James Fitzgerald

Maybe they are making space for Rodrygo/other.

Sure. I hope he comes. But I don't think Eze being pissed off, if it even happened, would be the same as Zaha. All guesswork on my part, but they seem very like different characters. Don't think Palace are that bothered about money either, when they need to show ambition to keep Glasner.

A q (not in the spirit of your post) regarding Eze: what's in it for Palace? I'm struggling to see why they'd sell, certainly for the money we would likely be willing/able (?) to pay.

He's not an obvious fit, so it's a signing partly about lifting the mood. I'm more than fine with this, but I don't think Palace can countenance selling him for much the same reason. Imagine the mood there if he goes.

Eze is a lovely player. I think he's worth a lot more to Palace than whatever we want to pay so I'd be surprised if it happens.

Interesting. So we've now seen exhibit A of what won't be treated as a handball this season - MacAllister with his arm well out on a deep cross. No proximity, not obviously a natural position and a clear connection.

However, it was accidental, and if that's the standard all season, I'll be happy.

Yes, this is a really good point. But...

You should keep this message in reserve ready to re-post whenever it is relevant. Could be a lot! (Won't make any difference of course, but it's always nice to be right).

If they field that line up regularly, they'll concede plenty. Not sure Gravenberch for either of the two mf makes that much difference. Will be interesting to see what balance they strike.

Yes. It's like those Daily Mail articles where parents rage against schools for enforcing rules about e.g. uniform or haircuts.

However, if the perception is that rules apply to "mid-tier" clubs down and not the traditional big clubs (and Man City 😉), then this kind of thing becomes inevitable.

Yeah, I'm looking forward to the fallout when Arteta gets that choice wrong.

Main character energy, not much thought for his safety, made the difference, out for the rest of the tournament, and they missed him.

When I heard we were after him, it made any notion of Arteta being cautious seem misplaced, to me at least.

The best/most memorable bit of play in the recent Euros for me was when, with Italy in need of a last gasp goal, he matched it to the edge of the opp box, played an inch perfect pass (getting clattered and injured in the process) and they scored. Sums him up.

Yep. On caring, it's about balance. If he's always getting found out regarding his flaws, it would have to be considered. But when we are stodgy, he's the one to watch because he doesn't fit the mould. And he's a left back/centre back. It's mad.

Yes.

Also, soft factor stuff, but: his path to us is really unusual and, I think, a sign of an especially driven guy who believes in himself. I reckon he's seen the opportunity to claim our left wing slot and is going to do it.

Absolutely. He gave us the run when he was at PSV. And again in the game against Chelsea where we won 5-0.

If he starts getting pushy about wanting to take penalties, you'd have to think he's gone to a stratospheric level. So I'd be ok with it.

I struggle with anyone who can't see Calafiori's quality, as they view football through a deficit model. So focused on the one or two things he is less good at rather than the umpteen things he excels at.

But Nelson is about to be sold. Why risk him getting injured etc etc

Good player but not one who raises the bar I don't think. I posed it because unlikely signings are difficult and players who genuinely improve us, even more so.

So, the lack of noise around Arsenal and signings makes me think Mr Berta is working on a Director of Football special.

Of course, we might just be done and/or working on exits, but who do we think fits the mould of an unexpected signing (not Eze, Rodrygo, Leao) that actually raises the bar?

This is actually Todd Boehly before he shaved, isn't it.

😂

A year of his career though, changing in a corridor. Harsh.

And they'll make us pay £80mil or something.

He's a good guy and doesn't deserve that.

And he played on the left.

If you have children aged 12 and under and are not yet aware of KPop Demon Hunters, you soon will be. Make the most of this time, because it will soon be done done done.

It's a surprising move, mostly because he did that Players Tribune article that referenced his brother being gay, a desire for football to be safe for all, to stand up for what's right. Admirable.

The owners of his new club don't necessarily share those same inclusive values.

Well, Vieira, Nelson and Lokonga weren't at the club. Zinchenko didn't get game time. Jesus was injured. You'd not miss them.

The only decision is Kiwior, who I'd sell. Good player, but if we are going to get better at selling in general, you've got to sell those who you'd be happy to keep.

There are a fair few examples. Loved a dive, too.

Of those, only Kiwior and Jesus played any length of time. Arguably, Jesus has been replaced by Gyokeres. That would leave Kiwior as the only one not replaced, potentially creating a depth issue. Even then, Calafiori played LCB ahead of him in the friendlies. He is obviously injury prone, mind.

The time he decided to not be a ruthless finisher when one on one with Ortega the other year was just one of the times it was very easy to dislike him.