Jude Bellingham

[willipp]

He's multiple times better than Bellingham. I've held that opinion for the past 45 minutes at least.

What I would say is that Rice is very much a DM and not someone who will ever offer what we need going forward. As a replacement / backup for Rodri then yes, but my feeling is we need more of Gundo / Kev replacement.

 

[Churchlawtonblue]

Prefer Maddison to Rice. Rice is a bit too defensive for me. 3 goals 2 assists isn't great for a player with his hype. Madison has 9 and 8.

 

[LucahArchie10]

Gutted if true, he is one hell of a player at 19, will be awesome in that Real midfield

 

[MaskedAguero10]

Surely a Rodri replacement, rather than Bellingham alternative. I don't really see how Bellingham would fit in our current system, but then we've changed a bit this season so maybe it's a further evolution.

Could play Rice with Rodri in the way that Stones has been doing, but only if we went to a permanent three at the back which feels risky against teams with wingers. There's lots of games in the season but can't see Rice choosing our bench for a lot of them rather than Arsenal's starting 11

Rodri-Rice
Ake/Gvardiol-Dias-Stones

 

[CADE MCFC 1894]

Orstein,berger,BILD hasn't said anything

 

[supercity88]

Real lose, title chances realistically over and a Copa Del Rey final coming up...how can they give their fans a boost?! Tell them they're getting a new player. That's how it works in Madrid isn't it?? Not a surprise at the timing of this.

I wouldn't be surprised if he did end up there though, and whilst it's a shame for us, we'll find alternatives and be just fine I'm sure.

 

[PragueBlue]

What I would say is that Rice is very much a DM and not someone who will ever offer what we need going forward. As a replacement / backup for Rodri then yes, but my feeling is we need more of Gundo / Kev replacement.

I believe we are allowed to sign multiple players. Personally I think we need at least 2 in MF (if Bernardo and Gundogan leave).

 

[Andouble]

would be absolutely delighted if this leads us towards MacAllister (who'd probably end up costing just as much, knowing Brighton).

 

[Tugay One Cup]

Na get a macallister or someone for that rice for the stones and 6 role. You know we can buy multiple players?

We're on the Bellingham thread. The latest reports suggest he won't be joining. Why would we be talking about Rice in here if it wasn't as a backup plan to Bellingham?

 

[thegundogang]

Doesn’t matter too much to us to be honest. Yes, I (as many others) wanted Jude in the midfield but we’re not Liverpool and we’ve got the money go look at other top level options while they go for Conor Gallagher. I’d love to see Nicolo Barella or even De Jong to piss the rags off even more.

 

[asgoodasitgets]

To be fair , after El Mago handed them their arse last night, it’s obvious they need him more than we do

 

[waspish]

Not believing it till it’s done!

 

[Blu3m00n91]

Lot of back tracking now. Big blow that. Can’t see Gundo and Bernardo suddenly changing their mind. City need to act quick now

 

[ayrshire_blue]

He's been the standout player for a West Ham side that finished 7th the last two seasons, and has gotten to two European semi finals in a row.

Look at how much Brighton want for Caicedo after one season as a starter.

As I say mate, each to their own here. I've never once watched Rice and thought wow, he's top level him. That being said, I echo the sentiments of others in that I trust Pep entirely. If it's Rice, Wirtz, Tonali, Foden or even Ederson in midfield he'd likely make them world class.

 

[BlueCityfan]

Real lose, title chances realistically over and a Copa Del Rey final coming up...how can they give their fans a boost?! Tell them they're getting a new player. That's how it works in Madrid isn't it?? Not a surprise at the timing of this.

I wouldn't be surprised if he did end up there though, and whilst it's a shame for us, we'll find alternatives and be just fine I'm sure.

This was my first thought when i saw the initial reports from Marca. However, this seems legit. Similar to when Keegan and others broke the news about Haaland to us.

 

[Tugay One Cup]

Lot of back tracking now. Big blow that. Can’t see Gundo and Bernardo suddenly changing their mind. City need to act quick now

Abandon ship, I say.

Off I pop to Stamford Br... err... The Emirates.

 

[p.taker]

Orstein,berger,BILD hasn't said anything

i pretended i was sick today so i don't have to go to school

i can't deal with this bullshit!

 

[FantasyIreland]

Not sure why Rice (who would improve us) is being talked about in this thread,they are apples and oranges.

 

[Tricky_Trev]

We should sign Kalvin Phillips instead

 

[mcfcpride]

I’m hoping he joins Real. Can’t understand the hype.

He'll be another Sancho thanks to the British media.

Finally it's over.