Ake is arguably decent LB cover but Kimmich would be a good solution to the Rodri problem. I also like Pep's brief we are after a striker who can both replace Haaland centrally and can operate out wide with him in the team. Sounds like he has someone in mind for that role.Assuming we pot Cancelo and Philips and then Echeverri arrives in January, we'll have a 24 man squad...
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We're stacked in midfield, but we know the drop off when Rodri is out is a killer. Do we need a 'proper' left back and a AM/False 9 to rotate/backup Erling and 'replace' Julian's G/As...
imho the priorities are:-
P1 : AM
P2 : CDM
P3 : LB
Edit: Forgot about Esbrand-Wilson, Kabore and Perrone, assuming all are going out on loan or out out...
I think Phillips is one of those - much more required in the spec to compensate for a missing Rodri.All we need to complete that midfield is a ball winner/dual winner. Kovacic plus a ball winner in midfield we won't miss Rodri if he needs a rest.
I believe in the academy players and they are the future, but we need them to learn and grow first, so we need another experienced player imo.Some really great points here over the last 24 hours, and respectful differences of opinion.
I remember when nobody could replace Fernandinho, and Gundogan got a few pelters because he couldn't do what Fern could. We are really in the same boat now, with a player with a truly unique skillset and no direct replacement. I think it will take a blend of what we have to cope with the absence of Rodri, but I understand those who believe you have to dip into the market. I hope that the emergence of Bobb with Doku and Savinho allow Foden and Bernardo and Grealish to play centrally. If so, I think we have all we need.
This guy is apparently very reliable for Real Madrid news. Assume it’s just interest in Gvardiol on their side, would be madness to even consider selling him for any price
Apparently according to a madrid fan it probably means they want Gvardiol for Rodrygo. If so they can do one
Sigh.... Mario Cortegana is another top Madrid source
"Rodrigo is fond of the Premier League and Guardiola"
Mario Cortegana offers the latest on the rumours that place the Brazilian from Real Madrid at Manchester City this summer
Sigh.... Mario Cortegana is another top Madrid source they are forcing him out
"Rodrigo is fond of the Premier League and Guardiola"
"That being the case, the Brazilian's future will remain up in the air. Although it has been confirmed in his inner circle that he wants to continue playing for the Santiago Bernabéu team, none of this guarantees that he will be able to continue. Firstly, because Ancelotti now has a good number of forwards and could consider using one of them. His playing time will be reduced and this is something that could eventually cause problems."
Although the player's desire is to stay, for the Merengues it could be a key opportunity.
Mario Cortegana offers the latest on the rumours that place the Brazilian from Real Madrid at Manchester City this summer
All this smoke is coming from Madrid paid people! They'd love to get rid of Rodrigo for a today sum!
Hope so! World class talent that could easily play across the front 3 positions?
I hope Pep replaces KDB with Musiala, Kvara, Wirtz or maybe Rodrygo if we can not get any of the first 3 I mentioned. An actual world class talent/player that will create/ assist/ goals/vision/talent and brain to try fill the KDB role. It's lovely at the top and I want us to stay there and we will do it by replacing world class with world class. Matter of fact, if the former are unattainable, I would rather see Bobb/Echeverri/Xavi or Pedro Goncalves step into that role.I know we need to replace KDB too longterm but I'd love for that to be Grealish.
And to replace KDB and Kovocic with Grealish and Foden.
And eventually replace Walker with someone young, fast, built, tough, skillful, smart and with a more moderately sized willy.
Eg.
...............Ederson................
Akanji ..Dias Ake ..Gvardiol
...................Rodri.................
Savio Grealish Foden Doku
................Haaland...............
They do want him gone both top tier Madrid journalists now pushing the story. That means it's come from Perez. He's got his shiny new toy so he wants to get rid of the old one.
He can but for the money city would pay he'd want to be a starter. So where does he start he's much better on the left than right, so he'd take Grealish starting spot. You've also got Doku , bobb, savio.
Doubt Madrid would let him go for less than his €175m (£150m) release clause, and I doubt we would be willing to pay that. Absolutely incredible player though. Normally I’d say we don’t need any more wingers, but Rodrygo is the one player I’d make an exception for and make room for. Would take him over Kvaratskhelia, Leao etc any day of the week
Yep and why I feel we not interested in him! Can he play the 6 and 8 role?
He can but for the money city would pay he'd want to be a starter. So where does he start he's much better on the left than right, so he'd take Grealish starting spot. You've also got Doku , bobb, savio.