ninjamonkey
Well-Known Member
- Joined
- 5 Jun 2009
- Messages
- 16,927
Foden should be stepping up when Silva leaves. That still leaves us with KDB, Gundogan, Bernardo and Foden. Most clubs would kill to have that level of quality. There's also a number of talented lads coming through the ranks that need to have an opportunity at the first team like Foden.
Otamendi wanted to leave for more game time, we didn't want to replace him. Hence why we're likely not signing another CB, because it looks like he's decided to stay with Vinnie's departure.
It's been widely reported we're not signing a replacement for Sane and I agree with the decision. Mahrez, Sterling and Bernardo is more than enough depth. Jesus can play there in a stretch, as can Cancelo, and we also have the option of playing 3-5-2 more this season, which negates the need for 4 wingers. Not to mention we have players like Roberts out on loan - he could have a breakthrough season if he stays fit and comes into the fold next year.
Pep just signed another LB in Angelino. We have 3. Why would Pep want another? Cancelo has also played there for Juve.
We'll no doubt tie Fernandinho down to a one year extension if we're hit with a transfer ban. Worst case scenario his form drops off a cliff and we decide not to renew/he wants to leave, we have to use Gundo as a back up for the season. Hardly effected us last season...
We'll be fine if we're struck with a transfer ban. It really won't be the end of the world like some people are saying, our squad is still ridiculously deep and we'll still be in a better position that the vast majority of clubs in Europe.
We might actually be forced to blood some youngsters or loanees for the squad roles, which could turn out to be a blessing in disguise.
So in his scenario where we lose 4 players possibly 5 depending on Mendy next summer and can’t replace them you think we would be fine because there’s alternatives in the squad already? We have a 22 man squad, one of the smallest in the league as it is, losing 4 takes us down to 18 players, one of them being Mendy. sure the quality is exceptional but the numbers aren’t anywhere near enough.
I expect us to have a very busy January window, possibly even making signings whilst the window is closed to get ahead of any impending ban. Signing next summers primary targets in January and loaning them back to their club for the remainder of the season similar to what Chelsea did with Pulisic covers us. We know silva is leaving and need to replace him, so I expect that will be done in the next few months once this window is closed and we will soon know depending on contracts negotiations whether we will need replacements for Fernandinho and gundogan and likely have an idea on otamendi and Sane’s intentions. Will probably cost us more that way as we will likely have to offer more for a player to spread the cost and reduce upfront payments but it will be worth it when the alternative leaves us screwed for a season.