It’s Quiet 20 - What is the Wirtz that could happen?

[Manncity]

It doesn’t add up to a conspiracy but Villa certainly came under pressure from some clubs not to sell us Jack.

The main conspiracy is that clubs will not buy from us, the only exception was Jesus. Probably cos Arteta wanted him..

 

[Gabriel]

Not sure aboutvthat Pep.
The imense amount of injuries we have had this season to critical players is something else to be honest.

I've always maintained that the injuries and decline in individual form didn't start this season. The amber light was already flashing last spring, and the warning signs were all too evident when we ran out of gas against Real Madrid and then that lot at Wembley. We also knew that there would be no respite in the summer for the vast majority of players, so we now find ourselves buying sticking plasters in January whilst in between directors of football. It's far from ideal in terms of a smooth transition, but in its defence, I guess the club had never found itself in this position before. A learning experience for all of us.

 

[bell_mcfc]

Reports in Italy and Spain claim that City are making enquiries for full back Andrea Cambiaso. No official offer has been sent to Juventus his current club.

Last week it was the right back at Juve. I’m unsure.

 

[WRicko]

These young signings that Pep can mould hopefully into something special are great but we are seemingly going to lose a shit load of experience now and in the summer if the rumours are true about the likes of Walker, KDB, Gundo, Stones and maybe Grealish all going? We need to sign some top class 24-27 age group that have played elite level as well to have that blend in the squad?

I think we will squeeze another year out of some of those. Grealish will be hard to move on if we choose to not sure we will.

Gundo could have a coaching role.

We might get some slightly older players to

Some of the other options we are linked with whilst not old are older and more experienced than the current players we are looking at and have played at better clubs more competition etc

 

[richards30]

I think we will squeeze another year out of some of those. Grealish will be hard to move on if we choose to not sure we will.

Gundo could have a coaching role.

We might get some slightly older players to

Some of the other options we are linked with whilst not old are older and more experienced than the current players we are looking at and have played at better clubs more competition etc

Your last paragraph is the type we need to add to the younger inexperienced guys? Especially in key areas like DM? If we could convince Zubimendi to come or come up with a price that Atalanta would accept for Ederson then that would be a perfect blend of youth and mid 20`s class and elite experience? Then you have Dias, Ake, Rodri, Kovacic and possibly Bernardo still as the older heads?

 

[Ajm1985]

I've always maintained that the injuries and decline in individual form didn't start this season. The amber light was already flashing last spring, and the warning signs were all too evident when we ran out of gas against Real Madrid and then that lot at Wembley. We also knew that there would be no respite in the summer for the vast majority of players, so we now find ourselves buying sticking plasters in January whilst in between directors of football. It's far from ideal in terms of a smooth transition, but in its defence, I guess the club had never found itself in this position before. A learning experience for all of us.

Completely agree. The age profile in certain areas, injury records and the accumulated minutes in the legs was plain to see

 

[richards30]

Still think we need a RB when Walker leaves and obviously that DM.

 

[117 M34]

Glad we are bringing in younger centre halves. I'd like to see a changing of the guard of current players and the new guys gradually replacing them.
Stones leave in 2025
Ake leave in 2026
Akanji leave in 2027

Don't think stones will actually leave though because I just can't see anyone being interested with his injury record and big wages.

 

[Blue Bogey]

Last week it was the right back at Juve. I’m unsure.

Cambiaso 24 plays both LB and RB for Juve and is one of the main players of Juve who plays full 90 mins each week.

Savona 21 exclusively plays RB but has not always been an automatic starter. He nailed down the RB spot after Cambiaso got injured in the game prior to Juve meeting City in the CL. In the lead up to the CL game City had praised Cambiaso.

Then a week ago there was rumours City interested in Savona.

Since Cambiaso returned from injury he has played only mins off the bench. Those outside the club have been querying why and felt Juve were holding him back.

Now interest in Cambiaso has returned. Cambiaso is a full international with Italy.

I don’t think it will be likely we will see either sign this window. I believe City is letting the players and their agents know we are watching developments and gauge both players interests in potentially signing for city should we make a move in summer. One to perhaps keep an eye on.

 

[Dribble]

The main conspiracy is that clubs will not buy from us, the only exception was Jesus. Probably cos Arteta wanted him..

Palmer, Lavia, THB, Zinchenko, Sterling. Ultimately, if clubs are willing to sell & we're willing buyers, I doubt they'd say "no deal" because the cartel clubs told them to.

On top of that, I can't think of any real value for quality in the English market right now. We're struggling for a CDM, but outside of Rice, Guimarães & Paqueta, I can't think of many options.

 

[johnny crossan]

Where's our key midfield signing coming from? This forum should be bristling with rumours by now but not a sniff. If the Rodri hole isn't plugged we can sign as many promising young CBs as we like but this season will be a write off for trophies.

 

[Cobwebcat]

These young signings that Pep can mould hopefully into something special are great but we are seemingly going to lose a shit load of experience now and in the summer if the rumours are true about the likes of Walker, KDB, Gundo, Stones and maybe Grealish all going? We need to sign some top class 24-27 age group that have played elite level as well to have that blend in the squad?

There is certainly an age gap around peak years in our squad. Marmoush would fill a tiny part of that.

Getting players at their peak is expensive and probably requires a Summer window.

Imagine Wirtz and Zubimendi being signed at the end of the season. Probably around £150 million there at least.

 

[Bluewonder]

Where's our key midfield signing coming from? This forum should be bristling with rumours by now but not a sniff. If the Rodri hole isn't plugged we can sign as many promising young CBs as we like but this season will be a write off for trophies.

The Rodri injury notwithstanding, we still don't have a replacement for Gundogan.

 

[richards30]

There is certainly an age gap around peak years in our squad. Marmoush would fill a tiny part of that.

Getting players at their peak is expensive and probably requires a Summer window.

Imagine Wirtz and Zubimendi being signed at the end of the season. Probably around £150 million there at least.

Can see Leverkusen wanting £150m just for Wirtz mate! We`ve got ourselves into a hole unfortunately with the DM situation and while its great signing players, the major weakness we have in the team let alone squad is how easy the midfield is cut open and counter attacked on? That should have been sorted first imo.

 

[Cobra]

CJ Egan-Riley is the highest rated defender in the Championship this season (Burnley have conceded just 9 goals in 23 games) and is available on a free this summer - I wonder if we’d consider bringing him back? If he was currently on loan at Burnley and playing that well then I think most people would want him brought back and given a chance in the first team squad, and he can also cover numerous positions too.

 

[r.soleofsalford]

Where's our key midfield signing coming from? This forum should be bristling with rumours by now but not a sniff. If the Rodri hole isn't plugged we can sign as many promising young CBs as we like but this season will be a write off for trophies.

That’s the spirit. 8-)

 

[Damanino]

we need some rumours midfielder deal is being wrapped up soon. before the PSG game I assume we would need someone in and its certainly more urgent than young CBs who probably will not put Akanji, Ake, Lewis etc to the bench straightaway.

teams running through our midfield need to stop quick.

Brentford is a good test if the rest will be running enough to stop Brentford enjoying big chances from the open space in our midfield.

 

[Dribble]

CJ Egan-Riley is the highest rated defender in the Championship this season (Burnley have conceded just 9 goals in 23 games) and is available on a free this summer - I wonder if we’d consider bringing him back? If he was currently on loan at Burnley and playing that well then I think most people would want him brought back and given a chance in the first team squad, and he can also cover numerous positions too.

I was shocked we sold him tbh. The few times I saw him play, he was exceptional. It's a yes from me if he's available, as long as we get a more senior player in too.

 

[ONTHERUNWITHTHAKSIN]

we need some rumours midfielder deal is being wrapped up soon. before the PSG game I assume we would need someone in and its certainly more urgent than young CBs who probably will not put Akanji, Ake, Lewis etc to the bench straightaway.

teams running through our midfield need to stop quick.

Brentford is a good test if the rest will be running enough to stop Brentford enjoying big chances from the open space in our midfield.

Knowing Pep he will put Gvardiol in midfield or one of the new lads

 

[Cobwebcat]

Can see Leverkusen wanting £150m just for Wirtz mate! We`ve got ourselves into a hole unfortunately with the DM situation and while its great signing players, the major weakness we have in the team let alone squad is how easy the midfield is cut open and counter attacked on? That should have been sorted first imo.

I agree but City should have done it last transfer window it’s too late now. They won’t want to bring in a panic buy and end up with another Phillips only to find out Zubi is willing to come in 6 months.

If City don’t bring a couple of midfielders in then it will be because we can only get our targets in the it Summer not for want of trying.

Pep made a mistake being too loyal to the treble squad and he admits that now.