If we do stay up, which is looking likely, we clearly need some more investment in the first team squad to take the next step up the competitive Premier League ladder.
Some clear positions remain as problem areas for us that need addressing but the excellent form from the likes of Dummett, Shelvey, Lejeune and Diame have meant we are not quite as weak as we were. For example, left back has always been an area we need investing in but Dummett has been outstanding in recent months and it may be that cash would be better spent elsewhere. So what could be our priorities in the summer?
Striker
It seems like we discuss a striker every window ever since Demba Ba left the club but it remains the priority. I remain unconvinced by the likes of Jorgensen, Sturridge or Ings so it may be if he impresses we sign Slimani full time. I would love to see us break our transfer record for the likes of Dembele from Celtic and show some real intent but a £20m+ striker is a must this summer and no excuses of a lack of TV money this time to hid behind, either.
Potential signing: Moussa Dembele (Celtic), Willian Jose (Real Sociedad)
Number 10
Another problem area for us, simply as we don’t have specialist in this area. Merino, Shelvey and Diame are decent enough options further back and Perez is likely to be a squad player moving forward. He scores some important goals, like last weekend, but we is too inconstant and doesn’t link midfield and attack well enough. We may re-visit Cairney if Fulham don’t go up, as we may for former target Dennis Praet – the Belgian playmaker linked with a move in the summer. We have a solid defence but need some flair going forward to go to the next level and this position is key to that.
Potential signing: Dennis Praet (Sampdoria) Tom Cairney (Fulham), Loftus Cheek (Chelsea – loan), Hakim Ziyech (Ajax)
Right back
This wouldn’t be as glaring a need as those mentioned above but it would improve us. Yedlin has improved which should be recognised and he certainly has a future at the club but he does now appear the weakest link in the successful back 5 we have now formed. He has improved defensively no end and has pace to burn but is still prone to the odd error and his final ball needs some work.
Potential signing – Cedric (Southampton)
Sign Dubravka and Kenedy
On top of the three areas above we need to seal permanent transfers of these two January arrivals as well. They have made a massive impact and if we signed three quality players on top of them, that would be 5 players (half a team) from the team that started this season. If we are to progress this is the type of investment we have to make.
Which areas do you think are most important? Any potential targets we should be looking at?
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Jamie V(Quote)