Summer 2024 Transfer Window - hopes, speculation, rumours etc.

[SaddVillan]

I actually think that's part of the issue. Felix clearly thinks he's a world star that should be at a glamour club. Which is fine but makes him all wrong for us. We need to move on, find an alternative that can be that foot on the ball creative 10 type, and sort the defence.

Something in this, are always better off signing players for whom we are a step up?

A career ending move. Happy to be a bit player in the Chelsea football circus?

The only winner here is Mendes (probably).

[ozzjim]

I can't think of too many in recent times that are taking a step down that have worked well. Martinez maybe, but he wasn't going to get game time so moved.

[Rudy Can't Fail]

I do wonder if it’s even Felix’s choice where he plays at this point. He seems to be owned by Mendes.

Nonsense.

Blimey a bit defensive there about Mendes. It was said a little tongue in cheek. But as has been seen with Wolves he has immense influence over where his players end up. I’m sure he looks after his clients but Mendes has done very, very well out of managing where they play and the contracts they agree to.

This is true, but it's more applicable to younger players. So he might say "if you want to have a great career, trust me that a couple of years in Wolverhampton would actually be better for you in the long-term than going to Valencia or Fiorentina".

And given he has a pretty strong track record to point to, they often do. It's a lot harder to go to Ruben Dias or Bernardo Silva and say "actually, I think you should leave Man City because your maxed-out career in terms of cash and trophies can be made better by doing this..."

So I'm sure Felix would listen to Mendes, but he's probably at the stage where he decides for himself what he wants to do.

Given that Mendes was a minority shareholder of Fosun International, the Chinese owners are part owners in his agency, the fact it was Mendes that identified and advised the Chinese to invest in Wolves, they have a long standing relationship based on trust.

What may surprise you is how few of the players signed by Wolves had Mendes as their agent and the fees involved hardly made him the multi-millionaire he is today. Every player will listen to their agent, that's what they're paid for but it's utter nonsense to suggest that Mendes controls where they go.

[Mister E]

I actually think that's part of the issue. Felix clearly thinks he's a world star that should be at a glamour club. Which is fine but makes him all wrong for us. We need to move on, find an alternative that can be that foot on the ball creative 10 type, and sort the defence.

totally.

[ASHTONVILLA]

We probably can't afford him without Duran moving on, but I am starting to feel that even if that happens we should swerve this deal.

It feels Felix is more interested in the image of the club he plays for, than its actual football level.

[Rudy Can't Fail]

I actually think that's part of the issue. Felix clearly thinks he's a world star that should be at a glamour club. Which is fine but makes him all wrong for us. We need to move on, find an alternative that can be that foot on the ball creative 10 type, and sort the defence.

Partly agree, Ozz. I think he was finally happy at Barca and wanted to make the loan permanent. Fully agree on the 10 and big, solid, technically gifted defender though. The Dutch lad seems to fit the bill.

[Duncan Shaw]

I'm nervous now about the ending of our window - it looks like we aren't going to offload Duran, might get stuck with Carlos if Fulham are looking elsewhere now, and doesn't look like we will get Felix, which i had hoped would be our real marquee moment.  It seems we have prioritized squad depth over the real game changers and I'd hoped for an upgrade on Carlos.

[Dogtanian]

Agents won't control where the majority of players go, but they are hugely influential in the decision.

For a start, they can control access. If your proposal is something they don't want, they can make it hard for a club to even get it in front of the player.

And they have a lot of knowledge of the player and what he wants or doesn't want. This way they can present proposals in a way that is either more or less likely to be considered, whichever suits them most.

They can also torpedo deals they don't want with the excuse of trying to get the best deal for the player. Push a bit more, then a bit more, beyond what their client would accept, until either the club increases the amount and makes it worth the agent's while or the deal dies.

[Stinkin_Thinkin]

If Carlos goes I'd be looking  at Mats Hummels on a free, as a replacement. Strong, good on the ball and champions league experience. He'd do a job for sure. you don't want any bjorn Angels type punts in this crucial window.

[Rudy Can't Fail]

I'm struggling to think of any agent who doesn't want to do business and future business with this summer's biggest PL spenders.

[frank black]

I get the impression that Chelsea don’t want Felix and that this is coming from Madrid… let’s see

[Dante Lavelli]

If Carlos goes I'd be looking  at Mats Hummels on a free, as a replacement. Strong, good on the ball and champions league experience. He'd do a job for sure. you don't want any bjorn Angels type punts in this crucial window.

He was left out of the Germany squad because he’s a nightmare when not first pick.  Has been a great a player but not sure he’d be the experienced pro you’d want around the place.

[PeterWithe]

And fell out with the Dortmund coach by publically criticising his tactics.

[JUAN PABLO]

So Chelsea are desperate to get rid of Gallagher, their best player last season, to the
 point they will now take Felix, who seemingly only wants Barca, and didn't set Chelsea alight last time. It's very very odd.

Villa should go get Baena, Veiga from Saudi to replace Doug and this Dutch lad.

Chelsea are a fuckedupmess  ,  sell Callagher and replace with Felix for probably alot more money .    I always wanted Baena before Felix ,   if we got him , the dutch lad and grab us the young turk ,  get rid of  Cash, Carlos, Duran  , donk and Moreno would be the best transfer window ever  , even if its a dream   and Trev from chavski as a bonus

[Rudy Can't Fail]

I get the impression that Chelsea don’t want Felix and that this is coming from Madrid… let’s see

He certainly wants them..

BREAKING: It is believed that Chelsea could sign João Félix for an initial fee of less than around €45m. The player is keen to join and is willing to significantly lower his salary.

[🎖️: @Matt_Law_DT
]