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30 Jul 2026 14:40:14
I think we're doing alright.
Trafford will sign post holiday medical.
Some clubs who I think will really struggle based on current status.
Sunderland - prime candidates for 1 season wonders and Europe stretching their squad.
Fulham - relying heavily on arbeloas relationship with two Madrid youngsters to hit the ground running as they replace Jimenez and Wilson. If they and/ or rodrigo Muniz and Kevin don't step up they're in big trouble.
Newcastle - looks like a fire sale and the manager gone too. New signings unknown and need to hit the ground like Fulham. Fans might think they have 'too big to go downitis'. Lose guimaraes and if Wissa and Woltemade don't improve it's a lot on Osula.
Villa - they're losing Digne, Rogers is gone. They can't spend a lot right now. Talk of Konsa leaving and with Mings really ageing I think they're super thin defensively without much scr headroom even after Rogers. Reliant on Mazambi. Having seen enough of Manzambi though think he's class. Garnacho a risk loan. Martinez wants out Abraham is injured and Watkins had a good yr last yr and will need to again. Will be fine but worse than last year.
Palace - I don't think they've spent well. The panicked a bit in January as they slid down the table and bought JSl and Brennan Johnson. Sold Lacroix who'll need to be replaced.
Everton - apart from tyrick George they seem to be treading a bit of water. They'll be heavily reliant on the inflated fee they might get from Saudi for Ndiaye. So so light up front and Keane and Tarkowski are at the point where guilty until proven innocent. If a wildcard comes good like dibling settles then they'll be alright.
I don't think Leeds can finish above villa even at their worst but all those other teams at present yes. Caveated by there's a lot of trading to be done.
Brentford look good, without having done much, Brighton will be fine as they have a succession plan for welbeck. Bournemouth I think will be ok even if the blow about kroupi and I think forest will be alright too if the owner let's glasner do his thing.
1.) 30 Jul 2026 15:43:56.
No disrespect here, Ealing, but I do have a little giggle at these types of very biased posts.
Apart from Mack'ens, those teams are all fairly fundamental Prem teams, with plenty of staying up experience.
Barcodes will just go buy a few now.
Villa only had 1 scare in many, many years.
Palace always seem to pull rabbits out.
Same with a few others you mentioned.
Brentford were "gone" last season after Frank left, and look how that turned out.
There's so many nuances to how clubs actually progress through a season, it's almost impossible to call, apart from the new 3, which is where it mostly happens.
2.) 30 Jul 2026 16:23:46
I agree that Sunderland will likely struggle this seez. I would lurve em to get relegated.
Still think bottom six will comprise of the 3 promoted teams, Sunderland, Palace and Leeds.
For me, our season's success hinges on:
1) having few injuries.
and
2) signing at least a goal-scoring striker. We simply cannot risk going again into an EPL seez with just DCL and Nmecha, and Piroe is pointless.
3.) 30 Jul 2026 17:04:20
Villa also lost Tielemans, so a huge midfield change for them.
4.) 30 Jul 2026 17:15:03
Agree, Baz.
We were lucky with injuries last season, and it only hit us right at the end when we were safe. If we'd two or three key players out at the same time, for a long spell after the Man City away game, the season might have ended differently.
We do need to find the DCL back up, one who can be ahead of Nmecha and stay fit.
5.) 30 Jul 2026 17:33:32
Absolutely Dune. ?
6.) 31 Jul 2026 09:19:09
West Ham were a fairly fundamental Premier League team with plenty of staying up experience. I can see the point Ealing is making. Very often an established team gets relegated and this coming season may see the same.
7.) 31 Jul 2026 10:59:50
Unless it's Palace, and they will probably stay up 16th or so. No chance any other established EPL club is going down this seez imo.
8.) 31 Jul 2026 11:18:07
Fulham, CP, Sunderland, Brentford, Newcastle and Everton are all, at this moment in time, possible relegation candidates, imo. Oh, and even the mighty Leeds.
9.) 31 Jul 2026 15:00:46
Not so sure about that, Baz. Barcodes have already lost Tonali and Gordon, with maybe Guimares and Woltemade to follow, on top of losing Isak last year. Now, Eddie Howe has walked out, and may be replaced by Matthias Jaissle, who has zero PL experience.
I can see them sinking into the do-do too.
But, there again, I said something similar about Brentford this time last year and was wrong then, so what do I know.
30 May 2026 16:58:02
TeamTalk saying we're interested in Wolves' defender Krejci. Not bad at all, but given Wolves triggered a £26m buy option, we would have to be in that region for them to make sense.
1.) 31 May 2026 17:46:36
What did we pay for Bijol? £18m. He's been good, and should only get better for having a season in the PL under his belt. He took a while to secure his place, but once he did, he's been well worth the money.
Not sure that £26m for Krejci is as good a deal.
29 Jun 2024 16:54:38
Archie off to Brentford for £35m it seems.
Devastating.
1.) 29 Jun 2024 17:03:59
No chance.
2.) 29 Jun 2024 17:22:05
My confidence in the 49ers stewardship of this club is dwindling.
3.) 29 Jun 2024 17:46:35
A deal up to £40m not to be sniffed at.
Now let the other bidders enter the game. This one ain’t over yet!
4.) 29 Jun 2024 23:39:07
I'll be sad to see him leave. He's a cracking player and a Leeds lad.
We can't be selling all our assets or we've no chance next season.
5.) 30 Jun 2024 08:03:36
Whoever we sell, will be replaced. I would also be sad to see him leave, but an acceptance of a fee like that, means he will definitely be leaving, but I think it will be elsewhere, and not Brentford.
17 Jun 2024 01:23:59
This is really out there but I was playing Football Manager 2024 tonight and at the end of the first season. got a bonus of 1.5m from Bournemouth on account of their staying up (avoiding relegation clause) from the Tyler Adams deal.
Anyone know if this is genuinely in the deal or not. Sounds weird but FM has a way about it, the level of detail in the game can astound so worth wondering about.
1.) 18 Jun 2024 13:48:22
ive not heard anything about that - maybe just in the game?
06 Aug 2023 23:25:17
Leeds being linked with Pantelis Chatzidiakos from Alkmaar for a relatively low fee (around 2.5m) .
Also reports that we're still (yes still) talking to Liverpool about Phillips for a fee of 10m if all adds on are met. So a bit cheaper than the direct 10m that was being talked about earlier if i understand it.
1.) 07 Aug 2023 15:42:27
I can't even say it, let alone sing it!
2.) 07 Aug 2023 16:59:58
He'll need an extra large shirt regardless.
3.) 08 Aug 2023 16:42:22
Chat - zid - e, - akos.
4.) 08 Aug 2023 21:35:25
Close Chris, the C is a silent one.
5.) 08 Aug 2023 22:26:46
Just call him Pants.
Ealing BKB's banter posts with other poster's replies to Ealing BKB's banter posts
04 Aug 2026 11:46:44
Little off topic but I don't know if anyone is following the wildfires in the US?
My mum and sister were out there in Spokane (a little east of Seattle) at my aunt and uncles house. They all had to evacuate with 5 minutes notice. The house was burnt down to the ground.
A place where I spent easily 15-20 Christmases and a house that was a huge focal point for a large family (my mum was one of eight) . I get that Americans can often rub people to wrong way but its staggering the impact this has had in everyday people.
You hear on the news what USA and Canada are going through and obviously Spain France and greece. But it never quite seems real until it happens to you or someone close to you.
1.) 04 Aug 2026 13:46:10
The fires happen every year and do seem to be getting worse.
In my 19 years in Canada the difference in the winter severity is very noticeable TBH, so the climate is changing.
When you fly over Canada you get an idea of how much of the land is wooded.
Fortunately here in New Brunswick we are not as badly affected by actual fires but you notice the air quality and see the sun colour change due to the smoke.
2.) 04 Aug 2026 13:56:05
Sad news, Ealing! So sorry to hear of that.
Also sadly, it seems that this kind of thing is a new reality we all face for at least the mid term.
The wildfires here got to within 7kms of my village last year; our saving Grace is that its prime vineyards surrounding us, and if there's profit involved, there's no limit to what they will do to protect it all!
3.) 04 Aug 2026 14:55:39
I've been through a house fire. It's frightening. Truth.
I woke up thinking the window blinds were rattling inn the wind but it was flames crackling. Got my wife and dogs up. Running downstairs the lights went out and alarm went off. We all scrambled up the hill to a neighbour as front of house on fire.
It's nature. Next day. After fireman allowed us to. we went in the house. Half the house was gutted. Nothing left. But my boys Brms and playroom pristine. Untouched. That's the wind for you.
4.) 04 Aug 2026 17:40:14
Scary s*** that, Aus! Frightening!
5.) 04 Aug 2026 19:53:11
That's devastating for your family mate. Thank God no lives were lost.
6.) 04 Aug 2026 20:17:09
As Corkey says, Ealing, devastating and frightening.
02 Aug 2026 14:39:50
Not sure if it got reported anywhere else, but Lois Openda joined Lyon for a 3m loan fee; no reports of obligation.
If we really wanted him that's a big miss.
27 Jul 2026 16:28:53
Have mentioned the likes of Denis cirkin (free) and ben Davies (light fee) before.
What about solly march? By all accounts he's healthy again. Free agent. Offer him 1 yr similar to what gruev is on. Maybe with a vesting second yr.
Would naturally need an in-depth medical but he was on the brink of an England callup before his injury bug.
The sort of player who might actually be aware of his fitness limitation and therefore back up gudmundsson. He also used to play further down the wing too.
As a Brighton bonus. If we sold bornauw we could do similar to sign Adam Webster on a free. Injury concerns so emergency cb might be perfect for him.
1.) 27 Jul 2026 17:01:28
Been a massive Silly fan for a few Seez now,
Not sure what his output is now after such a lengthy layoff.
But you'd imagine a change of scenery would be great for him.
2.) 27 Jul 2026 17:26:38
Love Silly (Solly) March, surely Pascal Rutter and co could big us up.
3.) 27 Jul 2026 17:57:18
Solly has only played about 20 games over the last three seasons, and although he's talented, I think it's a big risk.
Cirkin has been unfortunate with injuries. He had nearly a full season out a couple of years ago with a hamstring injury, which eventually required surgery.
I suspect he was rushed back. Then, last season, he couldn't budge Reinildo from the fb slot, and also had problems with a broken wrist/hand. It appears that was operated on during the close season. If we wanted a cheap back up on a free at lb, he'd maybe be worth a look.
4.) 27 Jul 2026 18:41:47
Solly is a lovely lad, but has slipped into the huge risk element. Sadly he's almost at the pay as you play deal stage. My mate says he looks great just now, but he thinks a shade slower than previously, which, unsurprisingly, could just be a lack of match fitness.
Of the two, and I love Solly, everyone does, but for me Cirkin is the better option of the two.
23 Jul 2026 15:07:56
I see a lot on this so I'm just curious. In a perfect world we land all our reasonable targets for a fair price on day 1 of the window but that isn't possible.
Would people prefer?
A. We sign those preferred targets early in the window but we pay the premium for early business you get the integrstion and pre season under way.
B. You hold out for the fairer terms / calling clubs bluff. You probably end up paying a bit less or get to react to how else the transfer market shakes out (a bit like how we signed Raphinha) but sacrifice the team cohesion it provides in pre season.
1.) 23 Jul 2026 15:35:25
The problem that I always see in that scenario is we don't ever seem to get that bargain fee for that strategy.
I shall beat Baz to this (Raph exception) . ???
So, if our data models have been doing their thing all Seez, then to me, go get the player that the data said is your man.
2.) 23 Jul 2026 15:37:47
Waiting is fine as long as we do get who we want, otherwise, you get past a certain time and the market becomes a seller's one and prices rise.
3.) 23 Jul 2026 16:25:21
Get in first and pay the money (if you believe it is fair and affordable within the nonsense fair play pish) .
After the transfer window, nobody gives a hoot as to whether a player came at a good price or whether it was too high, only that we have the players we want and need.
11 Jul 2026 18:04:32
Bates has died.
1.) 11 Jul 2026 20:07:17
Just spotted it too, Ealing.
94 - good innings. Mad as a box of frogs, of course, but he probably saved us at a time when no one else wanted to know!
2.) 11 Jul 2026 21:08:00
Spot on, Cleggy. He shafted quite a few of our creditors during his takeover process, but saved us in the process.
3.) 11 Jul 2026 22:24:15
Good point, Cleggy. Massimo was also certifiably crazy, but without both tenures, when nobody else was interested in us, where would we be now.
4.) 12 Jul 2026 12:58:44
100% class.
03 Aug 2026 23:01:41
If we really get £9m for him, that, + Struijk £18-20m depending on reports, + Schmidt 2.5m more or less, is net what we spent for Muharemovic.
Swapping two players no longer useful for us, and getting younger, and perhaps even better with Muharemovic vs. Struijk, is a seriously good deal.
All hinges on that Gelhardt deal coming to fruition for the stated funds ofc.
01 Aug 2026 20:34:24
I think Gruev is underrated. Is he as good as Tanaka in playmaking? No, but he's a better battler and has the ability to pull a great assist out of nowhere. He's also critical in that he's fully accepting of a squad role and honest minutes. That, and his exceptional contribution to the community, means I'd keep him over Tanaka.
I can see Tanaka getting itchy feet if he doesn't play as much next season. I think Gruev has a higher floor and lower ceiling. Tanaka has a low floor on an off day and a high ceiling.
Gruev also isn't on much and might accept similar terms or only a modest increase.
23 Jul 2026 15:10:57
Very early reads on this, which I don't trust as fact yet, suggest we aren't subsiding his wages and that there is a fee. In which case, well done, Parag. At this point, I would have taken a free transfer and wages off the book. A fee too, whether it was 50k, 500k or 5m, is a huge bonus.
15 Jul 2026 17:57:45
He feels like a marquee signing for Birmingham or more obviously Wrexham to me than Norwich, but who knows.
15 Jul 2026 17:56:06
He's right footed, I think. We need a CB who's left footed, or at least highly two footed / competent playing on their unnatural side.
05 Aug 2026 11:03:00
I wouldn't be so harsh on Cairns. His level is exactly what he should be - an emergency backup third choice who has good vibes.
It's not his fault the club haven't got the keepers in yet.
I'll say this match.
He distributes better than Darlow, can catch like Ani said, and, guess what, Rodon seems to trust him somewhat.
It's also preseason - I reckon keepers don't go full out just like you don't see full blooded challenges.
05 Aug 2026 09:10:20
Agree with Bright. The 3 signings of Trafford (assumed) , Wilson, and Muharemovic undoubtedly raise the floor of the squad.
I actually think the team are sitting around B on exits as well. Getting a decent fee for Struijk (not mind blowing) , a good fee for Schmidt, an excellent move on from Harrison, and terminating Wobers' deal would help.
Managing to move on Gelhardt and/or Piroe and Ramazani would upgrade outgoings, to an A if they are fees.
The floor of the squad has undoubtedly risen somewhat. So far, the depth has fallen. We ran with a pretty thin squad last season, which we ran the dice on (as newly promoted last term, that's one of the realities) .
I believe we'll be opportunistic. There is still a lot of moving and shaking to be done in this window, and some of it is like buying a house with a chain. Raphinha is easily the best signing in the last decade. It was one such signing. Not saying we will find another Raphinha, but something might pop up.
I don't believe we will land every position we think we need. The two goalkeepers and the left back are the absolute minimum. After that, a good striker.
03 Aug 2026 23:45:29
Personally, I think the central playmaker was a luxury attempt this window. Great if we can do it, not the top priority.
Goalkeeper.
2nd goalkeeper.
Left back.
Striker.
Playmaker.
Would be my order for needs.
Wilson is natural wide, capable of centre, and Aaronson is the opposite. I think it's a case of working out the best place to use one or both of them (if Wilson and James build a good understanding it could be James wide, Wilson central and Aaronson from the bench) .
The one exception for playmaker moving up the list would be Zian Flemming signing, who is a hybrid 9/10.
Otherwise Brandt was like Amiri a couple seasons ago. If we can do it it's a coup but a long shot and like Amiri didn't seem to really want to come anyway.
People will moan that we wasted time chasing him, but I think it was fair to put an offer on the table, especially for a free agent of his calibre. I think once he hadn't signed, shortly after looking around, ownership will have got the gist: he's a maybe, but don't plan on him signing now, and moved on.
03 Aug 2026 23:38:17
I think we need to sign Denis Cirkin (who remains a free agent) right now. The Gabby injury can be assessed. If it's a 3-4 week one, Cirkin can hold the fort. If not, we get Cirkin and a loanee.
30 Jul 2026 14:25:42
Athletic reporting they are buying two players off Madrid for a combined 50m euros, with 30% sell on for Madrid. So, quite far off the hyperbole, 70m for one.
Basically looks like they're gambling these two will replace the departing Wilson and Jimenez.