much better and gave us the opportunity to compete in matches where the initial formation wasn't quite working.

This is key again this season (and for all seasons). Being able to adapt in ways to change the game is paramount. It looks like this finally clicked with DF half way through the City game last year: it changed our season. Of course that means having we need to have the players to enable a sometimes drastic formation change and it means that some players will have to be patient! It's DF's job to keep everything harmonious in the dressing room. Not an easy thing to do but that's what he is paid for right?

[1964white]

[Cjay]

Its a fake Romano

[Victor_OTT_17]

FAKE Romano account!

[1964white]

Apologies, apparently this is a fake account.

[BlackHillsPaul]

Apologies, apparently this is a fake account.

Just noticed the spelling of his last name. ROMAMO. Yup, very fake.

[weasel]

Apologies, apparently this is a fake account.

Yeah big give away on the name Romamo and then Romarmo instead of Romano.

[CUSSIE01]

Just noticed the spelling of his last name. ROMAMO. Yup, very fake.

He should be set on fire & put out with a baseball bat, doesn’t he realise the danger for someone my age to get excited.

[Lumiukko]

I hear you Cussie. I saw the Brandt thread at the top of the stack and got very excited when I first saw the Fabrizio post before it dawned it was a parody. Too good to be true!