Summer Window 2026 - Rumours and Discussion

Milwall linked with kyrell lisbie

ShootersHillGuru said:

I really like the fact we’ve targeted Europe for players but it also scares me. It’s such a huge gamble. 

We obviously needed to look to Europe for better value but I hope it’s not our exclusive strategy. The championship is a 46 game season and not many European players are used to playing this many games, can probably argue the intensity is higher too in the championship. It can take longer for European signings to adapt

RedRobin said:

In fairness Gilbert did play well against us at the valley but faded out of the game which is the concern with him. Did a job on loan and will never forget the two corners against Orient!!

You’ve hit the nail on the head - that’s what he did for us- two corners against that tinpot top of a keeper of Orient

Kap10 said:

Athletico Charlton said:

Am I right that so far we have likely spent about £1M, both players we bought rated at about £500K I think, and sold Gillesphy for what £50-100K with Alex Mitchell to almost certainly leave, for maybe £400K?

Hoping there is some real budget for midfield and up front, not the frees we are currently being linked with.  To be fair our purchases are often out of the blue so I am hopeful.

NJ clearly wanted a couple more by now so it's not been an easy window so far I guess. 

Collins was brought forward from this summer so that may also be out of this summer's budget. Wasn't he £1.5 mill

I think 1.7m was the alleged fee i remember seeing.

Kap10 said:

Athletico Charlton said:

Am I right that so far we have likely spent about £1M, both players we bought rated at about £500K I think, and sold Gillesphy for what £50-100K with Alex Mitchell to almost certainly leave, for maybe £400K?

Hoping there is some real budget for midfield and up front, not the frees we are currently being linked with.  To be fair our purchases are often out of the blue so I am hopeful.

NJ clearly wanted a couple more by now so it's not been an easy window so far I guess. 

Collins was brought forward from this summer so that may also be out of this summer's budget. Wasn't he £1.5 mill

Forgot that, fair comment.

ElfsborgAddick said:

ShootersHillGuru said:

I really like the fact we’ve targeted Europe for players but it also scares me. It’s such a huge gamble. 

It could be a lot cheaper, plus if you bring players in from a similar culture like Scandinavia, Holland or Germany then moving and settling in could be less stressful.

It’s not just about that though. Plucking someone from the Slovenian league or elsewhere and plonking them into one of the most competitive leagues in the world is a big hope. Many will make the cut but many won’t. That’s not a criticism of our two (three with Sichenje) lads, it’s just such a big gamble. I fully understand why we’re doing it and physically and in terms of athleticism those three look the part but I’d still say maybe one more this window might be enough. Proven Championship players saved our season in January and I think it’s going to make or break us this coming season too.

Personally I was never convinced by Gilbert and don't see him as a Nathan Jones type of player. However, not every signing will be a starter and last season should've made it clear to all that we need quality in depth. Free signings are a good way to help improve this (even if they will likely command slightly more in wages), allowing a team to spend more money towards higher value - and hopefully higher quality - signings that are likely to start.

If Gilbert was brought in to replace Berry's role in the squad then I think it would be very good business. Berry played 483 minutes across 16 appearances for us last year, though perhaps limited by injuries. Whilst Gilbert isn't my favourite player, he is a technically sound footballer with the potential to develop. I don't see him as someone that fits any of our midfield roles very naturally, but you could spin this to say he is 'versatile'. However, I would be surprised if he didn't have a better offer than replacing Luke Berry from elsewhere, and in a team that suits his style better. 

I like Gilbert but I don't see any point in signing him because we know NJ won't play him. 

Scoham said:

elbiglad said:

Personally I was never convinced by Gilbert and don't see him as a Nathan Jones type of player. However, not every signing will be a starter and last season should've made it clear to all that we need quality in depth. Free signings are a good way to help improve this (even if they will likely command slightly more in wages), allowing a team to spend more money towards higher value - and hopefully higher quality - signings that are likely to start.

If Gilbert was brought in to replace Berry's role in the squad then I think it would be very good business. Berry played 483 minutes across 16 appearances for us last year, though perhaps limited by injuries. Whilst Gilbert isn't my favourite player, he is a technically sound footballer with the potential to develop. I don't see him as someone that fits any of our midfield roles very naturally, but you could spin this to say he is 'versatile'. However, I would be surprised if he didn't have a better offer than replacing Luke Berry from elsewhere, and in a team that suits his style better. 

Or we give Fullah more minutes and hopefully Knibbs will be available for more games. Between those two and Carey we don’t really need a replacement for Berry.

Agreed we need new B2B and CDM options to bolster what we have. CAM is well served by the three you have mentioned. We will not be able to afford a ‘Pirlo’ to unlock defences at will that is for certain. 

Redhenry said:

I still think we may surprise some with a couple of decent fees for players. Finger crossed, WIOTOS

I'm convinced from NJs comments post Dartford that there will be a couple of decent fees spent. Probably more than we paid for Kelman. 

Scoham said:

elbiglad said:

Personally I was never convinced by Gilbert and don't see him as a Nathan Jones type of player. However, not every signing will be a starter and last season should've made it clear to all that we need quality in depth. Free signings are a good way to help improve this (even if they will likely command slightly more in wages), allowing a team to spend more money towards higher value - and hopefully higher quality - signings that are likely to start.

If Gilbert was brought in to replace Berry's role in the squad then I think it would be very good business. Berry played 483 minutes across 16 appearances for us last year, though perhaps limited by injuries. Whilst Gilbert isn't my favourite player, he is a technically sound footballer with the potential to develop. I don't see him as someone that fits any of our midfield roles very naturally, but you could spin this to say he is 'versatile'. However, I would be surprised if he didn't have a better offer than replacing Luke Berry from elsewhere, and in a team that suits his style better. 

Or we give Fullah more minutes and hopefully Knibbs will be available for more games. Between those two and Carey we don’t really need a replacement for Berry.

Agreed, I would much rather the Berry minutes (and hopefully some more) go to those two players. 

Despite all the speculation linking Harry Clarke to Bristol City, I don't think he's actually signed for them yet.

I wonder if he is waiting to see what other offers come in for him. And whether we put one in.

ShootersHillGuru said:

Fortune 82nd Minute said:

Despite all the speculation linking Harry Clarke to Bristol City, I don't think he's actually signed for them yet.

I wonder if he is waiting to see what other offers come in for him. And whether we put one in.

Pretty much every decent free agent will be under instructions from their agents to hold out as long as possible.

Also free agents still get paid a % of their previous wage in July. It's something set up by the PFA and it's to support players to find a new club. Was spoken about on the Ben Foster podcast. So that's another reason why players don't rush for the first offer they get in July.

Addicksi said:

Jamie Allen just left Coventry after 7 years. 31 surprised he's not had a move yet. 

Was mentioned on here within the first couple of pages of the thread as someone we apparently had an interest in. 

Redhenry said:

I still think we may surprise some with a couple of decent fees for players. Finger crossed, WIOTOS

I wonder what people consider to be a decent fee, assuming it means a lot of dough, rather than paying a good price for a player i.e - Under market value?