It's Quiet Thread 15 - Txiki Blinders

[Nicholas van Whatsisface]

Agreed. We must keep Laporte, even if we have to sell Ake to placate him.

City did not legislate for two things last summer - a right-footed Dias being better on the left-side of a two, Stones reminding people why we bought him the first place.

I don't see anything in Ake which suggests he is nothing but a slightly above average centre-back which was bought to back-up Laporte.

Now that Laporte must also compete with Dias, the smartest decision is to get our £40m back on Ake while we can, coupled with relatively low wages other teams can still afford.

Nathan can still walk off with his medals.

Ain't happening is it? :(

I’d love us to convince Laporte to stay and fight, but if he’s got a guaranteed starter role at Real Madrid - the biggest club in the country he now represents internationally - I just can’t see how a fight for a rotation spot at City is going to win through. Ake or no Ake.

If they offer us a decent fee - he’ll be off.

Real shame, as I love the guy as a player - but we need to be realistic about this!

 

[domalino]

what about Declan Rice!

He's the other obvious choice but I'm personally not sure he's got the pace to play the Fernandinho role and he'd cost an absolute fortune.

 

[Gumzy97]

With Ramos and Varane gone, Laporte can walk into that Madrid team as a starter.

 

[pudge]

Raspberry or Strawberry?

But remove yourself first from this mental picture please, Pudge?

When you drop the Sookie video I'll exit the pool

 

[TheThirdDeano]

Would love to know if we have/how much money our sponsors will pay/increase deals if we win the CL.
If I had to guess though I’d say £5billion

 

[Rammy Blue]

Agreed. We must keep Laporte, even if we have to sell Ake to placate him.

City did not legislate for two things last summer - a right-footed Dias being better on the left-side of a two, Stones reminding people why we bought him the first place.

I don't see anything in Ake which suggests he is nothing but a slightly above average centre-back which was bought to back-up Laporte.

Now that Laporte must also compete with Dias, the smartest decision is to get our £40m back on Ake while we can, coupled with relatively low wages other teams can still afford.

Nathan can still walk off with his medals.

Ain't happening is it? :(

I can see Spurs fancying Ake in part ex for Kane, assuming that deal progresses.

 

[blue oli]

We will buy a striker and Grealish would not impact it.

I'm hearing if we win this weekend the cash is guaranteed.

Would explain the way Sterling is performing right now, obviously doesn’t want more competition

 

[Rammy Blue]

Going to be an interesting summer!

 

[kaz7]

When is the window open and closed ?

 

[tolmie's hairdoo]

If you're Sterling right now, would you commit to a new long-term deal at his current age?

We see it only from our side but, for Raheem, his next decision is for the rest of his career.

He has two years left and already earns £300k a week. He holds all the cards because if he indicated he's happy to wait it out another year, the market and more attractive suitors might be out there?

By that stage, he would have 12 months remaining and have City by the balls, just like Sane did.

Difference being, Raheem is older than Sane and knows he can keep picking up medals for a couple of seasons and walk away on a free transfer at 29, which would also coincide with Pep's deal ending.

Who knows what might go on with Raheem this summer, but if we do get the impression that's his end game, we may have to be open to a sale - even below market valuation.

He positioned his exit from Liverpool and I am hearing more and more that players will be happy to run down their deals in the next few years.

Just spitballing, nothing more.