Let’s be honest: if the club does have around £16m to spend, it feels thin when you list what actually needs doing. The original idea - that spending half the budget on one big name would solve everything - doesn’t hold up once you write down the gaps. There are problems across the pitch and not enough cash to paper over them.

Where the gaps really are

Start at full-back. Meghoma’s gone and you’ll want a left-back who can defend and join attacks. On the other flank Aarons looks set to leave and Tavernier’s contract situation means we can’t take either right-back for granted. That’s two positions already where experience and cover are needed.

At centre-back the situation isn’t rosy either. If Cornelius and Djiga return from loan to other clubs then Fernandez becomes our one reliably proven starter. That’s asking a lot. We need multiple options at centre-half, not just one man to rely on.

Midfield and the frontline

We also need a proper number six to shield the defence and tidy up transitions. In attack Mikey Moore’s role needs replaced, Skov Olsen hasn’t quite offered the answer on the right wing, and scoring remains a headache — you can’t survive without a striker who finds the net regularly.

So where does that leave the budget? You can see the problem. Spending half the pot on a single marquee signing would be tempting, but it risks leaving several other holes unpatched. And people who say selling someone will fund everything forget that selling a key player simply creates another vacancy to fill.

What the club must consider

Practicality has to win over headline signings. Smart recruitment, loans, free agents and a clear plan from the board are what we need. If sales happen, they should be to rebalance the squad rather than chase a quick profit. It’s a lot of work, and fans have every right to be wary — this summer will be about choices, not miracles.

Written by RohlWithCheese: 22 May 2026

Tags: transfers tactics