I don't think the quantity of players signed has been a problem. But the quality seems to have gone down. Just in the last 2 seasons we have signed 2 major flops; Nunes and Phillips. The quality coming in is lower than the quality going out (with a few exceptions).
Nope....he'll play the league cup game but our chances of winning significantly decrease when Phillips is on the pitch. I would go as far as to say that we have close to zero percent chance of winning at the emirates if Phillips plays the whole game.
I don't know how you can look at the likes...
Nobody is saying that Phillips didn't meet the criteria for receiving a medal. Just like Scott Carson or Sergio Gomez met the criteria. And if that's your standard for "deserving it", then that's fine. But let's not pretend like Phillips played a single meaningful minute for us last season.
Sure, but this is a player that peaked at 3 league goals in a season playing for Sporting in Portugal. All i'm saying is that he probably won't be getting many goals or assist here either.
Seems more like a Kovacic type. A deep lying midfielder who will play close to Rodri. Much needed depth there but probably won't add much in the final 3rd.
And i suspect Kalvin won't mind. It's a Eden Hazard at Madrid or Maguire at the rags situation for him. Both want to "fight for their place" according to the media.
Giving him a 6-year deal was a brain dead move. The club is stuck with him in a similar way the rags are stuck with Maguire. I suspect "fight for his place" just means that he is comfortable not playing and picking up his paycheck.
There wasn't a huge demand for Laporte. It's as simple as that. The club is in no position to ask for more given that we are clearly willing to sell. Same as Cancelo...
I thought a lot of Philips comments post-season were delusional. Like he was trying to convince himself rather than his doubters. The comments about being "close to getting it" in regards to what Pep demands look a bit silly. I'm sure he is a nice guy but lacks in ability and mentality to play...
From a financial point of view, getting a good fee for a 32-year old and then investing that towards a younger top quality replacement would be ideal. But i'm unsure if that player exists in this market.