CONFIRMED Panagiotis Retsos

[Cerberus Blade]

Whose minutes is he taking??? He's got 14 league games to make an impact on a team that, outside of the front 2 picks itself. Norwood is captain and integral to the team, he's not dropping out. Besic has started winning minutes. Fleck is our best player. Bash? No chance

Well, in that case then, we shouldn't be looking to bring anyone in to the club at all should we? We should just say, "transfer window - no not interested" because we've got everything we need and we can't improve.

Ridiculous.

Who plays centre half if Egan gets injured? (And don't tell me Jagielka - because whilst he can fill in, he's not exactly "the future" is he?).

Our midfield is good - but it can always get better. Having a young player like this, who can play in central defence, full back, or defensive midfield, how can that not be a good thing?

 

[Balham]

It would be strange in our situation to pay a substantial loan fee if we have no chance of signing the player permanently.

It seems very much like they see a future for him at Leverkusen.

His versatility in defence or midfield make him a good fit for us though. Seems a high calibre player.

£600k for 6 months is the equivalent of amortising a £4.8m transfer fee over 4 years. It's nothing.

 

[Carlton Blade]

Well, in that case then, we shouldn't be looking to bring anyone in to the club at all should we? We should just say, "transfer window - no not interested" because we've got everything we need and we can't improve.

Ridiculous.

Who plays centre half if Egan gets injured? (And don't tell me Jagielka - because whilst he can fill in, he's not exactly "the future" is he?).

Our midfield is good - but it can always get better. Having a young player like this, who can play in central defence, full back, or defensive midfield, how can that not be a good thing?

He's a 19 year old who's never played in England, does that sound like a player who walks straight into a Wilder team? At no point have I said he isn't good enough. At every point I'm saying that Leverkusen won't send him out on loan to a team who won't guarantee him a start. Why would we do that?

Permanent signing? Of course, exactly what we should target. Short term loan? No chance

 

[Bergen Blade]

Well, in that case then, we shouldn't be looking to bring anyone in to the club at all should we? We should just say, "transfer window - no not interested" because we've got everything we need and we can't improve.

Ridiculous.

Who plays centre half if Egan gets injured? (And don't tell me Jagielka - because whilst he can fill in, he's not exactly "the future" is he?).

Our midfield is good - but it can always get better. Having a young player like this, who can play in central defence, full back, or defensive midfield, how can that not be a good thing?

As far as we're concerned, Jagielka is as much "the future" as a 4 month loan signing, isn't he?

 

[finlaytheblade]

He's a 19 year old who's never played in England, does that sound like a player who walks straight into a Wilder team? At no point have I said he isn't good enough. At every point I'm saying that Leverkusen won't send him out on loan to a team who won't guarantee him a start. Why would we do that?

Permanent signing? Of course, exactly what we should target. Short term loan? No chance

Wilder wont make the mistake Warnock did in thinking we are safe with plenty of games to play warnock brought in young players who really gave us nothing in the run in.
Cant take your foot off and take anything for granted.We want to finish as high as possible bringing in inexperience no matter what quality they bring will not happen in my opinion.

 

[SouthEssexBlade]

Is he better than what we already have?

Could be, shows plenty of potential. Has had injury issues, so up to now not worked out for him at Leverkusen. May be wanting a fresh start, Leverkusen might have decided to cut their losses, he might not have settled, he might want a chance at the PL, Leverkusen decided he isn't a good fit for them. There are many reasons why he's available, including a loan to try and get him fit. However, you'd think they would want to guarantee games and keep him a bit closer to monitor progress.

Of course it could all be bollocks

 

[Liaminho9]

Well if we do sign him, he's guaranteed to be the next player who people frequently get his name wrong.

Seen him called Restos by plenty already!

 

[robbiez666]

If it's purely a loan deal then it would be strange. I doubt he'd want to come to sit on the bench when he clearly needs first team football.

If it's a loan with the option to buy in summer then great. Our last U-21 Greek captain went on to have a decent career.

 

[Champagneblade]

Is this Chris thinking that there is a very good chance in the summer O'Connell gets an offer he pushes to take? Wilder is very much a realist.

If there is anything in it, then it could be 600k loan fee which guarantees a specific price for a full transfer?

Decent in the air, leadership, can play centre half, left back or defensive midfield. Sounds like a left sided Basham. Which is what we'd look for if JOC was off.

As much as it was a sensible move getting Robinson, if Jack went, Chris isn't going to kick the team on by replacing one of our best players with the 500k back up purchase. Fill in for the odd injury? Yes? Cup games? Absolutely. 1st pick for 38 matches? Can't see it.

Plus Stevens is 30 next year. So another possible cover. Especially if Freeman gets picked up so Osborn covers Fleck.

 

[Bergen Blade]

Is this Chris thinking that there is a very good chance in the summer O'Connell gets an offer he pushes to take? Wilder is very much a realist.

If there is anything in it, then it could be 600k loan fee which guarantees a specific price for a full transfer?

Decent in the air, leadership, can play centre half, left back or defensive midfield. Sounds like a left sided Basham. Which is what we'd look for if JOC was off.

As much as it was a sensible move getting Robinson, if Jack went, Chris isn't going to kick the team on by replacing one of our best players with the 500k back up purchase. Fill in for the odd injury? Yes? Cup games? Absolutely. 1st pick for 38 matches? Can't see it.

Plus Stevens is 30 next year. So another possible cover. Especially if Freeman gets picked up so Osborn covers Fleck.

He seems to be right footed. As a long term signing (the loan effectively being a trial) it would make sense.

 

[blademark]

Well, in that case then, we shouldn't be looking to bring anyone in to the club at all should we? We should just say, "transfer window - no not interested" because we've got everything we need and we can't improve.

Ridiculous.

Who plays centre half if Egan gets injured? (And don't tell me Jagielka - because whilst he can fill in, he's not exactly "the future" is he?).

Our midfield is good - but it can always get better. Having a young player like this, who can play in central defence, full back, or defensive midfield, how can that not be a good thing?

I agree with Carlton here. It seems like a decent move for us, but not for the other two parties, if he doesn't break into the team.
Clearly though, if it's a loan to buy, fair enough. The other consideration, unlikely as it seems, is that he is so good he displaces Basham, but I can't see that being the case tbh.

 

[PaddysMad]

Looking more and more likely by the hour like Corona

 

[Greasy Chap Butty]

This isn't going to go down well in the New Songs department

 

[Cerberus Blade]

I agree with Carlton here. It seems like a decent move for us, but not for the other two parties, if he doesn't break into the team.
Clearly though, if it's a loan to buy, fair enough. The other consideration, unlikely as it seems, is that he is so good he displaces Basham, but I can't see that being the case tbh.

I’m really not concerned if it’s a good move for Bayer Leverkusen. I’m interested in getting players in who can improve our squad. The level they are at is they can go out and buy just about anyone they want. This young lad has obviously got something. He may not be the finished article, but already his pedigree is clear. They probably have doubts about him due to his injury record, and they probably would be happy to recoup some of the £15m they paid for him.

I’d see this as nothing other than a loan to buy tbh.

And we’d be investing in our future. I just don’t understand this “whose minutes would he take?” argument. Because that’s absolutely not the issue imo. The answer though is just about anyone in our midfield or defence. We don’t know when a player will leave or be out injured and this lad is a class signing. Exactly what we should looking for.

From his perspective, how can the opportunity to play for a team within touching distance of European competition be a bad thing when he’s not been getting regular football at Bayer Leverkusen?

I still think some Blades are struggling to come to terms with where we are and the type of player we should be looking at to improve further.

 

[Cerberus Blade]

He's a 19 year old who's never played in England, does that sound like a player who walks straight into a Wilder team? At no point have I said he isn't good enough. At every point I'm saying that Leverkusen won't send him out on loan to a team who won't guarantee him a start. Why would we do that?

Permanent signing? Of course, exactly what we should target. Short term loan? No chance

Then we agree! I’m not advocating for one moment that we become a nursery club for Bayer Leverkusen!

 

[Cerberus Blade]

As far as we're concerned, Jagielka is as much "the future" as a 4 month loan signing, isn't he?

Maybe I wasn’t clear? But my further posts should clarify?

 

[PaddysMad]

On bench tonight for Liverkesuen

 

[Greasy Chap Butty]

On bench tonight for Liverkesuen

Definitely show-casing him for us.
Or some other reason.

 

[Superblades]

I’m really not concerned if it’s a good move for Bayer Leverkusen. I’m interested in getting players in who can improve our squad. The level they are at is they can go out and buy just about anyone they want. This young lad has obviously got something. He may not be the finished article, but already his pedigree is clear. They probably have doubts about him due to his injury record, and they probably would be happy to recoup some of the £15m they paid for him.

I’d see this as nothing other than a loan to buy tbh.

I And we’d be investing in our future. understand this “whose minutes would he take?” argument. Because that’s absolutely not the issue imo. The answer though is just about anyone in our midfield or defence. We don’t know when a player will leave or be out injured and this lad is a class signing. Exactly what we should looking for.

From his perspective, how can the opportunity to play for a team within touching distance of European competition be a bad thing when he’s not been getting regular football at Bayer Leverkusen?

I still think some Blades are struggling to come to terms with where we are and the type of player we should be looking at to improve further.

Agreed. If he’s better than what is currently starting for us then he will take their place, that’s just how it is and regardless of how well said player has done. We have to continually try to get better players than what we have got and keep pushing forward.

 

[VwBlade]

His name sounds like some sort of delicious Greek Kebab

 

[gavtheblade]

Oh Vas

 

[Cerberus Blade]

Well if we do sign him, he's guaranteed to be the next player who people frequently get his name wrong.

Seen him called Restos by plenty already!

Agreed. If he’s better than what is currently starting for us then he will take their place, that’s just how it is and regardless of how well said player has done. We have to continually try to get better players than what we have got and keep pushing forward.

This quote in today's Star is from Chris Wilder:


“It’s always in you to try and improve and it’s just as important to do that when things are going well as when they’re not and you’re trying to turn things around.”

For the hard of understanding, I can translate...

We will be continually looking to add quality players to our squad to try and improve the team. It doesn't matter how fantastic we might think the current players are, there are always ways we can improve. In any case, none of us know just when one of our current squad will have their head turned by a bigger offer somewhere else, or be hit with a serious injury and be out of the game for a while/for ever. So, next time you hear us linked with another player, don't start by thinking "Who is he going to replace?", start by thinking, "We are adding more quality to the squad" and that can only be a good thing.

Another consideration is this...

We will be getting big bids in for some of our players this summer, if not this month. Whether they want to go or not we don't know. But some might. The performances of the likes of O'Connell, Egan, Fleck and Baldock, in particular, have raised a lot of eyebrows. I'd love to think we will lose none of these, but I think we possibly will.

As for Basham...well...he's possibly one of my favourite players (he's certainly my wife's favourite player), because that lad gives 100% every minute of every game. He's got a fair bit of pace about him as well and quite honestly, I think he's been a revelation for us. But, he's also probably one of the weakest links in that team, technically. And he does some absolutely barmy things at times, heading it, kicking it, just about anywhere, like he's had a brain farct. He is a liability at times - yet he's also a real asset. It's a strange one with him. But, at 32 years old, he will be one of the first to be replaced in this team with the new order of players coming in. And a year from now the first team will look quite different to how it looks today.

 

[CoatesyBlade]

This quote in today's Star is from Chris Wilder:


“It’s always in you to try and improve and it’s just as important to do that when things are going well as when they’re not and you’re trying to turn things around.”

For the hard of understanding, I can translate...

We will be continually looking to add quality players to our squad to try and improve the team. It doesn't matter how fantastic we might think the current players are, there are always ways we can improve. In any case, none of us know just when one of our current squad will have their head turned by a bigger offer somewhere else, or be hit with a serious injury and be out of the game for a while/for ever. So, next time you hear us linked with another player, don't start by thinking "Who is he going to replace?", start by thinking, "We are adding more quality to the squad" and that can only be a good thing.

Another consideration is this...

We will be getting big bids in for some of our players this summer, if not this month. Whether they want to go or not we don't know. But some might. The performances of the likes of O'Connell, Egan, Fleck and Baldock, in particular, have raised a lot of eyebrows. I'd love to think we will lose none of these, but I think we possibly will.

As for Basham...well...he's possibly one of my favourite players (he's certainly my wife's favourite player), because that lad gives 100% every minute of every game. He's got a fair bit of pace about him as well and quite honestly, I think he's been a revelation for us. But, he's also probably one of the weakest links in that team, technically. And he does some absolutely barmy things at times, heading it, kicking it, just about anywhere, like he's had a brain farct. He is a liability at times - yet he's also a real asset. It's a strange one with him. But, at 32 years old, he will be one of the first to be replaced in this team with the new order of players coming in. And a year from now the first team will look quite different to how it looks today.

Bloody hell what time did you get up this morning??

 

[Bladesthorpe]

This quote in today's Star is from Chris Wilder:


“It’s always in you to try and improve and it’s just as important to do that when things are going well as when they’re not and you’re trying to turn things around.”

For the hard of understanding, I can translate...

We will be continually looking to add quality players to our squad to try and improve the team. It doesn't matter how fantastic we might think the current players are, there are always ways we can improve. In any case, none of us know just when one of our current squad will have their head turned by a bigger offer somewhere else, or be hit with a serious injury and be out of the game for a while/for ever. So, next time you hear us linked with another player, don't start by thinking "Who is he going to replace?", start by thinking, "We are adding more quality to the squad" and that can only be a good thing.

Another consideration is this...

We will be getting big bids in for some of our players this summer, if not this month. Whether they want to go or not we don't know. But some might. The performances of the likes of O'Connell, Egan, Fleck and Baldock, in particular, have raised a lot of eyebrows. I'd love to think we will lose none of these, but I think we possibly will.

As for Basham...well...he's possibly one of my favourite players (he's certainly my wife's favourite player), because that lad gives 100% every minute of every game. He's got a fair bit of pace about him as well and quite honestly, I think he's been a revelation for us. But, he's also probably one of the weakest links in that team, technically. And he does some absolutely barmy things at times, heading it, kicking it, just about anywhere, like he's had a brain farct. He is a liability at times - yet he's also a real asset. It's a strange one with him. But, at 32 years old, he will be one of the first to be replaced in this team with the new order of players coming in. And a year from now the first team will look quite different to how it looks today.

Take notice of your wife, she obviously knows more about football than you ( Basham ) . Cannot understand fans constantly questioning his quality as he is more often than not our MOTM.

 

[Grizzly blade]

Bash has quality, but also has errors in him.
His quality and what he brings to the team far outweighs those occasional errors.

but he is getting on and will need replacing, so we look to find his replacement so he can be phased in while Bash is still able to be the cover player.
What’s been very clear is that learning this system can be hard for some. Morrison apparently just can’t get it...Robinson also looks nothing like the threat he was on the wing for Preston playing up top for us. So we need to have players here to learn their role in plenty of time not to affect our performance as a team.

 

[Lee Baxter]

"Luke Woolfenden, the Ipswich Town left-back, remains on the radar along with Panagiotis Retsos, the Greece international who plays for Bayer Leverkusen.

A succession of injuries has led to the versatile 21-year-old’s opportunities to play in the Bundesliga being severely limited and he is understood to be available on loan, possibly with a view to a permanent transfer.

Retsos, also believed to be interesting Serie A duo Cagliari and Genoa, can operate on either side of the defence but played most of his games in 2017-18 at centre-back before missing almost all of last season through injury."

Just read this in The Athletic - the fact our writer has mentioned the possibility of a permanent transfer makes this link a bit more feasible, I reckon.

 

[FriethBlade]

For those of you worried about the name and song potential I can put your minds at rest. Theres a guy at work called Panagiotis and he calls himself Panos, this is the common diminutive....like Thomas and Tom etc.

So there we go, its Panos Retsos which has a much better ring to it....songsmiths compose away...if he joins of course !

 

[Johnstreetstand]

Or Pan , or Giotis (yottis).

 

[Weasel]

Or Peter Pan.

 

[DifferentClass]

Another foreign-born Greek prospect. I'd always heard Greek fans weren't wild about foreign-born granny rule players like this lad and Giorgios Baldockis.