I agree and the club especially on the transfer front is run brilliantly. However, even if let’s say he didn’t have two years in him physically- surely you could sell him next summer anyway rather than lose him on a free this summer. They obviously believe that he can do one more season otherwise they wouldn’t be offering anythingI think the club know more about the players and their physical capability than BM posters, and if the club are only offering Gundogan a 1 year contract then there will be sound reasoning behind it.
How so?Suspect it’s a bit more nuanced than him wanting two years and us just offering one. If it was that simple we’d get a deal done.
We would get peanuts tbh, and he deserves to leave on a free, be that this year, next year or whenever.I agree and the club especially on the transfer front is run brilliantly. However, even if let’s say he didn’t have two years in him physically- surely you could sell him next summer anyway rather than lose him on a free this summer. They obviously believe that he can do one more season otherwise they wouldn’t be offering anything
I think, like Bernardo, he possibly fancies a change. Newly married, new kid, and Barcelona is probably pretty appealing to him and his wife. Probably more so than Manchester, if we’re being honest.How so?
It seems like a big impasse potentially. I’m sure wages aren’t much of an issue.
I'd take Tonali at AC Milan over Rice in a heartbeat...Wondering how Rice would fit in. Part exchange deal with Phillips included would be a good way to go.
Potentially we could have Rice playing the midfield/defender role that Stones takes up. Have Stones, Dias and Ake at the back with Rice dropping in to help out when needed but also pushing further up the field as the water carrier.
But Phillips not leaving he want to stay and fight for his place
And I'm sure Pep would love the combination and fluidity of that back 5.
It depends on his personality. How quickly could he pick up the patterns of play? How quickly can he integrate into the squad (socially)? How does he look after himself? If he fulfills all the criteria then he plays alongside rodri, ahead of Stones Dias and Gvardiol.Which is great but I come back to, would he come not being sure of being first choice when he could walk into Arsenal,united, chelsea. liverpool,newcastle.
Second would we spend £100 mill for a back up, when we may well need to spend that sort of money to replace Bernardo and Gundogan, maybe Laporte and Cancelo too ?
If the answers yes to both then I’m all in, I just doubt it would be myself.
If Bernardo and Gundogan leave I think we need 2 midfielders quite different to Rice, we probably need to replace Laporte /Cancelo. If Phillips goes then we also need a more defensive midfielder which could be Rice, except I don’t think he plays the CB/DM hybrid role as well as Stones can. If we can afford all that, if Rice wants that challenge then I’m fine with it. That said I’m not certain at all Phillips goes.It depends on his personality. How quickly could he pick up the patterns of play? How quickly can he integrate into the squad (socially)? How does he look after himself? If he fulfills all the criteria then he plays alongside rodri, ahead of Stones Dias and Gvardiol.
Would it be too gready wanting Rice (exchange with Phillips) with Bellingham and Gvardiol? £250m spend + Phillips. Losing Bernardo and Gundugan is brutal but Rice and Bellingham would certainly soften the blow.
Suspect it’s a bit more nuanced than him wanting two years and us just offering one. If it was that simple we’d get a deal done.
he deserves a 2 year contract...
The guy has overcome serious injury issues to be a huge part of this club, the strain on body and mind to do that will have taken their toll, maybe he things it's time to take a step back, La Liga is less frantic, less demanding.Suspect it’s a bit more nuanced than him wanting two years and us just offering one. If it was that simple we’d get a deal done.
problem is imo its much easier to offload gundogan than bernie, there aren’t many clubs in europe outside the prem that could pay the fee we’d wantI think we can afford to lose 1 only of these 2 incredible players.
Bernie is the more longstanding wantaway and therefore it may be easier persuading Gundo to stay.
On the other hand Gundo is 4 years older which means a replacement will be needed sooner rather than later.
In terms of playing style I think Ilkay is more difficult to replace.
It's a conundrum.
And I'm sure Pep would love the combination and fluidity of that back 5.
Should be mate! I like Rice to be honest, could certainly add some steel in the midfield for us and seems to push on further forward at times for England? Added advantage of being able no doubt to play CB as well and DM? Would we still go for another midfielder though?
70m to Brighton makes it much easier.In terms of playing style I think Ilkay is more difficult to replace.
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