Not the most liked fella but Sam Lee's opinion;
Would be a huge loss, I thought he would be the cornerstone of the defence for a decade. Perhaps it depends on Pep. He might be sick of being shunted out to LB and playing all over the place etc etc.
I do think Viana is very pragmatic though, I dont think anyone will put a bid in either but I think we would definitely consider it.That was very much Txiki’s approach (supported by Pep, of course), but I sense Viana is a more uncompromising operator.
Either way, a Club would have to offer a huge sum this summer to convince us to sell when we’ve still got him on a two year deal.
Which Bayern just won’t be willing to do.
Not to mention we’re in a World Cup year, with a condensed window to find a replacement.
That changes in summer ‘27 if he still hasn’t signed an extension - granted - as our hand is nowhere near as strong.
But this summer, I just can’t see anyone bar Madrid chucking enough money at this deal to convince us.
Which was the point I was making.
This is where the money men come in.On the same day, Bayern are linked with Gvardiol (100m) and Stones (free). Only the latter sounds remotely plausible, except for those tarting themselves for social media traction. Silly season is fully open.
And we’re then one injury back to the mess we were in last season. That’s where the common sense men come in. :-)This is where the money men come in.
Sell Gvardiol, buy Anderson.
Fees equal themselves out.
Reis joins up with Guehi, Khusanov and Dias.
Citys financial guys rub their hands in glee.
Exactly my thoughts.And we’re then one injury back to the mess we were in last season. That’s where the common sense men come in. :-)
Gvardiol’s people will be looking for a whopping contract, rightly so, and using any means of leverage possible.
I anticipate his extension (and Foden’s) to be announced soon; positive news to help counter the expected negativity surrounding Guardiola’s departure. Must be a reason why nothing has broken yet.
We’ve clearly assembled a squad, with a new manager in mind, that is designed to see us through the next three to four years. Gvardiol is an integral part of that plan.Exactly my thoughts.
I always worry when transactions affect PSR or SCR.
Just heard on radio that Stones may be off to join up with Kompany at Bayern.We’ve clearly assembled a squad, with a new manager in mind, that is designed to see us through the next three to four years. Gvardiol is an integral part of that plan.
We have time to wait with Mfuni.Mfuni comes in.
We know how good he is: LB/LCB of the highest talent.
PS, I would rather Gvardiol stay - I think he is one of the best in the world, but Mfuni is capable of reaching the same levels or beyond, IMO.
As I pointed out in #540, it’s the more plausible outcome. Would have preferred Stones to have left last summer, but he chose to sit it out and move for free, as is his prerogative.Just heard on radio that Stones may be off to join up with Kompany at Bayern.
I'd like that outcome.
Agreed.We have time to wait with Mfuni.
We need to win the League next season and be back in the last four of the Champions League, and Gvardiol gives us a better chance of both.
Mfuni comes in.
We know how good he is: LB/LCB of the highest talent.
PS, I would rather Gvardiol stay - I think he is one of the best in the world, but Mfuni is capable of reaching the same levels or beyond, IMO.
I probably added to my post after your reply.We're probably 3-4 years away from knowing if you're right. Way too early to make a call on Mfuni or see him as a replacement for Gvardiol. He'll go on loan again next season.
Mfuni has only just turned 18 and is nowhere nearly as developed physically as we would need him to be. A good season-long loan to a Championship side would stand him in better stead. By that stage, we should have a better idea of how Ait-Nouri and O’Reilly are adapting- and the latter will hit a wall at some point- at which point we can see how Mfuni would fit.Agreed.
It is also true that we will have four top-level centre-backs, and that is assuming Ake leaves. It also assumes that Reis does not. Game time will be a balance for all of them and a player of Josko's calibre may now want to be numero uno.
The advantage of Gvardiol/Mfuni, is that both can play left-back, which releases Nico O into midfield, if needed.
The disadvantage of Mfuni is that he is such a talent that the vultures will circle should we not bring him towards the first-team.
Not even Madrid would splash the necessary cash this Summer...That was very much Txiki’s approach (supported by Pep, of course), but I sense Viana is a more uncompromising operator.
Either way, a Club would have to offer a huge sum this summer to convince us to sell when we’ve still got him on a two year deal.
Which Bayern just won’t be willing to do.
Not to mention we’re in a World Cup year, with a condensed window to find a replacement.
That changes in summer ‘27 if he still hasn’t signed an extension - granted - as our hand is nowhere near as strong.
But this summer, I just can’t see anyone bar Madrid chucking enough money at this deal to convince us.
Which was the point I was making.
It is a shame that his loan to Watford was cut short because his performances were outstanding.Mfuni has only just turned 18 and is nowhere nearly as developed physically as we would need him to be. A good season-long loan to a Championship side would stand him in better stead. By that stage, we should have a better idea of how Ait-Nouri and O’Reilly are adapting- and the latter will hit a wall at some point- at which point we can see how Mfuni would fit.
I can't see him going.
His passing from the back, something Maresca is also EXTREMELY keen on, will be too valuable to him.
Guehi, Dias and Khusanov arent as good.
If there is any truth to these rumors and it’s just not agent/social media spin, I wonder if this is a part of it. Guehi and Kush have done well and I think a lot of fans think they should keep their spot. Even on this page, there are as many fans that would be fine to see him go as those that want him to stay. I think last year many suggested Josko could be captain one day; I think now most see Guehi in that role? I imagine It’s a lot of work to keep four players at this caliber happy with game time.Game time will be a balance for all of them and a player of Josko's calibre may now want to be numero uno.