Mixed emotions as Moyes summer plans emerge
By Hughie Southon
What we have learned of David Moyes’ anticipated summer recruitment policies thus far is surprising and in one area – his hopes of getting Southampton’s James Ward-Prowse – ambitious.
Up front his plan appears to be centred on retaining Mikey Antonio as his main striker and buying a younger forward to challenge the 32 year old or replace him on occasions.
Personally I have little problem with his plans up top as we have seen expensive strikers appear at the club previously only to fail big time.
Moyes doesn’t seem ready to mess his budget up by going down that road – fair enough but I don’t doubt he will get plenty of stick from the fans.
Mikey can still do it at his best and a younger player with plenty to prove looks a sensible way forward given we are unlikely to attract a top striker anyway as Euro Conference operators.
In midfield, from all we have heard thus far, Tomas Soucek will be on his way which many will find unforgiveable, myself included, Bringing in Ward-Prowse would of course to provide the sort of ammunition which would be meat and drink to the Czech.
I like the Southampton player but this one in, one out, approach wouldn’t be what we need right now given the number of players who are leaving.
Central defender Nayef Aguerd appears to be coming in which has led to many reports that Issa Diop and/or Craig Dawson could be sacrificed – again one in out, one out if that’s how things turn out.
The Rennes player can also adapt to left back as his second position which may be part of the plan but it’s surely not the ideal solution to the problems over there.
Early days and judgements remain on pause but mixed emotions are on the rise!