Summer window begins

[Exiledvillan]

So, all the stars are now aligned for Coutinho to complete his “dream move”, to play full time for Steven Gerrard.

He is a luxury, so if/when this now goes ahead, I would be more than happy to tearfully wave goodbye to all of our other luxuries, waifs, and strays. The list includes contract ends, mutual consent, and general poor recruitment.

Kalinic, Trez, El Ghazi, Guilbert, Traore, Bailey, Sanson, Dougie, Davis, and Wesley.

Bring the quality in SG.

[Exiledvillan]

Ooops, almost forgot Targett

[westcountryvillain]

I think Hause will also leave, perhaps Guilbert could come back as cover - wonder if Chelsea would let Kante go.

[Exiledvillan]

Yeah, Hause will be wondering where his next game or even bench spot will be. Hause would be lucky to get a parking space at the Bull Ring, never mind BMH.

The argument for new and improved CBs, has grown some legs this season. Konsa must have run over a clowder of black cats, last summer. Mings is becoming indefensible (no pun intended), commanding and rousing, to stumblebum, in the blink of an eye.

Would Coutinho be anything more than ‘window dressing’, lipstick on a pig, if you like? Would his signing encourage better players to sign, and raise the standard? It’s a real conundrum.

2 mids, who can pass to a teammate, would be lovely in the summer. We have no problem winning the ball, but by-fkcu, we give it back so poorly.

[westcountryvillain]

Know what you mean about Coutinho, he's effective against the better sides in my view and it was good to see him showing a physical side against his former club.

Could Nakamba be coached into becoming a ball playing DM, they seem to be hard to come by and Chambers isn't quick enough?

We can look very good in spells and I think the team have now adapted to SG's philosophy, we create more chances with 2 up top & but for a poor 2nd half vs Spurs our defeats have been by the odd goal when often we haven't played well but still been in the game.

Just what has happened to Konsa? He's a shadow of the consistently very good player we saw last season, must be psychological.

If our midfield could show a little more composure in possession we really could be a force - "if".

[bongosdad]

Well Courtinho is now officially a Villa player and signed on the dotted line. Great buisness if you ask me. I know reading the comments hes not everyones cup of tea but its a signing we could only have dreamed about earlier this year.

[TrianonDave]

Message of intent.....hopefully.

[Exiledvillan]

£17m and a 70% pay cut (still just over 100G), according to the reliable John Percy. We need to sign quality to take the pressure of Coutinho, and allow him to sparkle, or else it’s a pointless signing.

The Goalposts haven’t moved for me. 2 CBs, 2 dominant mids, and a proper striker.

[bongosdad]

I would keep Konza as hes only 24 and not reached his prime yet. I would definitely go for Kante but there seems to be a few good options this summer like Bissuma etc.
Its a shame were a rich club in a way. If we were skint we would be playing our youth players more. I would like a load of player shipped out and give them a chance. Use the cash for top quality players.

[TrianonDave]

We have to face the prospect of losing players even if liked to make way for quality....konsa, JJ, Archer, Chuckie, Ings, Watkins. We know who the dross are so no need to mention but its called progression!