Last season saw a number of questionable transfers as a result of both a poor summer and January window. Players such as Nordveit, Fernandes, Snodgrass, Fletcher and Fonte arrived and did little to impact the team. That’s not even mentioning the likes of Arbeloa, Tore or Calleri.
This has left us with an awkward situation in that we have a number of year-old players that could be shown the door in the coming months. Having a look at the lads I reckon we could use at least a couple of them in next season’s campaign. Our objectives should be a top ten finish and at least one decent cup run. That could be around 45 games this season and squad depth would not do us harm. However, I hope that our youth players would be given more of a chance, in that instance I would aim to keep hold of at least two of the flops.
To begin I would like to discount players such as Masuaku and Ayew who I think have done enough to earn themselves another season. Ayew has been a goal scorer we have desperately needed. If not for his injury, Masuaku would have given Creswell a run for his money at left back.
Harvard Nordtviet – Sell
Had a torrid start when shoehorned into that right back role. However, he looked far more comfortable in his natural defensive midfield position. There’s definitely a player there but with the already busy roster in centre midfield, I would not be too disappointed to see him return to Germany.
Edimilson Fernandes – Keep
Fernandes looked a lot more promising. Despite this, he didn’t really make an impact in the first team. I was impressed, when he did play, with his desire and link up play. That goal against Chelsea was also one the savour! I would keep hold of Fernandes for now. Potential to be a real gem.
Robert Snodgrass – Sell
Snodgrass was an exciting signing in the January window. He performed wonders at Hull City and I expected him to step straight into our side. Unfortunately, that wasn’t the case, Snograss failed to find any sort of form and never held down a regular place in the squad. As his age increases and a potential replacement due in, I would not be sad to see him go.
Ashley Fletcher – Undecided
Fletcher made a handful of performances for the club whilst we had our regular injury crisis upfront. Whilst he showed passion and desire, he rarely showed any outstanding moments of class. This could depend on offers and who we bring in but I’m yet to make my mind up on this one.
Jose Fonte – Sell
Fonte arrived alongside Snodgrass in the January window. As an instant replacement for the injured Ogbonna I was pleased to see a seasoned cup winning international step in. However, Fonte looked a shadow of the player he was for Portugal the summer prior. Despite featuring regularly he looked slow and out of position. I think with the likes of Oxford and Cullen waiting in the wings we can afford to cut our losses.
Sofiane Feghouli – Keep
Feghouli arrived with a lot of promise and began brightly scoring early on in the season. However, injury and form kept him out of the squad with mixed results upon his return. I genuinely believe there is a player in the rough there and showed glimpses of a real talent. I believe he could prosper under Bilic in the right environment. Bright performances against Liverpool and Burnley have done enough to convince me to keep him until January at least.