Bolstering Midfield with free agents?

[LarryLargeSwede]

We are desperate for more depth in the middle off the park, as it just doesn't seem to be working this season.
With Hourahane and Guedihora being somewhat enigma's, Berge constantly unavailable and Fleck & Norwood performing well below their best, wages aside would it be worth us looking at a couple of free agents who have the ability to make an impact straight away?
I've had a look and a couple stood out.

Nabil Benteleb
https://www.transfermarkt.co.uk/nabil-bentaleb/profil/spieler/245537
Still without club - https://www.getfootballnewsfrance.com/2021/free-agent-nabil-bentaleb-in-discussions-with-angers/

Clement Grenier
https://www.transfermarkt.co.uk/clement-grenier/profil/spieler/72479
Looking for a project not highest wage - https://www.getfootballnewsfrance.c...enier-sees-interest-from-spain-italy-and-mls/

Any thoughts?

 

[ThatJa]

No

 

[Snowflake]

We are desperate for more depth in the middle off the park, as it just doesn't seem to be working this season.
With Hourahane and Guedihora being somewhat enigma's, Berge constantly unavailable and Fleck & Norwood performing well below their best, wages aside would it be worth us looking at a couple of free agents who have the ability to make an impact straight away?
I've had a look and a couple stood out.

Nabil Benteleb
https://www.transfermarkt.co.uk/nabil-bentaleb/profil/spieler/245537
Still without club - https://www.getfootballnewsfrance.com/2021/free-agent-nabil-bentaleb-in-discussions-with-angers/

Clement Grenier
https://www.transfermarkt.co.uk/clement-grenier/profil/spieler/72479
Looking for a project not highest wage - https://www.getfootballnewsfrance.c...enier-sees-interest-from-spain-italy-and-mls/

Any thoughts?

Cannot be part of the named squad until January ? If that is the case then we would be better waiting a couple of months.

 

[Danetheblade]

Cannot be part of the named squad until January ? If that is the case then we would be better waiting a couple of months.

Think we'd be okay with the above, sure we can sign free agents and play them now provided they were a free agent before the window closing?

Nabil Bentaleb... Wasn't he meant to be reyt good at one point?

 

[JJBlade]

We don't want depth, cover, versatility, or any other shit

We need at least three midfielders that will relegate our current mob to being squad members

Then same again the window after that with the forwards

 

[CPB]

Usually a reason they don't have a club by now.

Be better off trying some of the youth ahead of signing these.

Let's not forget we currently still have berge when he's fit to come into the fold. And l.freeman too.

Depending on flecks form. Which even last night was up and down. He got caught in possession way too much.

But if his form doesn't improve I'd put Osborn there. And play another striker instead.

 

[Stu_Blade]

Usually a reason they don't have a club by now.

Be better off trying some of the youth ahead of signing these.

Let's not forget we currently still have berge when he's fit to come into the fold. And l.freeman too.

Depending on flecks form. Which even last night was up and down. He got caught in possession way too much.

But if his form doesn't improve I'd put Osborn there. And play another striker instead.

Who do we think is ready to make the step-up from the limited U23s action I have seen this season Zak Brunt looks decent but difficult to say if ready. Interestingly George Broadbent currently on loan at Rochdale scored the other day but League 2 is definitely a different level and not sure what his other attributes are to the side, we are due to have him back in January but probably best for him to go out on loan again. Although a position we are crying out for I wouldn't want to risk the confidence and reputation yet of DM Frankie Maguire. There are a few on the edge of 1st team such as Lopata but again not sure if he is worth the risk?

 

[Snowflake]

Who do we think is ready to make the step-up from the limited U23s action I have seen this season Zak Brunt looks decent but difficult to say if ready. Interestingly George Broadbent currently on loan at Rochdale scored the other day but League 2 is definitely a different level and not sure what his other attributes are to the side, we are due to have him back in January but probably best for him to go out on loan again. Although a position we are crying out for I wouldn't want to risk the confidence and reputation yet of DM Frankie Maguire. There are a few on the edge of 1st team such as Lopata but again not sure if he is worth the risk?

What is the risk ?
They may not be good enough but unless they are tried we will not know and as long as there is only one at a time it should not damage the team any more than Hourihane, Fleck and McG did on Tuesday

 

[Kenilworth]

What is the risk ?
They may not be good enough but unless they are tried we will not know and as long as there is only one at a time it should not damage the team any more than Hourihane, Fleck and McG did on Tuesday

You’ve just defined the risk

 

[Stu_Blade]

What is the risk ?
They may not be good enough but unless they are tried we will not know and as long as there is only one at a time it should not damage the team any more than Hourihane, Fleck and McG did on Tuesday

Unless Slav does go for it I suppose the next opportunity will be the FA Cup 3rd round. The main risk for me is if they make a mistake or don't perform we lose a potential talent of the future because we didn't nurture them and develop

 

[jt64]

Bentaleb would be stupid wages and I've never heard of the other guy

 

[Stanthemanfan]

Robby brady went to Bournemouth other day, would he have been worth a punt?

 

[Groucho Blade]

Usually a reason they don't have a club by now.

Be better off trying some of the youth ahead of signing these.

Let's not forget we currently still have berge when he's fit to come into the fold. And l.freeman too.

Depending on flecks form. Which even last night was up and down. He got caught in possession way too much.

But if his form doesn't improve I'd put Osborn there. And play another striker instead.

Osborn’s part of the problem, not part of the solution. Seems like a decent lad and he always tries his best etc…but he shouldn’t be a first team regular imho

 

[CarlMcBlade]

What is the risk ?
They may not be good enough but unless they are tried we will not know and as long as there is only one at a time it should not damage the team any more than Hourihane, Fleck and McG did on Tuesday

Yes, exactly that. The real risk is taking no risks. The current midfield is simply not functioning how it should be. With defenders having to initiate the play from the back all the time and our strikers constantly having to come deep for the ball. You have wonder what our centre midfielders are actually doing.

 

[CarlMcBlade]

Osborn’s part of the problem, not part of the solution. Seems like a decent lad and he always tries his best etc…but he shouldn’t be a first team regular imho

Yes I agree. For starters his positioning for receiving the ball is utter shite. He just stands on the touch line facing backwards into the pitch with both feet planted. When the ball does come to him it either goes straight back to Fleck or Enda or he has to turn and move, by which time the defender is usually on top of him, and more often than not, shows Osborn down to the corner flag.

 

[247Blade]

We are desperate for more depth in the middle off the park, as it just doesn't seem to be working this season.
With Hourahane and Guedihora being somewhat enigma's, Berge constantly unavailable and Fleck & Norwood performing well below their best, wages aside would it be worth us looking at a couple of free agents who have the ability to make an impact straight away?
I've had a look and a couple stood out.

Nabil Benteleb
https://www.transfermarkt.co.uk/nabil-bentaleb/profil/spieler/245537
Still without club - https://www.getfootballnewsfrance.com/2021/free-agent-nabil-bentaleb-in-discussions-with-angers/

Clement Grenier
https://www.transfermarkt.co.uk/clement-grenier/profil/spieler/72479
Looking for a project not highest wage - https://www.getfootballnewsfrance.c...enier-sees-interest-from-spain-italy-and-mls/

Any thoughts?

If it means spending money can't see owt happening

 

[CPB]

Yes I agree. For starters his positioning for receiving the ball is utter shite. He just stands on the touch line facing backwards into the pitch with both feet planted. When the ball does come to him it either goes straight back to Fleck or Enda or he has to turn and move, by which time the defender is usually on top of him, and more often than not, shows Osborn down to the corner flag.

I think Osborn can be a useful player and has put in some decent performances. He was excellent against Peterborough not just for the goals.
Can't entirely dispute what your saying though.

He's not really a wide left midfielder. Truth be told had we signed collado that would probably be his place.
Berge might challenge when fit though.

 

[Millhousesblade1889]

Unless we’re paying for them as fans I doubt we’ll be signing anyone from the sounds of it