gunnersaurus

The Athletic published a player profile on him today: https://theathletic.com/4615746/2023/06/19/jurrien-timber-ajax-manchesterunited/

Sounds like a good, ball-playing center back who can also slot in as right back, has good recovery speed, and shows his best side on a possession-dominant team. Haven't seen much of him, though!

Congrats to our lads on the USMNT!

But also, thanks to you all on the thread. It's been fun and I really like the friendliness on here. We might be few in numbers right now but I appreciate you all!

I wouldn't argue with that, but I don't see Eddie getting anywhere close to the same fee. And as Ron reminds us below, we can't lose sight of the midfield as our biggest need. Gotta fund those transfers somehow!

Very good point about midfield being our greatest need, and how funds need to be raised from somewhere to pay for that. Important not to lose sight of that!

If Balogun is willing to battle for his place, I wouldn't.

He's got a lot of natural ability, a good feel for the game, and the right athleticism. He'll be worth more if he's given the chance to contribute. (This is a case where I'd much rather see him loaned out again if management doesn't see him at least being able to work his way past Eddie.)

I say this as someone who was fine with us selling Willock, Iwobi, and the Ox. All talented players, but not ones I saw being able to carry us over the top.

If Balogun wants promises we can't make, I'd say push for a lower fee but include that buy-back clause.

And, if we find ourselves in a scenario where a buy-back isn't a possibility, then take the 40m. I still think that's too low for him but we're still at a phase in our team development arc where team cohesion is too important and fragile to not be affected by a disgruntled player. (Although maybe I'm just scarred from our not-so-distant experiences with that!)

Agreed. I don't think the fact he hasn't had much playing time is indicative of how management feels about him. I think the goal is to have him ready to hit the ground running instead of having lots of stops and starts. Arteta and company have shown their willingness to be patient, especially with players coming back from serious injury. ESR's profile matches what we seem to be working toward and the talent (and demonstrated productivity) is clearly there, so I would be surprised if he's shipped off or left to rot.

I actually wonder if Balogun choosing to represent USMNT might change our plans for him. Jesus is clearly still ahead, but if he continues to progress, he'll be a nailed on starter for the US (who are thin up top). I wonder if KSE will see that as too big an opportunity to not explore.

I don't think they'd push Edu or Arteta to make Balogun a bigger part of the team -- I sure as heck hope they continue to keep their distance on playing decisions -- but they might be willing to get more creative to ensure Balo stays in the loop. Like poorly says, we're clearly trying to grow the brand in the US, and he could certainly figure into those plans.

I think the issue is that Balogun wants to start regularly. Arsenal don't want to sell, but they might feel they have to to avoid having a disgruntled player in the locker room. (They might also not want to risk creating the perception that we'll hold promising young players against their will. We're finally back up as a very desirable destination.)

Balogun might simply not be willing to accept a role where he starts irregularly -- even if promised some game time -- or depends on Jesus getting hurt. (Eddie is also currently ahead of him, but I think that could change by training well.)

I think the best case scenario is that we sell below market value to a team willing to accept a buy-back clause. Even though his stock is high right now, the prices bandied around him don't reflect what I think he's worth. He's still young but he does look the part. I don't think the good season was a purple patch.

Looking pretty good, too. Intelligent runs, good work rate. Basically, helping create opportunities for himself. The Canadian defense isn't quite Newcastle shutting up shop, but still impressive considering he's only had a couple of weeks to bed in.

DOE can refer to the Department of Education. The comment and segment you quoted used the acronym in relation to an entity Rick Perry oversaw. That entity was the Department of Energy.

I'll never understand the need for expensive scouting networks and advanced analytics when we have YouTube compilations with catchy titles and curious music choices. Everything we need is right there! :P

How are folks here rating Lavia? I haven't seen enough of him, so not sure how polished he looks, how he'd fit into our midfield, and how much of a probable step down this would be from Caicedo.