Virgil van Dijk

[robbieh]

With this talk of Fernandez and VVD could it be that Pep is thinking of using Stones in the defensive midfield role?

 

[bobmcfc]

With this talk of Fernandez and VVD could it be that Pep is thinking of using Stones in the defensive midfield role?

That I wouldn't mind. I think he panics at CB and makes too many errors. We need another kompany to partner...kompany

 

[Forshaw7]

With this talk of Fernandez and VVD could it be that Pep is thinking of using Stones in the defensive midfield role?

Great shout that. Could see him bossing that role

 

[hgblue]

Mendy - Van Dijk - Kompany - Walker

would be some back 4. Pace, power, height, technique, flair

Speaking as someone who's been banging on about our defence for years, that's looking like a serious defensive unit at last. Add a top quality keeper behind them and holding midfielder in front of them, and you have a really solid base for our excellent attacking players to do their stuff. Could be an exciting season ahead.

 

[MeatHunterrr]

City fear they will be forced to pay more than £50m for Van Dijk, due to competition from Chelsea and Liverpool. [Sky Sports / Sky sources]
City are "extremely interested" in Van Dijk with initial enquiries already underway ahead of a potential deal. [Sky Sports / Sky sources]

 

[TRUE BLUE NO1]

Could City be all in for Van Djik and Liverpool have stepped away from the table?

Times Sport‏Verified account @TimesSport
Liverpool chief exec Peter Moore says #LFC won't be drawn into a transfer arms race with #MCFC, writes @_pauljoyce https://www.thetimes.co.uk/edition/sport/we-wont-try-to-match-city-spending-says-liverpool-chief-jx0d80p3t …

 

[BillyShears]

On like Donkey Kong injuries permitting.

 

[Blue Coop]

On like Donkey Kong injuries permitting.

We are worried about his injury?

 

[blueinsa]

On like Donkey Kong injuries permitting.

Excellent and the piece about Liverpool not getting involved in a war with us over him is also telling as they know they have no chance.

Beauty of a summer window like this is you get that first player in and the rest just fall in like dominoes.

 

[Thaksinssoldier]

No coincidence talk of this hots up only after the Madrid ban is upheld, clearly plan b on the list.

 

[BillyShears]

No coincidence talk of this hots up only after the Madrid ban is upheld, clearly plan b on the list.

Nope. Dunno what Madrid's ban has to do with VVD.

 

[domalino]

We are worried about his injury?

He should be fine to go - apparently only Southampton being overly cautious and having nothing to play for stopped him from playing the last month of the season.

 

[domalino]

No coincidence talk of this hots up only after the Madrid ban is upheld, clearly plan b on the list.

Nope. Dunno what Madrid's ban has to do with VVD.

Not to mention talk of this clearly heated up last night when a couple of the biggest papers in the country lead with it, well before the CAS ruling on Atletico Madrid.

 

[Akiva]

On like Donkey Kong injuries permitting.

Great news!

Any worries about Chelsea stepping in on this one? Also, it's going to be north of £50m, right?

 

[richards30]

He should be fine to go - apparently only Southampton being overly cautious and having nothing to play for stopped him from playing the last month of the season.

which benefits us as well as he had extra time to rest and recover! really hope we can get this sorted. wonder if they would be interested in mangala?

 

[BillyShears]

Great news!

Any worries about Chelsea stepping in on this one? Also, it's going to be north of £50m, right?

I'd be more concerned about what Pep thinks about the CB position.

Lets put it this way. If he had a crystal ball and he knew that Vinny wouldn't have another injury ravaged season - we wouldn't be in the market for a 50 million CB this summer. Pep fucking adores Vinny and knows that the entire team function better with him in it. And the plan is more or less for Vinny to be Puyol to Stones' Pique.

 

[TRUE BLUE NO1]

Nope. Dunno what Madrid's ban has to do with VVD.

Billy, maybe Lucas (madrid) was option 1 for CB but after the ban got upheld earlier today, maybe he's now staying and we've moved onto VVD?

 

[Cityfan]

I'd be more concerned about what Pep thinks about the CB position.

Lets put it this way. If he had a crystal ball and he knew that Vinny wouldn't have another injury ravaged season - we wouldn't be in the market for a 50 million CB this summer. Pep fucking adores Vinny and knows that the entire team function better with him in it. And the plan is more or less for Vinny to be Puyol to Stones' Pique.

Surely it doesn't take a rocket scientist to know that Vinnie's injuries are uncertain.
Though I have occasionally criticised folk for righting off Vinny, it would be equally daft to not have strong contingencies in case of failure in such a vital position.

 

[The Stockport Iniesta]

On like Donkey Kong injuries permitting.

Excellent news this, cheers Billy.

 

[Akiva]

I'd be more concerned about what Pep thinks about the CB position.

Lets put it this way. If he had a crystal ball and he knew that Vinny wouldn't have another injury ravaged season - we wouldn't be in the market for a 50 million CB this summer. Pep fucking adores Vinny and knows that the entire team function better with him in it. And the plan is more or less for Vinny to be Puyol to Stones' Pique.

So where does VVD fit into the puzzle if Vinny stays fit? Or, to phrase it another way, would we really invest over £50m on a CB who wouldn't be first choice in the position unless injuries happen? (and would he even want to come under those terms?)

I'm all for our interest here, but if Pep is that high on Kompany then maybe this isn't the right target. Vinny's fitness is a gamble in either direction.