Maybe worth a separate thread away from a Transfer Rumour about a CB, but there is a considerable discussion about how much you need to spend on a second keeper.
Right now we have Johnstone, on a free, Guaita, seemingly looking to leave, Matthews, very much a No 3, and the promising but almost untried Joe Whitworth. We are seemingly after Soria from Getafe for around €10m, on the basis that Guaita is off, and some are saying why pay that much when we need other players? Ignoring the fact that we can buy more than one or two players a window.
So, how much should you pay for the No 2? How important are they?
This is the stats list on appearances on all comps since promotion..
2013/14 Speroni 38, Hennessey 1, Matthews 1
2014/15 Speroni 37, Hennessey 7
2015/16 Hennessey 38, McCarthy 7, Speroni 2
2016/17 Hennessey 31, Mandana 10, Speroni 2
2017/18 Hennessey 29, Speroni 13
2018/19 Guaita 23, Hennessey 20, Speroni 2
2019/20 Guaita 35, Hennessey 5
2020/21 Guaita 37, Butland 2, Hennessey 1
2021/22 Guaita 30, Butland 8+1
2022/23 Guaita 28, Johnstone 9, Whitworth 2
It’s interesting that Hennessey backed up then replaced Speroni, but no one really challenged Hennessey until Guaita arrived. Was he good in that period? He was Ok but not great. Once Guaita settled, he was done.
Guaita had ok competition from Butland, but Johnstone has pushed him much harder.
Personally, 2 starting quality keepers is essential, and while we’ve usually managed to pick up frees, sometimes you need to bite the bullet and if Guaita goes I certainly would want to rely on Matthews. Also, having two 30 year old “first choices” give Whitworth & Goodman 2-3 years to develop to see if they are good enough.
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