Full backs - left or right

[Edmundo]

No one is going to say we don’t need one or two of these (apart from Phil Giles, I suppose). But apart from Reggie from Spurs, are there any other candidates?

 

[ChertseyBee]

No. Reguilon is the only full-back in the entire world who would be a suitable candidate.

Bit of a pointless thread really.

 

[AB]

Oh I’m sure if the club pulled out its collective figures there’d be someone they could buy from L1. That’s where we got Rico so the quality exists.

Etc etc etc

 

[CTBee]

We were after Michael Kayode from Florentina before and it seems he is available in January: Tottenham can sign Michael Kayode for just €15 million

 

[GABS]

No one is going to say we don’t need one or two of these (apart from Phil Giles, I suppose). But apart from Reggie from Spurs, are there any other candidates?

This lad is probably the correct age profile, experience in a top 5 league and potentially of interest to the Brentford model as he has the scope to have a "top top" ceiling under Thomas Frank and his coaching team. Plenty to improve but possibly has enough core attributes in place, French U21s often have a decent pedigree.

Kiliann Sildillia: Scouting Report by Nene Afadzinu - Football Talent Scout

Kiliann Sildillia: Scouting Report by Nene Afadzinu AGE: 22 HEIGHT: 6’1” WEIGHT: 84 KG FOOT: RIGHT CLUB: SC FREIBURG NATIONALITY: FRENCH Athletic right back capable of playing as a central defender. Predominantly right footed and rarely uses his left foot, but has shown he has the ability to use...

footballtalentscout.net

"Sildillia has the ability to be a key player for a top team in the Bundesliga, Premier League, or La Liga. Drastically improving his mobility, 1v1 defending, defensive positioning, decision making out of possession, ball carrying, and attacking contribution would see him surpass his projected ceiling and become one of the best defenders in the world."

Kiliann Sildillia - Player profile 25/26

Kiliann Sildillia, 24, from France ➤ PSV Eindhoven, since 2025 ➤ Right-Back ➤ Market value: €7.00m ➤ * 16/05/2002 in Metz, France

www.transfermarkt.co.uk

I know transfermarkt isn't totally accurate price wise, but a range of €10-18m (Euros) over recent seasons.

 

[jlove]

I think the decision matrix is very different for left and right, both dependent on injury prognosis (which we can only guess at).

 

[Mr Tree]

This lad is probably the correct age profile, experience in a top 5 league and potentially of interest to the Brentford model as he has the scope to have a "top top" ceiling under Thomas Frank and his coaching team. Plenty to improve but possibly has enough core attributes in place, French U21s often have a decent pedigree.

Kiliann Sildillia: Scouting Report by Nene Afadzinu - Football Talent Scout

Kiliann Sildillia: Scouting Report by Nene Afadzinu AGE: 22 HEIGHT: 6’1” WEIGHT: 84 KG FOOT: RIGHT CLUB: SC FREIBURG NATIONALITY: FRENCH Athletic right back capable of playing as a central defender. Predominantly right footed and rarely uses his left foot, but has shown he has the ability to use...

footballtalentscout.net

"Sildillia has the ability to be a key player for a top team in the Bundesliga, Premier League, or La Liga. Drastically improving his mobility, 1v1 defending, defensive positioning, decision making out of possession, ball carrying, and attacking contribution would see him surpass his projected ceiling and become one of the best defenders in the world."

Kiliann Sildillia - Player profile 25/26

Kiliann Sildillia, 24, from France ➤ PSV Eindhoven, since 2025 ➤ Right-Back ➤ Market value: €7.00m ➤ * 16/05/2002 in Metz, France

www.transfermarkt.co.uk

I know transfermarkt isn't totally accurate price wise, but a range of €10-18m (Euros) over recent seasons.

Freiburg will be getting sick of us - that's where we got Schade and Flekken from, if I'm not mixing it up...

 

[GABS]

Freiburg will be getting sick of us - that's where we got Schade and Flekken from, if I'm not mixing it up...

Good point, guess we have a good relationship already, paid decent fees etc.

 

[Smythy17]

Freiburg are a smart club and I’m sure having done business with them before, we’d have a good relationship to do it again. They are 9th but only 3 points out of a CL place - can’t see them being keen to sell in January unless a deal can’t be turned down, so surely summer more likely?

 

[brentfordfc4ever]

With Rico possibly returning to action at the end of January, I suspect a right back is a high priority, with Hickey as a back up next season.

 

[ChrisSmith1992]

Only realistic ones for our price range and what we do in January IMHO are Serge and Brandon Williams

 

[magicbees]

Right Back, still would be looking at Kyle Walker Peters can play either Right or Left Back.

 

[Gee Bee]

Not sure what loan deal Gilchrist is on from Chelsea yo Sheff Utd but if possible would be a decent loan option imho.

 

[Rob-BEE]

What would be absolutely ideal is a two footed fullback who can play on either side and, importantly, isn't injury prone! I suspect, however, they are in fairly short supply..

 

[Rob-BEE]

Right Back, still would be looking at Kyle Walker Peters can play either Right or Left Back.

On the face of it, I think it's a fair suggestion and the kind of player we need.

 

[Mr Tree]

Only realistic ones for our price range and what we do in January IMHO are Serge and Brandon Williams

All due respect, i bet there are a fair few options around Europe who are pretty realistic. I'm not sure Williams would do much for us either... championship player and regularly injured too

 

[ChrisSmith1992]

All due respect, i bet there are a fair few options around Europe who are pretty realistic. I'm not sure Williams would do much for us either... championship player and regularly injured too

I’ve only based that on the fact we don’t tend to spend/sign a lot in January. Options will be there, will clubs want to sell is the real question

 

[FunkyZeus]

Kyle Walker-Peters? Six months left on his Soton contract and I believe he's comfortably as left back or right back.

Again, Soton probably won't want to sell but with 6 points after 18 games...

 

[South Acton Bee]

Is sergi canos free ?

 

[londondude]

What about Saman?

 

[Pixelator]

I think the club will be working on the basis that we are extremely likely to be in the Premier League next season but not in Europe, so only long-term needs will be considered.
Left back - we have long-term planning in place, very low priority.
Right back - we don't have a clear long-term replacement (or even starter!) in place, high priority but not urgent.

But in answer to the question, no I can't name any candidates but I don't think Reguilón is one.

 

[londondude]

Have we been linked with Osayi Samuel yet?

 

[Isleworth_Bee]

A LB is needed IMO. It could also free up KLP to assist at RB seeing as he is right footed.

I wonder if we are in for a loan, if Sergi Reg wages are high, could we tempt Chilwell? No idea if he is fit etc?

 

[stomalomalus]

Been mentioned elsewhere, but Kayode would be a real statement. I fear he's going to be going for £40m+, though, which is well out of our price range for Jan, imo.

 

[chris_bees7]

Patrick Dorgu at Lecce, he is a LB but has played RB and RW recently.



View: https://youtu.be/WySnod6yt4M?si=EcvG1CAOuuIWVguQ

 

[North London Bee]

What would be absolutely ideal is a two footed fullback who can play on either side and, importantly, isn't injury prone! I suspect, however, they are in fairly short supply..

And also play in the middle of the defence too - not much to ask for!

 

[magicbees]

I think the club will be working on the basis that we are extremely likely to be in the Premier League next season but not in Europe, so only long-term needs will be considered.
Left back - we have long-term planning in place, very low priority.
Right back - we don't have a clear long-term replacement (or even starter!) in place, high priority but not urgent.

But in answer to the question, no I can't name any candidates but I don't think Reguilón is one.

Totally disagree with regards to the Right Back. We have some really tough games in the next couple of months. I would rather we had a Right Back in place now. Not that concern about anything else before the summer.

 

[RAF_Patto]

Kyle Walker-Peters? Six months left on his Soton contract and I believe he's comfortably as left back or right back.

Again, Soton probably won't want to sell but with 6 points after 18 games...

If he's only got six months left, and he's not going to extend, then I suspect Southampton would snap our hands off for a fee now instead of him leaving on a free.

 

[Mattingly Bee]

What would be absolutely ideal is a two footed fullback who can play on either side and, importantly, isn't injury prone! I suspect, however, they are in fairly short supply..

Barry Tucker fills that void and he takes penalties

 

[Hippobee]

Haven't we done this to death already on the transfer rumours thread (and also last summer, come to think of it)? Can be summed up in:

a) No need - Rico will be fit and playing soon.
b) No need - quote 'a' above along with 'Jayden is shaping up well'
c) 'X is unaffordable' or 'Y is not as good as we already have.'

 

[Vid]

What particular talents apart from running and tackling does a full back require ? Is it really a specialist position ?

 

[Pixelator]

Totally disagree with regards to the Right Back. We have some really tough games in the next couple of months. I would rather we had a Right Back in place now. Not that concern about anything else before the summer.

I'm sure we all would!
But I still think the club will be focusing on a long-term prospect. And it's their money.

 

[rebus]

Totally disagree with regards to the Right Back. We have some really tough games in the next couple of months. I would rather we had a Right Back in place now. Not that concern about anything else before the summer.

We’re not getting relegated. We’re not finishing top eight. We just need to be patient. I know you find that impossible.

 

[jlove]

What particular talents apart from running and tackling does a full back require ? Is it really a specialist position ?

The first consideration is to be able to use with some skill the foot for the side of the pitch he plays, so straightforward clearances and balls down the line can be quick and accurate without ‘touch and turn’ to get it on the other foot. For a wing-back, to be able to go outside and cross the ball is necessary, other skills are like most other positions.

 

[PGH_Bee]

I do think we need to pursue a right back, unless we are fairly sure that Hickey is going to sign an extension. Definitely a fan of Dorgu, mentioned above

 

[Isleworth_Bee]

What particular talents apart from running and tackling does a full back require ? Is it really a specialist position ?

Am I really reading this? ??

 

[AB]

We’re not getting relegated. We’re not finishing top eight. We just need to be patient. I know you find that impossible.

At least we don’t need to buy another striker.

 

[WARFIELD BEE]

Look what quick full backs behind quick wingers is doing for Forest (plus a couple of really strong C/B.)

 

[aawharris]

Kyle Walker-Peters? Six months left on his Soton contract and I believe he's comfortably as left back or right back.

Again, Soton probably won't want to sell but with 6 points after 18 games...

He will more than likely be looking for a way out too

 

[Hippobee]

The first consideration is to be able to use with some skill the foot for the side of the pitch he plays, so straightforward clearances and balls down the line can be quick and accurate without ‘touch and turn’ to get it on the other foot. For a wing-back, to be able to go outside and cross the ball is necessary, other skills are like most other positions.

I think it is the speed of Rico we miss most. He is great at bombing up the wing, and using his speed to get back and cover, as well as anticipating/blocking crosses - which is the biggest loss for me. Let's face it, Rico's ability to cross a ball has always been his weakest link and we don't miss that.

The fundamental problem has been poor defending and letting in poor goals. I am still not sure just how much of that is down to missing specialist FBs, how much is due to playing 4 at the back instead of 5, how much is due to a far too open midfield and how much is down to generally poor defending/concentration. It's been a concern all season about the amount of poor goals let in, even against the worst teams in the league at home.

 

[rebus]

Look what quick full backs behind quick wingers is doing for Forest (plus a couple of really strong C/B.)

Yes and their wage bill is probably double ours.

 

[jlove]

I think it is the speed of Rico we miss most. He is great at bombing up the wing, and using his speed to get back and cover, as well as anticipating/blocking crosses - which is the biggest loss for me. Let's face it, Rico's ability to cross a ball has always been his weakest link and we don't miss that.

The fundamental problem has been poor defending and letting in poor goals. I am still not sure just how much of that is down to missing specialist FBs, how much is due to playing 4 at the back instead of 5, how much is due to a far too open midfield and how much is down to generally poor defending/concentration. It's been a concern all season about the amount of poor goals let in, even against the worst teams in the league at home.

Yes, speed is a general attribute and certainly we've missed that from Rico. He’s not a great crosser but he got very good at working with Jensen to cross.

Certainly there’s no guarantee that Rico’s return will magically transform our defending but I think a left-foot on the left, in a stable back 4 (or 5) with Nørgaard is the key to improvement. So, it’s overall injuries IMHO, at the root.

 

[magicbees]

I'm sure we all would!
But I still think the club will be focusing on a long-term prospect. And it's their money.

Fair points, but have to disagree with you on this. But I expect you to be correct.

 

[pensioner]

No. Reguilon is the only full-back in the entire world who would be a suitable candidate.

Bit of a pointless thread really.

Not even on the bench at Spurs I believe….is that a good sign …for us.

 

[jlove]

Not even on the bench at Spurs I believe….is that a good sign …for us.

It’s a good sign if he’s going elsewhere in the window and we don’t hear about him on here again!

 

[taxi driver]

Right back please ?

 

[Untouchable]

Goalkeeper please. Max is sh*t.

 

[beeeehive]

Can we change this to our defence suggestions! We have none

 

[Downbeat Bee]

Someone on loan who can play in a couple of defensive positions might be needed.

 

[Les Beeavinu]

Think KLP is starting to be targeted a bit now. For his sake, would love either Rico or a specialist left back in.