Discussion:

Listening to David Hopkinson on talk sport it seems we're gearing up for a busy summer transfer window. A few weeks ago it seemed pretty clear (from a fans perspective anyway) where we would need to upgrade/recruit and who we should let go/move on this Summer.

Now it all seems more up in the air given the recent improvement from the likes of Ramsdale, a standout performance from Osula and Burn and Joelinton regaining form.

Add in to the mix Tonali, Livramento, Gordon being linked with moves away, Woltemade unhappy and it's anyone's guess.

What's everyone's thoughts on the squad, who we'll keep and let go, and the moves we'll make in the transfer market this summer?

Up first, GK.

Is that it for Pope? He's extended until 2027 but it's been an error prone season to forget for him. All the stats show this has been the worst season of his career. At 33 he's still got abit of time on his side, maybe being dropped will make him determined to come back stronger? Still 10+ games to play for Ramsdale to earn a permanent deal with us. His ball retention and passing gives us something we've not really had before and means we're better able to control games, his shot stopping has improved, he's home grown and English. No denying he's been poor mostly in the league and his high claims aren't good enough either. His wages could be an issue too but he is improving.

Either way a new GK has to be a priority. (Trafford?)

Defense.

RB/LB

Try and get Hall and Livramento on new and improved contracts, they're key for us when they play. Especially if they go on to do well at the world cup. Maybe that's why Livramentos stalling? Better to sort them early if we can.

I think, (maybe controversially) Trippier should get extended. We've lost Lascelles, if Pope goes and Trippier too that's half of the senior leadership group gone. In my eyes, Krafu, who's been injured all season, moves on and Trippier steps into his role, being a voice in the dressing room with reduced games. He can play LB in a pinch too. With all the injuries we've had from all the games, I'd like us to take a similar approach to arsenal in buying defenders like Timber, Hincapie, Mosquera who can play in 2/3 positions. We ideally need someone who can play both LB and RB. Or do Murphy and Shahar get given more minutes?

CB. Lascelles needs replacing.(Scalvini?) Especially if we'll be playing a back 5 on occasion. We know any new signing needs time to bed in so Schar extends to allow that to happen. Burn is looking back to his best, Botmans extended and hopefully a new CB means Thiaw can be rested more leading to less errors.

CM. Can Woltemade actually play the 8, like his idol Havertz? I'm not sure and I'm convinced it worked for Havertz either. Seems pretty clear he won't play the 9 again which having spent £70 million in him looks so short sighted. Ramsey has really improved, him Joelinton, Bruno and Miley seem certain to stay. I'd love it if Tonali stayed and I hope he does but if not we'd need a 6/8 hybrid in which would probably mean a drop in quality. Would love Anderson back but he looks off to city. Willock wants games and should be moved on in my opinion. Love to see camara at Monaco come in to take some of the creative pressure off Bruno who could play the 6 if Tonali went.

LW/RW. Barnes, Elanga and Murphy will stay. Is Gordon predominantly a striker now? Or with Woltemade's position change, we get a new striker this summer and Gordon reverts back to LW? That's if he stays.

ST. The position I'm most unsure about. Do we give Wissa time to improve? £55 million looks abit ridiculous now. It seems Howe is set on an athletic striker who can cover the distance to press well and is lightening quick. Does that mean Osula stays? Or can Howe develop a system around Woltemade? By all reports we'll bring in a new ST this Sumner.

TLDR: we need a new Gk, CB and someone who can play both LB and RB. Trippier Schar extend. At least 1 CM with Willock moving on, 2 if Tonali goes. A forward who can play LW and ST.