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Post by mightyez on Jul 24, 2024 8:10:24 GMT
I’m not sure waiting to sell deadwood in order to fix the biggest weakness in the team (CDM) is the cleverest strategy. I wouldn't call it a strategy, more a 'we don't have the money'. And to be fair to SJR he has dipped into his pocket to sort out the financial mess we are in as much as possible. There are alot of players that need shifting, it's frustrating that we need them out but it is what it is.
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Post by Stew on Jul 24, 2024 9:01:29 GMT
I’m not sure waiting to sell deadwood in order to fix the biggest weakness in the team (CDM) is the cleverest strategy. I wouldn't call it a strategy, more a 'we don't have the money'. And to be fair to SJR he has dipped into his pocket to sort out the financial mess we are in as much as possible. There are alot of players that need shifting, it's frustrating that we need them out but it is what it is. I understand but that’s sort of my point. The position that needed number 1 priority was midfield. I know you can’t pass up Yoro but personally I’d have sewn up CM first.
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Post by mightyez on Jul 24, 2024 9:39:34 GMT
I wouldn't call it a strategy, more a 'we don't have the money'. And to be fair to SJR he has dipped into his pocket to sort out the financial mess we are in as much as possible. There are alot of players that need shifting, it's frustrating that we need them out but it is what it is. I understand but that’s sort of my point. The position that needed number 1 priority was midfield. I know you can’t pass up Yoro but personally I’d have sewn up CM first. I do certainly agree midfield was the big area. Our first bid this summer in terms of players was for Ugarte, it's just proven easier to get the Yoro and Zirkzee deals done. I am happy we have gotten on with things, in the years gone by we would have just been fixated on Ugarte and lost out on the other 2
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Post by viking22 on Jul 24, 2024 10:01:35 GMT
We needed a new CB (or two) with Varane leaving and we needed a new CF with Martial leaving and Hojlund struggling a bit in his first season and goals a huge problem last season.
And an outlay of £80m to sort those two positions is fantastic work especially as they are both young and have huge potential.
Of course we need a midfielder as well but PSG are playing hardball on Ugarte and there aren’t any other particularly good options. Neves is also expensive. Zubimendi seems a no brainier but perhaps we think he’s too similar to Mainoo so are seeing if PSG soften their stance. And if we can’t bring in anyone decent then Rabiot is an option and would walk into the first team.
Anyway we still have some time. I think a lot of clubs are in the same boat having to sell to buy and if they can’t sell they will need to lower their asking prices
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Post by seanie on Jul 24, 2024 12:10:34 GMT
We are not serious if we don't make huge moves in midfield! I've been saying that since last year! If we don't sign two really good central mids especially a DM we are fucked! We need 4 really good mids over the next couple of windows and a complete clear out apart from Kobbie!
BTW Kobbie is a teenager learning his game, no matter how talented and calm he is!
Chelsea spent 300m on 3 central mids. Arsenal improved a really good midfield with a 120M acquistion and are in the market for Zubimendi and we are mulling over Amrabat and McTominay staying.
I know it's shit recruitment and different managers, so you end up with Casemiro and Mount for 130M on 5 year contracts costing 600,000 a week, so it's not a great legacy, but if there really is fuck all money then they need to sell and make some moves in the free market and swap or loan with obligations! I don't think it's players like Ugarte or Zubimendi it's both or similar types and more!
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Post by unitedsotex on Jul 24, 2024 12:47:01 GMT
If this price tag is true then we can move on from him for now. Ugarte and/or Rabiot should be the focus then... Who the fuck is this anyway. Onwards. When he was first mentioned at 17mil I had the same reaction.... but at the price could be a solid tool to back up Mainoo/Ugarte. At 70+mil and majority of us have never even heard of him.... no thanks. Hoping his club is dyslexic and just got his numbers crossed lol
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Post by Stew on Jul 24, 2024 13:29:06 GMT
Neves to PSG looks like it’s in the final stages so perhaps they might be more realistic about Ugarte now.
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Post by Rustin Cohle on Jul 24, 2024 17:11:35 GMT
We have a tight budget this year so how we strengthen in midfield will be dictated by progress on player sales. Erik is reportedly keen to keep Scotty and no one seems willing to meet our £40m asking price. Juventus and Dortmund can't afford Sancho and while the interest from PSG is promising they are interested in Nico Williams as well and probably other alternatives. Casemiro doesn't seem to want to leave and the Saudi exit option doesn't appeal to every player while his wages put him out of reach of European clubs. We should really sign Rabiot. That way if we fail to raise enough money for Ugarte or identify a suitable cheaper alternative then we can spend what's left of our budget on De Ligt. Rabiot is very experienced and athletic and technically superb and players like Mainoo and Collyer will benefit from playing alongside him and he might also help us get another season out of Casemiro if we can't shift him this summer. And as we play 3 in midfield then even if we do make a big sale and manage to buy Ugarte as well there will be plenty of games for everyone and we will have more of an opportunity to rest Bruno and Mainoo and rotate a bit more and have more tactical flexibility. There is no getting another season out of Casemiro. He was incredible at his peak for Real, and fantastic in his first season for us, but last season's performance was unrecoverable. He's beyond done, and shouldn't pull the shirt on again unless we are in the deepest of injury crises.
I’m not sure waiting to sell deadwood in order to fix the biggest weakness in the team (CDM) is the cleverest strategy. Yep. As good as the window has been so far, CDM is our most important fix - even more than CM - and not sorting it automatically makes this window a failure IMO.
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Post by seanie on Jul 24, 2024 18:46:06 GMT
I'm still trying to figure out how we use Mason Mount since this time last year. I'll get back to you
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Post by ratbag on Jul 25, 2024 6:38:53 GMT
Looks like Chalobah might be available for around £25m…
Could be a good option for us…
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Post by viking22 on Jul 25, 2024 8:23:22 GMT
Good shout quite versatile so provide cover across and defensive line
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Post by mightyez on Jul 25, 2024 10:48:45 GMT
Looks like Chalobah might be available for around £25m… Could be a good option for us… we were linked with him 2 months ago
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Post by Stew on Jul 25, 2024 10:50:41 GMT
'Erik ten Hag believes the signing of Noussair Mazraoui could help unlock the potential of Antony.' This is the sort of shit that still gives me very little faith in EtH (if true of course). Looks very close to West Ham now.
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Post by ratbag on Jul 25, 2024 11:02:49 GMT
Looks like Chalobah might be available for around £25m… Could be a good option for us… we were linked with him 2 months ago Seems he was left out of the pre-season tour and Chelsea might want to cash in on him for PSR reasons…
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Post by seanie on Jul 25, 2024 11:12:22 GMT
Let's buy another right back to unleash the potential of 85m Antony when we desperately need a top left back and cover at LCB! The cheapest option there is to go for someone like David Hancko who can play both as a good squad player in that area and hope Martinez and Shaw stay fit. Anyway see how it goes and we can't completely judge them on the first window with their feet barely under the table and inheriting a shit situation from last few years. I hope we make some good signings in central midfield, even if it's a loan or free as well as one permanent signing this year and I am sure they know that is a huge priority!
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